Point guard Mike Conley scored 18 points as the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Sacramento Kings 97-83 Monday night at FedExForum to snap a three-game losing streak. Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Point guard Mike Conley scored 18 points as the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Sacramento Kings 97-83 Monday night at FedExForum to snap a three-game losing streak.
The Grizzlies had lost three straight games by double-digit margins – at home to Cleveland and Golden State and at San Antonio in a span of five days.
Monday night Memphis (51-24) got well against the Kings (26-47), as Sacramento played without All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins, who was rested.
Kings forward Rudy Gay scored a game-high 24 points but his night ended with 2:23 left in the third quarter when he collided with former teammate Marc Gasol (eight points, 11 rebounds and six assists) going for a loose ball.
Gasol’s arm caught Gay in the side of the head, and Gay fell to the floor and stayed there for a couple of minutes before walking back to the locker room. Gay was given a concussion test.
Memphis led 75-64 going into the fourth quarter and maintained a double-digit lead most of the way. The Kings never drew closer than 78-70, which they achieved at the 9:04 mark on a 3-pointer from forward Omri Casspi (seven points).
Memphis shot 45.8 percent from the floor (38 for 83). The Kings shot 40.7 percent (33 for 81).
The Grizzlies held the advantage on the boards – 45-41 — and on points in the paint – 44-40. They won fast-break points 15-10.
Forward Jeff Green scored 16 points for Memphis with four rebounds and four assists, and power forward Zach Randolph had 15 points with seven rebounds and three assists. Guard Courtney Lee chipped in 10 points, and reserve center Kosta Koufos had eight points and a game-high 12 rebounds.
Guard Ray McCallum finished with 12 points and forward Derrick Williams had 10 points and five rebounds off the bench for the Kings.
After leading by as many as 16 points in the first half, Memphis carried a 56-43 lead into the break. Randolph and Jeff Green each had 10 points through the first two quarters.
Gay paced the Kings in the first half with 18 points.
NOTES: Memphis swingman Tony Allen remains sidelined with a strained left hamstring. “There is no timetable for his return,” coach Dave Joerger said. … Kings C DeMarcus Cousins was rested. Cousins is averaging 24.1 points (fifth in the NBA) and 12.4 rebounds (third in the NBA). “It gives me an opportunity to experiment a little bit (with lineups),” coach George Karl said. … Former Grizzlies F Rudy Gay scored 28 points in the last matchup against Memphis, his highest total against his former team.
