The second De’Aaron Fox vs. Lauri Markkanen battle in just a few days didn’t have the same sizzle, but Markkanen and the Utah Jazz once again came away with the victory over the Sacramento Kings, 110-105, in Salt Lake City.
In a 146-143 OT victory by the Jazz on Dec. 30, Markkanen scored 54 and Fox had 49. This time around, Markkanen posted a game-high 35 points along with 11 rebounds, while Fox and Domantas Sabonis tied for the Kings’ team high with 24 points apiece.
The Kings outshot the Jazz, 44.2% to 43.8%, and hit twice as many three-pointers (15 to seven). But Utah had more offensive rebounds, fewer turnovers and a big edge at the free-throw line.
The Kings fell to 20-16 in the replay, their same record in real life after 36 games.
2022-23 Sacramento Kings Replay Home Page
The Jazz led early, but the Kings took the advantage midway through the first quarter. A 6-0 run gave Sacramento what would be its biggest lead of the game at 26-19. It was 31-27 at the end of the quarter.
After a quiet first quarter, Markkanen hit four three-pointers and scored 16 points in the second period. He had five straight points to give Utah a 44-42 lead, and the Jazz would never again trail the rest of the game. It was 60-58 Utah at halftime.
The Kings never caught up to Utah in the third quarter, but didn’t let the game get out of reach either. The Jazz went up by as many as eight twice, including 86-78 at the end of the period.
The Kings had a couple of chances to make it a game in the fourth quarter. Sabonis hit two three-pointers in a row to pull Sacramento within two at 90-88. But Markkanen, who had 14 fourth-quarter points, gave Utah its first double-digit lead at 100-90, and its biggest lead of the game at 104-92 with under five minutes to play. The Kings would get the deficit down to four late, but no closer.
This game was played with Bank Shot Basketball.
ROGER SPORTS & GAMES 