It is three games into a five-game road trip, and the Grizzlies are in the midst of a losing streak. This time it was the best Kings team in over a decade, and the Grizzlies were well and truly trounced.
Let’s get into it.
Missing two important players, Ja Morant and Steven Adams, the Grizzlies went into Monday night’s matchup in Sacramento at a disadvantage. But it was scorching hot shooting and crashing the defensive glass that propelled the Kings to victory.
The game opened with Harrison Barnes, noted Griz killer, sinking consecutive three-point baskets. The Kings would ultimately go 12 of 13 from beyond the arc in their 47-point first quarter. Sacramento made as many three pointers in the first quarter as the Grizzlies did for the entire game.
Memphis stepped up on defense and offense during the second quarter, and by the halfway point had managed to pull within 5 points.
It was during the second half that the game really slipped away, and the Kings took their lead and ran with it. Memphis head coach Taylor Jenkins cleared the Grizzlies’ bench with 5:29 left in the fourth quarter. Sacramento held Memphis to just 10 points in the final period.
By The Numbers:
The Grizzlies got double-digit scoring for all the starters, and lackluster offensive contribution from the second unit. Desmond Bane had a team-high 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists, including 3 of 4 from three-point range. Jaren Jackson Jr finished with 19 points and 5 rebounds, while shooting 3 of 6 from three-point range. Dillon Brooks had 13 points and 6 assists, and Xavier Tillman Sr closed out with 10 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals.
Who Got Next?
The West Coast road trip continues. The Grizzlies will be heading to San Francisco to face off against the reigning champion Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, January 25th. Tip-off is at 9 PM CST.
