Kings 125, Jazz 104: Three Key Takeaways
The Utah Jazz were defeated 125-104 by the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night at the Golden 1 Arena in California. The loss was a tale of two halves, as the game was feisty and competitive until half-time.
In the third quarter, Kings forward Keegan Murray erupted and eventually made 11 consecutive three-point shots during the course of the contest, an NBA record. This effort was disappointing for the Jazz, who entered the game on a two-game winning streak while displaying team chemistry and good basketball IQ during those wins.
The Jazz have multiple players who can defend Murray, but this performance shows just how good an NBA player's talent and skill can be on a good night.
In the wake of the loss to the Kings, what did we learn about the Jazz? Let's dive into the key takeaways.
Not Enough Kessler Minutes
Like all NBA teams, the Jazz are currently hit with the injury and illness bug, resulting in a player shortage. But when certain players are in uniform, they should be automatic starters, like Walker Kessler. Kessler was allotted just under 19 minutes in a reserve role on Saturday night.
Kings center Domantas Sabonis shot 90% from the field and grabbed 10 rebounds. There was little resistance at the rim as the bulk of his shots were within five feet of the hoop.
This is an area where Kessler has proven to be instrumental with his shot-blocking and rebounding abilities. Besides, Kessler is perceived as an integral piece of the Jazz's future, so he should be inked as a starter every night when in uniform.
Lack of an Identity
All NBA teams, including the Jazz, should play to win now and not worry about what player can be obtained in the future. I'm not suggesting the Jazz are tanking, but it's been heard from several media outlets that they'll will be similar to Oklahoma City Thunder in two years, and occasionally, we can fall prey to our surroundings.
Present your product, work with your goods and services, be who you are, and win at all costs while determining what role a player(s) will have. Saturday night was the perfect opportunity for Utah to decide who its primary wing defender will be moving forward after the Murray onslaught.
The Jazz currently roster several players who could fill this role, and it's time to decide. Once a team and its players know their responsibilities, an identity will begin to take shape.
Keep Dunn Rolling
Kris Dunn recorded 27 minutes of game-time action. He scored 11 points but had six turnovers, which isn't ideal.
However, Dunn does not infringe on the natural flow of Utah's offense. He also has the ability to cast a calm and steady demeanor and keeps the Jazz in an early offensive flow.
When Dunn is on the floor, you don't have to worry about an offensive shortage from Lauri Markkanen, who is the best Jazz's player. Keyonte George should remain the starter when he comes back, but let's keep Dunn in the rotation.
The Jazz will face the Brooklyn Nets at the Delta Center on Monday night at 7:00 p.m. MST.
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