Utah Jazz guard Keynote George (right) dunks over the Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan (left) in the first half at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Fri Nov 28, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (5-15) had a really slow start in their matchup with the Utah Jazz (6-12) in the opening quarter and it carried on into the second and third quarters. The Kings were unable to make up the difference in the fourth quarter despite outscoring the Jazz 38-32.

The Jazz won the first three quarters winning the game 128-119. The Kings starters turned in some nice number with Zach LaVine shooting the team high of 34. Keegan Murray also had nice numbers with 23 points. The Sacramento bench chipped in 24 points which was no match for the 46 points the Utah bench hit.

Game recap: The Jazz had a great start in this game winning both quarters in the first half. They outscored the Kings in the opening quarter 30-27 and went on to outscore Sacramento in the second quarter as well 32-24 leading at the half 62-51.

This was not the start that the Kings wanted to see. They only had 5 turnovers in the first half but they fell short at the line only shooting 13 of 20 for 65%. They struggled from beyond the arc with Keegan Murray going 0 for 4 and Zach LaVine 1 of 4 the team only hitting 5 of 15.

They would be looking to a far better second half. They had pulled to within four points of the Jazz in the final minute of the half but Utah pushed their lead back out to 62-51 to finish off the first half. Sacramento would need a whole lot more in the second half.

The Jazz continued to dominate in the third quarter although the Kings made a nice run at 7:16 pulling to within two points 67-65 only to let the Jazz off the hook. Utah pushed their lead back out to 80-72 as the clock began to wind down on the quarter.

The Jazz’s Keyonte George was having a terrific game already having scored 22 points through three quarters. Utah’s bench had a cumulative 25 points to the Kings ten. Trailing by 17 points 90-73 the Kings had a whole lot of work to do in the fourth quarter.

Through three quarters the Jazz had dominated and the Kings were unable to stop them in a real lackluster showing. It had so far been a very disappointing game for Sacramento. Two minutes into the final quarter the Kings had cut the Jazz lead to ten points 93-83.

The Utah bench was putting together some great offense already having hit 37 points with 7:35 left in the game. Keyonte George, Lauri Markkanen and the Utah bench were just too much for Sacramento dominating all night.

Game notes: Prior to losing to the Phoenix Sun Wednesday night, the Kings had really come to life delivering losses to two of the NBA’s elite, the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets. Keegan Murray continues to take charge offensively.

When asked by the coaching staff to play more aggressively he has done just that putting up some good numbers. Friday night they lost to the Jazz in Utah at Delta Center. Besides being without Domantas Sabonis they were without a huge weapon off the bench Dennis Schroeder who is out with a hip injury.

In their only meeting this season the Kings prevailed in a one-point victory 105-104 over the Jazz. Utah will played without Walter Kessler who is scheduled to have left shoulder surgery and will unfortunately miss the remainder of the season. The biggest threat that the Kings had to defend against is Lauri Markkanen who finished second in scoring with 28 points.

Sunday evening the Kings will be back home at Golden 1 Arena welcoming the Memphis Grizzlies. Sacramento got walloped by the Grizzlies a little over a week ago in the only game they have played so far this season 137-96. It is a given that they will to be looking for a little payback. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 6:00 PM.

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.