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SACRAMENTO, Calif.- The Utah Jazz have now officially lost nine-straight games.
Monday, the Jazz fell 101-92 to the Sacramento Kings, and did so after leading 31-23 after the opening period. Utah kept Sacramento close in a variety of statistical categories, but still fell to the Kings, in spite of Kings center DeMarcus Cousins sitting because of viral meningitis.
There are several points to take from the loss, but there are three instant observations to take from the Utah loss.
Jazz lose early lead
Unlike recent games when Utah has struggled to get out to an early lead, the Jazz had a first-quarter lead, but trailed at halftime after Sacramento went on a 6-0 run to end the first half.
Both teams were tied after the third quarter, but Sacramento outscored Utah 33-24 in the fourth quarter.
Alec Burks returns
Days after there were multiple media reports surrounding when Burks would return, the Jazz shooting guard returned to score 16 points in 31 minutes of play. His return definitely helps solidify Utah’s lineup, as it allows Rodney Hood to strengthen a Jazz bench that has been looking for an identity.
Jazz get outrebounded
Utah was outrebounded 45-35, in spite of Sacramento missing Cousins. The advantage mattered most on the defensive glass, where Utah was outrebounded 35-24.
