Sacramento — Sacramento defeated the Utah Jazz 127-106 on Sunday night thanks to Harrison Barnes' 24 points and third-quarter rally. Barnes had a larger offensive role for the short-handed Kings and scored 16 points in the dramatic third quarter.
Barnes: “We knew we had some different lineups out there. Coach gave everyone the go-ahead. Shoot aggressively. I attempted to shoot confidently.”
Kings leader Keegan Murray scored 25 points. De'Aaron Fox had 24 points and 12 assists, and Domantas Sabonis scored 17 points and 11 rebounds for his 57th straight double-double. That helped the Kings sweep Utah in three games for the first time since 2001-02.
Sacramento and Phoenix tied for seventh in the Western Conference, but Dallas was two games ahead in the play-in tournament race. The Jazz, who have lost nine straight, had 22 points from Brice Sensabaugh and Collin Sexton. Utah has lost 11 straight away from home and hasn't won since Jan. 27 against Charlotte.
The three rookie starters on Will Hardy's youthful club showed promise, but defense was a problem. "We must strengthen our communication," Hardy stated. All five courtroom participants must perform. Defense is hard in this league, but we had too many half-court breakdowns where two or three guys executed and one was late. They penalize you against a talented club and a potent offense.”
Sacramento was missing guard Kevin Huerter (shoulder) and sixth man Malik Monk (knee). Jordan Clarkson (back), Lauri Markkanen (shoulder), and John Collins (back) were missed for Utah. Kings reserves Trey Lyles (left knee) and Sasha Vezenkov (right ankle) returned.
The Jazz were close for a half before the third-quarter run blew it away. Murray started it with a 3-pointer and Barnes added two long-range shots. Sacramento had an 81-60 lead midway through the third quarter after Barnes scored 13 points and Sacramento went on a 23-2 run in less than five minutes. Barnes had 16 quarter points.
Murray: “Every time on the offensive side, we found the open guy. ‘HB was ready when his number was called. We performed well locating the correct player and making the extra pass to get the open shot.”
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