Recap: Derrick Rose, Luke Kennard return, but Memphis Grizzlies lose to Kings in blowout
The Grizzlies will have to count on better luck in 2024.
Memphis closed 2023 with a New Years’ Eve blowout loss to the Sacramento Kings at FedExForum, falling 123-92 in a game that was uncompetitive in the second half.
The Grizzlies shot 37% from the field and 30% from 3-point range. They were led by Jaren Jackson Jr., who had 18 points.
Domantas Sabonis led the way for the Kings with a triple-double: 13 points, 21 rebounds and 12 assists. Malik Monk had 27 points and De’Aaron Fox added 24.
It was a back-and-forth first quarter Sunday before the Kings (19-12) took control. They led by 12 at halftime and reeled off an 8-1 run at the beginning of the third quarter to take firm control of the game.
Still, there were positives for Memphis. Luke Kennard made his return from a knee injury and played well, scoring 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including 5-for-8 on 3-pointers.
Derrick Rose also returned, and the Grizzlies now have most of their rotation players back heading into the new year.
Memphis (10-22) is back in action Tuesday at home against the San Antonio Spurs.
Memphis Grizzlies live score updates vs. Sacramento Kings
Fourth quarter
6:33 left: Fans are already heading for the exits as the Kings have opened up a 25-point lead. It looks like the Grizzlies are going to close out 2023 with a loss.
Third quarter
End of quarter: Kings 101, Grizzlies 79. It's been more of the same as the Kings hold on to a 20-plus point lead and the Grizzlies struggle to find a way back in. Time is starting to run out.
5:40 left: Sacramento continues to pull away. The Kings take a 24-point lead and force another timeout from Jenkins. The Grizzlies are struggling to get good shots and can't stop Sacramento on the other end. Fox and Malik Monk each have 17 points to pace the Kings.
9:45 left: The Kings have come out firing in the second half, and Jenkins calls timeout after just 2:15 of action. Sacramento now has a 78-59 lead after reeling off an 8-1 run and hitting consecutive three-pointers.
Second quarter
Halftime: Kings 70, Grizzlies 58.
3:07 left: The Grizzlies have cut into the lead, but the Kings brought it back up to 11. Sabonis now has 10 points and 14 rebounds, and he's helped Sacramento control the pace of the game.
10:16 left: A Kings run forced a Taylor Jenkins timeout. Fox hit a three-pointer to put Sacramento up 41-29 less than two minutes into the quarter.
First quarter
End of quarter: Kings 34, Grizzlies 29. Kennard had an instant impact and hit a three-pointer right away. De'Aaron Fox has eight points to lead the Kings, while Domantas Sabonis already has six points, three assists and nine rebounds.
4:20 left: Kennard checks in to the game and gets a nice ovation from the crowd.
6:05 left: Both teams have had their moments early. Desmond Bane is off to a fast start and the Grizzlies have an early lead. It'll be interesting to see what the rotation looks like with Luke Kennard ready to make his return from a knee injury.
Grizzlies look to close out 2023 with a win
The Memphis Grizzlies will take the court for one last time in 2023.
It's no doubt been a rough start to the season for the Grizzlies, who had to navigate the first 25 games of the season without suspended star Ja Morant and without multiple rotation players who missed time with injuries. But Morant's return on Dec. 19 has led to newfound hope for the Grizzlies as they try to work their way back into the Western Conference playoff race.
Next up is a meeting Sunday with the Sacramento Kings (18-12), who are coming off a win Friday against the Atlanta Hawks. This is the first meeting between the two teams this season.
Memphis (10-21) lost both games of a back-to-back on Thursday and Friday against the Nuggets and Clippers but now returns home for a three-game homestand starting Sunday.
What channel is Grizzlies vs. Kings on today?
TV channel: Bally Sports Southeast
Stream: Bally Sports app, FUBO (free trial)
Grizzlies vs. Kings start time
Date: Dec. 31
Time: 7 p.m. CT
Grizzlies vs. Kings betting odds
SPREAD: EVEN
MONEY LINE: Grizzlies -110, Kings -110
OVER/UNDER: 236.5
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies close 2023 with blowout loss to Sacramento Kings
