Utah Jazz drop key contest at Sacramento despite career night from Cody Williams
Mar 15, 2026, 10:55 PM | Updated: 11:20 pm
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Sacramento Kings drives to the basket on Cody Williams #5 of the Utah Jazz in the second half at Golden 1 Center on March 15, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Utah Jazz dropped their third straight game on Sunday, losing 116-111 despite a career night from Cody Williams.
The loss leaves Utah at 20-48 on the season. They will close out their road trip against Minnesota on Wednesday before returning home for four straight at the Delta Center.
fought hard but came up short. pic.twitter.com/alXJczmCY6
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 16, 2026
Cody Williams Goes Off In Sac Town
The second year forward broke through in a big way during Sunday’s contest, finishing with 34 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. He shot 60 percent from the field, 43 percent from three, and 87 percent from the free throw line.
With every made bucket, Williams’ confidence and energy grew.
It got to the point where he was running the entire show late in the game. In fact, every Jazz point in the final six minutes was either scored or assisted by Williams.
In his post-game availability, head coach Will Hardy spoke on the sophomores’ performance.
“Cody’s confidence continues to grow. I think a night like tonight will continue to compound that,” Hardy said.
Cody Williams’ shot chart tonight.
Crazy efficiency in and around the key. pic.twitter.com/5HIsByuSNo
— Chandler Holt (@CHoltSports) March 16, 2026
Defensive Struggles Continue To Plague Young Jazz Roster
Despite the highlights on offense, defensive positives were hard to come by.
Sacramento shot 48 percent from the floor, grabbed 12 offensive rebounds, and, by association, scored 50 points in the paint. However, the defensive struggles were never more glaring than when DeMar DeRozan got the ball.
The six-time All-Star dropped a season-high 41 points, and it felt like a guaranteed two points every time the rock found his hands. Not to mention, he shot 21 of the Kings’ 28 total free throws.
Hardy summed up his night simply: “DeMar (DeRozan) put on an isolation masterclass.”
To be fair, there has been quite a few “Good D, better O” moments…
But that’s just what DeMar does.
— Chandler Holt (@CHoltSports) March 16, 2026
Standings Outlook
As previously mentioned, Utah now sits at 20-48 on the season. More importantly, the Kings move up to 18-51.
Still, catching Sacramento in the reverse standings with less than a month left in the regular season is a big ask. Earlier in the day, though, Dallas picked up a win in Cleveland. That result increased the Mavericks’ win total to 23.
So, Utah has a two-win gap both above and below them in the league-wide standings.
Jazz-Kings Quick Hits
- Utah’s two-way and 10-day players didn’t have crazy scoring games, but their impact was still felt in other ways. Andersson Garcia, in his first NBA start, grabbed 11 rebounds, Oscar Tshiebwe had eight boards and three steals, and Bez Mbeng recorded three stocks.
- Brice Sensabaugh and Isaiah Collier also had solid outings with 22 and 21 points, respectively. Alongside Williams, that trio combined for nearly 70 percent of the Jazz’s total points.
- With 14 games left in the season, the Jazz now face the fourth-toughest strength of schedule left in the NBA.
Also worth noting…
With SAC out of the way, Utah has the fourth-toughest strength of schedule in the final month of the season. pic.twitter.com/5MV95xoVHJ
— Chandler Holt (@CHoltSports) March 16, 2026
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