Sacramento (13-19) at Memphis (21-11)
- Game info: 8:00 pm EST Tue Jan 10, 2006
- TV: KXTV
Looking to rebound after their five-game winning streak was snapped with their worst loss of the season, the Memphis Grizzlies try to extend a season-best four-game home win streak in a matchup with the Sacramento Kings.
The Grizzlies put together their most dominant defensive effort of the season Friday, routing Utah 87-65. Apparently, Memphis didn’t have much left for the defensive end when it played the next night.
Chicago shot 62 percent from the field and routed Memphis 111-82 on Saturday. That field-goal percentage was a season high against the Grizzlies, who came in allowing an NBA-low 86.7 points per game.
“They shot the ball incredibly well, they beat us in every facet, off the dribble defensively and shooting,” said Memphis coach Mike Fratello, whose team suffered its most lopsided loss of the season. “It was just a struggle for us the entire night. Not much to say other than they put a beating on us.”
One night after holding the Jazz to season lows of 65 points and 31 percent shooting, the Grizzlies appeared a step slow in their second game in two days.
“It was a matter of energy and hustle,” said forward Paul Gasol, who had 15 points, his lowest output in 10 games. “We were a little too flat without the energy necessary to win a game like this when a team is playing with that kind of confidence.”
Antonio Burks scored a career-high 18 points for Memphis.
The Grizzlies hope to be rejuvenated by a return to FedExForum, where they have held opponents to 36.2 percent shooting in winning their last four games.
The Grizzlies have allowed 100 points only twice in 16 home contests this season. They have the best defense in the league on their home court, holding opponents to 40.6 percent shooting and allowing 84.7 points per game.
The struggling Kings, meanwhile, are 4-8 on the road. Sacramento, which has played the fewest road games in the league, will be opening a three-game trip after playing only one road game in the last three weeks.
Sacramento has won 12 of the last 14 meetings with the Grizzlies, but the Kings have been plagued by injuries this season. They are coming off one of their worst losses of the season, 108-83 to Indiana on Sunday.
Sacramento shot 39.5 percent (30-of-76) from the floor, with Mike Bibby going 1-for-10 and finishing with five points. Bibby had scored in double figures in his previous 29 games.
Peja Stojakovic managed just 12 points on 4-of-10 shooting.
“We didn’t compete. It’s hard for me to understand,” Sacramento coach Rick Adelman said. “They started imposing their will, and we just backed down and moved out of the way. We’re not that good right now; we have to play better as a group and we’re not.”
The Kings had 14 assists against the Pacers, their lowest total since their season opener. Seven of Sacramento’s last eight opponents have reached the 100-point mark.
Kenny Thomas led the Kings with 21 points in his fifth start of the season.
Kings forward Shareef Abdur-Rahim has missed five straight games with a broken jaw, while Bonzi Wells, traded to the Kings by the Grizzlies for Greg Ostertag and Bobby Jackson in September, has missed seven in a row with a torn groin muscle. Neither starter is expected back anytime soon.
Team Comparison
| Team | Record | Standings | PF | PA | Road/Home | Streak | L10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sacramento | 44-38 | 4th Pacific / 8th West | 98.9 | 97.3 | Road 17-24 | Won 3 | 8-2 |
| Memphis | 49-33 | 3rd Southwest / 5th West | 92.2 | 88.5 | Home 30-11 | Won 5 | 8-2 |

Currently:
Sactown Royalty
Straight Outta Vancouver
