Week in review: Kings take small step back, still hold third spot in West

Kings drop first game of seven game road trip

Kings record: 27-21

Kings record on the week: 1-2

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It wasn't pretty. The Kings' climb toward the top of the Western Conference standings has fans in a lather. Every step back, no matter how small, is bringing out all of the emotions in a group that has suffered through 16 years of trauma.

The Kings' week started with a commanding 133-100 victory over a short-handed Memphis Grizzlies squad. Sacramento treated their fanbase to an incredible shooting performance, including 10 straight makes from long range to open the game.

Harrison Barnes continued his strong play, dropping in 20 points on 6-of-9 from long range. Keegan Murray added 20 points on five makes from three and Trey Lyles came off the bench to hit the Grizzlies for 24 points on 6-for-8 from behind the arc.

In addition to big scoring nights from the trio above, Domantas Sabonis notched his sixth double-double of the season and Malik Monk came close to his first triple-double, finishing with 13 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.

Without Ja Morant and Steven Adams, the Grizzlies stayed close through three quarters, but the Kings hit them with a 30-4 run to finish the game and even the season-series at 2-2.

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