The Sacramento Kings edged out the Memphis Grizzlies 138-130 in a high-scoring game on Friday night. Malik Monk led the charge with 31 points, while DeMar DeRozan contributed 29 as Sacramento secured its third consecutive win to improve to 16-19.
De’Aaron Fox added 23 points, helping the Kings outlast Memphis in a game that featured 38 combined three-pointers.
Sacramento led 78-72 at halftime and narrowly maintained a 102-100 advantage entering the fourth quarter. The Grizzlies briefly took a 110-109 lead midway through the final period, but the Kings responded with a decisive 20-10 run, capped by Monk’s three-pointer with 4:21 left.
Jaylen Wells had a standout performance for Memphis with 30 points, including 8-of-9 shooting from beyond the arc. Jaren Jackson Jr. added 28 points, while Desmond Bane chipped in 22.
Despite the efforts of their top scorers, the Grizzlies (23-12) fell short in the absence of key players Ja Morant and Marcus Smart.
Sacramento’s bench also played a pivotal role, with Trey Lyles contributing a perfect 16 points on 6-of-6 shooting. Rookie Devin Carter made his debut following offseason shoulder surgery, logging two assists and five rebounds in 10 minutes. Domantas Sabonis anchored the interior with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Keon Ellis and Kevin Huerter combined for 18 points.
Memphis mounted a strong comeback in the third quarter, tying the game at 100 before Sacramento pulled away late. Monk and DeRozan delivered clutch scoring down the stretch to secure the win.
Zach Edey returned for Memphis after missing two games due to a concussion, providing nine points and seven rebounds off the bench. However, Memphis struggled with turnovers, committing 17 compared to Sacramento’s nine.
Both teams showcased exceptional three-point shooting early, with Sacramento making 10-of-18 from deep in the first quarter, while Memphis hit 7-of-11. The Kings’ offensive efficiency proved critical as they outshot the Grizzlies 49.5% to 48.3% from the field overall.
