Jazz's Walker Kessler: Stuffs stat sheet in opener

Kessler generated 22 points (7-7 FG, 2-2 3Pt, 6-8 FT), nine rebounds, four assists, two steals and four blocks during Wednesday's 129-108 win over the Clippers.

Kessler logged just seven field-goal attempts in the win, yet he wound up leading Utah in points after knocking down all seven looks. The 24-year-old center shot just 17.6 percent from three-point range last season, but he knocked down both of his looks from distance Wednesday. Kessler made multiple threes just once in 58 regular-season contests in 2024-25. Beyond his excellent shooting performance, Kessler fell one rebound shy of a double-double, and he doled out four assists -- something he did merely eight times last season.