Late Rally Propels Jazz to Preseason Victory
The Utah Jazz concluded their preseason schedule on a high note, rallying late to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers 132-129 in a closely contested matchup. Despite falling behind in the second half, the Jazz showed resilience and made key plays down the stretch to secure the victory.
Kessler Shines as Facilitator
Jazz center Walker Kessler stood out with an impressive all-around performance, recording a game-high 8 assists to go along with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Kessler's ability to facilitate the offense and find open teammates was a key factor in the Jazz's comeback efforts.
"Walker has really been working on expanding his game as a passer," said Jazz head coach Will Hardy. "His vision and decision-making were on full display tonight, and it was great to see him make plays for his teammates when we needed it most."
Balanced Scoring Attack
The Jazz received contributions from multiple players, showcasing their depth and versatility. Keyonte George, Lauri Markkanen, and Taylor Hendricks all reached double figures in scoring, highlighting the team's balanced offensive attack.
"It was a true team effort tonight," said George. "We had guys step up and make plays when we needed them, and that's what allowed us to come back and get the win."
TL;DR
- Utah Jazz rallied late to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers 132-129 in their final preseason game
- Center Walker Kessler recorded a game-high 8 assists, showcasing his evolving playmaking abilities
- The Jazz received a balanced scoring effort, with multiple players reaching double figures
- The comeback victory provides a positive momentum boost for the Jazz heading into the regular season