Reshaped Grizzlies find rhythm, execute crucial ball movement and timely shots to conquer Kings after a turbulent week.
The Memphis Grizzlies found their footing at the end of a chaotic stretch, closing strong Wednesday night to secure a 129-125 victory over the Sacramento Kings.
Behind late shot-making from Cam Spencer and a steady offensive performance from Ty Jerome, the Grizzlies won their second straight game while sending Sacramento to a season-worst 10th consecutive loss. The win came less than 24 hours after Memphis finalized a franchise-altering trade that sent Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah, with the trade deadline still looming.
Jerome scored a game-high 28 points on 10-of-14 shooting and added seven assists while filling in for Ja Morant. Spencer finished with 20 points, but his final minutes defined the outcome. He knocked down a go-ahead 3-pointer with 2:08 remaining, followed with a 16-footer to maintain separation, then answered a late DeMar DeRozan 3-pointer by drilling a deep triple with 18 seconds left to restore a four-point cushion.
Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo said the group’s response after halftime reflected growing trust within a reshaped rotation.
“Overall, I thought first half we didn’t do a great job protecting the rim,” Iisalo said. “We allowed them to score 38 points in the paint in the first half, and second half we did a much better job. In the end, I thought we moved the ball really well at crucial stages of the game.”
Memphis took control for good when Jaylen Wells buried a 3-pointer for a 117-114 lead with 4:21 remaining. The Grizzlies never trailed again, converting every key possession that followed. Wells scored 18 points, while GG Jackson added 16, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope contributed 15, and Santi Aldama returned from a four-game absence to post 12 points and six rebounds.
Caldwell-Pope said the win reflected how quickly younger players are absorbing late-game responsibilities.
“It shows growth,” he said. “They’ve been paying attention to the game plan and going out there, being patient, and executing the offense that the coaches put out there for them.”
Sacramento kept pressure on throughout, led by Domantas Sabonis, who finished with 24 points and a game-high 15 rebounds. Sabonis dominated early, scoring 20 of his points in the first half, as the Kings attacked the paint before Memphis adjusted defensively.
The Kings also received 20 points from DeRozan, 14 from Nique Clifford, and 13 apiece from Russell Westbrook and Malik Monk. Westbrook moved into 14th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with a first-quarter 3-pointer, passing Hakeem Olajuwon.
Memphis’ advantage came from the perimeter. The Grizzlies shot 43.9% from 3-point range and outscored Sacramento 54-33 from beyond the arc, a decisive margin in a game where neither team led by more than eight.
Iisalo said Jerome’s extended fourth-quarter run was a calculated decision.
“Our discussion with him was more about how we distribute that fourth quarter,” Iisalo said. “We felt like we were a little bit down, so we let him roll and look to get us back into the game.”
Wells acknowledged the emotional weight surrounding the locker room following multiple departures.
“It was definitely sad to lose those guys, especially Trip,” Wells said. “Being able to put it aside and come out and get a win was important.”
Memphis continues its road trip with back-to-back games in Portland on Friday and Saturday, carrying forward a win shaped by balance, trust, and timely execution.