Category: Sacramento Kings

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings tip off against Mavericks Friday in second of 2 game series at Golden One

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The Sacramento Kings forward Chimzie Metu (7) can do it all he not only scored the game winner on a buzzer beater but earlier in the game snuffs a scoring attempt on the Dallas Mavericks Moses Brown (9) at the Golden One Center in Sacramento on Wed Dec 29, 2021 (AP News photo)

On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 Jeremiah, talk about the thriller that the Sacramento Kings (15-21) Chimzie Metu gave fans when he sunk a three point shot a buzzer beater for a Sacramento 95-94 cliff hanger to edge the Dallas Mavericks (16-18).

#2 I know Morris mentioned in his report that the Kings wanted desperately for a storyline and head coach Alvin Gentry wanted more passion and desire and got it from the players who hung with the Mavericks all game long something they weren’t getting last Sunday against the Memphis Grizzlies.

#3 Gentry after that Memphis game Sunday said that in his over 30 years in the NBA that was the worst effort he ever saw. Since that game the Kings have won two straight on Tue 28th against the OKC Thunder and on Wednesday night against the Mavericks.

#4 Jeremiah, this is the first of a two game series against Dallas at Golden One the Kings match up against the Mavericks again Friday at 3:00pm. The Kings are hoping to pick up their third straight win while the Mavericks have won two of their last seven games.

#5 Wednesday was a solid team effort the Kings had six players in double figures with De’Aaron Fox leading in scoring with 16 followed up by Davion Mitchell and Harrison Barnes both who finished with 14.

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

Metu, But Not For Two: Kings get three from an unlikely source at the horn to beat Dallas, 95-94

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By Morris Phillips

SACRAMENTO–Alvin Gentry wanted more passion and desire, Gentry’s players were desperate for a different storyline, and Kings’ fans demanded a win on a blustery, cold night.

And the key to pulling all these wishes together?

Trust your teammates. That’s exactly what De’Aaron Fox did with his decision to find a wide open Chimezie Metu with the game on the line.

“He turned the corner and went so quickly,” Gentry said of Fox’s decision. “He said, ‘I was either gonna dunk it and try to get to the line or if I saw them pull in so far I was going to try to hit the corner guy.'”

“It’s tough,” Dallas coach Jason Kidd said. “Unfortunately if we give up a layup the game is tied, we go into overtime. But DP (Dwight Powell) went to help and they made a shot.”

Metu’s 3-pointer at the buzzer made the Kings winners, 95-94 over the shorthanded Dallas Mavericks, who were without superstar Luka Doncic for the ninth, consecutive game due to COVID protocols. The Kings found themselves in far more favorable circumstances regarding COVID with Davion Mitchell, Alex Len and Louis King gaining clearance for Wednesday’s game although only Mitchell saw playing time.

The Kings took control with a 35-13 second quarter only to see the Mavericks respond with a pair of significant runs in the third quarter, which set the scene for a tense, tight fourth quarter in which the Kings had just one lead, 92-90, until Metu’s final shot.

Gentry’s frustration with his club got the desired effect, as the Kings were better defensively. But at critical junctures, the hosts had no answers for the 1-2 punch of Kristaps Porzingis and Jalen Brunson, who combined for 49 points to lead Dallas.

The Kings got efficient efforts from the rookie Mitchell and De’Aaron Fox who combined for 30 points. They were two of six Kings that scored in double figures, though none scored more than Fox’s 16.

The Kings satisfied Gentry’s desire for more focused play by shooting 38 percent from three along with a 46-40 edge in points in the paint. The Kings free throw shooting perked up as well with the team canning 13 of 15.

Defensively, the Kings were far from stout, but there was a competitiveness in their play, as they collapsed on drivers in the paint, and showed some resistance, especially with Dallas’ wings and their aggressive guards, particularly Brunson, who made tough shots throughout.

Wins on consecutive nights pulled the Kings within a half game of 10th place San Antonio in the densely packed Western Conference playoff race, and made it more likely that the club will look within for improvement as opposed to trying to orchestrate a high profile trade.

How unlikely was Metu’s decisive shot? The 6’9″ forward didn’t make a three in either of his first two seasons in San Antonio, and was shooting just 26 percent from three this season. But with game in the balance, Metu was composed and ready to shoot. His mean mug reaction to the game winner was priceless as well, as he never broke a smile even after his teammates mobbed him in celebration.

