Kessler Shines as Jazz Dominate Clippers 129-108 in Opener

The Utah Jazz triumphed over the Los Angeles Clippers with a decisive score of 129-108 in their season opener on October 25, 2023. Walker Kessler led the Jazz with an impressive 22 points and nine rebounds, showcasing his skills throughout the match. Lauri Markkanen contributed significantly as well, scoring 20 points to help propel Utah to victory.

Kessler, who maintained an impeccable shooting record, went 7 for 7 from the field, demonstrating both offensive and defensive prowess with four blocked shots and four assists. The Jazz also saw notable performances from Brice Sensabaugh, who added 20 points off the bench. This victory marked a record for the franchise, setting a new high for points scored in a season opener.

Jazz’s Dominance From the Start

From the beginning, the Jazz established control over the game. They made their first 19 shots in the paint, utilizing sharp passing and effective ball movement that led to numerous layups and dunks. The team recorded an impressive 38 assists on 48 baskets, shooting 55% from the field overall. Keyonte George was instrumental in this success, leading the squad with nine assists alongside his own 16 points.

The Clippers struggled to find their rhythm, particularly in their season debut, which saw them fall to their most lopsided opening loss in 17 years. Ivica Zubac led Los Angeles with 19 points and seven rebounds, while both James Harden and Brook Lopez scored 15 points each. Kawhi Leonard had a challenging night, finishing with only 10 points on 3-of-9 shooting.

Record-Breaking First Half Performance

The Jazz dominated the first half, leading 78-47 at halftime after shooting an astonishing 71.8% from the floor. This performance was particularly notable as the Clippers had only allowed that many points in a half once during the previous season. Utah’s success included a remarkable 12 for 12 efficiency on two-point field goals, complemented by four three-pointers in the opening quarter.

Taylor Hendricks, returning from a significant injury last season, made a notable appearance off the bench, contributing 13 points and five rebounds. The performance of Ace Bailey, the No. 5 pick in this year’s draft, was limited due to illness, resulting in just two points in 20 minutes of play.

As the season progresses, the Jazz will look to build on this strong start, while the Clippers will aim to regroup ahead of their next game against the Phoenix Suns. The Jazz will face the Sacramento Kings in their upcoming match, hoping to maintain their winning momentum.