The jazz delivered their best defensive performance of the season on Saturday, and that's no coincidence Walker Kessler was back on the pitch, writes Andy Larsen of the Salt Lake Tribune. After missing six games due to hip bursitis, Kessler returned to the starting lineup and provided a strong interior presence to keep the Knicks shut out.
Larsen points out that Utah limited New York to a season-worst offensive rating of 103.9, and when the Knicks were forced to build their half-court offense, that rating dropped to a remarkable 69.7. Larsen adds that New York only attempted 11 shots at the rim the entire game as Kessler acted as a deterrent.
According to Larsen, Kessler has also become more of a threat on offense in his third NBA season. His ability to roll to the rim often caused New York's offense to break down and allow open three-point shots.
“Obviously he’s a big target down there on the block, and he understands that he’s a big target.” Lauri Markkanen said. “So people swarm him when he gets to the basket, and he’s smart enough to recognize that.”
There's more from the Northwest Division:
- The jazz are now using Markkanen differently than they were at the start of the season, Larsen notes in the same article. They had used him as a screen player and had him attack from the elbow after a defensive change. However, the opponents countered with double teams and forced him to pass. Now Markkanen leaves the screen more often and makes quick decisions as soon as he touches the ball.
- Jamal Murray's inconsistent shooting could shorten the championship window Nikola Jokic and the Nuggetsclaims Sean Keeler of the Denver Post. Murray was 4 of 16 in Friday's loss to Dallas and hasn't performed the way the team was hoping for when it gave him a $209 million extension in the offseason. Add in a poor defensive rating, and Keeler suggests it might be time to consider benching Murray late in games. “We have to find a way” trainer Michael Malone said after the defeat. “And I have to find a way to help Jamal move on.”
- Isaiah HartensteinThis week's season debut provided an emotional boost thunderwho were bullied by bigger teams and had to sideline their top three men, per Joel Lorenzi of The Oklahoman. The free agent signing played 29 minutes off the bench, recording 13 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks. He also formed an impressive defensive combination Alex Caruso. “He breathed some life into us.” trainer Mark Daigneault said.
