Category: Sacramento Kings

Kings drop first game of two game set to Lakers 113-100

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (13) battle under the hoop while LeBron attempts to score in first half action at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Thu Dec 19, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Kings were coming off a loss to the Denver Nuggets at home, 130-129. The Kings lost to the Lakers on Thursday, 113-100.

In the first quarter, the Kings were outplayed by the Lakers. The Kings couldn’t get anything to fall on offense as the Lakers began to build an early lead. The Kings shot 44% from the field in the first quarter as they scored 28 points.

On the other hand, the Lakers shot 46.4% from the field and scored 37 points. The Lakers seemed to be bringing more physicality to the game, which was lacking on the Kings’ side. Reaves was leading all scorers after one quarter with eight points.

In the second quarter, the Kings played much better. However, it wasn’t enough to stop the Lakers from retaining the lead. The Kings outscored the Lakers 30-25 in the second quarter as the Lakers held onto a 62-58 lead going into halftime.

The Kings did a much better job in the second quarter matching the Lakers’ physicality. The Kings were within striking distance heading into halftime as they looked to restart a winning streak at home. The leading scorers for the Kings at halftime were Domas, Malik, and De’Aaron, who all had 12 points. Austin Reaves was leading the Lakers with 12 points in the half.

In the third quarter, the Kings’ offense went dormant again. The Kings only scored 22 points in the third quarter as the Lakers were able to extend the lead over the Kings going into the fourth quarter. The Lakers scored 24 points in the third to lead the game 86-80, as Austin Reaves was leading the Lakers with 17 points. Domas Sabonis had 18 points through three quarters.

In the fourth quarter, the Lakers sealed the deal over the Kings. The Kings couldn’t get the offense going late and lost to the Lakers, 113-100.

The Kings lacked effort in the defeat as the Lakers turned the Kings over 17 times for 24 points. The Kings were outscored in the fourth quarter, 27-20. Austin Reaves led the Lakers in victory with 25 points. De’Aaron Fox led the Kings in defeat with 26 points.

The Kings are now 13-15 on the season, and the Lakers improved to 15-12.

Up Next: The Kings will stay home to take on the LA Lakers again on Saturday at 3 PM PST.

Sac Kings wrap: Nuggets Jokic triple-double helps edge Kings 130-129

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Denver Nuggets center) Nikola Jokic (left) and Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (right) battle for the basketball first half action at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Mon Dec 16, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Monday night in Sacramento. The Kings last played in New Orleans, where they defeated the Pelicans. On Monday, the Kings welcomed the Denver Nuggets to town.

The Nuggets entered the game 13-10 on the year and right in the middle of the pack in the standings. The Kings entered play on Monday with a 13-13 record and looking to get above .500. The Kings and Nuggets tipped off at 7 PM PST as the Kings fell to the Nuggets 130-129.

In the first quarter, the Kings got off to a rough start. The Nuggets were asserting themselves physically with the Kings early and exploiting bad defensive matchups. With 2:34 left in the quarter, the Kings would be down 32-13 and in desperate need of a spark.

It was one of the toughest quarters of the season for the Kings so far. In the quarter, the Kings only shot 9% from three and 36% overall. The Kings struggled mightily as they were outscored 41-21 in the first.

In the second quarter, the Kings competed hard to get back into the game. However, the defense continued to lack. The Nuggets would score 34 points in the second quarter to continue to put pressure on the Kings.

However, the Kings’ offense exploded for 46 points in the quarter to pull closer heading into halftime. The Kings would trail the Nuggets 75-68 heading into halftime. Domantas Sabonis led the Kings in the first half with 15 points. Aaron Gordon led the Nuggets with 16 first-half points.

In the third quarter, the Kings picked up right where they left off in the first half. The Kings’ shooting was much improved as they scored 35 points in the third. On the other hand, the Nuggets only managed to score 21 points as the shooting dried up for them. After three quarters, the Kings would lead the Nuggets 103-96.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings just couldn’t seal the deal. The Kings battled, but ultimately, they couldn’t make any shots on the final few possessions, and they lost the game 130-129. The Kings were outscored in the fourth quarter 34-26.

