The Sacramento Kings put together one of their most impressive offensive performances this season, prevailing over the Memphis Grizzlies with a final score of 138-133 on January 3, 2025. This victory marked the Kings' third consecutive win, showcasing their offensive firepower and strategic adjustments under Coach Doug Christie.
Malik Monk led the charge for Sacramento with a game-high 31 points, supported by six other players who scored in double digits. This includes forward Trey Lyles, who finished with 16 points, perfect from the field at 6-6, and ace three-point shooter, making 4-4 from beyond the arc. The Kings displayed high energy and pace reminiscent of their past successes as they surged out to a significant lead early in the game.
The matchup had its fair share of drama from the outset, as both teams came firing with impressive shooting from distance. By the midway point of the first quarter, the score was knotted at 23-23, with the Kings hitting five three-pointers and the Grizzlies six. This rapid pace helped Sacramento take control, managing to finish the quarter with an impressive 46-32 lead after making 10 three-pointers out of 18 attempts.
On the flip side, the Kings’ defense looked like it needed improvement, with Memphis getting the shots they wanted both inside and outside. The Grizzlies capitalized on this, managing to outscore the Kings 40-32 during the second quarter, driven by their size advantage and ability to get to the free-throw line far more frequently. By halftime, the Kings maintained a tenuous 78-72 lead.
The third quarter saw both teams battle intensely, but it was Memphis who began to find their rhythm again, particularly through rookie Jaylen Wells, who hit three three-pointers to help his team close the gap. Sacramento, meanwhile, found their offense stalling, outscored by the Grizzlies, 28-24, but managed to cling to a slim 102-100 lead by the end of the quarter.
Things got tense in the fourth quarter as both teams exchanged leads. After some physical plays, including a Flagrant 1 foul assessed on Memphis's Scottie Pippen Jr., the Kings regained the lead thanks to some timely shots, particularly from DeMar DeRozan. Known for his midrange game, DeRozan stepped back to take three-pointers, hitting four of seven attempts during the game. This strategic shift sparked the team, as they ramped up their efforts to shoot more from distance. Coach Christie had previously mentioned his desire for the Kings to attempt at least 40 threes per game, and they achieved this goal by hitting 21 of their 47 attempts.
The climax of the game featured both teams vying intently for control, with De’Aaron Fox experiencing struggles against Memphis’s defense, finishing with only 23 points on 7-23 shooting. A notable moment came as Fox attempted to make amends for his performance with a highlight-reel dunk, only to be interrupted by Jaren Jackson Jr.’s hard foul, leading to his ejection. Thankfully, Fox emerged unscathed after the fall.
With the game clock winding down, Kings continued to make contributions to fire up the offense, with Malik Monk taking charge down the stretch. His ability to score both from distance and driving to the basket was on full display, particularly as he stepped back for significant shots, maintaining the Kings’ lead with aggressive plays.
Head Coach Doug Christie also lauded the effort of his team, remarking on their return to shooting form. The impressive performance by Lyles, along with Monk’s clutch shooting, showcased the potential of these Kings as they seek to build momentum for the remainder of the season.
This victory illuminates not just the offensive capabilities of the Sacramento Kings but also offers hope for fans eager to see their team restored to form. While it was not without its challenges, this game might just be the turning point needed to shift the season’s narrative. Looking forward, the Kings will look to extend their winning streak as they prepare to face the Golden State Warriors next.