Get ready for an electrifying NBA showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats – the Utah Jazz roared back from a slump to dominate the Sacramento Kings in a thrilling 128-119 victory on November 28, 2025, right here in Salt Lake City. But here’s where it gets controversial: was this just a one-off comeback, or a sign that Utah is ready to challenge the league’s elite? Stick around as we break it all down, including the key moments that turned the tide.
Leading the charge for the Jazz were Keyonte George, who exploded for 31 points, and Lauri Markkanen, who chipped in 28 points to help snap a frustrating four-game losing streak. Brice Sensabaugh also contributed solidly with 20 points. This win was crucial for Utah, as they finished with a 1-3 record in their NBA Cup group stage – that’s the mid-season tournament where teams battle for bonus cash and playoff positioning, a relatively new format that adds extra excitement to the regular season grind.
On the flip side, the Kings couldn’t find their groove, going 0-4 in their NBA Cup games. Russell Westbrook, the all-time leader in triple-doubles (that’s when a player gets double digits in three of five major stat categories, like points, rebounds, assists, steals, or blocks – a feat that showcases incredible versatility and is a hallmark of elite playmakers), notched his 206th career triple-double with 16 points, a career-high 14 assists, and 12 rebounds. Zach LaVine was Sacramento’s standout scorer with 34 points, while Keegan Murray added 23 points and nine rebounds. And this is the part most people miss: despite Westbrook’s masterful stat line, it wasn’t enough to spark a full recovery for the Kings.
The game was a rollercoaster from the start. Sacramento trailed by 11 points at halftime but clawed back, narrowing the gap to just 67-65 on a clutch three-pointer from Murray. Yet, they couldn’t quite close the deal. George responded with two consecutive triples followed by a smooth floater, helping Utah push back to a double-digit advantage. The Jazz then unleashed a dominant 10-0 run to end the third quarter, capped by Jusuf Nurkic’s easy layup that stretched the lead to 90-73.
Earlier in the contest, Utah built a commanding edge by holding the Kings scoreless for six straight minutes in the second quarter. Markkanen was pivotal here, draining three baskets and sinking a couple of free throws during a blistering 20-2 Jazz run that ballooned their lead to 39-27. Sacramento fought back with a 10-2 spurt of their own, thanks to a LaVine three that cut it to 55-51. But Markkanen had the last say before the break, nailing a triple and beating the buzzer with a layup to send Utah into halftime up 62-51.
Looking ahead, the Kings will host the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday, while the Jazz welcome the Houston Rockets to town. This matchup raises some intriguing debates – for instance, is Westbrook’s triple-double a rare bright spot in a disappointing campaign, or does it highlight a team struggling to gel around its star? And what about the Jazz’s resurgence: can they maintain this momentum, or is their defense, which forced those key runs, a hidden gem worth more praise? We all know NBA rivalries can spark heated opinions – do you side with the Jazz’s comeback story, or think the Kings have untapped potential? Share your takes in the comments and let’s discuss!