KEY POINTS
- The Sacramento Kings ended a franchise-record nine-game losing streak with a 103-100 victory in Memphis.
- De’Aaron Fox led the scoring for Sacramento with 28 points, including several clutch baskets in the final minutes.
- Ja Morant returned to the Grizzlies’ lineup after an injury absence but could not secure the win at home.
The Sacramento Kings finally broke their silence on Monday night by defeating the Memphis Grizzlies. Sacramento secured a narrow 103-100 win to snap a devastating nine-game losing streak. This skid had set a new record for the worst slump in the history of the franchise. The victory provides much-needed relief for a team struggling to stay relevant in the Western Conference standings.
De’Aaron Fox carried the offensive burden for the Kings throughout the tightly contested matchup. The star guard finished the evening with 28 points and six assists. He excelled in the fourth quarter, scoring eight points in the final three minutes to maintain the lead. Fox’s ability to navigate the Memphis defense proved to be the deciding factor in the outcome.
Domantas Sabonis anchored the interior for Sacramento with another strong double-double performance. He recorded 18 points and grabbed 14 rebounds while battling the physical Memphis frontcourt. Sabonis also contributed five assists, often finding open shooters when the Grizzlies collapsed on his post moves. His presence on the glass prevented Memphis from gaining many second-chance scoring opportunities.
The Memphis Grizzlies welcomed superstar Ja Morant back to the court following a multi-game injury absence. Morant showed flashes of his typical explosiveness and finished the game with 22 points. However, he struggled with his perimeter shooting, missing several key three-pointers during the closing stretch. His return provided an emotional lift to the home crowd despite the eventual loss.
Jaren Jackson Jr. provided a significant defensive presence for the Grizzlies with four blocked shots. He also added 20 points and showcased his ability to score from both inside and outside. Despite his efforts, Memphis struggled to find consistent secondary scoring from their bench players. The Grizzlies shot under 40 percent from the field as a team during the second half.
The game remained undecided until the very last possession at FedExForum. Memphis had a chance to tie the game with a three-point attempt in the final seconds. However, Sacramento’s perimeter defense forced a difficult shot that rimmed out as time expired. The Kings’ players celebrated on the court as the weight of their losing streak finally lifted.
Sacramento head coach Mike Brown praised his team’s mental toughness after the resilient performance. He noted that the group remained unified despite the intense pressure of the recent losses. Brown emphasized the importance of defensive communication, which had been a major weakness during the losing streak. The Kings now return home for a three-game stand starting on Wednesday.
Memphis must now regroup as they continue their push for a higher playoff seed. Coach Taylor Jenkins expressed disappointment with the team’s late-game execution and turnover rate. The Grizzlies will focus on reintegrating Morant into the primary offensive flow over the next week. Both teams are currently fighting for positioning in a crowded and competitive Western Conference.
