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SALT LAKE CITY — In October, Walker Kessler sat within the Jazz locker room and joked about his “lengthy and affluent” period in Minnesota. It was all jokes on the opposite facet, too, with Timberwolves coach saying “The Kessler Period right here was an incredible one!”

At that time, it was all enjoyable and video games for everybody. However after Kessler’s second return sport, Minnesota followers would possibly simply be feeling a bit in poor health.

Kessler had 20 factors, 21 rebounds, 4 assists and two blocks because the Jazz sneaked by Minnesota 126-125 Monday at Goal Middle.

Minnesota followers acquired to see up shut what their 2022 draft decide has developed into — and it is simply the participant they thought they had been lacking.

Kessler rebounded the whole lot that acquired close to him, supplied constant rim safety and even confirmed off a extra assured offensive sport.

Kessler was 9-of-13 from the sector in his profession night time and have become the primary Jazz rookie ever to file a 20-20 sport, and the primary rookie within the league to do it since 2014.

To make issues worse for Wolves followers, Rudy Gobert, who the Wolves traded Kessler, Malik Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt and a hoard of draft picks for, missed many of the sport with a strained groin. He had 2 factors in simply 5 minutes earlier than he headed to the locker room, leaving followers to surprise much more what Kessler would have appeared like in a Minnesota jersey.

Jordan Clarkson had 21 factors and made the game-winning free throw with 4.2 seconds left. With the sport tied, Clarkson drew the foul with an aggressive drive after which went 1-of-2 from the road.

The Jazz needed to sweat out a remaining shot from Jaden McDaniels, however his nook 3-pointer got here up brief.

Collin Sexton had 19 factors, 4 rebounds and 4 assists; and Mike Conley completed with 14 factors, eight rebounds and 6 assists.

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