Jazz Suffer From Defensive Breakdown in 125-104 Loss vs. Kings
The Utah Jazz suffered their 17th loss of the season on Saturday night after a 125-104 defeat against the Sacramento Kings. It was the second matchup between these two teams this season, with the first game dating back to the season opener back in October.
Unfortunately, it was also Utah's second loss of the year to Sacramento, dropping to 0-2 on the season series with one more matchup set for March.
Both teams were a bit shorthanded in this one, with the Jazz missing Jordan Clarkson, John Collins, or Keyonte George in the lineup, while the Kings were without their All-NBA guard De’Aaron Fox. However, Sacramento still found some elite production from their supporting cast.
It was an incredible night for sophomore forward Keegan Murray, who posted a career-best 47 points on a staggering twelve three-pointers. It sets Sacramento's franchise record for made three-pointers, surpassing Buddy Hield’s previous record of 11 in 2019.
Overall as a team, Sacramento posted an absurd 48.9% from beyond the arc on 22 made shots. For the Jazz, they couldn’t quite stack up as they shot 32.4% for 12 made threes. When getting outmatched by such a staggering amount from distance, it’s going to be hard to come out of these games with a win.
In total, the Kings had five players scoring in double digits. All-NBA center Domantas Sabonis posted a near triple-double at 20 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, and Malik Monk had a solid night off the bench putting up 18 points and eight assists.
Without George or Clarkson in the lineup, it was Collin Sexton who got the start and stepped up on the offensive end, collecting 28 points on 10/18 shooting. Lauri Markkanen also got his own with 18 points, six rebounds, and a -2 +/-.
Tonight continues the Jazz’s road struggles, falling to 2-12 playing away from the Delta Center. With an upcoming five-game road trip on the horizon after their next game, now is a better time than ever for this team to turn things around when not at home.
The Jazz will have the chance to bounce back in Salt Lake City on Monday when they take on the Brooklyn Nets at 7 PM MT.
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