11 Point Second Quarter Dooms Kings Against Memphis
When DeMarcus Cousins was ruled out for at least two games with a strained achilles, George Karl said that he was more concerned with his team replacing DeMarcus defensively, rather than compensating for his 25 points per game.
As it turns out, both ends of the floor were lacking punch during the Kings' 103-89 loss to the Grizzlies Tuesday night at Sleep Train Arena.
The Kings started off quickly, taking a 29-25 lead after one quarter. The Grizzlies, coming off a 50-point beatdown at the hands of the Warriors, would buckle down in the second quarter. The Kings were held to just 11 points in the frame, creating a ten point halftime deficit.
Defensively for Sacramento, the Grizzlies shot 48% from the field and had five players in double figures. Zach Randolph had a game-high 20 points while chipping in 11 rebounds for the Grizzlies (3-2), who dominated the glass by a +15 margin.
Rudy Gay led the Kings with 19 points, who ended with a .392 FG%.
The Kings (1-3) turn around with a trip to Phoenix on Wednesday - tipoff at 6 o'clock on Sports 1140 KHTK.