After missing two months due to a sprained ankle, Sasha Vezenkov returned on Sunday and helped the Sacramento Kings to a 127-106 victory at home over the Utah Jazz.
Vezenkov missed seven games after sustaining the injury on Jan. 22 in a win over the Atlanta Hawks. He played in two games before reinjuring the ankle in practice on Feb. 10 and was just cleared to face the Jazz.
The former EuroLeague MVP recorded five points, two rebounds, two steals and one assist in 10 minutes off the bench for the Kings, who also had Trey Lyles (knee) back after a nine-game absence. He had 11 points and four rebounds.
Kings coach Mike Brown explained what they provide the team.
(Their) size just helps, especially on the glass. You got both of those guys — whether they come up with it or not — battling for it and hitting bodies. (They’re) guys that are used to taking big shots. They both are really, really good 3-point shooters, so you have to guard them outside of that line, which opens up the floor a little bit more for everybody else. Defensively, they’re just going to play their behinds off. They’re going to try to play the right way and play very, very hard. To have that added veteran depth is big for us at this point of the season.
Vezenkov is averaging 5.6 points and 2.4 rebounds on 38.6% shooting from 3-point range in 36 appearances this season with the Kings. He ranks third among rookies in 3-point percentage and has scored in double figures seven times.
The 28-year-old figures to give the Kings a boost in the lineup and another body over the last eight games of the season and into the playoffs. They recently lost Malik Monk for 4-6 weeks due to a knee injury and will have to rely further on their depth.
Vezenkov has been a tremendous floor spacer for the Kings this season, given his quick release and pinpoint accuracy. He figures to bolster the Kings’ offense when he is on the court.
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