Domantas Sabonis powered the Sacramento Kings (2-2) to a decisive 113-96 victory over the Utah Jazz (0-4), scoring 28 points and grabbing 11 rebounds as the Kings secured their second consecutive win. Sabonis was instrumental in establishing a steady pace, contributing consistent scoring and setting up key offensive plays for Sacramento.
De’Aaron Fox added 19 points, while DeMar DeRozan and Kevin Huerter contributed 20 and 14 points, respectively. Despite shooting just 25.8% from beyond the arc, Sacramento compensated with a 65.6% field goal rate inside the arc, finding success in midrange shots and inside opportunities.
For Utah, Jordan Clarkson scored a team-high 21 points, while John Collins chipped in with 18 points. Utah faced a challenging game without starting forwards Lauri Markkanen, sidelined with back spasms, and Taylor Hendricks, who recently sustained a season-ending leg injury. This left Utah’s lineup vulnerable on defense, a weakness the Kings exploited with ease.
Sacramento seized control in the third quarter, outscoring the Jazz 29-14 as they went on a 14-2 run led by Fox, who scored 10 points in the period. The Jazz were further hampered by turnovers, as the Kings’ defensive schemes disrupted Utah’s rhythm and ball movement, resulting in quick transitions and points off turnovers for Sacramento.
Rookie Kyle Filipowski saw his first significant NBA minutes, putting up a solid 12 points for Utah as he showcased his potential to contribute to the rotation. However, Sacramento’s bench, led by Malik Monk with 12 points, matched Utah’s contributions, ensuring the Kings maintained their double-digit lead.
DeRozan continued his strong start with his fourth consecutive 20-point game as a King. This performance places him among the franchise’s early-season leaders, trailing only the streaks set by Chris Webber and Oscar Robertson for consecutive 20-point games to begin a season.
Utah struggled offensively without their usual defensive anchors, allowing Sacramento to control the paint and limit Utah’s scoring chances. Sacramento’s efficient passing and disciplined shot selection enabled them to stretch the lead to 27 points at one stage, a margin the Jazz were unable to cut.
