Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) drives the lane as forward Domantas Sabonis (11) sets the pick and the Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (center) can’t reach Fox at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Sun Dec 8, 2024 (AP News photo)
By Jeremiah Salmonson
SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Sunday night, returning home after a brief two-game road trip. Their journey took them through Memphis and San Antonio, where the Kings suffered a 115-110 loss to the Grizzlies but rebounded with a 140-113 victory over the Spurs on Friday night.
The win against San Antonio was much needed as the Kings fought to stay around the .500 mark. Focused and determined, the Kings entered Sunday’s game looking to win two in a row for the first time since November 4th and 6th. Coming into the matchup, the Kings (11-13) hosted the Utah Jazz (5-17) at 7 PM PST. The Kings ultimately dominated, defeating the Jazz 141-97.
In the first quarter, neither team played particularly clean basketball. The Kings committed three turnovers, giving up five points, while the Jazz had five turnovers, also resulting in five points. Kevin Huerter got off to a hot start for the Kings, shooting 3-of-4 and scoring eight points in the quarter. The Jazz struggled offensively, shooting just 35% and scoring 23 points. Meanwhile, the Kings managed 26 points to take a slim early lead.
The Kings brought strong energy into the second quarter, starting with an 8-2 run fueled by quick baskets from Keon Ellis and Kevin Huerter, prompting the Jazz to call a timeout with 10:10 left. The Kings didn’t let up for the rest of the quarter, outscoring the Jazz 36-22 to take a commanding 62-45 lead into halftime. Kevin Huerter led the Kings’ charge, while Keyonte George paced the Jazz with 14 points at the break.
It felt like a breakout half for the Kings, who needed to sustain their momentum in the second half.
In the third quarter, the Kings continued to pour it on offensively, outscoring the Jazz 43-29. The Kings appeared to have rediscovered their identity, scoring 140 points on Friday and putting up 105 through three quarters on Sunday—a welcome sight for fans. Heading into the final frame, the Kings led 105-74.
The fourth quarter could best be described as garbage time. The Kings extended their lead to as much as 44 points with 5:30 remaining. They outscored the Jazz 36-23 in the final period, sealing an emphatic 141-97 victory. Kevin Huerter led the Kings with 26 points, while Keyonte George topped the Jazz with 25 points in a losing effort. The Kings improved to 12-13 as the Jazz fell to 5-18 on the season.
After the game, coach Mike Brown praised the Kings’ ability to play at a high level, stressing the importance of committing to “every possession.” Brown repeated the phrase so many times during his postgame press conference that the media couldn’t help but chuckle as he asked, “Is that clear?” Message received, Coach. The question now is whether the Kings can build on this performance and go on a winning streak.
Fun Note: Doug McDermott gave fans a reason to cheer in garbage time, shooting 6-of-7 from three-point range.
Up Next: The Sacramento Kings will hit the road to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday at 5 PM PST. With Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram likely to be out, the Kings will need to capitalize on the opportunity.