Domantas Sabonis delivered a standout performance with a career-high 26 rebounds and 20 points, leading the Sacramento Kings to a 103-94 comeback victory over the Memphis Grizzlies during Monday’s NBA action, despite Memphis’ injury challenges. De’Aaron Fox contributed with 23 points in the win.
Sabonis’ remarkable night saw him shooting 10-11 from the field, with 16 of his rebounds coming in the first half, setting a Sacramento-era record for the Kings.
This performance surpassed his previous best of 25 rebounds, with Sabonis matching a rare NBA feat previously achieved only by Wilt Chamberlain by combining at least 20 points, 25 rebounds, five assists, and a shooting percentage of 90% or better in a single game.
“I’m not saying he’s Wilt,” Kings coach Mike Brown said, “but to be mentioned in that category for putting up that statistical line like he did, that’s absolutely amazing.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Domantas Sabonis, De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings, Jaren Jackson Jr, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
The Kings’ victory, their fourth in a row, was sealed with a strong defensive effort in the closing minutes, holding the Grizzlies scoreless in the final three minutes. Kevin Huerter added 17 points for Sacramento.
“The coaching staff warned us that if we didn’t come out and play hard and be the aggressive team, it was going to be a long night,” Sabonis said. “And it was.”
Jaren Jackson Jr. led his team with 22 points, but the Grizzlies, who have struggled at home this season, could not maintain their 15-point first-half lead.
“They’ve got the clutch player of the year in De’Aaron Fox,” Grizzlies forward GG Jackson said. “He hit some very, very, very tough shots. … Obviously, Sabonis did Sabonis things.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Domantas Sabonis, De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings, Jaren Jackson Jr, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Sabonis’ contributions did not go unnoticed in clutch time, providing timely rebounds and an emphatic dunk to help the Kings achieve the comeback. The consistency the team can count on from Sabonis is something his teammates greatly appreciate.
“The impressive thing with (Sabonis) is he plays hard every single night,” Kings sharpshooter Kevin Huerter said. “Eighty-two games. He wants to be on the court. He really sets the tone for us on both sides of the ball. Just his energy. The way he talks to guys, trying to will us to victory.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Domantas Sabonis, De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings, Jaren Jackson Jr, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Despite the setbacks, Memphis showed resilience, with Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins praising their competitive spirit. However, Sacramento’s late-game surge and Memphis’ missed opportunities in the final shots cemented the Kings’ victory.
“Our guys love to compete,” Jenkins said. “That’s how we’ve always operated. So, I was not surprised by the performance. Obviously, we didn’t come out with a win, but so proud of the way our guys battled.”
The Kings will next face the Miami Heat, while the Grizzlies look to regroup against the Cleveland Cavaliers in their upcoming matchups.
