Walker Kesslerstrong start for Lakers On Sunday, when he faced the Jazz team with whom he spent the first four years of his career, he was a little off the shelf.
Kessler had just two points on two shots, along with seven rebounds, zero assists and one block in 28.5 minutes played, but despite his quiet night, the Lakers pulled out the win.
After the game, Kesler admitted that the weight of his return to Utah was more than he expected.
“I think going into the game I let my emotions get the better of me” Kessler said, according to Dan Wojko of The Athletic (Link to Twitter). “But in these moments you have to learn and move on.”
Still, it’s been a very strong start to the year for Kessler, who has shown his impact on both ends of the court, especially in the first two games. Benjamin Royer writes for the OC Register.
“I think the way we play, with how unselfish the guys are, it’s pretty easy to get back into the rhythm because we’re just fighting to win” Kesler said after the Lakers’ win over the Clippers on Friday.”I think everything else will take care of itself.”
We have more from across the Pacific Division:
- The Warriors knew they would be dealing with injuries this season, but on Friday they had to deal with them sooner than expected. With most of the starting lineup, they went out in the starting line-up Will Richard, Graham Ike, Brandon Williamsand Guy Santos along with the beginner Yaksel Landeborg. However, they will be back to full health on Monday, as Stephen Curry, Brandin underground, Draymond Greenand Al Horford NBC Sports’ Dalton Johnson:Link to Twitter).
- Brooke Lopez is at the start of his 19th NBA season, but Clippers“the backup center shows that he still has a lot to offer his team, Janis Carr writes for the OC Register. Lopez had 15 or more points and at least one block in all three contests for Los Angeles, despite coming off the bench in all three. “Brooke, he was spinning. He got engaged” the teammate and starting center said Isaiah Jackson.
- Luka Doncic considered one of the great players in the league since entering the NBA, but Lakers Sam Amick writes for The Athletic (subscriber link), who notes that the decision likely came more from a league-wide lack of faith in the team than the players. however, Draymond Green suggested that the perception of the Slovenian superstar is also affected by a little fatigue. “There is no element of surprise if his team finishes fourth. I just think that ultimately, he’s going to screw up because of it. And that’s probably a little unfair” Green said.Anyone else put up those numbers and they walk away with the MVP. Like, it’s free to go home. That’s why I compared to Bron. What, he has four MVPs? Are you telling me he wasn’t the best player in the NBA for at least 10 seasons? This is the majesty of fatigue.” Doncic continued to show his greatness on Sunday with 52 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds in a win over the Jazz.
