Close Game, Tough Loss: 3 Takes From Kings’ Grizzlies Matchup
LaVine Delivers Scoring Punch
Zach LaVine scored a game-high 37 points, along with five assists, two rebounds and two steals. He attacked whenever he had the ball and remains a key source of scoring for Sacramento.
The Kings lack other consistent high-volume scorers beyond LaVine and Acuff, so the two guards may take turns leading the team in points. LaVine’s $49 million salary affects his standing around the league, but he has a full green light in Sacramento this season.
Second Chances Hurt Sacramento
The Kings were tied with Memphis at 106 with 5:41 left, but could not keep pace down the stretch. The game also brought Sacramento’s first official clutch minutes, defined as a five-point margin or less during the final five minutes.
Memphis scored 30 second-chance points from 18 offensive rebounds, while Sacramento had 16 offensive boards and 21 points off them. Turnovers compounded the problem, and Sacramento’s second-chance opportunities appeared harder to convert.
Clifford Sits In Crowded Rotation
Nique Clifford played just over two minutes against Portland and did not appear against Memphis. His absence comes as the Kings sort out minutes across a crowded backcourt and at small forward.
Rookie Emanuel Sharp has impressed with his defense, while Doug Christie likes Daeqwon Plowden’s energy and hustle. Even with Keegan Murray out, minutes were limited; it remains too early to know what Clifford’s role will become, but the pattern bears watching.
Key points
- LaVine led all scorers with 37 points in Sacramento’s 123-112 defeat.
- Memphis turned 18 offensive rebounds into 30 second-chance points.
- The Kings fell to 0-3 after the game was tied at 106 with 5:41 left.
- Clifford did not play against Memphis after a brief appearance against Portland.