Immanuel Quickley scored a season-best 34 points, helping the Toronto Raptors secure a 118-109 victory over the Utah Jazz on Friday night, overcoming a dominant rebounding display by Walker Kessler.
Quickley also contributed five rebounds, five assists, and three steals as the Raptors extended their winning streak to three games. Scottie Barnes added 22 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists in the victory.
Kessler was a force in the paint for Utah, finishing with 18 points while setting career highs with 25 rebounds and eight blocks. Keynote George scored 18 points for the struggling Jazz, who have dropped four straight games.
Toronto rookie Ja’Kobe Walter had 14 points, five rebounds, and two assists before exiting in the third quarter due to a right quad strain.
Walter’s injury added to the Raptors’ growing list of absences, which included leading scorer RJ Barrett (ankle, rest). Despite being shorthanded, Toronto continued its strong play at home.
Takeaways
Jazz: Utah struggled with ball security and free-throw shooting, committing 25 turnovers and converting 23 of 39 attempts at the line. Kessler, despite his dominant rebounding, managed just 2-of-7 from the stripe.
Raptors: Toronto was also without Gradey Dick for the second consecutive game. The young guard, averaging 14.4 points per game, is expected to be sidelined for at least two weeks with a hyperextended and bruised right knee. Third-year guard A.J. Lawson, making his first career start, had a tough night, shooting 2-for-13 from the field for six points.
Key Moment
After Utah trimmed the deficit to six points following a floating jumper from George with 4:42 left, Quickley responded with back-to-back deep 3-pointers, pushing the Raptors’ lead back to double digits and sealing the win.
Key Stat
Kessler’s 18 first-half rebounds tied a franchise record for Utah.
Up Next
Jazz: Travel to Philadelphia to face the 76ers on Sunday night.
Raptors: Continue their four-game homestand against the Washington Wizards on Saturday night.
