Thanks to Russell Westbrook, the Kings finally win a game!

The Kings snapped a historic black streak on Monday night with a 123-114 victory on the floor in Memphis. The kings remained 16 consecutive defeatsthe longest drought in franchise history, and they haven’t won away from home since December 6, 2025.

Between two teams already looking towards the draft, the meeting started at a high offensive pace with Maxime Reynaud scoring near the circle and Russell Westbrook at mid-range (8-2). In the butter meeting, the two coaches alternate, allowing us to discover the energetic Daekwon Plowden on the Sacramento side, and Ryan Rupert in his new colors. Bigger and stronger, the Kings are ahead after twelve minutes: 33-25.

With Scottie Pippen Jr. at the helm and Rupert always finishing, the Grizzlies came close on several occasions, but to no avail. The mistake is DeMar DeRozan, but also the monstrous Prešas Ačiuva, who already has his double-double in his pocket during the break. The Kings lead 63-61 at the break in a skilful matchup.

10-0 to take cover

After returning from the locker room, through Jaylen Wells and Olivier-Prosper Maxens, the Grizzlies briefly took control at the beginning of the third quarter (65-63). But the Kings immediately responded with a run (18-6) to regain control and create the first significant deficit of the match (84-74). The Grizzlies quickly made up ground with Javon Small and Ryan Rupert to keep the Grizzlies afloat. It’s also a chance to see that Killian Hayes hasn’t changed: he’s clumsy, but his sense of passing is intact. At the start of the last quarter, the Kings led 92-89.

To pull away, Sacramento then went on a 10-0 run to cut the deficit to +13 (104-91). Russell Westbrook is making all the good shots, and Malik Monk is finally finding the target. Author of 10 of his 19 points in the 4th quarter, Plowden took over and the Kings mastered their theme until the end. The best players of the Kings, the duo of Westbrook-Achiuva are responsible for sealing the victory.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

End of series. After 16 straight losses, the Kings finally won a game! We can count on the professionalism of DeMar DeRozan and Russell Westbrook to play seriously. In addition to them, Maxime Rayno (10 points, 13 rebounds) was under the board with Prešus Achiuva (22 points, 12 rebounds).

Memphis is sinking. This is the 12th loss in 15 games for the Grizzlies, who have definitely said goodbye to the play-in race. It must be said that Memphis is more than diminished, stripped of most of its rotation: Ja Morant, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cedric Coward, Santi Aldama, Zach Edey, Brandon Clarke, Ti Jerome…

Two Frenchmen in new colors. Both signed for 10 days, Ryan Rupert and Killian Hayes had the chance to prove themselves. The former has 10 points and 9 rebounds, and he brought enthusiasm along with newcomer Javon Small. For his part, Hayes did Hayes: 0 of 4 on shots, 5 fouls but 4 assists in 11 minutes.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / 3 points in an attempt; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.