The Memphis Grizzlies dominated the Kings by 41 points, extending Sacramento's losing streak to eight games. Domantas Sabonis' absence amplified as Memphis beat Sacramento Thursday night. Santi Aldama’s 29 points led the Grizzlies. Jock Landale scored 21 off the bench while Cedric Coward added 19.
The Sacramento Kings entered the FedEx Forum aiming to snap their seven-game slide. But instead sustained their most lopsided defeat of the young season.
The Memphis Grizzlies pummeled the visiting Kings 137-96 on Thursday night – handing Sacramento its eighth straight loss and tying a previous 34-year-old franchise mark in the process.
The 41-point trouncing marks the second time ever that Sacramento lost by that margin. The Phoenix Suns were the last team to beat the Kings by 41 on Nov. 27, 1991. Sacramento’s most one-sided loss was the 153-91 defeat during the same season against the Golden State Warriors.
Sacramento operated without Domantas Sabonis from the beginning. The big man was ruled out earlier on Thursday with a partial meniscus tear –putting him out of action for the next three to four weeks.
The effect of the 6-foot-10 option’s absence showed inside with Memphis piling 56 points in the paint compared to Sacramento’s 40.
The Kings did briefly lead in the game – at the 10:52 mark of the first quarter. DeMar DeRozan hit two free throws to take the 3-2 lead. But the Grizzlies ignited from there, starting with an 8-2 run.
Zach LaVine broke up the scoring surge from Memphis by stepping back and banking a 19-foot jump shot. Drew Eubanks then nailed a 23-foot three pointer to cut the lead to 15-10. But that became the closet margin for the rest of the night on the Kings’ side.
Memphis erupted with a 40-25 second quarter with GG Jackson and Zach Edey piling the majority of the points – the latter throwing down some fierce dunks to take advantage of Sabonis missing.
LaVine finished with a team-high 26 points on 10-of-17 shooting. But he turned the ball over three times on the night. Russell Westbrook added 11 points and was the only other starter to reach double figures.
DeRozan settled for seven points in 15 minutes of action despite earning the start. Rookie Maxime Raynaud scored 12 points in 21 minutes via a bench role. Keegan Murray became the last King in double figures with 11.
Memphis finished with six different players hitting double figures in points – led by Santi Aldama’s 29 points. Jock Landale scored 21 off the bench while Cedric Coward added 19.
Sacramento is now 1-8 overall in away games. They stay on the road facing the Denver Nuggets on Saturday.