Key Takeaways:
- Santi Aldama delivered 29 points as the Grizzlies snapped a five-game losing streak on Thursday night
- Memphis set a new franchise record with 42 assists, led by Vince Williams’ career-best 15 assists
- Sacramento recorded their eighth consecutive double-digit defeat, suffering their largest loss of the season by 41 points
Match Report and Analysis
The Memphis Grizzlies produced a dominant display at home, cruising to a 137-96 triumph over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night. Santi Aldama was at the heart of the action, pouring in 29 points, while Jock Landale chipped in 21, helping Memphis lay the foundation for a comfortable victory with a commanding first-half performance.
Cedric Coward contributed 19 points and Zach Edey added 16, as the Grizzlies put an end to their recent five-game skid. Playmaker Vince Williams orchestrated the offence with a personal best of 15 assists, helping the team register a franchise-high 42 assists in the process.
Platinum Dub 🐻 💿
📊 42 Assists (Franchise Record) 🔥
📊 56 Bench Points
📊 56 Paint Points pic.twitter.com/VKj35F65Iv— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) November 21, 2025
Team Performance and Star Contributions
Zach LaVine stood out for the Kings, tallying 26 points on 10-of-17 shooting from the field. Maxine Raynaud scored 12 points, and both Russell Westbrook and Keegan Murray – making his return from a preseason left thumb injury – scored 11 points apiece. Despite Murray’s reintroduction to the side, the Kings could not halt their slide.
Memphis capitalised on Sacramento’s defensive vulnerabilities, especially with the absence of Domantas Sabonis. Edey and Landale were efficient in the paint, missing just one of their combined 13 shots in the opening half: Edey put up 16 first-half points, while Landale had 13. The Grizzlies shot 54% in the first two quarters, notching their highest first-half points total of the season and holding an emphatic 75-47 lead at the break.
Samobis Injury Latest and Kings’ Troubles Continue
Prior to tip-off, the Kings confirmed that an MRI revealed a partial meniscus tear in the left knee of starting centre Domantas Sabonis, sustained during Sunday’s defeat at San Antonio. The club announced that Sabonis would be reassessed in three to four weeks. Sabonis’ absence was keenly felt as Sacramento’s defensive frailties were exposed inside, contributing to their latest heavy defeat.
Sacramento’s losing streak now stands at eight games, all by double-digit margins, with Thursday’s 41-point loss marking their largest of the campaign. Four of these defeats have been by at least 27 points, exemplifying their struggles on both ends of the court.
Looking Ahead
The Kings will conclude their five-game road swing with a contest at Denver on Saturday night, eager to halt their downward spiral. Meanwhile, Memphis travel to Dallas on Saturday night, seeking to build upon their resounding victory.
