‘M-V-P’: Richaun Holmes helps Kings end losing streak with win over Memphis Grizzlies

The Kings were booed at home again Thursday night during an abysmal second quarter, but those boos turned to cheers as they stormed back from a 20-point deficit for a win they desperately needed.

De’Aaron Fox had 27 points and nine assists to help the Kings beat the Memphis Grizzlies 128-123 at Golden 1 Center, ending an eight-game losing streak. Buddy Hield had 26 points and seven rebounds for the Kings (13-22). Richaun Holmes had 18 points and seven rebounds.

Ja Morant scored 23 points for the Grizzlies (13-22), who beat the Kings in Memphis on Dec. 21. Jonas Valanciunas had 18 points and 12 rebounds.

The Kings jumped out to an early lead in the opening minutes, but it didn’t last long. They were outscored 21-9 over the final 5:09 of the first quarter and trailed by as many as 19 in the opening period, eliciting boos from the crowd.

The Kings trailed 42-26 going into the second period, the most points they’ve allowed in a quarter this season. The Grizzlies went up by 20 early in the second before the Kings came to life.

Sacramento outscored Memphis 37-18 in the second period. The Kings still trailed by 14 with less than six minutes to play in the half, but they staged a 13-2 run to get within three and took a 59-58 lead on a 3-pointer by Bogdan Bogdanovic. The crowd came to its feet, giving the Kings a standing ovation. Moments later, Holmes was serenaded with “M-V-P” chants after battling for a loose ball inside to draw a foul.

The Kings led 63-60 at the break and went up by eight early in the third quarter, but the Grizzlies battled back to reclaim the lead. They carried a 97-90 advantage into the fourth and led by nine with 11:35 remaining before Bogdanovic sparked a 12-2 run for Sacramento.

The Kings went up 102-101 on two free throws by Harry Giles III, who appeared in his third consecutive game since returning to the rotation. The teams exchanged leads a few more times before Fox and Hield took over late in the fourth. Fox made a series of driving layups and Hield buried a big 3-pointer.

Moment of silence

The Kings aired a special video tribute and observed a moment of silence for former NBA commissioner David Stern before Thursday’s game. Stern, 77, died Wednesday, three weeks after suffering a brain hemorrhage at a Manhattan restaurant.

Stern served as commissioner of the NBA for 30 years. He leaves behind an enormous legacy that will be remembered near and far. Stern is credited with globalizing the game and growing the NBA into a $5 billion a year industry. He also played an essential role in helping Sacramento keep the Kings after years of relocation talks. After opening Golden 1 Center 2016, the Kings named a street after Stern and changed the arena’s address to 500 David J. Stern Walk.

Kings coach Luke Walton offered condolences during his pregame news conference.

“I think it’s important to start with talking about David Stern and what he’s meant to this league and this organization, and the major role he had in keeping this team in Sacramento and the major role he had in really getting the NBA to where it’s at now,” Walton said. “It’s just unbelievable and we want to share our thoughts and prayers with his family and publicly give him thanks for everything he’s done for our league.”

Bagley sits again

Forward Marvin Bagley III missed his fourth game in a row with a midfoot sprain. Bagley sustained the injury last week in the third quarter of a double-overtime loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Kings initially said Bagley would miss “a few games.” Walton said Bagley participated in shooting drills Thursday for the first time since suffering the injury. Walton said Bagley is “doing better,” but there is no definitive timetable for his return.

Bagley previously missed 22 games with a broken right thumb. He has appeared in nine games this season, averaging 13.7 points and 6.9 rebounds.

Dedmon listed as inactive

The Kings listed center Dewayne Dedmon as inactive due to coach’s decision for the first time Thursday, hours after he was fined for publicly requesting a trade.

Dedmon told The Sacramento Bee he wants to be traded in an interview before Sunday’s game against the Denver Nuggets. He said he has been told he is no longer in the rotation and “would like to go somewhere where my talents are appreciated.”

Earlier Thursday, the NBA announced Dedmon had been fined $50,000 for “public statements detrimental to the NBA and its teams.” The Kings signed Dedmon to a three-year, $40 million contract in July, but he has struggled in Sacramento, shooting 22.9 percent from 3-point range after shooting 38.2 percent last season for the Atlanta Hawks.

Next up: New Orleans Pelicans

The Kings will face the new-look New Orleans Pelicans for the first time this season on Saturday at Golden 1 Center. Brandon Ingram leads the team in scoring, averaging 25.3 points per game. Jrue Holiday averages 19.9 points, 6.5 assists and 4.9 rebounds.

The Pelicans are coming off a 127-112 victory over the Houston Rockets. Lonzo Ball had a triple-double, posting 27 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. The Kings will catch the Pelicans on the second night of a back-to-back after they visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday.

Zion Williamson, the No. 1 pick in June’s NBA Draft, has yet to make his NBA debut, but he participated in his first full practice Thursday since undergoing knee surgery in October. Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry told reporters in New Orleans that Williamson will not play on the team’s upcoming California road trip.

Injury report

Grizzlies: None.

Kings: OUT – Marvin Bagley III (foot), Dewayne Dedmon (coach’s decision).

Kings upcoming schedule

Jan. 4 vs. New Orleans, 7 p.m.

Jan. 6 vs. Golden State, 7 p.m.

Jan. 7 at Phoenix, 6 p.m.

Jan. 10 vs. Milwaukee, 7 p.m.

Jan. 13 vs. Orlando, 7 p.m.

This story was originally published January 2, 2020 at 9:28 PM.