Kings Finally End Longest Losing Run in Franchise History: The Sacramento Kings ended one of the toughest stretches in franchise history with a 123-114 road win over the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. The victory snapped a 16-game losing streak, the longest ever for the team, and marked their first win since January 16.
Sacramento, now 13-46, showed strong energy, balanced scoring, and physical play inside. The win also ended a long road drought, giving the team only their fourth away victory in the last 30 games.
Russell Westbrook Leads with Experience and Control
Veteran guard Russell Westbrook delivered a strong all-around performance and led the Kings with:
- 25 points
- 7 assists
- 2 rebounds
- 8-of-17 shooting, including 3 three-pointers
His leadership was crucial in the fourth quarter, where Sacramento pulled away with a decisive run.
Interior Dominance Key to the Victory
With Memphis missing several key frontcourt players, Sacramento focused on attacking the paint and controlling the boards.
Frontcourt Impact
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Precious Achiuwa | 22 | 12 | Strong inside scoring and offensive rebounding |
| Maxime Raynaud | 10 | 13 | Double-double and defensive presence |
Team Advantage
- Rebounds: Kings 45 – Grizzlies 37
- Points in the paint: Kings held a clear edge
- Second-chance points: 20–4
Achiuwa was especially effective early, recording 14 points and double-digit rebounds in the first half.
Balanced Offense and Ball Movement
Sacramento’s offense worked efficiently, with seven players scoring in double figures and the team recording 30 assists, showing improved teamwork.
Top Kings Performers
| Player | Points | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| Russell Westbrook | 25 | 7 |
| Precious Achiuwa | 22 | — |
| DeMar DeRozan | 19 | 4 |
| Daeqwon Plowden | 19 | 1 |
| Nique Clifford | 12 | 5 |
| Malik Monk | 10 | 2 |
| Maxime Raynaud | 10 | 2 |
Rookie Nique Clifford stood out with an all-around effort, including rebounds, assists, and defensive plays.
Game Summary: Kings Take Control Late
- 1st Quarter: Kings led 33-25
- Halftime: Sacramento ahead 63-61
- 3rd Quarter: An 18-6 run gave the Kings their first double-digit lead
- 4th Quarter: A 15-4 run, highlighted by a Westbrook three-pointer, sealed the game
Sacramento entered the final period with a 92-89 lead and never allowed Memphis to recover.
Grizzlies Battle but Struggle with Injuries
Memphis, now 21-35, played without several key players and lacked size.
Top Grizzlies Performers
| Player | Points | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| Javon Small | 21 | 9 |
| Olivier-Maxence Prosper | 17 | — |
| GG Jackson | 16 | — |
Star guard Ja Morant missed his 14th straight game due to an elbow injury. Multiple frontcourt absences forced Memphis into a smaller lineup, which Sacramento exploited.
Kings Overcome Their Own Injury Problems
Sacramento also played without several important players, including:
- Zach LaVine
- Domantas Sabonis
- De’Andre Hunter
- Dylan Cardwell
Despite these absences, the team showed strong effort, defensive intensity, and improved ball movement.n.
Upcoming Schedule
Sacramento Kings
- At Houston Rockets – Wednesday
- At Dallas Mavericks – Thursday
- At Los Angeles Lakers – Sunday
Memphis Grizzlies
- Host Golden State Warriors – Wednesday
The Sacramento Kings delivered a much-needed response after weeks of frustration. Strong leadership from Westbrook, dominant inside play, and balanced scoring helped the team finally stop its historic slide. While the season remains challenging, this performance showed resilience and gave Sacramento a positive step forward.
FAQs
How many games had the Kings lost before this win?
They had lost 16 consecutive games, the longest streak in franchise history.
Who was the top scorer for Sacramento?
Russell Westbrook led the team with 25 points.
What was the biggest factor in the win?
Rebounding and inside scoring, especially from Precious Achiuwa and Maxime Raynaud.
What is Sacramento’s current record?
The Kings improved to 13-46.
Why were the Grizzlies undersized?
Several injuries, including Ja Morant and key frontcourt players, forced Memphis to use smaller lineups.
