Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (left)takes the basketball against the Memphis Grizzlies guard Jahmai Mashack (right) in the first half at the Fed Ex Forum in Memphis on Mon Feb 23, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

We can all breath a sigh of relief as the Sacramento Kings (13-46) held on to beat the Memphis Grizzlies (21-35) and put an end to the longest losing streak in franchise history (16 losses in a row). The final score was 123-114. In a well-balanced game, the game high for the Kings was Russell Westbrook who scored 25 points. Both Precious Achiuwa and Maxime Raynaud had double doubles and four of the five starters finished in double digits.

Game recap: The Kings got off to a great start leading after the first quarter 33-25. The Grizzlies came right back outscoring Sacramento in the second quarter 36-30. In a back and forth game, the Kings took a slim half-time lead 63-61. It had been a quiet game for Keegan Murray but it was Precious Achiuwa who really showed up playing an aggressive game. Maxime Raynaud was also played a terrific game in the first half.

The Kings edged the Grizzlies as the third quarter came to an end outscoring Memphis 29-28. They led 92-89 looking to hold on in the fourth quarter and at long last put this longest losing streak in franchise history behind them.

As the quarter got underway Sacramento continued to extend their lead and at 8:28 the Kings had built a 104-92 lead. Maxime Raynaud already had a double double as did Precious Achiuwa.

Three bench players were in double digits and four of their five starters had shot in double digits. They were rolling and looking to hold on for the win. The Grizzlies threatened with four minutes left in the game.

They cut a 12-point Sacramento lead to eight but each time Memphis challenged, the Kings pushed their lead back out. Sacramento had their fourth road win of the season and their losing streak was finally in their rearview.

Despite playing shorthanded the Sacramento Kings put together a terrific game in their win tonight. The high for Sacramento went to Russell Westbrook who scored 25 points: this was also the game high.

Precious Achiuwa had a double double with 22 points and 12 rebounds. Maxime Raynaud also had a double double with 10 points and 13 rebounds. DeMar DeRozan came away with 19 points, a great showing for the starters.

The bench was also a huge part of this win. Daeqwon Plowden had the high off the bench with 19 points and five rebounds. Nique Clifford bounced back scoring 12 points with six rebounds and Malik Monk finished with ten points. Sacramento led for most of this game determined to put this losing streak behind them and they succeeded.

Post game notes: Monday night the Kings continued their latest road trip after losing to the San Antonio Spurs Saturday night 139-122. Despite paying shorthanded, without Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis and De’Andre Hunter all out for the season, the Kings put up a great fight through three quarters forcing the Spurs to have to step up and finally close out the game.

The Kings missed Dylan Cardwell in this game who has been out for at least four weeks. The Kings leaned heavily on DeMar DeRozan and Keegan Murray to end to their current losing streak which ended at 16 games.

The Grizzlies have also struggled this season losing their last game to the Heat 136-120 last Saturday. The Grizzlies have suffered a lot of injuries this season much like the Kings. Ja Morant will not play in Monday’s game and is not expected to return until possibly early March. He is dealing with a left elbow UCL sprain.

It’s now off to Houston for the Kings to take on Kevin Durant and the Rockets Wednesday night. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 5:00PM.

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.