The post-Cousins, post-trade world has seen the Kings focus much more on developing young talent, learning lessons, and resting veterans. That shift in priorities and the gap in talent left by the moves made at the deadline have caused Sacramento to struggle mightily on the defensive end of the floor. Prior to tonight’s win against Memphis, the Kings were giving up 110 points per game after the All-Star break, but tonight Dave Joerger’s squad was able to hold the Grizzlies to just 90 points on 34% shooting.

With Marc Gasol sitting out of the game due to a foot injury, the matchup evolved into a battle of the point guards. Darren Collison was the much more efficient leader of his team, scoring 23 points on 8/13 shooting, grabbing 4 rebounds, and dishing out 7 assists while Mike Conley had to take 23 shots to get his 22 points, along with 3 rebounds, and 9 dimes. Zach Randolph also had a solid game for the Grizzles, scoring 17 points and recording 15 rebounds and Willie Cauley-Stein filled the stat sheet with 12 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal for the Kings.

In the back-and-fourth affair, each team attempted to impose their gameplan on the other throughout the entire contest. Memphis tried to slow the game down in the half-court through set plays and hustling after every possible rebound. The Grizzlies pounded the Kings on the glass, outrebounding them 45-36 overall and 19-8 on offensive rebounds. That focus on each loose ball enabled Memphis to keep the game close, even though they shot a full 12% worse from the floor. On the other hand, when Sacramento made a stop, they pushed the ball as quickly up the floor as possible, outscoring Memphis 18-4 on fastbreak points. In the end, the Kings were able to make one more offensive play than the Grizzlies and were able to secure the victory.

After an impressive comeback win against the Clippers last night, it’s encouraging to see the Kings win in a less dramatic, start-to-finish manner over another playoff contender.

Game Notes