Domantas Sabonis (triple-double) carries Kings past Grizzlies
Dec 31, 2023, 7:44 PM | Updated: Jan 3, 2024, 10:36 am
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 31: Malik Monk #0 of the Sacramento Kings reacts during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on December 31, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
(Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Domantas Sabonis snatched a game-high 21 rebounds as part of a triple-double, De’Aaron Fox got the better of Ja Morant in their point guard duel and the Sacramento Kings ran off from the host Memphis Grizzlies for a 123-92 victory Sunday night.
Fox finished with 24 points, seven more than Morant in their first head-to-head of the season, helping the Kings complete a winning trip with a second straight victory after an opening loss at Portland.
Jaren Jackson Jr. put up a team-high 18 points for the Grizzlies, while Desmond Bane and Luke Kennard matched Morant’s 17. Memphis lost its third in a row.
The teams battled to a 29-all tie into the final minute of the first quarter before Sacramento took the upper hand for good by scoring 12 straight points bridging the first two frames. Trey Lyles and Fox contributed 3-pointers to the burst.
Sacramento went on to lead 70-58 at halftime before blowing the game open. The Kings held the hosts to one point over the first 4:28 of the third quarter en route to a 78-59 advantage.
Sabonis complemented his season-high rebound total with 13 points and a game-high 12 assists for his sixth triple-double of the campaign.
The 21 rebounds were four off his career best set in November 2021 at Minnesota while he was with the Indiana Pacers. He also recorded a triple-double that night against the Timberwolves, and he now has four in which he has grabbed at least 20 boards.
Malik Monk paced the Kings with 27 points off the bench, making four of his five 3-point shots. The Kings went 16-for-33 from long range as a team, while Memphis was just 12-for-40.
Lyles finished with 12 points, Harrison Barnes had 11 and Keegan Murray posted 10 for Sacramento, which next opens a four-game homestand.
Bane had team highs in rebounds (seven) and assists (six) for the Grizzlies, who were opening a three-game homestand.
Marcus Smart chipped in with 12 points and three steals for Memphis, which had scored at least 105 points in all six previous games since Morant returned from his season-opening suspension.
–Field Level Media
