The Kings controlled much of the game against the Grizzlies. In the first half, Sacramento pushed the pace, attacked the paint and applied defensive pressure. In the second quarter, the Kings forced 6 turnovers that led to transition baskets. Domantas Sabonis left the game for the first time after taking a hard hit above his eye that required stitches in the locker room. After which, the Kings maintained momentum thanks to a nice spark by Jake LaRavia off the bench against his former team. The second quarter of this game was some of the best defense of the season for Sacramento. The Grizzlies, which lead the league in points per game, were completely disrupted by the Kings aggressive defense – deflections and steals leading to transition baskets. Malik Monk dropped in 15 first half points and Zach LaVine added 16, including a buzzer-beating three to close out the first half.
Sabonis re-entered the game stitched up above his eye.
The Kings would take a 65-54 lead into the half. They had 18 assists and forced Memphis into 12 turnovers for 14 points. Thanks to the defense, the Kings maintained a lead while shooting just 33 percent from three.
In the third, Sacramento held its ground even while Desmond Bane went off from three. The Grizzlies did gain a little ground in the quarter as a result of Sacramento not keeping up the same intensity on defense for spurts. The Kings offense helped Sacramento maintain control despite the Grizzlies momentum.
The big problem in the third quarter was when Domantas Sabonis rolled his right ankle and required assistance walking off the floor. He was visibly in a lot of pain and did not return to the game. While everyone in the building held their breath that Domas was OK, the rest of the team continued to plug away, staying an efficient 52% from the field.
In the fourth quarter, the Kings kept the pressure on and built up an 18-point lead. Bane continued to be lights out of three giving Memphis a chance for a portion of the final period after a 14-3 run. Keegan Murray hit the final dagger with 1:40 remaining and shortly after the “Light The Beam” chants echoed throughout Golden 1 Center.
It was an impressive, and much-needed win.
The Good
- The Defense: There were moments in this game where you just had to sit back and wonder where this has been. The defense, especially in the second quarter was impressive. Sacramento forced 18 turnovers for 21 points and had 11 steals. The effort and intensity was there.
- Maintaining Control: Aside from a few runs and Bane’s shooting, the Kings controlled most of this game. The largest lead was 21.
- Balanced Scoring: 5 players scored in double figures and 6 players had at least 3 assists.
- Sharing the Rock: Speaking of assists, the Kings had 35 of them
- Desmond Bane: He finished with 44 points on 7-7 from three and 15-26 from the field.
- Malik Monk: He led the Kings in scoring with 28 points to go along with 7 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 steal and an efficient 10-17 from the field.
- Jake LaRavia – He clearly wanted to show out for his former team, and he played the part, finishing with 12 points, 2 steals, 1 block and 2 rebounds in 23 minutes off the bench. He did get a little carried away toward the end of the game, fouling a three-point shooter and then getting a technical foul, but he was fired up against Memphis. His spark helped fuel the Kings momentum, even if he did finish the game with 6 fouls and gave the team a little scare late with that last foul. He was a +8 for the game.
The Bad
- Points In the Paint: The Grizzlies won this 54-40, which when you look at it is sort of surprising considering how aggressive the Kings were.
- Rebounding: This is another surprising one considering the game flow, but the Grizzlies outrebounded the Kings 49-38. The Kings defense, ball movement and scoring efficiency made up for it. Also, Sabonis only played 12 minutes, so this number would have looked different otherwise.
- Free Throw Shooting: The Kings shot just 66% from the free throw line.
The Ugly
- Please Be Ok Domantas: When Domas went down after twisting his ankle he was clearly in a lot of pain, needing help to walk off the floor and from the broadcast looked like he could barely stand up when he got to the tunnel. The shot of Doug Christie looking like he just lost his wedding ring after the injury added to the concern. Christie did not have an update on the severity of the injury after the game.
Up Next
The Kings welcome the 56-11 Cleveland Cavaliers to Golden 1 Center Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Great effort! Why the fuck don’t you bring it like that every game?
That’s the difference between where we are and being a top 5 seed.
Especially at home. Win just four of the many home games you’ve gacked up and you’re a top 6 team. Similar story last year.
100%. Having those shoulda, woulda, coulda losses against beatable teams usually ends up biting you.
One point, home losses to DET and ATL stand out to me. Also, the recent LAC road loss. That is 3 without even looking back at the schedule.
Last year it was losing to DET, CHA, WAS, POR.
It’s usually not losses to playoff teams that kill seeding, it’s losing too many of the ones you should win.
I guess it takes three blowout losses in a row to get them to wake up for a game.
It seems they have a great effort game like this once or twice a month.
I’m frackin sorry
LaRavengia Game!
King’s legend Jake Laravia.
An A+ acquisition by Monte.
That song pops into my head nearly every time his name is mentioned. It really irritated me at first, but I got used to it. The Kings fans likely would as well. They should play that short snippet after his scores. Who knows? It might irritate a few opponents here or there.
GSW, MIN and LAC need to start losing every game because we have a crazy schedule.
The April 11th Clippers game might be pretty important depending on how things shake out.
That game was entertaining. I like the hustle and physicality displayed throughout the game. They shared the ball well, moved with a purpose offensively which created open 3s. Nice to have the Kings with the open 3s for once!
DeMar is still a turnstile defensively. He rarely offers any resistance against the offensive player. He may get some deflections or steals here and there, but the rest of his defense is just bad.
Just glad I was able to see some good basketball.
Agreed. I love watching the team ball, effort, defense and intensity from the bench guys; JV, Keon, Laravia, Carter, Lyles.
It makes me kinda hate watching the starting group in comparison.
DDR at this point is limited athletically and with lateral quickness so he can’t keep anyone in front of him. LaVine and Monk are so totally atrocious at off ball/team defense it makes me sick. Lack of awareness, so-so effort (being generous), ball watching (HUGE ISSUE), late and lazy on close outs. It explains the open 3s issues most nights. Having that trio starting and playing a lot of minutes together baffles me, it is basically begging to get lit up.
What frustrates me most is seeing LaVine turn the ball over, then make no effort to chase the play down, barely getting over the half-court line to join his teammates on defense. I’m beginning to wonder if he’s the designated cherry-picker for Vivek’s 4 on 5 scheme.
Oh yeah, that type of shit is the worst.
I think Kings fans will tolerate a lot of mistakes and even bad play if the effort is up (Laravia/Keon).
Seeing quit from a ‘star’ is a no go for me.
Is it normal for teams to play the same team at the same time year over year?
The only reason i ask is last year on March 18th they played the Grizz, and this year on the 17th they played them.
Is that weird or normal?
Probably lazy schedule making from the league
Don’t know but the last 4 seasons we’ve played the Spurs on 11/11, 11/17, 11/17 & 11/10. Figure they probably have a general framework and then go from there.
I am expecting High Ankle Sprain – and if so, that’ll take him out for many weeks.
Badge Legend