The Nuggets were able to hit the big shots they needed down the stretch to erase the Kings’ eight-point lead with roughly 4:00 minutes to play. The Kings’ best performance came from De’Aaron Fox, who finished the game with 29 points.

Jamal Murray led the Nuggets in victory with 28 points on the night. It was a disappointing loss for the Kings as they tried to win their fourth game in a row. However, they will have a chance to get back on track on Thursday.

Postgame, Malik Monk talked about how the Kings needed to come with intensity and attention to detail right from the start of the game. Monk said, “That’s a hard question. It’s just on us really, just being locked in from the get-go. Can’t really say what we can do better. We just got to be locked in from the jump ball on those things,” he said. “Like boxing out, getting on the floor for loose balls. Getting rebounds, second-chance points, not fouling and things like that. We just got to be on our toes from the get-go instead of letting them put us on our toes.”

Up Next: The Kings will stay home to take on LeBron James and the LA Lakers at 7 PM on Thursday.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Barbara Mason: Nuggets pay Kings a visit tonight at Golden 1

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) goes to the basket against the New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (5) in the first half at Smoothie King Arena in New Orleans on Sun Dec 15, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1 The Sacramento Kings Domantas Sabonis scored a season high of 32 points on Thursday night and grabbed a season best 20 rebounds as the Kings defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 111-109.

#2 The Kings DeMar DeRozan scored 29 points and Keegan Murray and De’Aaron Fox each scored 18 points no doubt Murray and De’Aaron are a big part of the starting line up.

#3 The Kings are rolling they have won four of their last five games. So their getting some consistency.

#4 The Pelicans CJ McCullom did the heavy lifting hitting six 3 pointers and finished with a team leading 36 points but not good enough to beat the Kings.

#5 The Kings have now not scored less than 115 points in any of their last eight wins. The Kings 111 points against the Pelicans were their lowest score this season.

Barbara Mason covers Sacramento Kings basketball at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings just get past Pelicans 111-109 in the Big Easy

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) passed the ball past the New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi, left, and guard CJ McCullum (3) in second half action at Smoothie King Arena in New Orleans (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 The New Orleans Pelicans couldn’t keep the Sacramento Kings Domantas Sabonis down he led the Kings with 32 points and had 20 rebounds in the Kings win 111-109 against the Pelicans at Smoothie King Arena in New Orleans.

#2 DeMar DeRozan scored 29 points and the Kings De’Aaron Fox and Keegan Murray each scored 18 points that help contribute to the offense.

#3 Jeremiah the win give the Kings three in a row and they have now won five of their last six games and have improved over the last two weeks.

#4 The Pelicans CJ McCullom scored six 3 pointers and tallied 36 points. One the remarkable shots that McCullom took was a shot that hit off the glass while he was falling for three points as he got fouled by Fox with 1:20 remaining in the game.

#5 The Kings will return to Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Monday night against the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets are seventh in the Western Conference and have been playing .500 ball winning five of their last ten games. Tip off is 7:00pm PST on Mon Dec 16, 2024.

Join Jeremiah for the Kings podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kings Beat Pelicans 111-109 Extending Win Streak to Three

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) and guard Malik Monk (0) celebrates Sabonis’ 3 point shot against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Arena in New Orleans on Thu Dec 12, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Thursday night the Sacramento Kings (13-13) beat the New Orleans Pelicans (5-21) in the final seconds of the fourth quarter. It was not easy by any means but they discouraged two straight Pelican stops closing out the game and sealing the deal.

Domantas Sabonis had a season-high 32 points with 20 rebounds. DeMar DeRozan finished the game with 29 points and De’Aaron Fox and Keegan Murray each had 18 points. Sacramento now has a .500 record at 13-13.

Game recap: After the first 12 minutes of play the Kings held a slim lead 28-26 and as play wore on the Pelicans, despite being short-handed, were going to be a handful. New Orleans outscored the Kings in the second quarter 29-25 and led at the half 55-53. Sacramento would be looking for a dominating second half as they’ve seen in the past.

