Probably to the surprise of no one, the Sacramento Kings are off to a 0-3 start to the season. The Kings lost to the Memphis Grizzlies, 123-112, at Golden 1 Center on Sunday.
The Kings are expected to be among the bottom-dwelling teams after not making big moves in the offseason despite coming off another failed campaign.
While Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine are back in full health, Sacramento has looked erratic, to say the least, in their first three games. LaVine pointed out that they have to clamp down on defense.
“If we're not a defensive team, we still have to figure out how to get stops. We have talented offensive players. I'm not worried about that,” said LaVine, as quoted by Sactown Sports 1140's Frankie Cartoscelli.
The veteran guard had a game-high 37 points on 13-of-25 shooting on top of five assists and two steals.
Darius Acuff Jr. added 22 points on 9-of-23 shooting, three rebounds, and seven assists, while Sabonis tallied 15 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
The Kings, who played without Keegan Murray due to an ankle injury, tied the game, 106-106, at the midway point of the fourth quarter. They, however, allowed the Grizzlies to go on an 8-0 spurt to regain control en route to the win.
Article Continues BelowTy Jerome led Memphis with 31 points, including 14-of-14 free throws, four rebounds, and six assists.
The Kings have given up an average of 124 points in their first three assignments. Last season, they allowed an average of 121 points, which was the fourth-most in the league.
Sacramento will visit the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday.