In a dynamic season opener, Harrison Barnes spearheaded the Sacramento Kings to a convincing 130-114 victory over the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City on Wednesday night.
Barnes was the shining star of the evening, notching an impressive 33 points for the Kings. He received strong support from his teammates, with Domantas Sabonis recording a double-double of 22 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists, and De’Aaron Fox contributing 18 points, five rebounds, and six assists. Keegan Murray also made a significant impact with 15 points and eight rebounds.
The Sacramento Kings, who had recently made their first playoff appearance in 17 years, made a strong statement in this road contest. Barnes set the tone by scoring 27 points in the first half, propelling the Kings to a commanding 72-58 lead at halftime.
For the Utah Jazz, Jordan Clarkson led the scoring with 24 points and six assists. Lauri Markkanen provided 19 points and secured 10 rebounds, while John Collins, an offseason acquisition, had a double-double with 15 points and 11 boards in his first game with the Jazz. These three players were the sole contributors in double figures for the Jazz.
Rookie Keyonte George, the 16th overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft from Baylor, made his NBA debut for the Jazz and managed to score eight points.
The Kings wasted no time asserting their dominance, quickly jumping to a 7-0 lead within the first minute and a half of the game. Although the Jazz briefly took the lead at 18-17, the Kings responded with a 15-3 run, initiated by Sasha Vezenkov’s three-pointer.
Harrison Barnes continued to shine in the second quarter, amassing 14 points and ensuring the Kings maintained their comfortable lead at halftime. Barnes was especially effective in the first half, making 10 of 11 shots, including all five of his three-point attempts.
Sacramento’s offensive prowess carried over into the third quarter, as they scored 33 points, crossing the century mark well before the final quarter and establishing a commanding 105-87 lead after three quarters.
Despite the Kings taking their largest lead at 110-87 with 10:43 left in the game, the Jazz made a valiant effort to trim the deficit to 112-99, primarily fueled by a Jordan Clarkson three-pointer. Sacramento, however, put a halt to Utah’s resurgence, thanks to four consecutive points by Domantas Sabonis, including two crucial free throws following a flagrant foul call on Clarkson.
