Story by
Kings’ Domantas Sabonis splashes game-winner to take down Jazz
- Story by
- Kings’ Domantas Sabonis splashes game-winner to take down Jazz
Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
The post Kings' Domantas Sabonis splashes game-winner to take down Jazz appeared first on ClutchPoints .
The Sacramento Kings captured their home-opener of the 2025-26 season with a thrilling 105-104 victory against the Utah Jazz on Friday night at the Golden 1 Center, with Domantas Sabonis ' clutch late-game basket determining the outcome. Originally expected to miss the game with a hamstring strain , Sabonis was cleared to play after a Thursday practice and made a much-needed impact, finishing with a double-double of 12 points and a game-high 12 rebounds over 36 minutes.
Advertisement
On the final possession, Sabonis grabbed an offensive rebound after Malik Monk 's missed attempt and converted a point-blank shot while drawing a foul from Walker Kessler . Although he missed the ensuing free throw, Sacramento's defense, led by Schroder , forced Keyonte George to miss a 21-foot buzzer-beater, bringing the Kings to a 1-1 record for the season.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team leading by more than eight points at any stage. Sacramento trailed 96-92 after a Brice Sensabaugh three-pointer with 5:10 remaining, but Zach LaVine jump-started a game-turning 7-0 run, scoring a three-pointer with 4:57 left and an interior basket at 3:19 to give the Kings a 99-96 advantage. LaVine, continuing his strong start to the season, closed out the game with 31 points on 10-of-18 shooting, including four of nine from beyond the arc.
Reserve Malik Monk provided a significant lift off the bench, scoring 20 points on 6-of-9 three-point shooting, while Dennis Schroder contributed 17 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 33 minutes. Russell Westbrook , making his home debut, added seven points, four assists, and a steal over 17 minutes.
Advertisement
Utah fought back late, taking a 104-103 lead with 28.1 seconds remaining on a pair of Lauri Markkanen free throws. Markkanen led the Jazz with 33 points, connecting on four three-pointers, while Keyonte George recorded 18 points and a game-high 10 assists. Despite outrebounding the Kings 50-33 and winning the paint battle 48-36, the Jazz could not close out the game. Jusuf Nurkic added 11 boards off the bench, and supporting scorers Kyle Filipowski , Walter Clayton Jr. , and Sensabaugh contributed 10, 10, and 15 points, respectively.
Sacramento also forced 19 Utah turnovers, converting 15 points off those misplays, while shooting 48.2% from the field and 43% from three, compared to the Jazz's 44.2% and 31%.
Next, the Kings will host the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday at 9 p.m. ET.
Related: Will Kings' Domantas Sabonis make season debut against Jazz?
Related: Domantas Sabonis upgraded on injury report for Jazz game
