Walker Kessler admitted that his emotions affected his performance in his first game back in Utah after the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Jazz 132-123 on Sunday.
Kessler finished with two points, seven rebounds, one assist and one block in 28 minutes at Delta Center. The Lakers center spent the first four years of his NBA career with Utah before being sent to Los Angeles in a sign-and-trade deal in July.
Reflecting on his return, Kessler acknowledged that he struggled to manage the emotions surrounding the occasion.
“I think, going into the game, I definitely let my emotions get the best of me,” Kessler said after the win. “But you got to learn those moments and move on. I’m just glad we got the win tonight.”
The 25-year-old explained that Utah remained a special place to him after the start of his professional career there.
“Obviously, Utah was the first four years of my career. It’s a special place for me. Kind of jump-started my career. A lot of good memories,” Kessler said.
However, the occasion left him more amped up than usual, making it difficult to establish a rhythm on the court.
“I kind of hyped myself up more than I usually do and kind of got too amped, and then just couldn’t find the ball, couldn’t find the rhythm,” Kessler explained. “I was just kind of off, a couple fouls that were tough, a couple blocks I usually [make]. Just one of those nights.”
Despite his individual struggles, Kessler was grateful that his teammates delivered a comeback victory. Los Angeles trailed by 18 points in the second quarter before rallying to improve to 3-0.
“I’ve got a lot of thanks to give to my teammates. All of them, they all played their roles and did a great job, even though it wasn’t my best night,” Kessler said. “So really appreciative of them.”
Kessler also praised Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who combined for 81 points in the win. Doncic recorded 52 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists, while Reaves added 29 points as the Lakers overcame Utah’s early lead.
“They’re just really good at basketball. Really efficient, making shots, making big-time plays,” Kessler said. “We’ve got a lot of playmakers on this team, a lot of good players, and they played their tails off tonight, which is really fun to see.”
Doncic scored eight three-pointers and took over late in the fourth quarter, finishing a decisive 14-5 Lakers run with consecutive threes to put Los Angeles ahead 127-121 with 1:42 remaining.
The Lakers will look to extend their unbeaten start when they host the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday.
