The significantly undermanned Kings fought, yet fell short in a 103-91 loss to the Jazz on Wednesday at Energy Solutions Arena.
Rodney Hood led the Jazz with 20 points while Derrick Favors (18), Dante Exum (12), Rudy Gobert (12), Trey Burke (11) and Joe Ingles (10) were also in double figures. Favors secured 11 rebounds to complete a double-double.
Sacramento was without Rudy Gay and DeMarcus Cousins, due to a concussion and a sore right foot, respectively.
Omri Casspi, Ben McLemore, and Carl Landry each had 16 points while Derrick Williams contributed 14. Jason Thompson added a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds.
Sim Bhullar added two points in the fourth quarter to become the first NBA player of Indian descent to score in the league.
Utah was buoyed by ten second half 3-pointers and a 47-31 rebounding advantage to create separation from the pesky Kings. It was Sacramento’s second loss to Utah this week after Sunday’s 101-95 loss to the Jazz via Hood’s career-high 25 points.
Utah went on a 15-0 run to break a tie at 78 to lead 93-78 with roughly six minutes to go in the game en route to the victory.
The Kings are now 4-15 without Cousins and 2-8 without Gay.
Utah (36-42) takes the season series 3-1 after also taking last season’s series two games to one.
Sacramento is now 15-19 in back-to-back games and 6-11 in the second game of back-to-back scenarios.
The Kings (27-51) fall to 10-28 on the road and are now 9-17 under George Karl.
STANDOUT PERFORMER: Rodney Hood followed up Sunday’s career high of 25 points with 20 on Wednesday.
TURNING POINT: With the game tied at 78, Utah went on a 15-0 run to take a 93-78 lead and the Kings never recovered.
INJURY UPDATE
Kings -- C DeMarcus Cousins (sore right foot), F Rudy Gay (concussion), G Nik Stauskas (mid back strain), G Darren Collison (core muscle injury) and F Eric Moreland (left shoulder labral tear) were out.
Jazz -- G Trey Burke (sore back) was probable and played while G Alec Burks (left shoulder rehab) was out.
WHAT’S NEXT: The Kings' three-game road trip continues with game two on Friday in Oklahoma City.
