The Sacramento Kings clinched their third consecutive victory by defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 138-133 on January 3, 2025, thanks to Malik Monk's impressive 31-point performance.
Leading the charge for the Kings, Monk decisively contributed to the scoreboard, scoring 11 of his 31 points during the pivotal fourth quarter. His offensive burst helped maintain Sacramento's narrow lead as the game intensified. "I just look to be aggressive when it counts, especially late in games," Monk said after the game.
The game showcased his exceptional shooting ability, as Monk hit 6 of 12 attempts from beyond the arc, including three clutch 3-pointers within the fourth quarter alone, which halted the Grizzlies' rally. With 7:23 left, Monk made his first big shot with a 23-footer to regain the lead for Sacramento, marking the start of his late-game scoring spree.
De’Aaron Fox also played a significant role, scoring 23 points and contributing 5 assists. Just before the game concluded, Fox found himself limping after taking a hard foul from the Grizzlies, briefly raising concerns among fans. "It was tough—I just wanted to help my team seal this win," he expressed, indicating he was able to push through the discomfort.
The Kings started strong with impressive accuracy from beyond the arc, netting 10 three-pointers by the end of the first quarter and totaling 63 points from long range. Trey Lyles also impressed early on, scoring 16 points, all from the perimeter.
The match was tightly contested throughout, evident when the Grizzlies managed to tie the game at 100 with just over one minute left in the third quarter, spurred on by Jaren Jackson Jr.'s free throws. Notably, the Grizzlies attempted to stage a comeback after trailing by 15 points at one stage.
Despite the Kings’ earlier momentum, the final quarter turned chippy—players from both teams exchanged verbal jabs, culminating with Fox receiving a Flagrant 1 foul after colliding with Scotty Pippen Jr. Monk had to be separated from several Grizzlies players, showcasing the fire of competition.
Monk's offensive contributions were complemented by DeMar DeRozan, who added 29 points to the Kings' tally, making significant contributions to the team's late-game strategy. His experience alongside Monk's explosiveness was pivotal during tense moments.
Domantas Sabonis not only scored 17 points but also recorded 10 rebounds and tied for the team lead with 6 assists. His all-around play continued to highlight his importance to the Kings' lineup.
On the other side, the Grizzlies featured notable performances, particularly from rookie Jaylen Wells, who poured in 30 points. Jackson and Desmond Bane both added over 20 points, contributing significantly to the Grizzlies' offensive efforts. Bane's strong performance also included 8 assists and 7 rebounds.
Post-game, Kings head coach Doug Christie praised his players: "This is the spirit we needed; they played with heart and connected on the court. Taking on challenges like the Grizzlies boosts our confidence."
Entering the game, the Kings were riding high after their recent coaching changes following Mike Brown's departure, finding success under Christie, who was reinstated as the interim coach. Their proactive play style bore fruit on the court, with multiple players stepping up.
Looking forward, the Kings anticipate continuing this form as they work to climb the Western Conference standings. The win over Memphis was not just another victory; it was another step toward solidifying the team’s identity and resilience.
With their next matchup on the horizon, the Kings remain dangerously positioned to capitalize on their recent momentum as they aim to build on their successive wins and solidify their playoff aspirations for the 2024-2025 NBA season.