The Sacramento Kings edged out the Memphis Grizzlies with a thrilling 138-133 victory at Golden 1 Center on January 3, 2025. The win marked the Kings' third consecutive victory and raised their record to 16-19 under interim coach Doug Christie.
Malik Monk was the standout performer for Sacramento, scoring 31 points and hitting 11 of those points during the pivotal fourth quarter. De'Aaron Fox contributed with 23 points, solidifying his role as one of the team's key players. Also impressive was Domantas Sabonis, who recorded 17 points along with 10 rebounds and six assists. Supporting efforts came from Trey Lyles, who scored 16 points off the bench, showcasing the team's depth.
On the Grizzlies' side, rookie Jaylen Wells, making his return to Sacramento as an NBA player, earned acclaim for his 30-point performance. Wells, originally from the area and drafted by the Grizzlies, showed his potential as he stepped up during this challenging game. Veteran Jaren Jackson Jr. also had a productive night, scoring 28 points. Desmond Bane added 22 points, securing significant roles for both players amid the team's injury struggles.
The game featured considerable lead changes and tightly contested moments. The Kings jumped to early leads, outscoring the Grizzlies 46-26 in the first quarter. Despite facing challenges, Memphis clawed back, pulling within two points at different stages of the game. The Kings maintained stability, thanks to their offensive execution, shooting above 50% for the game, including solid three-point shooting (14 of 29 from beyond the arc).
Integral to Sacramento's success was their ability to capitalize on Memphis' injuries. The Grizzlies missed significant contributions from star player Ja Morant, who is sidelined with an AC joint sprain, as well as Marcus Smart and several others. This absence tested Memphis' depth, with coach Taylor Jenkins frequently rotating his roster to maintain competitiveness.
"Just what we usually talk about before every game, especially when we’re not on opposing sides... just go out there and play and have fun," said Devin Carter, who made his NBA debut for the Kings after recovering from shoulder surgery earlier this season. His debut was particularly heartfelt as he received support from his father, former NBA player Anthony Carter, who was on the opposing bench as part of the Grizzlies' coaching staff.
Coach Jenkins acknowledged Wells' growth, stating, "I think his approach since Day 1 has been phenomenal. He's competitive and is taking every opportunity seriously." Wells showcased his hard work and determination through consistent play, stepping up as Jaren Jackson Jr. and others faltered.
Despite being down several key players, the Grizzlies showed fight and resilience, managing to be competitive until the very end. Memphis' performance was buoyed by their ability to create offensive opportunities, averaging 123.2 points per game this season, even without Morant. Yet, with defensive struggles against Sacramento's shooters undermining their efforts, they couldn’t quite secure the win.
After the win, Kings fans could be optimistic about the team's direction with the recent elevational play under Coach Christie. The victory offers promising momentum as they look to build on this victory when they face the Golden State Warriors next.
Upcoming challenges await both teams, as the Grizzlies must recover from this loss and regroup to face their next opponents. Meanwhile, the Kings would need to keep their intensity up and address any remaining vulnerabilities on defense if they hope to continue their winning streak.