Game 12: Utah Jazz Steals Game From Sacramento in Final Seconds
November 23, 2012; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz point guard Randy Foye (8) blocks the shot of Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) as center Al Jefferson (25) also defends during the first quarter at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-US PRESSWIRE
Sacramento failed to close what appeared to be a certain win. They started with a good beginning, but it all unraveled in the fourth quarter with Utah on a 19-5 run. Sacramento off a home game win against the LA Lakers was hoping to grab a win against Utah tonight. That did not happen.
First Quarter:
Kings started Aaron Brooks, Tyreke Evans, John Salmons, Jason Thompson, and DeMarcus Cousins. Kings had a good first quarter, getting out to an early lead. Tyreke Evans got an early start with a couple of early baskets in the paint, then combined with Aaron Brooks. Brooks got the hot hand. Evans picked up a couple of fouls to Hayward, and had to sit at the end of the first. Salmons contributed with a jumper and Cousins made two points with a spin move and half hook at the basket. Hayward hit 4 free throws. Kings lead with 65 percent shooting at the end of the first. End of quarter: Kings 32 to Jazz 28, Aaron Brooks with 10 points, 2 assists.
Second Quarter:
Jimmer Fredette, Marcus Thronton, Chuck Hayes, Thomas Robinson, and James Johnson came out for the second quarter. Jimmer made a basket to the pleasure of the crowd. He later drew a foul and went to the line, where he made one of two. He hit a 3 with 5 minutes left, making 7 points in 7 minutes, on 3 shots, bringing the lead to 5. But Jazz came back to hit their shots tying the game 47-47. With three minutes remaining Kings retake the lead 49-47. Turnovers were the problem with the Kings in the second. At the end of half Kings lead by one, 53-52. Evans with 12 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists.
Third Quarter:
Same Kings starters return at the third quarter Tyreke makes a couple early baskets. Jefferson makes three baskets. Tyreke hits a beautiful 3-point shot making 17 points for him. He finds Brooks who drains a 3 for 15 points. These two guys have been the main players for the Kings. Kings playing very good team basket, with good ball movement. Reke makes his fifth assist to Cousins (73 Utah-67 Kings). Tyreke is putting on quite a show. Kings are able to hold off the Jazz defensively. Brooks is doing his own shooting, with 17 points. Two minutes remaining, Williams narrows lead to 4 points. End of third: Kings 80 points to Jazz 73. Tyreke with 19 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Fourth Quarter:
Jimmer starts fourth quarter, with Thornton, Johnson, Robinson and Hayes. Utah starts fourth with Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter, Gordon Hayward, Earl Watson. This quarter shows more intensity of play from beginning to end. Thornton makes a drive to the basket to extend Kings lead to 88 to 75. There is a lot of back and forth action from both teams, but Kings are holding onto the lead. Jimmer hits a three to extend lead to 95. Gordon Hayward drains a basket for a 10-point game. Substitutions made. Cousins comes in to help deal with Al Jefferson. Brooks comes in for Fredette. Jazz narrow the score to a 5-point game with less than 4 minutes remaining. Williams narrows it to a 3-point game, making what looked like a sure win to uncertainty, with time on the clock. Marvin Williams at the line makes it a one point game. Cousins fouls Tinsley, who drains two points at the line to take the lead. Tyreke does a reach-in foul on Jefferson, who goes to the line making both shots, extending Utah’s lead to three.
Marcus Thornton hits a long three to tie the game!
At the end Jimmer, Brooks, Tyreke, Cousins, and Thornton. Brooks was fouled, but the officials did not call it.
Hayward makes a three with seconds remaining to steal the game from the Kings.
Final: Utah 104 Kings 102. Evans 19 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists. Gordon Hayward leading scorer with 23 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists.