Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 23 points in his home debut with Utah as the Jazz defeated the Sacramento Kings 121-93 on Wednesday night at Delta Center. Utah controlled the game early and secured its second straight victory while Sacramento’s losing streak reached 14 games.
The forward provided efficient scoring inside and from midrange, finishing 8-of-13 from the field while helping Utah establish rhythm on both ends. Lauri Markkanen added 19 points, and the frontcourt duo combined for 15 made baskets through three quarters.
Utah relied on ball movement and pace, shooting 54.7 percent overall and knocking down 15 three-pointers. Isaiah Collier orchestrated the offense with 12 points and 14 assists, consistently creating advantages in transition and the half court.
Brice Sensabaugh scored 19 points off the bench and delivered a key stretch late in the third quarter. His finger-roll layup at the buzzer pushed the lead to 100-66, highlighting the gap in execution between the two teams.
The game shifted quickly during a decisive 24-3 run late in the first quarter. Markkanen and Sensabaugh scored five consecutive baskets as Utah capitalized on defensive stops and fast-break opportunities.
Sacramento struggled to generate clean looks during that span and went nearly six minutes without a field goal. The Kings shot just 7-for-29 in the opening quarter, allowing the home team to build a 39-15 lead.
Utah extended the advantage to 71-44 by halftime by attacking the paint and spacing the floor around its bigs. The Jazz finished with a 58-42 edge in points in the paint and a 25-6 margin in fast-break scoring, reflecting consistent defensive pressure.
DeMar DeRozan led Sacramento with 20 points, while Devin Carter added 19 and provided playmaking from the backcourt. Despite those efforts, the visitors shot only 34 percent from the field and 21 percent from three-point range.
The Kings remained within reach early in the first quarter, but Utah’s defensive rotations forced difficult attempts and limited second-chance opportunities. Sacramento never cut the deficit to single digits after falling behind by double figures midway through the opening period.
Utah improved to 18-37 and continued to climb with consecutive wins, using balanced scoring and transition play to control tempo. The Jazz return home Thursday against Portland, while Sacramento resumes play Feb. 19 when Orlando visits.
