Kings Triumph Over Jazz 105-104 with Last-Minute Sabonis Effort

Post by : Mara Rahim

In a thrilling home opener, the Sacramento Kings narrowly defeated the Utah Jazz 105-104, thanks to a clutch shot from Domantas Sabonis with just 6.4 seconds left on the clock. The matchup was tightly contested, with both teams only separated by a maximum of eight points throughout the game.

Sabonis had a standout night, recording a double-double with 12 points and leading the team with 12 rebounds. His final shot—following a missed free throw—was pivotal in sealing the Kings' victory, showcasing his calmness and skill under pressure.

Malik Monk, stepping up as a reserve, added 20 points for the Kings, while Dennis Schroder contributed 17 points. Star performer Zach LaVine kept Sacramento in contention late in the game, netting seven of his 31 points during crucial moments, including a key three-pointer that shifted the game's momentum back to the Kings.

In the last moments, both teams exchanged leads, with Lauri Markkanen giving the Jazz a brief edge at 104-103 through free throws before Sabonis responded with a game-winning shot. Keyonte George attempted to clinch the game for Utah but missed a critical 21-foot jump shot as the clock expired, confirming the Kings' victory.

Despite falling short, the Jazz had noteworthy performances, led by Markkanen with 33 points and four three-pointers. Keyonte George notched 18 points paired with 10 assists, while Brice Sensabaugh added another 15. Jusuf Nurkic was impactful off the bench with 11 rebounds, helping Utah dominate the boards with a total of 50 to Sacramento's 33.

Sacramento outperformed Utah with a shooting percentage of 48.2%, compared to the Jazz's 44.2%. Sabonis hit six of his nine shots, while LaVine was efficient with 10 of 18 attempts. The game highlighted balanced scoring with contributions from multiple roster members, leading to an engaging and competitive encounter.

The Kings bounced back strongly after their season-opening loss against the Phoenix Suns, displaying teamwork and resilience. The thrilling finish and strong defensive plays in the final moments left the fans excited, showcasing the Kings' talent and determination on home turf.