“It was a great moment,” he said. “Since I’ve been in the league, for sure one of the best moments I’ve had. For us to grind that one out, it felt good.”

The Kings again host Dallas on Friday night with the possibility that Doncic and some combination of seven other Mavericks in protocols could be cleared to play.

THE RETURN OF I.T.: Did anyone attend Wednesday’s game expecting to see Isaiah Thomas in uniform? Probably not, but Kings’ fans were ready with a hearty ovation when Thomas entered the game for Dallas in the second quarter. The 32-year old signed a 10-day deal with Dallas on Wednesday under a COVID hardship rule, and scored six points in 13 minutes. Thomas was originally drafted by Sacramento and played his first three seasons with the Kings.

Kings get six point win over Thunder 117-111; Snap 3 game skid

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Sacramento Kings guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) gets a pass off in front of Oklahoma City Thunder forward Gabriel Deck (6) at the Golden One Center in Sacramento on Tue Dec 28, 2021 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings (14-21) were back in action on Tuesday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder (12-21). The Kings last played on Sunday when they took on the Memphis Grizzlies. That game got out of hand in a big way for the Kings as they fell 127-102 to the Grizzlies. On Tuesday the Kings were set to take on the Grizzlies at 7 PM PST. The Kings managed to defeat the Thunder 117-111.

In the first quarter, both teams started the game about even. Neither team really got an immediate offensive spark. The Kings upped the pace towards the quarter but the Thunder outscored the Kings 34-42 inn the first 12 minutes of action. Harrison Barnes and Lu Dort who respectively each had eight points.

In the second quarter, the Kings and Thunder matched each other’s play for the most of the quarter. However, the Kings managed to take the advantage going into halftime. The Kings outscored the Thunder 29-23 in the second quarter to take the lead 61-57.

The Kings were led in the first half by Harrison Barnes and Tyrese Halliburton who each scored 11 points. The Thunder received their biggest contribution from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who scored 11 points. The Kings would look to close out things out in the second half.

In the third quarter, the Kings melted down early. However, they were able to survive and bring themselves back before the end of the third. The Kings all in all outscored the Thunder 26-24 in the third to take the lead into the fourth quarter. Could the Kings close out the game?

Yes! In the fourth quarter, the Kings went up big early. However, that wouldn’t tell the whole story. The Kings didn’t hold their large lead late in the fourth quarter. The Thunder managed to claw their way back and get within six points as the game ended.

The Kings and the Thunder both scored 30 points I. The fourth as the Kings managed to defeat the Thunder 117-111 at Golden One Center. The Kings didn’t play particularly well on Tuesday. Yet, what matters is that they won the game.

The Kings improved to 14-21 on the year as the Thunder fell to 12-21. The Kings are currently one game back of the San Antonio Spurs for the last play in spot. The Kings were led by Tyrese Haliburton who scored 24 points as Shai Gilgeous Alexander scored 33 for the Thunder.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday at 7:30 PM PST.

Grizzlies boat race Kings to 127-102 finish at Golden One Center; Memphis ends 3 game skid

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Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) and center Steven Adams (4) are two on one against the Sacramento Kings forward Chimezie Metu (7) in the first quarter at the Golden One Center in Sacramento on Sun Dec 26, 2021 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings (13-21) were back in action on Sunday afternoon after the Christmas break. The Kings welcomed the Memphis Grizzlies (20-14) to town in what was hoped to be a solid matchup between the two teams from the west. Unfortunately for Kings fans, the Grizzlies boat raced the Kings at home 127-102 on Sunday afternoon.

In the first quarter, both teams got off to a slow start on the offensive end of the floor. The Kings slow start on offense wasn’t as dire of a situation as it could have been. The Grizzlies also struggled to get the ball in the basket early. The Kings managed to pick up the pace on offense towards the end of the quarter, scoring the Grizzlies 24-20.

Damian Jones gave the Kings the best minutes in the first quarter as he scored nine points. The Grizzlies were led in the first quarter by Desmond Bane, who scored nine points for the Grizzlies.

