Jazz 131, Raptors 128: One Big Winner, One Loser

The Utah Jazz defeated the Toronto Raptors, 131-128, on Wednesday at Vivint Smart Arena in front of an energic home crowd. Although competitive, particularly down the stretch, the Jazz controlled this contest from the opening tip for most of the vast majority of the night.

Six Jazzmen posted double-digit scoring, led by Mr. Consistent Lauri Markkanen's 28 points and 13 rebounds. Markkanen received an abundance of assistance from Jordan Clarkson's 23 points, Mike Conley's 19 points and eight assists, Walker Kessler's 17 points, 14 points, and seven blocks, Malik Beasley's 14 points, and Collin Sexton's 12 points.

The victory boosted the Jazz to 27-26 in the standings, along with the No. 9 seed in the Western Conference. Utah would be in the playoffs if the season ended today.

The Raptors also recorded six double-digit scorers, but should keenly evaluate the failures of this talented roster. Guard Fred VanVleet messed around and got a triple-double with 34 points, 12 boards, and 10 assists.

VanVleet's teammates also lent helping hands with Pascal Siakam's 21 points and 10 boards, Gary Trent Jr.'s 20 points, and Scottie Barnes' 18 points and 14 boards. All Raptors starters scored double-figures but could not overcome several massive performances by the Jazz.

The Raptors dropped their record to 23-30, now claim the No. 12 seed in the Eastern Conference, and are not currently in the playoff picture if the season ended today.

Who were the biggest winners and losers from Utah's 27th victory of the season? Let's dive in.

Winner: Walker Kessler

Several players from both teams could have been mentioned here, but Kessler is showing the NBA world that the Minnesota Timberwolves did the Jazz a favor by agreeing to trade him.

As I've previously mentioned in multiple articles, Kessler should have been a starter from day one, and Wednesday night's performance again proved his value and worth to the Jazz roster. He was a man among boys.

Beyond the stats listed above, Kessler also totaled a steal, and an assist, shooting 80% from the field. If the Timberwolves called today and tried to trade Rudy Gobert for Walker straight across, Jazz Nation would respond with 'Definitely not!'

Many refer to the NBA game as a business, and Kessler has saved the Jazz organization from shelling out close to $50 million per season to an individual player. Teams should understand that growing pains will exist with youthful players, but I have no idea why it's taken the Jazz coaching staff this long to realize the impact of Kessler.

There is no other player on the Jazz roster who possesses his skill set, and very few in the entire NBA can claim his ability to time his blocks and alter the opponent's shot attempts. Kessler's emergence should also put the league on notice for legitimate Rookie of the Year consideration.

If Utah's brain trust were willing to adjust some additional roster rotations, Jazz Nation could make a sincere attempt to reach the finals.

Loser: Raptors

When a team is as talented as the Raptors, a playoff berth should be a secondary conversation. How far would this team advance toward a championship?

The Raptors are solid at every position and should not struggle for victories, and with 30 losses attached to their 2022-23 resume, underachievement is an understatement. Plenty of blame can be distributed to the front office to the players, but either way, the Raptors should be embarrassed about the product they have placed on the NBA hardwoods.

We will have to monitor any trade maneuvers the Raptors make over the next several weeks.

The Jazz will face the Atlanta Hawks tomorrow night at Vivint Smart Arena.

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