Walker Kessler came through for the Utah Jazz when it mattered most, delivering the decisive dunk with just 9.7 seconds remaining, leading his team to a thrilling 117-116 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night. This win not only snapped Utah’s long-standing six-game losing streak against the Timberwolves but also showcased the highs and lows of both teams on the court.
John Collins led the Jazz with a season-high 29 points and secured 12 rebounds, significantly impacting the game’s tempo and outcome. His stellar performance was complemented by Brice Sensabaugh, who contributed 17 points, and rookie Isaiah Collier, who dished out a career-high 14 assists. Kessler’s last-minute dunk was pivotal, reinforcing the duo’s solid efforts throughout the contest.
The Timberwolves, on the other hand, faced notable challenges without their star player, Anthony Edwards, who was serving a one-game suspension. Despite missing their leading scorer, Minnesota managed to remain competitive, thanks to Naz Reid’s impressive 27-point, 11-rebound outing, along with Jalen McDaniels’ support, who added 20 points and 10 rebounds of his own.
The game kicked off with Minnesota falling behind early as Utah launched on an 8-0 run. Both teams exchanged offensive blows, leading to thrilling moments and impressive three-point shooting. For the Timberwolves, Terrence Shannon Jr. stepped up to fill the scoring gap, particularly during the first half, where he demonstrated his outside shooting ability.
Utah struggled during the first half, shooting just 34.8% from the field. Meanwhile, Minnesota capitalized on their opportunities, showcasing excellent ball movement and energy to build up to a 13-point lead at one point. They ended the half well, leading 67-56 and appearing on the cusp of securing their first easy win of the season.
The momentum shifted dramatically at the beginning of the third quarter as the Jazz regrouped and executed a stunning 27-4 run, which turned their deficit around and gave them the lead 83-71. Collins ignited the rally with back-to-back baskets, sparking his teammates to engage and capitalize on Minnesota's errors.
Despite their best efforts, the Timberwolves struggled offensively, hitting only 32% of their shots following this pivotal run. Coach Chris Finch opted to rely on more experienced players down the stretch, which included Mike Conley and Donte DiVincenzo, who helped cut the lead to just two points by the final quarter.
DiVincenzo's late-game heroics included sinking another clutch three-pointer, bringing the Timberwolves to 116-115, but they were unable to maintain their edge as Kessler and the Jazz responded swiftly. Minnesota's inability to convert on key possessions cost them dear, as Utah regained the lead late with Kessler’s dunk.
There was some controversy surrounding the game’s final moments. With the Timberwolves down by only one point and 9.7 seconds left, DiVincenzo drove toward the basket but was unable to convert as he collided with Collins. The whistle remained silent, leaving some questions about the officiation as fans debated whether it should have been called a foul. Nevertheless, this game wasn’t just about one call; it represented another missed opportunity for Minnesota, which has struggled this season with consistency and execution.
The Jazz secured their victory amid chaotic late-game exchanges where Minnesota had chances to seal the game but fell short after missing several significant shots. Utah's defense held down the fort against 20 turnovers from the Timberwolves by capitalizing on second-chance opportunities on the boards, where they excelled with a 59-40 rebound advantage.
Coach Finch's squad was clearly disappointed after the loss, recognizing the need to improve their focus and execution as they prepare to face the Phoenix Suns next. With their season on the line and the play-in tournament creeping closer, Minnesota cannot afford another lackluster performance.
Meanwhile, the Jazz, with this win, have shifted their focus toward maintaining momentum as they aim to improve their standings as the season heads toward playoff contention. Both teams will be eager to press forward and contend against more competitive opponents right away.