Kings can’t close the deal, fall to Jazz 101-110

The Sacramento Kings controlled the best team in the Western Conference for 44 minutes but could not close the deal as they fell to the Utah Jazz 110-101 Friday night in their home opener at Golden 1 Center.

The loss dropped Sacramento to 1-1 on the season.

Harrison Barnes followed up his career scoring effort Wednesday night with a new career rebounding mark on Friday. The Kings’ everything forward finished with 25 points and 15 boards for the game.

Buddy Hield scored his jersey number (24) by hitting six three-pointers and grabbed seven rebounds. His new bench role could soon result in some Sixth Man of the Year whispers. Of course, the Kings will need to win their share of games first, but he is quickly looking like head coach Luke Walton’s instant offense off the bench as he has clearly been given the green light to shoot at will.

While the Kings controlled the score for much of the night, their inability to make shots and get stops at the end of games is an area they need to improve on. De’Aaron Fox injured his shoulder during the first half and was not able to deliver when his team needed him the most.

Sacramento hopes to get back over the .500 mark when the Golden State Warriors visit the G1C Sunday night.

Post-game Interviews