The Memphis Grizzlies extended their home win streak to seven games with a 115-110 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night. Marcus Smart’s clutch free throws with 2.9 seconds remaining secured the win.
Desmond Bane contributed 18 points and seven assists for Memphis, while Jaren Jackson Jr. and Santi Aldama each added 15 points. Aldama also grabbed 10 rebounds as Memphis improved to 15-8 on the season.
DeMar DeRozan led the Kings with 26 points, supported by Malik Monk’s 23 points. Domantas Sabonis delivered a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds, while De’Aaron Fox added 18 points for Sacramento, which has now lost seven of its last nine games.
Ja Morant struggled offensively, going 2-for-13 from the field and missing all six of his three-point attempts. His frustrations with officiating resulted in two technical fouls and an ejection with 6:45 left in the game.
The Kings capitalized on Memphis’ 22 turnovers, scoring 29 points off giveaways. Despite this, the Grizzlies outshot Sacramento from beyond the arc, connecting on 13 of 38 attempts compared to the Kings’ 8 of 35. Memphis remains undefeated this season (11-0) when making more three-pointers than their opponents.
Sacramento controlled the offensive glass with a 16-9 edge, but poor shooting hindered their efforts. The team shot just 39.8% from the field, including 22.9% from deep.
For Memphis, Smart provided stability in the closing moments, finishing with 18 points on 5-of-9 shooting, including four three-pointers. Jake LaRavia added 12 points and eight rebounds off the bench, while Jay Huff contributed 11 points.
The Kings’ DeRozan continued his efficient scoring, hitting 13 of 14 free throws. However, key players like Fox and Sabonis were unable to convert critical opportunities as Memphis held firm defensively.
The Grizzlies’ next challenge will be maintaining their momentum on the road, while Sacramento looks to rebound as their record falls to 10-13.
