Kings Win Home Opener, Muzzle Grizzlies 100-95

Posted by Stephen Rhodes under NBA Game Recap

The Sacramento Kings looked to ensure that their – and the NBA’s final – home opener Wednesday night against the Memphis Grizzlies would be a successful one as they have had bad luck on the road thus far this season. Fortunately for Sacramento their go-to player, Kevin Martin had his best game of this young season as he scored 33 points, leading the Kings to a 105-90 triumph over the Grizzlies at Arco Arena. with the win, only the Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Clippers remain as the NBA’s only winless teams.

Neither team shot very well in the first half yet Sacramento went into the locker room leading Memphis 48-41; fast-forwarding to the fourth quarter, Grizzlies guard O.J. Mayo led an 18-3 run down the stretch as they pulled to within 95-91 in the final minute of the game on two free throws by Mayo, but a dunk by the Kings’ John Salmons with 29.7 seconds remaining; 3 free throws by Martin iced the game for Sacramentto.

The aforementioned Martin led Sacramento with 33 points, a rebound, 3 assists and 3 steals while Salmons added 21 with 9 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal. Memphis was led by Mayo with 28 points, a rebound and 3 steals while Rudy Gay added 18 with 6 rebounds, an assist and a steal. Sacramento (1-4) continues their homestand when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday while Memphis (2-3) makes the short trip west on I-80 as they take on the Golden State Warriors – also on Friday.

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