In the second quarter, both teams played relatively the same. The Grizzlies picked up their play on the offensive end and outscored the Kings 29-26. Neither team had a momentum surge in the first half. The Kings and Grizzlies went back in fourth.

The Kings would lead the game 50-49 going into halftime. Damian Jones had 11 first-half points, followed by Harrison Barnes with 10 points leading the way for the Kings on offense in the first half. The Grizzlies got their most significant contribution in the first half from Desmond Bane, who scored 15 points. It felt like whichever team went on a run in the third quarter would win the game.

In the third quarter, the Grizzlies went on a run. In the third quarter, the Kings defense fell apart as they allowed the Grizzlies to score 40 points. The Kings only managed to score 27 points during the barrage from the Grizzlies in the third quarter.

The Kings would fight back towards the end of the quarter to pull a bit closer, but they would still trail 89-77 going into the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, it was more of the same. The Kings defense continued to be atrocious as the Grizzlies scored 38 points. On the other hand, the Kings offense only managed to put up 25 points.

It was maybe the worst Kings loss of the season as the Kings core showed no heart down the stretch “This is the most disappointed I’ve been in my 34 years in the NBA” said Kings head coach Alvin Gentry.

As a result, the Kings lost the game by the final of 127-102. There wasn’t much to say after this loss for the Kings. They played without much heart and allowed the Grizzlies to run rough shot over them. The Kings would have to look to Tuesday to game back in the win column.

Up Next: The Kings will host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday at 7 PM PST.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings need to stop the bleeding host Grizzlies Sunday at Golden One

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The Sacramento Kings Harrison Barnes (40) reaches up to score two points against the Los Angeles Clippers Paul George (left) at the Golden One Center in Sacramento on Thu Dec 22, 2021 (AP News photo)

On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 The Los Angeles Clippers (17-15) snapped a three game losing streak with a 105-89 win over the Sacramento Kings (13-20) on Wednesday night at Golden One Center in Sacramento. The Clippers Eric Beldsoe led with 19 points and right behind Bledsoe was Paul George with 17 points.

#2 The Clippers really took advantage of the Kings with Serge Ibaka who scored a season high of 17 points, Ibaka had three slam dunks, and 12 points.

#3 After losing three straight games Ibalka said the Clippers were of the mindset that they had to win this game and said they needed this win bad. A four game losing streak and getting behind the eight ball would have been damaging for the Clippers.

#4 The Kings are struggling they’ve lost six out of their last eight games. How much does the absence of head coach Alvin Gentry impact the team. Gentry has been out for Covid 19 protocols along with key offensive scorer De’Aaron Fox.

#5 Next up for the Kings the Memphis Grizzlies (19-13) Sunday at 3:00 pm PST. The Grizzlies have lost their last game to the (10-20) 102-99. The Grizzlies had a five game streak going before losing three straight games. Jeremiah how do you see this contest Sunday at Golden One?

Jeremiah Salmonson is a Sacramento Kings beat writer and does the Kings podcasts every Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kings can’t overcome their poor shooting and sloppiness in 105-89 loss to Clippers

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Sacramento Kings center Richaun Holmes (22) gets the rebound as the Los Angeles Clippers’ Nicolas Batum (33) and Ivica Zubac (40) defend at the Golden One Center in Sacramento on Wed Dec 22, 2021 (AP News photo)

by Marko Ukalovic

SACRAMENTO —The Sacramento Kings hope they don’t get coal for presents from Santa Claus for Christmas.

Their ineffective shooting and not being able to take care of the ball might have gotten them on Santa’s naughty list in 105-89 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night at Golden 1 Center.

Sacramento have lost two games in a row and three out of its last four. Los Angeles have snapped its three-game losing streak.

Interim head coach Alvin Gentry missed his fifth consecutive game since being placed on the Covid-19 protocol on December 15th with assistant coach Doug Christie handling the head coaching duties for a fifth straight game.

Sacramento (13-19) came out flat and started out as cold as the weather outside. They began the game shooting 1 for 9 from the field and were held to just 33% (8-24) shooting in the opening quarter and had six turnovers. Guard Buddy Hield played all 12 minutes and was 0-6.

“We just played bad,” Haliburton said. “It’s a make or miss league. I thought we had some descent looks. But we just couldn’t put the ball in the basket, especially early.”

