SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The Sacramento Kings claimed victory over the Memphis Grizzlies with a thrilling score of 138-133 on January 3, 2025, thanks to standout performances from Malik Monk and DeMar DeRozan.
Malik Monk exploded onto the court scoring 31 points, hitting 6-of-12 from long range, and spearheading the Kings' effort when it mattered most. DeMar DeRozan contributed significantly as well, racking up 29 points as the Kings secured their third consecutive win. De’Aaron Fox, another key player for Sacramento, also made his presence known with 23 points.
This win marked not only another notch for the Kings but also the display of team resilience following the recent coaching shakeup. Just one week prior, the Kings had unexpectedly released former Coach of the Year Mike Brown, and interim coach Doug Christie emphasized the importance of claiming victories at their home venue, the Golden 1 Center.
The Kings sprinted out of the gate, showcasing their shooting prowess, especially from beyond the arc. They opened the game strong, shooting 10-of-18 from three-point range, creating momentum by scoring 46 points during the first quarter, the second-most points scored by any NBA team this season. Despite the Grizzlies’ efforts, which included shooting 7-of-11 from deep during the first quarter, the Kings were able to maintain control, leading 78-72 at halftime.
Jaylen Wells, the Grizzlies' rookie from Sacramento and Folsom High School, put up impressive numbers as well, finishing with 30 points on 8-of-9 shooting, making his mark during his homecoming. Jaren Jackson Jr. also contributed significantly, scoring 28 points, but the Grizzlies were left wanting as they fell short.
After leading 102-100 at the end of the third quarter, the Kings faced adversity when Scotty Pippen Jr. put Memphis ahead 110-109 with free throws early 4th quarter. But Monk, showcasing ferocious determination, ignited the Kings' response, netting 11 points during the final frame and hit the go-ahead three-pointer with just under five minutes left.
The Kings executed well offensively, finishing with 37 assists, nearly two short of matching their season-high, and knocked down 21 three-pointers collectively. Along with Monk and DeRozan, Domantas Sabonis contributed with 17 points, and Keon Ellis added 13 points as the Kings displayed exceptional teamwork.
Defensively, the Kings faced challenges but held their fort during the final moments, with both teams becoming increasingly aggressive. Tensions escalated as De’Aaron Fox fell hard after contact with Jackson, leading to multiple flared tempers on both sides. Jackson fouled out toward the end of the game, which hindered Memphis' comeback efforts.
“One thing I know about [Monk] is he’s not going to shrink in the moment,” remarked interim head coach Doug Christie, highlighting the significance of Monk's performance during the clutch moments of the game.
The Kings' victory has ignited hope within the fanbase and marks the rebuilding process under new leadership. Monk reflected, “We have found our identity as the kind of team that's going to outwork our opponent,” showcasing the desire for the team to learn and grow.
After this victory, the Kings now hold a 16-19 record and are gearing up for their first encounter this season against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday. The Grizzlies will also face the Warriors the following night as both teams look to continue improving their standings.
Despite their physical loss, the Grizzlies, now at 23-12, remain competitive, guided by the talents of their stars and young prospects like Wells, who appears to be rapidly developing within the league. The Kings are determined to carry this winning momentum with numerous games lined up as the season continues to play out.