Kings Fall to 0-3 After Grizzlies’ Late 17-6 Run in 123-112 Loss

Sacramento’s defensive breakdowns and late-game mistakes proved costly again, as Memphis pulled away for a 123-112 win and sent the Kings to 0-3. The Kings rallied to tie the game at 106 with 5:30 left, but couldn’t finish, while Zach LaVine scored 37 and rookie Darius Acuff Jr. added 22 points and seven assists.

• Sacramento has allowed 121, 128 and 123 points in its first three games.
• Memphis won the rebounding battle 54-44, made 15 3-pointers and shot 89% from the free-throw line; Sacramento shot 64% at the line.
• LaVine finished with 37 points; Acuff had 22 points, seven assists and one turnover.
• Memphis closed with a 17-6 run after Sacramento tied the game at 106 with 5:30 remaining.

The Kings showed fight, getting back into a game that had slipped away and receiving energetic play from Precious Achiuwa, who posted 12 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks and two steals. Acuff also continued to show promise as a playmaker. But Sacramento’s recurring defensive, rebounding and execution problems outweighed those positives.

Sacramento heads to San Antonio to face the Spurs and begin a four-game road trip, with its defensive issues still unresolved.

The Kings can compete in stretches, but until they defend, rebound and execute consistently for 48 minutes, their effort alone won’t be enough to turn close games into wins.