Shorthanded Memphis Grizzlies build early 15-point lead, but Kings overpower them late

Somehow, someway the Memphis Grizzlies — down 11 players — were leading the Sacramento Kings by 15 points after one quarter.

As the game went on at FedExForum, the Kings started to make runs and got back in the game. The teams traded blows early in the fourth quarter, but the Kings (27-18) ultimately overpowered the Grizzlies 103-94.

Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 22 points. The Grizzlies couldn't contain Kings big man Domantas Sabonis, who finished with 20 points and 26 rebounds.

Here are some takeaways from the game.

Eight players in, 11 players out

The Grizzlies were so shorthanded that they needed to sign Matthew Hurt to a 10-day contract Monday to satisfy the NBA requirement of having eight active players. Eleven of the 15 Grizzlies players on standard contracts were inactive against the Kings. Scotty Pippen Jr. drew his first start with the Grizzlies. Jackson, David Roddy, Santi Aldama and Xavier Tillman Sr. joined him in the starting lineup.

The Grizzlies dominated the first quarter by building a 15-point lead. Sacramento went on a run in the second quarter and got within two as Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins searched for the right substitution patterns and lineup combinations.

Matthew Hurt makes presence felt

It didn't take long for Hurt to win over Grizzlies fans. The G League leading scorer made an open 3-pointer with his first shot. He made his next attempt after stepping back and shooting over a contested defense. That shot drew a loud roar at FedExForum. Hurt reached double figures coming off the bench and looked comfortable for someone who was immediately thrown into an important role.

Jenkins often talks about how the Memphis Hustle system is schematically similar to that of the Grizzlies. That similarity paid off for Hurt. He finished with 10 points on 3-for-6 shooting.

The Jacksons' struggle

GG Jackson and Jaren Jackson Jr. were two of the main Grizzlies to watch with just eight players available. Both are capable of creating shots for themselves and generating instant offense. Neither player had a great game on Monday, though.

GG Jackson struggled for most of the game and missed his first six shots. Jenkins pulled him late in the second quarter after the 19-year-old rookie took a quick shot. He had 12 points but shot 4-for-14.

Jaren Jackson Jr. was the primary focus of the Kings' defense. When he drove to the rim, multiple bodies were there to challenge him. He shot 6-for-18 from the field, including 0-for-4 from 3-point range.

What's next

The Grizzlies will get the next two days off before playing against the Cleveland Cavaliers (7 p.m., Bally Sports Southeast) on Thursday at FedExForum.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Shorthanded Memphis Grizzlies ultimately can't hold off Kings