The Sacramento Kings came into against the Memphis Grizzlies aiming to end a four-game skid—and they did just that. Sacramento capitalized on a depleted Grizzlies roster, pulling out a 132-122 win, even as Desmond Bane exploded for 44 points on 15-of-26 shooting, including a flawless 7-of-7 from deep.
Malik Monk paced the Kings with 28 points and seven assists, helping secure the much-needed win. Zach LaVine contributed 23 points and six assists, while DeMar DeRozan chipped in with 22 points, six rebounds, and nine assists. After the game, the Kings posted a simple four-word message on social media: “Kings tame the Grizzlies.”
The Grizzlies were missing star guard Ja Morant on Monday, but the Kings’ win was still a strong performance. Sacramento also had to overcome the early loss of their standout center, Domantas Sabonis, who exited after just 12 minutes due to a facial laceration. Despite his absence, Malik Monk, Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan rose to the occasion to lead the Kings to a crucial victory, snapping their four-game losing streak.
The win gives Sacramento a three-game cushion over the Dallas Mavericks for ninth place in the Western Conference and leaves them three and a half games behind the Los Angeles Clippers for the eighth spot. The Kings will now try to carry this momentum into Wednesday’s matchup against the surging Cleveland Cavaliers.