The Kings were dominant in the third quarter outscoring the Pelicans 38-28 and taking an eight point lead 91-83 going into the fourth quarter. Neither team was able to score in the opening 1 1/2 minutes of play.

New Orleans was able to outscore the Kings in the final quarter 26-20 but came up just short unable to make up the eight point lead Sacramento had established. The Kings took as much as a 14 point lead in the fourth quarter.

With under five minutes left in the game, the Pelicans began to chip away at the Sacramento lead. With under two minutes left in the game the Kings were clinging to a three-point lead 109-106. Sacramento was unable to score at all in the final 1:41 left in the game.

The Pelicans had a huge opportunity with two straight defensive stops with under a minute left on the clock but could not score. Malik Monk blocked a Dejounte Murray shot that was rebounded by Domantas Sabonis and that was the ball game 111-109.

The 111 points scored by the KIngs tied their season low in this very tight contest. Domantas Sabonis really stepped up for this game scoring a season high 32 points and another double double with 20 rebounds. DeMar DeRozan chipped in 29 points.

De’Aaron Fox and Keegan Murray each scored 18 points. Murray also had a great defensive game with 10 rebounds. Sacramento had a great night at the line shooting at 93% a vast improvement. Ball protection was also a part of this win with only 11 turnovers. Sacramento hung on for dear life but came out on top in this game pushing their season record to 13-13.

Game notes: The Kings had a great start to the 2024-25 season. Through the first seven games the Kings were holding down sixth place in net rating. This was a significant improvement over last season when they finished in 17th in the net rating.

The Kings went on to finish with a 46-36 record exiting in the Play-In Tournament. Back in early November, they were fifth in offensive rating and 12th in defensive rating both an improvement over last season.

Things got a bit spotty going into the second week of November. They really fell on hard times around mid-November dropping four games in a row. They have seemed to have pulled it all together recently beating the highly rated Houston Rockets and winning three of four games.

Thursday night they played the struggling Pelicans and got their third win in a row and getting back to a decent .500. The Pelicans Brandon Ingram is out until Jan. 3rd and of course they will also be without Zion WIlliamson.

The days of beating Sacramento every time they met up is over for New Orleans with the loss tonight for the Pelicans. Last season the Kings lost all six games in their matchups. The Kings are now getting back to good health after a tough time dealing with injuries.

With only Trey Lyles listed as out, the Kings have everyone on board. There is also Devin Carter, the Kings first round draft pick who has not seen any action due to an offseason shoulder injury. The win tonight was ideal but going forward how do the King’s bounce back after losses: that is equally important. Right now the win Thursday night was big for Sacramento and taking it one game at a time.

The Pelicans are reeling from the second most players lost to injury this season. Only the Memphis Grizzlies have more. They were without Karlo Matkovic, Jordan Hawkins, Brandon Ingram, Jose Alvarado, and Javonte Green who is listed as questionable. Zion Williamson missed his 17th game.

The Kings will now have another three days off before taking on the Denver Nuggets at Golden 1 Center next Monday evening. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 7:00 PM as Sacramento seeks their fourth win in a row.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Barbara Mason: No Mercy Rule for Jazz; Kings blow out Utah 141-97 at Golden 1

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Guard De’Aaron Fox (5) and forward Domantas Sabonis (11) of the Sacramento Kings are please with how things are going against the Utah Jazz on Sun Dec 8, 2024 at Golden 1 Center (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1 Barbara, talk about how important Kevin Huerter was for the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night leading with 26 points as the Kings demolished the Utah Jazz at Golden 1 Center 141-97.

#2 The Kings are on a roll with their scoring they have won by 140 or more in their last two games. They defeated the San Antonio Spurs last Friday 140-113.

#3 The Jazz on the other hand have lost six of their last seven games and it showed how much Utah is struggling as the Kings had their way with the Jazz scoring at will.

#4 The Kings never let up they scored 43 points in the third quarter and De’Aaron Fox even beat the buzzer to give the Kings a 31 point lead going into the fourth quarter.

