Keyonte George delivered a standout performance with 31 points, while Lauri Markkanen contributed 28, helping the Utah Jazz end their four-game losing streak with a 128-119 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Friday night in Salt Lake City.
The Jazz took control late in the third quarter and maintained their momentum through the final stretch. Their balanced offense and aggressive shooting proved decisive in holding off the Kings' comeback attempts.
For the Kings, De’Aaron Fox led with 34 points, while Domantas Sabonis posted 22 points and 11 rebounds, continuing his reliable double-double form.
Utah shot above 50 percent from the field and knocked down 13 three-pointers. They also capitalized on Sacramento’s turnovers, turning them into fast-break points. The Jazz built a cushion midway through the second half that the Kings never fully erased.
Sacramento struggled with defensive rotations and costly fouls in key moments, which allowed Utah to control the tempo for much of the game.
“We needed this one,” said Lauri Markkanen after the win. “Everyone played with better focus and intensity.”
The Utah Jazz will continue their homestand against the Denver Nuggets next, looking to build on their improved ball movement and defensive focus. The Kings will return home to face the Golden State Warriors after splitting their recent road stretch.
George and Markkanen’s combined 59 points fueled Utah’s needed bounce-back win, ending a four-game slump with strong offense and disciplined late-game execution.