Grizzlies 89, Kings 87
SACRAMENTO -- The Memphis Grizzlies applied their league-leading defense when they needed it most and came away with an 89-87 victory over the Sacramento Kings Sunday afternoon before an announced crowd of 15,205 at Sleep Train Arena.
The Kings (27-50) never could find an answer to the Grizzles' tough man-to-man defense, particularly during the pivotal fourth quarter.
Sacramento got within 84-83 with less than two minutes remaining in the game, but the Grizzlies (52-25) continued playing physically, led by all-defensive team shooting guard Tony Allen.
Kings center DeMarcus Cousins made two free throws to get Sacramento within one point with 1:25 remaining, then watched Grizzlies center Marc Gasol miss two free throws with 1:09 left.
At the other end, Cousins made a 15-foot jump shot with 44.8 seconds left to give the Kings an 85-84 lead. But Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley made a running jumper with 30 seconds to give Memphis an 86-85 lead.
Cousins was blocked by Gasol with 19.9 seconds left. Memphis backup guard Quincy Pondexter was fouled and made two free throws with 17.9 seconds left for an 88-85 lead. Isaiah Thomas got the Kings within 88-87 on a layup with seven seconds left.
Conley made one of two free-throws with 5.7 seconds left to make it 89-87 Memphis. But Tayshaun Prince blocked a three-point attempt by Marcus Thornton at the buzzer.
The Kings displayed a solid defense of their own and never allowed Memphis pull away.
Cousins led the Kings with 22 points, while Isaiah Thomas had 18 points and eight assists.
Conley led all scorers with 25 points.
NOTES: The Grizzlies have set franchise records this season for wins, overall winning percentage and road victories on the way to qualifying for the playoffs for the third straight season. ... Memphis entered Sunday's contest 22-9 since acquiring Tayshaun Price, Austin Daye and Ed Davis in a three-team deal that sent Rudy Gay to Toronto on Jan. 30. ... The Kings were the first team this season to score 100 points against the Grizzlies in Memphis in a 108-101 defeat. ... Since the All-Star break, the Kings are ranked first in points per game (108.1) heading into Sunday's game. They have scored 100 or more points in 22 of their previous 26 games, including 13 of their past 14 home games.