#5 The Kings face another struggling team the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Arena in New Orleans on Thursday night. The Pelicans are last in the Western Conference with a 5-20 record and the Kings are 12th with a 12-13 record. It’s a one game road trip as Sacramento returns home Mon Dec 16th against the Denver Nuggets. Barbara how do you see this Kings-Pelicans match up on Thursday night?

Barbara Mason does the Sacramento Kings podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kings down Jazz 141-97 in blowout win

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) drives the lane as forward Domantas Sabonis (11) sets the pick and the Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (center) can’t reach Fox at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Sun Dec 8, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Sunday night, returning home after a brief two-game road trip. Their journey took them through Memphis and San Antonio, where the Kings suffered a 115-110 loss to the Grizzlies but rebounded with a 140-113 victory over the Spurs on Friday night.

The win against San Antonio was much needed as the Kings fought to stay around the .500 mark. Focused and determined, the Kings entered Sunday’s game looking to win two in a row for the first time since November 4th and 6th. Coming into the matchup, the Kings (11-13) hosted the Utah Jazz (5-17) at 7 PM PST. The Kings ultimately dominated, defeating the Jazz 141-97.

In the first quarter, neither team played particularly clean basketball. The Kings committed three turnovers, giving up five points, while the Jazz had five turnovers, also resulting in five points. Kevin Huerter got off to a hot start for the Kings, shooting 3-of-4 and scoring eight points in the quarter. The Jazz struggled offensively, shooting just 35% and scoring 23 points. Meanwhile, the Kings managed 26 points to take a slim early lead.

The Kings brought strong energy into the second quarter, starting with an 8-2 run fueled by quick baskets from Keon Ellis and Kevin Huerter, prompting the Jazz to call a timeout with 10:10 left. The Kings didn’t let up for the rest of the quarter, outscoring the Jazz 36-22 to take a commanding 62-45 lead into halftime. Kevin Huerter led the Kings’ charge, while Keyonte George paced the Jazz with 14 points at the break.

It felt like a breakout half for the Kings, who needed to sustain their momentum in the second half.

In the third quarter, the Kings continued to pour it on offensively, outscoring the Jazz 43-29. The Kings appeared to have rediscovered their identity, scoring 140 points on Friday and putting up 105 through three quarters on Sunday—a welcome sight for fans. Heading into the final frame, the Kings led 105-74.

The fourth quarter could best be described as garbage time. The Kings extended their lead to as much as 44 points with 5:30 remaining. They outscored the Jazz 36-23 in the final period, sealing an emphatic 141-97 victory. Kevin Huerter led the Kings with 26 points, while Keyonte George topped the Jazz with 25 points in a losing effort. The Kings improved to 12-13 as the Jazz fell to 5-18 on the season.

After the game, coach Mike Brown praised the Kings’ ability to play at a high level, stressing the importance of committing to “every possession.” Brown repeated the phrase so many times during his postgame press conference that the media couldn’t help but chuckle as he asked, “Is that clear?” Message received, Coach. The question now is whether the Kings can build on this performance and go on a winning streak.

Fun Note: Doug McDermott gave fans a reason to cheer in garbage time, shooting 6-of-7 from three-point range.

Up Next: The Sacramento Kings will hit the road to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday at 5 PM PST. With Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram likely to be out, the Kings will need to capitalize on the opportunity.

Murray Shines As Kings Finish Off Spurs In San Antonio 140-113; Sabonis, Fox, and Monk all score 22 each

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) gets fired up against the San Antonio Spurs in the first half at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio on Fri Dec 6, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Friday night the Sacramento Kings (11-13) took on the San Antonio Spurs (11-11) winning the game 140-113 and evening the score after the team had lost to the Spurs last Sunday. The starters had a tremendous effort and Keegan Murray finished the game with 17 points and three rebounds.

It is only one game but Murray has certainly taken a step in the right direction. Sabonis had another double double with 22 points and 16 rebounds. The three musketeers Domantas Sabonis, De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk all scored 22 points each.

Game recap: The Spurs got a great start leading 28-19 with three minutes left in the first 12 minutes of play. After a King’s timeout, Sacramento went to work to tie up this game at 33 and we had ourselves a ball game. The Kings made up the deficit in record time and were looking to keep it up going into the second quarter.

