DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Sacramento Kings is fouled while shooting by Elijah Harkless #16 of the Utah Jazz in the first half at Golden 1 Center on March 15, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Sunday night at the Golden 1 Center to take on the Utah Jazz. The Jazz had already been fined this season by the NBA for tanking concerns. Yet, that didn’t stop them from “resting” Kyle Filipowski in the game.

The Kings came into Sunday’s matchup coming off a win against the LA Clippers in Los Angeles on the first night of a back-to-back. The Kings took down the Clippers and looked to do the same to the Jazz on Sunday night at 7 p.m. PST. The Kings defeated the Jazz 116-111 on the second night of a back-to-back.

In a game dominated by the tanking storyline, the players on the court couldn’t care less and put their best foot forward.

In the first quarter, it was a tale of two players to start the game. The Jazz and the Kings both got off to strong performances to begin the game as the Jazz outscored the Kings 28-26 to open the game. DeMar DeRozan opened the game with 10 points for the Kings, while Cody Williams added 14 of his own as they dazzled in the first.

In the second quarter, the Kings turned it up and outscored the Jazz 28-21 heading into halftime. The Kings increased their defensive intensity, and the lack of shot-making for the Jazz aided the Kings as they built their 54-49 halftime lead. DeMar DeRozan continued his hot start as he added eight points in the second quarter to bring his first-half total to 18 points. Alongside DeMar, Nique Clifford had an impressive second quarter as he scored eight points in the second quarter to propel the Kings.

In the third quarter, the game exploded in what can best be described as an offensive frenzy for both teams. The Jazz came out ahead in third-quarter scoring as they managed to outscore the Kings 39-35 in a defenseless third quarter coming out of halftime. Isaiah Collier led the onslaught for the Jazz as he scored 11 points for them in the third quarter. DeMar DeRozan, Killian Hayes, and Precious Achiuwa each scored eight points to drive the Kings’ offensive efforts. DeMar’s eight-point third quarter increased his game total to 26 points heading into the fourth quarter. The Kings led 89-88 heading to the final frame as they attempted to close out the Jazz.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings held on and defeated the Jazz thanks to a continued scoring outburst from DeMar DeRozan. DeRozan added another 15 points in the fourth quarter as the Kings outscored the Jazz 27-23, and DeMar finished the game with 41 points. The Kings defeated the Jazz by a final of 116-111, and it marked the Kings’ fourth win in their last five attempts. Precious Achiuwa was second in scoring for the Kings with 20 points, and Killian Hayes trailed right behind him, scoring 16 in the game.

After the game, Kings head coach Doug Christie praised the performance of DeMar DeRozan. DeRozan had made a habit of impressive performances this past week, and Sunday was no different.

“He’s like a comfy blanket, man. It doesn’t surprise me… if you ever get a chance to watch him work and then you go watch him play, it’s the same thing. And that’s a credit to him.”

The Utah Jazz, having been one of the teams that has been fined this year for tanking, was in town. Naturally, the topic was top of mind. I asked Doug Christie his thoughts on it as an issue for the league.

“…It’s not for me to judge somebody else’s house. I just know what we do here, and it ain’t that [tanking], and it ain’t never going to be that while I’m sitting here. When we go out there to play, we go out there to win.”

The Kings will take on the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday at 7 p.m. PST at the Golden 1 Center.

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.