Markkanen, George lead Jazz past Kings in preseason – Deseret News

Cody Williams hasn't played in a regular-season NBA game yet, but it definitely felt like he did on Tuesday night.

When the rookie forward and his Utah Jazz teammates took on the Sacramento Kings in their penultimate preseason game, the action on the Delta Center hardwood felt much more meaningful than just a meaningless show.

“It felt like a real NBA game, everyone stepped up defensively and it got a little more competitive, and that's what was fun,” Williams told reporters after Utah's 117-114 win. “The audience was also enthusiastic, it was just a great atmosphere. We knew it was going to be physical going into the game, but that atmosphere really made it feel like a real NBA game even though it's still preseason.”

By and large, both the Jazz and Kings continued with their likely regular-season rotations, with starters receiving a greater share of minutes than in previous preseasons and playing until the end of the tight and intense fourth quarter.

“This is the first game we played in the preseason that really felt like an NBA game the entire time,” Utah head coach Will Hardy said after the game. “I think it’s really good for our group to get through this. Of course it feels good to win, but I think what I'm most pleased with is the team's willingness to stay mentally and keep fighting.”

The game's late drama allowed Williams – the No. 10 overall pick in June's draft – to gain experience in crunch time, playing alongside four Jazz starters throughout to help secure the win.

“I thought he did great,” Hardy said of Williams' fourth-quarter performance. “His intelligence really shines through in these moments and puts him in the right place more than once.”

Utah's shooting performance was outstanding on the night, crossing the 50-40-90 threshold with a shooting percentage of 53.5% from the field, 40% from 3-point range and 90% from the free throw line.

Less encouraging, however, were the Jazz's 24 turnovers, which allowed Sacramento to attempt 34 more shots. “We're just too casual with the ball… it just puts you at a disadvantage, especially against a team like this that can go out and run,” Hardy said.

In his return to the court after suffering a knee injury in Dallas last week, second-year guard Keyonte George led Utah in scoring with 24 points, shot 50% from the field and had five assists.

Most importantly, he proved that there should be no concerns about his health at the moment by being explosive and allowing the team's offense to operate with complete confidence despite the increased physicality of the opposition.

“He worked on his shooting discipline all summer,” Hardy said of George. “Keyonte is a feel player, he can get going really well and that's why he can get really hot, but we're trying to help him develop some habits for a little bit more consistency. “He's put in a lot of work this summer. Keyonte loves basketball as much as anyone I’ve ever been with.”

Seven Jazz players recorded at least nine points, with Lauri Markkanen scoring 21, Collin Sexton adding 16 with six assists and Walker Kessler scoring 10 with nine rebounds and four blocks.

Utah will play its final tournament Friday in Portland before opening the regular season at home against the Memphis Grizzlies on Oct. 23.

“The general feeling I have right now is that it just feels like a team, even though it's still very early and we have a lot of young players and guys who are still figuring out how they fit together,” Hardy said. “Everyone who steps on the court contributes to how we play. Some people touch (the ball) more than others, but everyone is involved. I feel like every player that was on the pitch tonight had a moment and that's a good feeling. That's how you create a culture and an energy when everyone feels like they're a part of it.

“…We now have a week until opening night to tweak and refine some things, but I'm really happy with where the group is at this point.”