Walker Kessler becomes the first NBA player this season to achieve this milestone
The Lakers have long been interested in acquiring Walker Kessler, but they have failed to do so after several attempts.
Following his performance on Wednesday night at the Delta Center, Los Angeles may regret not meeting the Jazz’s high asking price for the young center.
Kessler was exceptional in Utah’s 131-119 victory over the Lakers, contributing 18 points, eight rebounds, two steals, and a career-high six blocks.
According to StatMuse, his effort made him the first NBA player this season to record five or more blocks without missing a single shot from the field.
“The most incredible part about Walker defensively is that he can still improve a lot more,” said Jazz coach Will Hardy after the game. “I’ve talked with Walker about the difference between being a great defensive player and a great shot blocker. Everything points to him striving to be a top-notch defensive player all-around.”
Five of Kessler’s blocks occurred in the first half, during which the Lakers managed a meager 16 points in the paint. He even blocked new Lakers superstar Luka Doncic twice — once on a floating layup and again on a 29-foot 3-point attempt from the perimeter.
The Lakers attempted just 20% of their shots at the rim against Utah, well below their usual average of 32% per game. Kessler’s presence alone made the Lakers uncomfortable offensively, and with Utah’s effective zone defense, LeBron James and his teammates were often left perplexed.
“His activity around the basket, his ability to make plays that inspire his teammates and energize our crowd, those are big plays,” Hardy said. “Relying on Walker at the rim often means there’s been a mess, and he’s there to clean it up. He does a great job.
“I push him constantly because I believe he can be an elite defensive player, and I think he’s showing signs of heading that way,” Hardy added. “Six blocks is a big number, but I always pay attention when I watch the film to see the shots he alters and the shots players avoid taking (against Kessler). Guys driving don’t even look at the rim because they see Walker coming.”
On offense, Kessler took advantage of the Lakers’ weak post defense, scoring eight dunks without missing a shot.
Of the 26 combined assists from Jordan Clarkson, Isaiah Collier, and Keyonte George on Wednesday, seven resulted in Kessler baskets, six of which were alley-oops or lobs.
Kessler’s third NBA season has been his best yet. After a sophomore slump, the Auburn product is posting career-highs in points (11.3), rebounds (11.8), offensive rebounds (4.5), while matching his personal best for blocks (2.4), and shooting 71.8% from the field.
Given how many teams the Jazz reportedly turned down in trade talks for Kessler, it’s clear Utah sees the elite rim protector as a key part of their long-term plans. His performance against the Lakers on Wednesday demonstrated just how high his potential really is.
That potential could lead to something the Jazz have seen only three times since 2008: a triple-double.
Both Andrei Kirilenko and Mark Eaton (six times) achieved the feat for Utah with 10 blocks, and Kessler did it twice during his sophomore college season.
With five rejections in the first half against the Lakers, Kessler may eventually hit double figures — if opponents are bold enough to challenge him near the rim.
“(A triple-double) would be awesome,” Kessler said with a chuckle. “I’m not really looking for it, but if it happens, it happens. I always say this, so I’m sure you’ll get tired of it, but I think I play my best when I’m just having fun, trying to win, and competing.”