Sabonis scores 28 points as the Kings run past the punchless Jazz, 113-96
Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox (5) reacts to a call during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, in Salt Lake City. Credit: AP/Bethany Baker
SALT LAKE CITY — Domantas Sabonis had 28 points and 11 rebounds, De'Aaron Fox added 19 points and the Sacramento Kings dominated the reeling Utah Jazz 113-96 on Tuesday night.
Jordan Clarkson scored 21 points and John Collins tallied 18 for the Jazz, who opened the season with four straight defeats and lost starting forwards Taylor Hendricks (broken leg) and Lauri Markkanen (back spasms) on back-to-back nights.
The Jazz have lost their last two home games by a combined 58 points. Rookie Kyle Filipowski got his first extended playing time and scored 12 points.
DeMar DeRozan had 20 points and eight assists for the Kings, who have won two straight after starting 0-2. Kevin Huerter and Keegan Murray each scored 14 for the Kings, who led by as many 27 points.
Takeaways
Kings: The Kings shot just 25.8% from 3-point range but hit 65.6% inside the arc. They are moving the ball and seeing open shots, especially in the midrange.
Jazz: Without defensive stopper Hendricks, who was lost for the season with a gruesome broken leg and dislocated ankle on Monday, Utah struggled with Sacramento's dribble penetration and crisp passing while often having three or four rookies and second-year players on the floor.
Key moment
Markkanen didn't come back out for the second half because of back soreness and the Kings broke open the game. Behind Fox's 10 points, they outscored the Jazz 29-14 in the third quarter, including a 14-2 run to end the period.
Utah Jazz guard Patty Mills (8) reaches for the ball as Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) and forward Trey Lyles (41) defend and Utah Jazz forward John Collins (20) looks on during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, in Salt Lake City. Credit: AP/Bethany Baker
Key stat
DeRozan had his fourth straight game with at least 20 points to begin his time with the Kings. Only Chris Webber (seven games, Feb. 5-17, 1999) and Oscar Robertson (six games, Oct. 19-27, 1960) have had longer streaks to start their tenures with the franchise.
Up next
The Kings visit Atlanta on Friday and the Jazz host San Antonio on Thursday.
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