Utah Jazz: Millsap explodes for 32 points in win over Sacramento Kings

SALT LAKE CITY — When asked, Paul Millsap said it wasn't a statement game.

Hot Rod Hundley, though, would have called it "unbelievable, baby."

Because Millsap sure did have a mind-boggling peformance Friday night, scoring a career high-tying 32 points and pulling down a season-high 14 rebounds in 43 minutes to lead the Jazz past Sacramento 101-94 at Energy Solutions Arena.

Andrei Kirilenko added 18 points, seven rebounds and five blocked shots — including a key one at the end — while free-agent rookie point guard Sundiata Gaines came up big off the bench as 28-18 Utah won its season-high fifth straight game and for the ninth time in its last 10 outings.

Millsap also finished three assists shy of a triple-double, with every bit of contribution needed because the Jazz opened a four-game homestand — on the same night they honored longtime play-by-play announcer Hundley by dedicating its pressroom and raising a banner — with both starting power forward Carlos Boozer (strained right calf) and newly minted All-Star point guard Deron Williams (uncle's funeral) absent.

"It was just me playing basketball. That's what it is," said Millsap, Boozer's backup even after signing a four-year, $32 million contract last offseason. "I wouldn't say a 'statement.' It was just me getting out there playing like I normally play."

But there may have been more to it than that, Jerry Sloan suggested after the 16-29 Kings lost for the eighth time in their last nine games.

"The most important thing, I think, is he had seven assists," Sloan said. "You know, those things are critical to big guys because they come and double you, somebody will get open so you can find them.

"It's like Karl Malone — he ended up being a great passer in those situations," the Jazz coach added. "When he did it right, everything else fell in place for him. You can't just expect to beat your guy one-on-one all the time. You have to do some of the other things, and I thought he really had a terrific game tonight."

Millsap had 13 of his 34 points in the third quarter, which Utah closed with an 11-2 run to head into the fourth up 10 at 73-63.

He had seven points during that run, and another nine in the fourth.

"We all knew Paul was capable to play this kind of game, and this was one of them," Kirilenko said. "He got all of the confidence he needed in the third and fourth quarter, so we just delivered to him."

And Millsap often reciprocated.

"I knew I was gonna get the ball a little bit more than normal, so I would have to get guys involved, and on top of that I would have to get myself involved," he said. "I just took on the challenge, you know? I love a challenge, and I love to get out there and play basketball — the right way."