Desmond Bane Goes Nuclear: Grizzlies’Star Historic Shooting Night Ends in Heartbreak

Desmond Bane put on a shooting clinic on Monday night, but his efforts weren’t enough to prevent the Memphis Grizzlies from falling 132-122 to the Sacramento Kings.

Bane erupted for a season-high 44 points, delivering one of the most efficient performances of his career. The 26-year-old guard shot 15-of-26 from the field, knocked down a perfect 7-of-7 from beyond the arc and sank all seven of his free-throw attempts.

According to the NBA, Bane became the first player in Grizzlies history to record at least 40 points and five made three-pointers while shooting 100 percent from deep. He also added six rebounds, four assists and one steal in a performance that centered around his elite scoring ability.

With Ja Morant sidelined for a second consecutive game, the Grizzlies leaned on Bane to carry the offense. Rookie Zach Edey contributed 12 points and eight rebounds, but Memphis struggled to contain Sacramento’s balanced attack.

The Kings snapped a four-game losing streak thanks to a strong effort from Malik Monk, who led Sacramento with 28 points and seven assists, while Keegan Murray posted a near double-double with 16 points and nine rebounds.

Sacramento’s victory didn’t come without setbacks. Star big man Domantas Sabonis endured a rough night, suffering two injuries during the contest. Early in the game, Sabonis sustained a cut above his left eye after taking an inadvertent hit from the back of Luke Kennard’s head. Later, he rolled his right ankle and was forced to exit in the third quarter, leaving the Kings shorthanded in the paint.

The game featured a high-volume perimeter battle, with the teams combining for 71 three-point attempts. The Kings, now 34-33, solidified their hold on the ninth seed in the Western Conference. They moved two games ahead of the slumping Dallas Mavericks, who have lost three straight, and are three games ahead of the Phoenix Suns, who are battling for a play-in spot.

Meanwhile, Memphis dropped to 43-26 but remains in fifth place in the West. The Grizzlies still hold a 3.5-game cushion over the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves, who sit sixth and seventh, respectively. Both the Warriors and Timberwolves lost on Monday, allowing Memphis to maintain a comfortable buffer in the playoff race—for now.