OCTOBER 20, 2023•SANDIEGOUNIONTRIBUNE.COM
Kings vs Jazz Preseason Finale Postgame Chat
8 months ago
Kings look to build on last season's playoff return and win in the postseasonThe Sacramento Kings are looking to take the next step after ending a 16-year playoff drought that was the longest in NBA history
Simone Fontecchio - Scores 11 points ThursdayFontecchio delivered 11 points (3-7 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 3-3 FT), five rebounds, two assists and a steal across 27 minutes in Thursday's 116-113 preseason loss to the Kings.
ImpactWith Lauri Markkanen, John Collins and Kelly Olynyk resting, Fontecchio got the start Thursday. Fontecchio delivered a decent stat line, but he continues to struggle with his shot, and until he can improve his three-point shooting, his upside will be minimal. Fontecchio will be playing as the backup to Markkanen, who's the go-to player for Utah's offense.
OCTOBER 20, 2023•ROTOWIRE
Talen Horton-Tucker - Scores team-high 26 pointsHorton-Tucker notched 26 points (10-19 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 4-5 FT), five rebounds, eight assists and two steals across 31 minutes in Thursday's 116-113 preseason loss to the Kings.
ImpactHorton-Tucker has always been a player who can make a massive two-way impact and performances such as Thursday's one back that notion up. However, he has yet to deliver these numbers on a consistent basis during the regular season. He's slated to open the 2023-24 campaign as a starter in the backcourt alongside Jordan Clarkson, so he'll have another shot to see if he can reach his potential while holding an expanded role.
OCTOBER 20, 2023•ROTOWIRE
Collin Sexton - Goes for 24 pointsSexton contributed 24 points (11-16 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 0-1 FT), five rebounds and five assists across 25 minutes in Thursday's 116-113 preseason loss to the Kings.
ImpactSexton got the start in the preseason finale since the Jazz rested several expected starters, and he made the most of the opportunity, leading the team in scoring with efficient shooting. Sexton is likely to open the season as the main backup guard due to his ability to play both positions, but he should have decent fantasy upside in that role if he's able to log around 25 minutes per game on a consistent basis.
OCTOBER 20, 2023•ROTOWIRE
Sasha Vezenkov - Scores 13 points ThursdayVezenkov notched 13 points (5-10 FG, 3-8 3Pt) and six rebounds across 21 minutes in Thursday's 116-113 preseason win over the Jazz.
ImpactVezenkov started with Keegan Murray (illness) sidelined, and the rookie made the most of the opportunity, putting up decent numbers and draining three of his eight attempts from beyond the arc. Vezenkov's main strength is his shooting ability, and while he'll open the season as a bench option, his scoring prowess will ultimately decide both his long-term role and potential fantasy upside.
OCTOBER 20, 2023•ROTOWIRE
Malik Monk - Impressive off bench ThursdayMonk finished with 23 points (9-19 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 2-2 FT), two rebounds, eight assists and a block across 29 minutes off the bench in Thursday's 116-113 preseason win over the Jazz.
ImpactMonk saved his best performance for the final game of the preseason, as he carried the Kings to victory with an impressive outing, leading the team in both points and assists. Kevin Huerter is slated to open the season as the Kings' starting shooting guard, but Monk should see steady minutes off the bench as an offensive option that can play multiple positions. For what is worth, he averaged 13.5 points per game while coming off the bench in his 77 appearances during the 2022-23 regular season, and he figures to have a similar role this time around.
OCTOBER 20, 2023•ROTOWIRE
