Instant Replay: Kings' comeback attempt falls short vs Grizzlies

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BOX SCORE

The Sacramento Kings are falling apart. After fighting their way to within three games of .500, the Kings have dropped four straight, including a 121-117 defeat at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night.

The Kings looked lethargic and disinterested through three quarters and trailed by 15 going to the final frame. They made a run late, cutting the Grizzlies lead to one with just over 20 seconds remaining, but Memphis hit their free throws to come away with the win.

Jeff Green came off the Grizzlies bench to dominate the Kings early. The reserve forward dropped in 19 of his game-high 29 points before the Kings could get back to the locker room for the half.

The Grizzlies found mismatches for veteran big man Marc Gasol all night long. He rolled through the Kings defense for 22 points on 7-for-14 shooting and he chipped in six rebounds and five assists.

Courtney Lee couldn’t miss. Memphis’ starting shooting guard lit Sacramento up for 18 points on 5-for-5 shooting.

Omri Casspi got it going for the Kings in the second half, scoring 15 of his 17 points in the second half. The Kings needed a spark and Casspi ran the floor and hit the boards in his time on the floor.

DeMarcus Cousins dropped in his 28th double-double of the season, finishing the night with 17 points and 14 rebounds. Unfortunately, the Kings All-Star big shot just 3-for-17 from the field and turned the ball over six times.

Rudy Gay returned from injury to score 21 points and grab seven rebounds against his former team. Darren Collison took charge of the second team, scoring 20 and Ben McLemore added 11 in the loss.

Rajon Rondo came out looking to score, finishing with 15 points, eight assists and six rebounds, but his seven turnovers took his team out of contention.

STANDOUT PERFORMER 

Over the last two games, the Kings have struggled to defend stretch fours. On Thursday night, it was Ryan Anderson who torched Sacramento for 36 points. Saturday in Memphis, it was Green who dropped 19 of his 29 points before the intermission.

TURNING POINT 

The Kings made a run late, but the Grizzlies regained their composure and hit their free throws late to come away with the win.

INJURY UPDATE 

DeMarcus Cousins rolled his left ankle in the early second quarter, but returned to play most of the second half. With a little over two minutes remaining, Gasol rolled up Cousins ankle again, sending him to the showers early. Marco Belinelli missed his first game of the season due to a bout with gastroenteritis. He is the fifth Kings player or coach to miss a game this season with the same ailment.

WHAT'S NEXT 

The Kings return home to take on the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday at Sleep Train Arena.

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