TORONTO – Despite a dominant performance from Walker Kessler, the Utah Jazz couldn’t snap their losing streak, falling to the Toronto Raptors 118-101 on Friday night.
Kessler delivered a career-best performance, grabbing 25 rebounds, scoring 18 points, and blocking eight shots, marking personal highs in rebounds and blocks. He also pulled down 18 rebounds in the first half, tying a franchise record.
Quickley Leads Raptors to Victory
Toronto’s Immanuel Quickley led all scorers with 34 points, adding five rebounds, five assists, and three steals to help the Raptors secure their third straight win. Scottie Barnes contributed a double-double with 22 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists.
The Jazz (15-48) have now lost four in a row and six of their last seven games.
Utah’s Struggles Continue
While Kessler shined for Utah, Keyonte George also put up 18 points, but the team’s struggles at the free-throw line and turnovers proved costly. The Jazz shot just 23-of-39 from the free-throw line, with Kessler going 2-of-7. Additionally, 25 turnovers hampered Utah’s chances of staying competitive.
Utah made a late push in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to just six points after a Keyonte George floater with 4:42 left. However, Quickley quickly responded, draining back-to-back deep three-pointers to push the Raptors back to a comfortable lead.
Injury Hits Toronto
Toronto rookie Ja’Kobe Walter finished with 14 points, five rebounds, and two assists before exiting in the third quarter due to a right quad strain. He joined a growing list of injured Raptors, including RJ Barrett (ankle/rest), but Toronto still managed to secure the win.
The Jazz will look to turn things around when they face Philadelphia on Sunday night .
