Memphis Grizzlies drop a close one to the Kings

The Memphis Grizzlies announced Friday morning that several players would not be playing in the last four games, and that Friday night they’d have nine guys against the Sacramento Kings.

Memphis, grinding for the top pick in the draft, went with the most “tankie” lineup of the 2017/2018 season.

( MarShon Brooks would take Deyonta Davis’s spot.)

First Quarter:

Memphis began better than I expected them to, or anyone else for that matter. It also helped playing a team with no direction in the Kings. The Grizzlies played solid team basketball with the guys they had to stay in touch with the Kings. MarShon Brooks and Dillon Brooks had the first few points for the Grizzlies through five minutes. Memphis kept touch with the Kings, and Sacramento led 25-22 after one quarter.

Second Quarter:

The second quarter began with a Brooks slam to give the Grizzlies their first lead of the game.

After the Brooks jam, both teams really struggled. By struggle, I mean I started losing interest. It was ugly, ugly basketball, and it seemed neither team wanted the lead.

MarShon Brooks seemed to put the team on his back in that second half of the second quarter. He created shots for himself and lobbed when he saw the opportunity. Brooks is a unique basketball player, and I’m glad Memphis snagged him. Brooks finished the first half leading the Grizzlies with 16 points.

Third Quarter:

The third quarter featured a good amount of Kobi Simmons and his cutting to the basket.

Simmons ended the third quarter with 11 points. Memphis continued their tug of war with the Kings but ended the third trailing by five.

More from Grizzlies News

• Dillon Brooks speaks out after beating former Grizzlies teammate in World Cup
• Jaren Jackson Jr. puts ex-Grizzlies teammate on notice
• 3 players Grizzlies would consider trading Ja Morant for
• Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. put on blast following FIBA elimination
• Ex-Grizzlies guard signs with title favorite, joins forces with 6-time All-Star

Fourth Quarter:

The fourth quarter was a steady does of MarShon trying to keep the Grizzlies close. Brooks was already having a great night, he just needed someone to join him. It looked as though Simmons would be his wing man, but unfortunately he injured his left shoulder trying to get around a screen.

A late game-tying three from Mario Chalmers gave the Grizzlies the lead, but it was short-lived as Justin Jackson hit a huge three for the Kings. In a game when the fans wanted a loss, it came down to which team would miss last, and unfortunately the Grizzlies last possession failed. The Grizzlies dropped one at home to the Kings 94-93, but the ending was outstanding.

The Grizzlies take on the Pistons Sunday afternoon at 2:30 P.M. CT in Memphis at FedEx Forum.