The Memphis Grizzlies (23-13) celebrated the start of 2023 with a 118-108 New Year’s Day victory over the Sacramento Kings (19-16), Memphis’ third consecutive victory.
Ja Morant scored 35 points and Tyus Jones added 18 points for the Grizzlies. Morant added eight rebounds and five assists, while Jones tallied eight assists with zero turnovers.
Steven Adams posted his 10th double-double of the season, netting 11 points and tying his career high with 23 rebounds, including a personal-best 13 offensive boards. Adams became the first player in franchise history to grab at least 20 rebounds in consecutive games and tied the club record for total rebounds in any two-game span with 44 after he pulled down 21 boards in New Year’s Eve’s win over the New Orleans Pelicans.
De’Aaron Fox scored 19 points, and Domantas Sabonis double-doubled with 18 points and 14 rebounds to lead Sacramento, who shot just 40.6 percent shooting after entering the game ranked fourth in field goal percentage (.487). Malik Monk added 18 points off the bench.
Memphis led Sacramento 59-58 at halftime after point guards Morant and Jones scored 13 points each in the first and second quarters, respectively. The Grizzlies led by four entering the fourth quarter but broke open the game with a 10-3 run to start the period. Memphis’ lead grew to 14 in the final frame.
The Grizzlies scored 26 points in the paint in the third quarter and finished the game outscoring the Kings 64-44 in the paint. Behind Adams, Memphis outrebounded Sacramento 57-47 and held a 21-14 advantage on the offensive glass.
Memphis improved to 15-3 at home this season.
The Grizzlies next will embark on a two-game road trip, starting with their second and final matchup of the season against the Charlotte Hornets at 6 p.m. CT on Thursday, Jan. 4 at Spectrum Center. Fans can tune into Bally Sports Southeast or listen on 92.9 FM ESPN.