by Kimya Oliver
The Utah Jazz defeated the Sacramento Kings 110-101.
Player Performance
Donavan Mitchell bounced back, scoring a season high 27 points. Rudy Gobert had another double-double with 17 points and 20 rebounds, beginning the season with back-to-back 20 rebound games. He passed Truck Robinson for the most games with at least 20 boards in Jazz history (17).
The Jazz struggled in the first quarter by only shooting 35 percent from the field. The Kings forced the Jazz to drive inside for the first half of the game. Utah shot a little better in the second half by hitting 45 percent of their shots.
Shooting the Lights Out
The Jazz outshined the Kings in every shooting category. They made 37-90 (41.1 percent) from the field, 16-42 (38.1 percent) from beyond the arc, and 20-23 (87 percent) from the charity stripe. The Kings struggled as they shot 39-98 (39.8 percent) from the field, 8-36 (22.2 percent) from the three-point line, and 15-21 (71.4 percent) from the free throw line.
The Jazz shot best from the right corner from beyond the arc, shooting a sizzling 66.7 percent from that spot. The Kings focused their shots mainly in the mid-range where they made 42.5 percent, and in the left corner from three where they were a perfect 100 percent.
Defense Wins Games
Defensively, Sacramento had a better overall night. The Kings had five blocks and racked up 15 steals. The Jazz wanted to get the ball down low to Gobert or drive the ball inside, but the defense wouldn’t allow it. Rookie Davion Mitchell was phenomenal on the defensive end, which is most likely why the Kings drafted him.
Veteran forward Harrison Barnes led the Kings in points with 25 points. Not far behind him was Buddy Hield who had 24 points.
De’Aaron Fox didn’t have his best night. He is known for his quickness and finishing ability, but with Gobert down in the paint he couldn’t seem to get the ball in the hoop. Not only did Fox struggle to finish at the basket. He also struggled shooting by only making 5-19 (26 percent) of his field goals, hitting no threes tonight (0-5).
The Utah Jazz had the best NBA record in the 2020-2021 season, going 50-22. Will they be able to do it again? Will the Jazz finally make it to the Western Conference Finals this season?
Up Next
The Jazz will be facing Jokic and the undefeated Denver Nuggets Oct. 26 6 p.m. MST.
Featured image courtesy Getty Images