Before the season’s final stretch, the Phoenix Suns (39-35) and Utah Jazz (35-39) have a few things in common.
When it comes to the postseason, both teams are still in the thick of things. What’s more, both are attempting to manage without central participants.
In addition, the Jazz hope to end a three-game losing streak in their game on Monday in Salt Lake City, just as the Suns did against Philadelphia on Saturday night.
Despite missing its three leading scorers, Utah came close to winning in Sacramento on Saturday: Lauri Markkanen, Jordan Clarkson and Collin Sexton.
Leading the comeback, rookie Walker Kessler played one of the best first-year games in franchise history.
Utah pulled within striking distance in the fourth quarter of the Kings’ victory over Sacramento thanks to Kessler’s 31 points on 14 of 16 shooting and 11 rebounds.
For the relentless Jazz, rookie Ochai Agbaji scored 20 points and Jarrell Brantley scored 13.
Kessler became the first rookie in Jazz franchise history to score at least 30 points and grab a number of rebounds in double figures. After being one of the many pieces Utah received from Minnesota in exchange for Rudy Gobert, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, the big man has been a pleasant surprise.
While the Suns are still in control of the No. 1 spot, the Jazz are still just outside the running for one of the four play-in spots. 4th spot.
Even without Kevin Durant and Deandre Ayton, Phoenix beat Philadelphia 125-105 on Saturday, an impressive victory.
The Suns’ difference-maker was Bismack Biyombo, who had 17 points, 13 rebounds, and five blocks. To help end the skid, Devin Booker scored 29 points. Phoenix had lost six of seven.
The Suns prevailed against the Sixers in the fourth quarter, outscoring them 36-22.
Phoenix and Utah, who played two games in November that were decided by a single point, will meet for the third and final time during the regular season.
Despite 49 points from Booker, Utah won 134-133 at home, and Phoenix lost 113-112 in the Valley of the Sun a week later.