The Kings took a 37-33 lead in the opening minute of the second quarter but it dissolved as the Spurs took back the lead. Three minutes into the quarter the score was tied at 40 and this game had all the signs of a real battle as the lead see-sawed back and forth.

The quarter got even more interesting when the Spurs Zach Collins was ejected from the game with a personal foul. With the Spurs down two players, Wembanyama who was out with lower back soreness and then Collins with the ejection Sacramento went on to take a 48-40 lead spurred by a Keon Ellis shot from downtown.

Four King bench players were getting in on the action and had 14 points through 1 1/2 quarters. Sacramento outscored the Spurs in the second quarter 36-26 and led at the half 69-59. The Kings protected the ball well in the first half coming away with six turnovers and were shooting well in the field at 56%. Sabonis was on the edge of another double double with nine rebounds and 13 points. DeMar DeRozan and Malik Monk also had double digits in the first half. They would need to play with the same energy in the second half and would be looking to extend their lead.

The Kings did indeed take the momentum from the first half into the third quarter. After three Sacramento had extended their halftime lead to 110-86. Every starter had double digits, Sabonis had his double double and the best of all, Keegan Murray had 12 points.

Sacramento would have to tighten up to finish off the Spurs in the fourth quarter. The Kings only had six turnovers through three quarters which was another plus that could help lead them to a win over San Antonio.

The Kings had a tremendous start in the fourth quarter and held a 20 point lead at 9:23 111-91. Kevin Huerter had been spotless from downtown going 4 of 4. As the clock wore down on the game Sacramento had taken a 130-109 lead. Every starter for the Kings was having a banner game and Sacramento had evened the score after the loss to the Spurs last Sunday 140-113.

Sacramento got some great offense from the King’s starters every one of them shooting double digits. DeRozan had the high for the team with 23 points. Sabonis, Fox and Monk each had 22 points.

Murray broke out of his funk scoring 17 points with six rebounds. It is only one game but it is sure a step in the right direction for Murray. The team only had 11 turnovers and shot 56% from the field. It was a badly needed win for Sacramento. Huerter was perfect from downtown hitting four shots and finished with 16 points off the bench.

Game notes: Western Conference battle last Tuesday evening, the Kings went onto lose to the Memphis Grizzlies 115-110 Thursday night and so it was back to the drawing board. The Kings were struggling dropping seven of their last ten games but managed a big win in San Antonio Friday night.

Something was going terribly wrong with this team but they seemed to have shaken it off on Friday with that outpouring of scoring. The talent on the team is undeniable as they got some answers against the Spurs.

Friday night they played in San Antonio taking on a team that beat them last Sunday 127-125 and got a little payback. They were riding a rocky road before Friday’s game. Along for the ride is Murray who had also struggled but scored 17 points against the Spurs.

Murray has fought through his miserable streak. The Kings had hoped that Murray was potentially a breakout player in this 2024-25 season. Murray had gone five straight games without a free throw in fact he has not gotten to the line in 11 of his last 12 games previous to Friday.

When the Kings signed DeRozan the thought was that DeRozan’s presence would open up some great looks for Murray. At age 24, Murray has gotten looks but his accuracy was not been very good but Friday he finished third in scoring.

Last season Murray had a 15 points per game average which is hardly the case this year he hopes after this game Friday he might have corrected that. He has been on a roll defensively and there is the hope and he was able to play some catch up Friday.

The Kings now return home to Sacramento to take on the Utah Jazz Sunday evening looking to start a string of wins; something they have not seen for awhile now. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 6:00 PM.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings tip off against Spurs tonight

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (left) and Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson (13) battle for the basketball in second half action at FedEX Arena in Memphis on Thu Dec 5, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 The Memphis Grizzlies Marcus Smart scored 18 points and his last two free throws put it to bed for Memphis 115-110 over the visiting Sacramento Kings.

#2 The Grizzlies Desmond Bane contributed with 18 points, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Santi Aldama each scored 15 points. Aldama also added 10 rebounds.

