Walker Kessler is one of the best young shot-blockers in the NBA. The Utah Jazz center might have a hard time blocking out the memory of getting posterized twice Saturday in less than a minute of game action.
The Jazz were trying to ward off a comeback bid from the visiting Portland Trail Blazers at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Kessler’s 2.5 blocks per game usually serve as a strong deterrent against offensive players thinking of attacking the rim. But the Blazers took on the challenge and then some during crunch time.
Utah held a 104-99 lead with just under 3 minutes left in regulation. Blazers forward Shaedon Sharpe got Kessler involved in a pick-and-roll. But instead of making a pocket pass to Deandre Ayton, Sharpe took off and yammed it right over the Jazz center.
SHAEDON. SHARPE. pic.twitter.com/NDJIMVGuTc
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) December 3, 2023
DON’T JUMP WITH HIM
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) December 3, 2023
Perhaps Sharpe’s poster dunk gave the rest of the Blazers confidence to attack Kessler. Not even a minute later, rookie wing Toumani Camara rose up for an equally vicious slam against the Auburn alum.
ISSA POSTER PARTY IN SLC !! pic.twitter.com/LcjKXfVzgR
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) December 3, 2023
Here are the two dunks side-by-side:
SPEECHLESS pic.twitter.com/6bYtDCH6kD
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) December 3, 2023
The pair of poster jams likely energized the Blazers, who were able to force overtime despite a double-digit fourth quarter deficit. But the Jazz managed to maintain their composure to hold on for a 118-113 win.
Kessler tallied 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks in the contest.
