Jazz Face Timberwolves, Gobert After Career Worst Shooting Night
Nov 3, 2023, 3:58 PM | Updated: Nov 4, 2023, 6:01 pm
Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
(Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz travel to Minnesota to face the Timberwolves to open a four-game road trip on Saturday.
The Jazz are 2-4 on the season coming off a disappointing 115-113 loss to the Orlando Magic on Thursday.
The Timberwolves are 2-2 but are coming off one of the best wins by any team in the NBA this season after blowing out the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday at home.
Jazz Battling Inconsistency Early In The Season
Outside of strong play early from Lauri Markkanen and the reliable contributions from newcomer John Collins the Jazz have struggled to find a consistent identity through six games.
Jordan Clarkson, last season’s second-leading scorer has shot below 31 percent in five of six outings, and is averaging 3.8 turnovers per game.
Talen Horton-Tucker has yet to score in double-digits in back-to-back games and is shooting just 41 percent from the floor and 21 percent from three.
Lauri Markkanen isn’t mentioned on the @utahjazz injury report against the @Timberwolves.
Normal 5 rookies/Two way players are out.#TakeNote | @kslsports
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) November 3, 2023
Collin Sexton has the best shooting percentages of the Jazz guards but has failed to record an assist in three of his six outings.
Similarly, rookie phenom Walker Kessler has had a less-than-ideal start to the year. The center has broken the double-digit scoring mark just once this season, has scored four or fewer points three times, and has the seventh-worst total plus-minus of any player in the NBA.
The Jazz did receive good news after Thursday’s loss. Markkanen was not listed on the team’s injury report despite a scary fall against the Magic.
After facing the Timberwolves the Jazz will travel to Chicago, Indiana, and Memphis before returning home.
Timberwolves Find Rhythm Against Nuggets
After a disappointing 1-2 start to the season, the Timberwolves found their groove with an impressive 110-89 victory over the previously unbeaten Denver Nuggets.
Anthony Edwards scored a team-high 24 points while the Timberwolves held the Nuggets to just 39 percent shooting from the floor and 18 percent from three.
Former Jazz All-Star Rudy Gobert had the worst shooting night of his career against the Nuggets failing to convert any of his seven attempts from the floor.
Gobert still recorded four points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks in the win.
How To Watch Jazz And Timberwolves
The Jazz will face the Timberwolves on Saturday at 6 pm MST in Minnesota. The game will be televised on KJZZ, streamed on Jazz+, and can be heard on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone.
Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops or on Instagram @BensHoops.