#3 DeMar DeRozan led the Kings in scoring with 26 points while Malik Monk had 23 points, DeAaron Fox had 18 and Domantas Sabonis had 17 points and 13 rebounds.

#4 Jeremiah anytime you have 20 lead changes and lose it has to be frustrating for the Kings after they had put together a big win against the Rockets on Tuesday night in Houston.

#5 The Kings head to San Antonio where they tip off with the Spurs Friday night. The Spurs have lost their last two games and are 8-5 at home. The Kings hope to recoup for their loss against Memphis.

Join Jeremiah Salmonson for the Kings podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kings Stumble In Fourth Quarter – Lose to Grizzlies 115-110

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0) finished with 23 points but it wasn’t enough to beat the Memphis Grizzlies at FedEx Forum in Memphis on Thu Dec 5, 2024 (Sacramento Kings X photo)

The Sacramento Kings (10-13) were tied with the Memphis Grizzlies (15-8) going into the fourth quarter Thursday night 86 apiece. They had slim leads throughout the fourth quarter until the four minute mark. Memphis turned the tables taking slim one or two point leads for the remainder of the game.

With three minutes left in the game the Grizzlies took a five point lead 108-103. Memphis held onto that lead for the rest of the game winning by the score of 115-110. It was another quiet night for Kevin Huerter and Keegan Murray. DeMar DeRozan had the high score for the Kings with 26 points followed by Malik Monk with 23 points.

Game recap: Thursday night the Kings took on the Grizzlies at FedExForum. The Kings are coming off an impressive win over the Houston Rockets last Tuesday night winning that contest 120-111. After that terrible losing streak, this win over Houston was hopefully a turning point for the team.

All five starters had double digits along with Kevin Huerter and Isaac Jones off the bench. It was a great win for the team. They were looking to take that confidence into Memphis and celebrate two wins in a row. The Grizzlies come into this game on a losing note dropping their last game to the Mavericks Tuesday night.

As this game unfolded, the opening quarter could not have been closer with the Grizzlies leading after the first 12 minutes of play 33-32. The Grizzlies were looking to win their seventh straight game at home. The second quarter was equally as close with the two teams deadlocked at 30. At the half, Memphis had a one point lead 63-62.

The two teams would finish the third quarter tied at 86 and this was anybody’s game. The game would continue with countless lead changes and ties and so it all came down to the fourth quarter.

The Kings led throughout most of the fourth quarter albeit by only a few points. They led going into the final three minutes and that is when the Grizzlies turned the tables on them. For the remainder of the game the Grizzlies had a slim lead although the Kings got within two points but could not overtake Memphis.

The Grizzlies Marcus Smart hit a couple of free throws with 2.9 seconds left in the game to clinch the win for Memphis. There had been 20 lead changes and 11 ties in this crazy game. The Grizzlies had won their seventh home game in a row. Sacramento came away with a disappointing loss.

Sacramento had a 16-9 edge on offensive rebounds. They got some great offensive effort from DeMar DeRozan who finished with 26 points and Malik Monk who scored 23 points but fell short in the final minutes of the fourth quarter.

They needed just a bit more especially since Memphis had 22 turnovers and with 6:45 left in the final quarter Ja Morant was hit with a pair of technicals which earned him an ejection. He was obviously frustrated finishing the game 2 for 13 missing all six of his three-point attempts. This was a tough one for the King who have now lost seven of nine games.

Game notes: Thursday night the Kings took on the Grizzlies at FedExForum. The Kings are coming off an impressive win over the Houston Rockets last Tuesday night winning that contest 120-111. After terrible losing streak, this win over Houston was hopefully a turning point for the team. All five starters had double digits along with Kevin Huerter and Isaac Jones off the bench.

It was a great win for the Kings. They were hoping to take that confidence into Memphis and celebrate two wins in a row but just couldn’t pull it off with a loss. The Grizzlies came into this game on a losing note dropping their last game to the Mavericks Tuesday night.

Friday night, the Sacramento Kings will take on Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. The Kings lost a close one to San Antonio last Sunday 127-125. Wembanyama scored 34 points in that game and will looking to pin another loss on the Kings Friday night. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 5:00 PM.