While the Kings have been going through a rough patch, they finally got some good news. Domantas Sabonis made his return from injury and helped Sacramento get its first win of the season over the Utah Jazz. And fans were definitely happy to see the big man back.
During the third preseason game, Sabonis sustained a hamstring strain that kept him on the bench through the season opener against the Suns. While there were certainly other factors at play, the Kings definitely missed his presence on the court in that loss.
Sabonis averaged a double-double last season with 19.1 points and 13.9 rebounds per game. The Suns outrebounded the Kings in their own end of the court, which is a key role Domantas plays on defense. Plus, they lost the game by four points. Sabonis definitely would have helped there, as well.
It was a difficult loss. The Kings seemed to have the contest well in hand in the first half of the game, leading by up to 20 points. Everything went south in the second half as the Kings let the Suns take control of the game. Bad officiating didn't help the situation, either.
Kings turn it around against the Jazz
Sacramento managed to eke out a close victory over Utah, winning 105 to 104. But a win is a win is a win. The usual suspects like DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Malik Monk made their respective presences felt. Sabonis made his return and did exactly what he does: pick up a double-double.
He finished the game with 12 points, 12 rebounds, and one assist. That's well below his averages from last season, particularly in assists, where he was picking up 6.0 per game. It doesn't change the fact that he remained a difference maker against the Jazz and helped them get a win.
It's important to keep in mind that this was his first game coming back from injury, one that is probably impacting his gameplay. He's still getting back into the rhythm. Knowing that, his performance makes perfect sense. Within a couple of games, he should be closer to his averages.
The reality is that Domantas Sabonis is a central figure in what the Kings have right now. When he's out of the game, his scoring and rebounding are greatly missed. Having Sabonis in the lineup is everything to Sacramento, something that has become increasingly evident this season.