Jazz Outlast Kings, 117-114: 3 Key Takeaways

The Utah Jazz win another preseason game at the Delta Center.

Oct 15, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) drives against Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (13) during the second quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images / Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Keyonte George led the Utah Jazz with 24 points, while Lauri Markkanen contributed 21 as the Jazz defeated the Sacramento Kings 117-114 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. Domantas Sabonis led all scorers with 29 points in a losing cause.

Utah controlled the contest much of the night and had leads after the first, second, and third quarters. However, the Kings still had a chance of tying the game at the buzzer, but a De’Aaron Fox 32-foot three-pointer was off-target to seal the win for the Jazz.

It was a game in which the minutes were distributed like a regular-season contest, and Jazz fans got a glimpse of what to expect when the regular season starts. So, what did we learn as we approach the season opener next week? Let's take a look at three key takeaways.

The Return of Keyonte George

Oct 15, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) drives on Sacramento Kings guard Jordan McLaughlin (3) during the second quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images / Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Keyonte George didn’t miss a beat after a one-game absence due to the knee injury suffered against the Dallas Mavericks. Utah’s starting point guard logged full-time minutes and looked 100%.

George has stood out as the most improved player we’ve seen thus far. He’s always been elite at creating his own offense, but as a rookie, he had some efficiency issues. 

George will be looking to improve on last year's FG% (39.1%) and 3-point FG% (33.4%). He could take a big step forward in that area. George finished the game shooting 7-for-14 from the field with a +10 net rating.

Jazz Rotation Looks to be Set

Oct 12, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Utah Jazz head coach Will Hardy points in the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images / Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

Jazz head coach Will Hardy may have settled into his rotation to start the season. This was the first preseason game in which the minute distribution was given based on the Jazz trying to win the game.

Johnny Juzang and Kyle Filipowski were notables who didn’t make the initial cut. If this trend continues, expect Filipowski to spend some time in the G-Leage.

Juzang may start the year as the odd man out, but it wasn’t because of his play in the preseason. His days as a G-Leaguer are over, and should be the next man up when opportunity knocks.

Patty Mills Debut in a Jazz Uniform

Sep 30, 2024; Salt Lake City, USA; Utah Jazz guard Patty Mills (8) talks to the media during media day at Zions Bank Basketball Campus. Mandatory Credit: Utah Jazz via Imagn Images / Utah Jazz via Imagn Images

Veteran point guard Patty Mills suited up for the first time for the Jazz. In a backup role, Mills scored 5 points while logging 19 minutes.

The signing of Mills was somewhat of a surprise, considering Utah will be focusing on its youth movement. However, the Jazz could use some veteran presence in the locker room and Mills fits the bill.

We’ll see if injured point guard Isaiah Collier can claim the backup point guard minutes. The way it’s looking, Collier could join Filipowski to start his career with the Salt Lake City Stars once he recovers from his hamstring injury.

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