The Sacramento Kings returned on the winning track last Tuesday and ended a three-game losing slide as they defeated fellow Western Conference squad the Utah Jazz at home, 114–106.
All-Star big man DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay led the Kings as they tallied 23 points each.
Cousins completed a double-double with 12 rebounds, also having six assists, and one steal in 37 minutes of action; while along with his scoring production, Gay had four rebounds, one assist, and one block.
Another Kings player who had a double-double was forward Omri Casspi who received the starting nod in place of the injured Willie Cauley-Stein.
Casspi took advantage of the opportunity, tallying 19 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and one steal in a team-leading 41 minutes played.
"Everyone in this league wants to start and play 40 minutes. I'm happy to start; I love it. But when Willie comes back I'll be happy to come off the bench again," the 27-year-old said, according to the Associated Press.
Another standout performance came from former All-Star and one-time champion point guard Rajon Rondo.
Rondo has been playing great this season and continued that against Utah having 17 points, seven rebounds, 13 assists, and two steals.
The victory improved Sacramento's record to 8–15, which places it 13th in the Western Conference standings just above the New Orleans Pelicans (5–16) and the Los Angeles Lakers (3–19).
Next for the Kings will be the second game of a three-game home stand as they take on rookie sensation Kristaps Porzingis and the New York Knicks today, Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Jazz bounced back from Tuesday's loss to the Kings and had a strong performance dominating the Knicks at home Wednesday for a 106–85 win.
The win returned Utah to .500 with a 10–10 record, which was enough for the seventh spot in the Western Conference standings, 11.5 games behind the leading and unbeaten Golden State Warriors who are at 23–0.