Los Angeles (16-15) started game on 13-5 run. Terrance Mann sparked the offense in the first quarter with nine points and center Ivan Zubac had six. They led 25-20 at the end of the quarter.

The second quarter was even less kind to the Kings as the Clippers began the quarter on a 11-3 run. Sacramento continued its carelessness with the ball with five more turnovers as they shot an anemic 32% (6-19).

Serg Ibaka chipped in five points and Eric Bledsoe scored the last four points for Los Angeles in the half as the Clippers led 49-38 at halftime.

Los Angles looked to have the game in hand when they went on a 13-2 run to increase its lead to 67-49 with 6:09 remaining with Bledsoe scoring seven of the 13 during the two-minute stretch.

However, Sacramento responded an 11-2 run of their own as Tyrese Haliburton scored five points in a row. Tristian Thompson and Hield made back-to-back three pointers to close the gap to 69-62. The Kings outscored Clippers 30-25 in the third quarter as the were down 74-68 to start the fourth quarter.

Sacramento wasn’t able to overcome their poor shooting and 19 total turnovers in the fourth quarter. Los Angeles closed out the final 5:47 on a 14-4 run to seal the deal as Ibaka scored 12 of his 17 points in the final quarter off the bench for the Clippers.

“It’s attention to the small things,” Christie said about the sloppy play by his team. “Attention to details. It’s making sure where is the ball and where am I supposed to be. You gotta hold yourself accountable and you gotta make sure you’re doing it. ‘My bad’ isn’t going to cut it in this league. You’re going to lose saying that.”

Haliburton led all scorers with 22 points to go along with a team high 13 assists. Harrison Barnes chipped in with 18 points and Hield finished with 16.

Bledsoe led the Clippers in scoring with 19 points and seven assists. Paul George chipped in with 17 points, including a dagger three pointer with 3:23 left in the game to put Los Angeles up comfortably 99-86.

GAME NOTES: Sacramento finished 12-for-38 from beyond the arc. Los Angeles was 7-for-24.

Sacramento signed Emmanuel Mudiay to a 10-day deal. Mudiay had been playing in Europe this season.

Queta Neemias was placed on the Covid-19 protocol yesterday.

UP NEXT: Sacramento hosts the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday 12/26 at 3:00pm at Golden 1 Center.

Barracuda bury Eagles 4-1 have won two in a row

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The San Jose Barracuda pick up their second straight win against the Colorado Eagles at the Budweiser Events Center on Tue Dec 21, 2021 (image by the San Jose Barracuda)

by Marko Ukalovic

LOVELAND, Colo. — The San Jose Barracuda’s power play is heating up.

They scored twice on the power play as it was the difference in their 4-1 victory over the Colorado Eagles on Tuesday evening at Budweiser Events Center.

San Jose have won two games in a row and three out of its last four games. They climbed out of the cellar in the Pacific Division with 21 points. Colorado have lost four games in row.

San Jose (10-12-1-0) drew first blood 33 seconds into the first period. Captain Jacob Megna sent in a shot from the left point and Jeffery Viel redirected the puck past Eagles goalie Justus Annunen to the short side for his third goal of the season. Adam Raska received the secondary assist.

Colorado (10-11-2-2) answered back with a power play goal halfway through the opening frame. Rob Hamilton made a quick pass over to Martin Kaut who skated in from the right point and wired a wrist shot through a screened ‘Cuda goalie Alexei Melnichuk for his fifth goal of the season at the 10:54 mark.

The Barracuda regained the lead with a power play goal. Nick Cicek found Sasha Chmeleveski along the right boards. Chmeleveski’s initial shot on goal was saved by Annunen but he cashed in his own rebound for his fifth goal of the season at the 16:27 mark.

Jasper Weatherby, who was sent down to the ‘Cuda by the Sharks as the parent team has had both of their scheduled games this week canceled by the NHL due to ever growing Covid protocols, received the secondary assist as he made his AHL debut.

Despite doubling up on the ‘Cuda on the shot clock 12-6, Colorado found itself trailing by one at the first intermission.

San Jose extended their lead early in the second period with its second power play goal on a five-on-three opportunity. Nick Merkley sent in a shot from between the faceoff circles where Jayden Halbgewachs tipped it past the five-hole of Annunen for his eighth goal of the season at the 5:15 mark.

