Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis, right, makes a driving layup on Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, March 17, 2025, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Sara Nevis)

Kings lose Sabonis but hang on to beat Grizzlies 132-122

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Malik Monk had 28 points and seven assists, and the Kings beat the Memphis Grizzlies 132-122 to end a four-game losing streak despite losing center Domantas Sabonis to a pair of injuries Monday night.

Sabonis suffered a cut over his left eye and blood trickled down his face after the Kings’ big man was hit in the face by the back of Luke Kennard’s head. Sabonis returned but left for good in the third quarter after rolling his right ankle.

DeMar DeRozan had 22 points, six rebounds and nine assists. Keegan Murray added 16 points and 10 rebounds.

The Kings are 21-15 since interim coach Doug Christie replaced Mike Brown in December.

Memphis played its second consecutive game without injured guard Ja Morant.

Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (13) looks at the Jumbotron as Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis (11) walks off the court after being elbowed above the eye during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Monday, March 17, 2025, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Sara Nevis)

Desmond Bane scored a season-high 44 points for the Grizzlies. Zach Edey had 12 points and eight rebounds.

The Kings had lost five of their previous six and dropped to the No. 9 seed in the West. Beating the Grizzlies expanded Sacramento’s lead over Dallas to two games.

Takeaways

Grizzlies: Memphis put up a good fight even without their best player, an encouraging start to their longest road trip of the season.

Kings: Sacramento has historically had some problems without Sabonis on the court. That wasn’t the case Monday. The Kings did a great job moving the ball around and got a big contribution from Jake LaRavia.

Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (14) dunks over Sacramento Kings center Jonas Valanciunas (17) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, March 17, 2025, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Sara Nevis)

Key moment

The Kings responded very well each time Sabonis was taken to the locker room. They expanded their lead both times without him, which enabled Sacramento to not to have to rush Sabonis back.

Key stat

The teams combined for 71 3-point attempts.

Up next

Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine, front left, goes up for a reverse layup and draws a foul on Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr., back left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, March 17, 2025, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Sara Nevis)

The Grizzlies continue their longest road trip of the season against the Trail Blazers on Wednesday. The Kings host the Cavaliers on Wednesday.

Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis warms up before an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Monday, March 17, 2025, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Sara Nevis)
Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr., front, attempts to dribble past Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray, top right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, March 17, 2025, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Sara Nevis)
Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine reacts after a play during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Monday, March 17, 2025, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Sara Nevis)
Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine, right, looks to the post with Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) on defense during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, March 17, 2025, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Sara Nevis)
Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine, right, drives to the basket as Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, March 17, 2025, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Sara Nevis)

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