Gay Scores 28, Kings Stifle Memphis Grizzlies 102-90

Feb 25, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) controls the ball against Memphis Grizzlies forward Jeff Green (32) during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 102-90. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

The Sacramento Kings ended the Memphis Grizzlies’ post-break hot streak by defeating them 102-90 on Wednesday night in California.

The Grizzlies were faced against a familiar foe on Wednesday night–the Sacramento Kings. They were also paired against a familiar face–Rudy Gay. Gay had spent his first 6.5 seasons in the NBA with the Grizz.

On this night, Gay punished Memphis with his scoring ability–28 points on 20 shot attempts.

The offensive outburst by the Kings made Memphis play catch-up for the majority of the game. It was frustrating for the Grizzlies because shots would not go down. They wound up making just 40.5% of their shot attempts–low for a team that wants to score most of their points through the post and painted area.

After the first quarter, the Kings held a 32-25 lead over the Grizzlies; however, it was far from being over.

Feb 25, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) drives to the basket against Memphis Grizzlies center Kosta Koufos (41) during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 102-90. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Sacramento’s offense began to catch fire so their club build a slightly larger lead. They maintained it heading into halftime, but Memphs did receive a bit of a spark from their starting power forward right before the buzzer.

What was that momentum shift? A splashed 63-foot heave by Zach Randolph! A true miracle shot!

The scoreboard read 52-62–Kings’ command–after 24 minutes of play.

The Grizzlies would get back into the game although the most entertaining parts of the game were yet to come.

The big headline of this matchup involved the flaring of tempers.

The third quarter involved a scuffle between the Grizzlies’ Zach Randolph and Kings’ center DeMarcus Cousins. Z-Bo received a technical foul.

Previously, in the second quarter, Cousins had become infuriated after receiving his third personal foul, which he then proceeded to walk to the Kings’ bench and violently kicked a folding chair. Although the act is shocking to most fans, it is rather common–yet extremely immature–behavior by the 6’11” center. By this, Boogie’s emotions were already boiling–clearly.

November 30, 2014; Sacramento, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) shoots the basketball against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Grizzlies defeated the Kings 97-85. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The Grizzlies continued to grind, but it was just not their night. That is understandable considering they came away with two big victories earlier this week–wins against Portland and the Los Angeles Clippers.

Memphis, whom had been up by one point after three quarters of action, let the game slip through their grasp. The Kings’ offense prevailed.

The final score? Memphis 92; Sacramento 102. Deep sigh.

While the outcome was not the way Memphis wanted the contest to end, they still fought hard despite their shooting woes. This was a typical case of a scheduled loss.

The box score, produced by NBA.com, can be found here.

Key Game Notes

Sacramento (40.5%) outshot Memphis (48.8%) from the field.
Other than Zach Randolph, no other Grizzly individually made more than four field goals.
The Grizzlies managed to play all 12 of their activated players.
Memphis’ Kosta Koufos led the team in rebounding (second time this season) by grabbing nine boards off the bench
The Kings’ DeMarcus Cousins fouled out in tonight’s game.
Memphis committed three less (17) turnovers than the Kings (20).
The Grizzlies’ bench outscored Sacramento’s 24-22.
The Kings outrebounded Memphis 47-38–including a 10-rebound advantage for Sacramento on the defensive end.
Sacramento’s Jason Thompson recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Both teams attempted 16 three-pointers, with Memphis connecting on four and the Kings with six.

Fantasy Watch: Grizzlies Edition

Zach Randolph: 20 points on 7/10 shooting, five rebounds, four turnovers
Marc Gasol: 14 points on 4/10 shooting, seven rebounds, six rebounds, three blocks
Courtney Lee: Nine points on 4/11 shooting, four rebounds, three assists, two steals
Mike Conley: 12 points on 4/14 shooting, three rebounds, seven assists, three steals, five turnovers
Tony Allen: Nine points on 4/9 shooting, five rebounds, three steals

Next Game

The Memphis Grizzlies look to regroup as they revisit the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday–this time being in Memphis, Tennessee.

Go Grizz!

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