The ‘Cuda has five power plays goals in their past three games.

Halbgewachs, who made his NHL debut for the Sharks last Thursday, scored in his first game back with the ‘Cuda.

The Barracuda squandered an opportunity to tack on to their lead with five minutes left in the middle frame when Raska drew two penalties on the same shift on Jean-Luc Foudy and Dalton Smith. The Eagles penalty kill led by Annunen kept themselves in the game by not allowing a goal on the full two-minute five-on-three power play.

Viel scored his second goal of the game and fourth of the season with an empty netter from his own defensive zone with 1:06 left in the third period to seal the deal for the Barracuda.

Melnichuk (6-5-1) finished the game stopping 34 of the 35 shots to earn his six victory of the season and has won back-to-back games. Annunen made 22 saves on 25 in the losing effort. He is now 1-4 against ‘Cuda this season.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished 2-for-8 on the power play. Colorado was 1-for-4.

San Jose is 4-0-1 against Colorado this season and are 3-0 at the Budweiser Events Center.

The Three Stars of the Game were: 1) Melnichuk 2) Halbgewachs 3) Kaut

UP NEXT: San Jose and Colorado concludes their two-games series on Wednesday 12/22 at 6:05pm at the Budweiser Events Center.

Haliburton’s 24 pt effort for not as Warriors defeat Kings 113-98

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Sacramento Kings guard Buddy Hield (24) takes it to the Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Mon Dec 20, 2021 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum

Monday, December 20, 2021 Unofficially, it was Stephen Curry Night at Chase Center in San Francisco, and the longtime Golden State star didn’t disappoint. Curry set the NBA record for career 3-pointers last week against the New York Knicks, and, upon the Warriors return home, was honored with a video tribute in the first half of the Warriors’ 113-98 win over visiting Sacramento.

Curry, who broke Ray Allen’s previous mark of 2,973 treys, finished with 30 points and four assists. Draymond Green added 16 points, 11 rebounds and ten assists for Golden State (25-6), giving the veteran his 31st career triple-double.

Damion Lee was seven of eight from the field and finished with 18 points. Tyrese Haliburton led the Kings (13-19) with 24 points and 11 assists, and Harrison Barnes scored 19 points. The game was competitive until the Warriors took over in the fourth quarter.

After Buddy Hield hit a go-ahead three with 1:34 remaining in the third quarter, Gary Payton II tallied five straight points, and the Warriors took an 84-79 lead into the fourth quarter. Both teams were affected by COVID-19 protocols.

The Warriors were without Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins, while Sacramento was hit much harder, as the Kings were down to six players. De’Aaron Fox, Marvin Bagley III, Terence Davis, Louis King, Alex Len and Davion Mitchell were all held out of the contest due to COVID guidelines, along with interim head coach Alvin Gentry.

Assistant coach Doug Christie ran the Kings in Gentry’s absence. The Kings’ Richaun Holmes missed his seventh straight game with a right eye injury. Sacramento hosts the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, and Golden State hosts the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday.

Shorthanded Kings beat Spurs by seven 121-114 at Golden One

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San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) guards against Sacramento Kings center Tristan Thompson (13) Sun Dec 18, 2021 at Golden One Center in Sacramento in the first half of NBA action. (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings (13-18) were back in action on Sunday afternoon as they welcomed in the San Antonio Spurs (11-18) to Golden One Center. The Kings, fresh off an awful short-handed loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, were looking to clean up their effort.

However, it would be a tall task for the Kings as they remained understaffed, with the likes of De’Aaron Fox and Davion Mitchell still on the COVID list. The Kings managed to pull out the victory in a tough-fought matchup with the Spurs 121-114.

The Kings were off to a good start against the Spurs in the first quarter. The Kings offense was firing on all cylinders. The Kings put up a solid 37 points in the first quarter as the Spurs lack of defense was on full display. On the other hand, the Spurs were only able to score 27 points in the first to dig themselves an early deficit against the Kings.

The Spurs managed to flip the script in the second quarter. The Kings offense cooled, and the defense couldn’t step up. The Spurs scored 29 points in the second quarter as the Kings offense could only add 26 to their total.

