TORONTO — Immanuel Quickley put on a stellar performance with a season-high of 34 points to help the Toronto Raptors secure a 118-109 victory against the Utah Jazz on Friday night. This win marks the Raptors’ third consecutive triumph. Alongside his impressive scoring, Quickley contributed five rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Scottie Barnes also played a crucial role, amassing 22 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists for the team.
Despite a remarkable individual effort from Walker Kessler, who led the Jazz with 18 points, 25 rebounds, and eight blocks, Utah could not capitalize. Keyonte George matched Kessler’s scoring with 18 points. The Jazz struggled as they faced their fourth consecutive defeat, remaining at the bottom of the Western Conference standings.
The game witnessed a setback for Toronto’s rookie guard Ja’Kobe Walter, who scored 14 points and grabbed five rebounds before leaving in the third quarter due to a strained right quad. Walter’s injury adds to the challenges for the Raptors, who were already without their top scorer RJ Barrett, sidelined due to an ankle issue and rest.
In terms of game insights, Utah’s struggle was further aggravated by poor free-throw shooting and committing 25 turnovers. Walker Kessler managed to convert only 2 out of 7 free throws, part of the team’s forgettable 23-of-39 free-throw performance.
For the Raptors, Gradey Dick missed his second consecutive game. Typically averaging 14.4 points, Dick is out of action with a hyperextended and bruised right knee and is expected to be absent for approximately two weeks. The game also saw Toronto native A.J. Lawson, in his first career start, making only two out of 13 field goals, ending with six points.
The key moment of the match surfaced when Keyonte George’s floating jumper brought the Jazz within six points with just over four minutes remaining. However, Quickley responded with consecutive long-range three-pointers, rebuilding Toronto’s comfortable lead.
Walker Kessler’s dominance on the boards was highlighted by his 18 first-half rebounds, tying a Utah Jazz team record. Looking ahead, the Jazz are set to face Philadelphia on Sunday night while the Raptors continue their four-game home series against Washington on Saturday night.
