Sabonis & Kings End 16-Game Losing Streak | NBA News
- The Sacramento Kings ended a historically challenging losing streak Monday, February 23, 2026, defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 123-114.
- The losing streak had become a significant source of frustration for the team and its fans.
- Russell Westbrook led the Kings in scoring with 25 points, marking his fourth game this season reaching at least 25 points and his first since the team’s previous...
The Sacramento Kings ended a historically challenging losing streak , defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 123-114. This victory snapped a franchise-worst 16-game skid, surpassing a previous record set when the team was located in Cincinnati and known as the Royals.
The losing streak had become a significant source of frustration for the team and its fans. Coach Doug Christie acknowledged the difficulty of the period, stating, “Obviously, you do not want that with your name,” but also expressed pride in the team’s resilience. “There are points in this where I’m really proud of how our guys continued to evolve.”
Russell Westbrook led the Kings in scoring with 25 points, marking his fourth game this season reaching at least 25 points and his first since the team’s previous win on . Precious Achiuwa contributed a strong performance with 22 points and 12 rebounds. DeMar DeRozan and Daeqwon Plowden each added 19 points to the Kings’ total.
The game was tightly contested, but the Kings were able to maintain a lead, preventing the Grizzlies from closing the gap to less than seven points in the final five minutes. A key factor in the victory was a strong fourth quarter performance from Westbrook and Plowden, who combined for 20 of the Kings’ 24 points in that period.
The Kings’ recent struggles had been particularly pronounced in their previous four losses, where they had fallen by an average margin of 27 points. This win represented a significant improvement in competitiveness and execution. DeRozan expressed relief at breaking the streak, saying, “Nobody wants to lose, especially the streak that we were on. I just felt good to get that monkey off your back.”
Prior to this victory, the Kings’ last win had been against the Washington Wizards on . Their previous road win occurred on , in Miami, and their only road win against a Western Conference opponent this season was on , against the Denver Nuggets.
The Grizzlies, hampered by injuries, presented a challenge, but the Kings were able to withstand their bursts of momentum. The win provides a much-needed boost for the Kings (13-46) as they continue their season. The team demonstrated a collective effort, with seven players scoring in double figures.
This victory marks a turning point for the Kings, offering a renewed sense of optimism and a chance to build momentum as they move forward in the season. The team’s ability to overcome adversity and secure a win against a fellow NBA opponent is a testament to their perseverance and determination.