Neither team played much defense in the first half as the Kings would go into halftime with a 63-56 lead. Damian Jones led the way in the first half for the Kings putting up a surprising 14 points. Tyrese Haliburton added 12 points in the first half. Lonnie Walker led the Spurs in the first half scoring 16 points.

In the third quarter, it appeared the Kings meltdown woes were coming back to bite them yet again. However, the Kings managed to get the game back under control before it got out of hand. The Spurs outscored the Kings in the third quarter, but it was only by one point, 29-28.

The Kings managed to stop the bleeding and not fall behind their opponent as they did on Friday night. The Kings would need to tighten up the defensive end in the final quarter if they wanted to get out of town with a win.

The Kings managed to do what they needed to win the game 121-114. The Kings received a significant contribution from Buddy Hield in the final quarter as the Kingd managed to outscore the Spurs. The last 12 minutes saw the Kings score 30 points compared with the Spurs 29.

Neither team shined on the defensive end of the floor all night. The Kings allowed at least 27 points in each quarter to the Spurs and scored at least 26 in each quarter themselves. The Kings were led in victory by impressive performances from Buddy Hield (29 points), Tyrese Haliburton (27 points), and Damian Jones (23 points).

The Spurs most significant contributors were Dejounte Murray and Lonnie Walker, who had 25 and 19 points, respectively. It was an excellent win for the short-handed Kings, who improved to 13-18 on the season. The Spurs fell to 11-18 on the year.

Up Next: The Kings have a quick 15-minute flight over to the Bay Area as they take on the Golden State Warriors on Monday at 7 PM PST at Chase Center.

Grizzlies clobber Kings 124-105; Sac has lost four of last five games

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Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks (24) drives past the Sacramento Kings center Damian Jones (30) at Golden One Arena in Sacramento on Fri Dec 17, 2021 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Kings were back in action against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night at home. The Kings last played on Wednesday when they took on the Washington Wizards.

The Kings handled the Wizards, defeating them 119-105. However, on Friday, the Kings were significantly short-handed. Kings head coach Alvin Gentry had tested positive for Covid earlier this week, and many staff members and players had to enter protocols as a result.

The players who missed Friday’s matchup were De’Aaron Fox, Davion Mitchell, and Alex Len. The short-handed Kings would try their best against the Grizzlies but ultimately fell 124-105.

In the first quarter, the Kings and Grizzlies both got off to a solid start on the offensive end. However, neither team’s defense looked outstanding as the shots fell for both teams. The Kings scored 31 points in the first quarter as the Grizzlies put up 29.

In the first quarter, the severely short-handed Kings got a much-needed lift from Harrison Barnes as he led the game with eight points. On the other hand, the Grizzlies got six points from De’Anthony Melton.

It was a very inconsistent quarter for the Kings in the second quarter. The Kings played great in the first half of the quarter. However, as the quarter came to a close, the Kings unraveled. The Kings built a 50-35 lead with 5:50 left in half, but it was short-lived.

The Kings lost the lead almost as quickly as they made it by the sloppy defense and unnecessary turnovers. The Kings had nine turnovers in the second quarter and 11 in the game, leading to 17 points so far. The Kings were outscored by the Grizzlies 29-25 in the second quarter.

The Kings were led by Harrison Barnes in the first half, who scored 15 points. Dillion Brooks led the way in the first half for the Grizzlies with 13 points. The Grizzlies took their 58-56 lead into the second half against the Kings. The Kings would need to clean up the messy play in the second half to have a chance at winning the game.

In the third quarter, the Kings meltdown continued. The Kings allowed the Grizzlies to score 33 points in the third quarter, but that wasn’t the biggest problem. The Kings offense only scored 19 points in the third. So, the Kings were left with a massive deficit heading into the final quarter 91-75.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings showed some heart but ultimately fell to the Grizzlies 124-105. The Grizzlies outscored the Kings 33-30 in the final quarter to finish off the blowout of the Kings. The Kings held their own in the first half but could not contain the duo of Jaren Jackson and Dillon Brooks, who had 21 and 23 points respectively.

The Kings were led in defeat by Tyrese Haliburton, who scored 21 points. It was a disappointing game for the Kings, who were also short-handed due to Covid.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday at 3 PM PST at Golden One Center.