Brooks scores 30 as Grizzlies overcome Kings 116-110

Dillon Brooks scored 30 points and the Memphis Grizzlies used a late rally to defeat the Sacramento Kings 116-110 on Thursday night in the first of a back-to-back between the teams.

Jonas Valanciunas had 24 points and 13 rebounds for Memphis, Kyle Anderson added 14 points, and Ja Morant had 12 points, seven rebounds and eight assists.

Justin James scored a career-high 31 points to lead the Kings, who were eliminated from contention for the play-in tournament. Chimezie Metu had 17 points and was key along with James to help the Kings, who had won six of their previous seven, build a fourth-quarter lead. Buddy Hield and Terence Davis scored 16 points each, and Delon Wright had 15 points and eight assists.

Sacramento Kings guard Delon Wright (55) shoots against Memphis Grizzlies center Jonas Valanciunas (17) and forward Dillon Brooks in the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, May 13, 2021, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP PhotoBrandon Dill)

The Kings were without four of their top six scorers, but still increased the lead to eight in the fourth quarter behind James and Metu. Sacramento still led by six with 3:39 remaining after a 3-pointer from Metu.

But Kyle Anderson answered with five straight points to bring Memphis within a point at 110-109. Valanciunas then converted a three-point play to give Memphis the lead for good — 112-110 — with 1:23 left.

Both teams shot well to open the game and the Kings benefitted from hitting seven of 11 3-pointers in the first quarter. Sacramento made 10 of 19 from 3-point range in the half.

Sacramento Kings guard Buddy Hield (24) handles the ball against Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks (24) in the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, May 13, 2021, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP PhotoBrandon Dill)

James had 16 in the half for the Kings, who led 60-59 at the break.

Memphis’ half was lackluster coupled with bad ballhandling leading to 10 turnovers. Brooks was the most active of the Grizzlies, scoring 17 while Valanciunas had 12 points.

Memphis built a slight buffer by outscoring the Kings 30-23 in the third quarter to carry an 89-83 lead into the fourth.

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke blocks a shot by Sacramento Kings center Damian Jones (15) as guard Justin James (10) and forward Dillon Brooks (24) look on in the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, May 13, 2021, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP PhotoBrandon Dill)

TIP-INS

Kings: Continued to play without key contributors such as G De’Aaron Fox (health and safety protocol), F Harrison Barnes (left abductor tightness), Marvin Bagley (right groin tightness) and rookie G Tyrese Halilburton (left knee hyperextension). ... Richaun Holmes left in the second quarter with right knee soreness and did not return. ... James’ previous career high in points was 16 against Utah on April 28.

Grizzlies: Valanciunas recorded his 48th double-double this season and passed Shane Battier for 11th on the franchise list for defensive rebounds. Battier had 1,236. ... G Grayson Allen missed his fifth straight game with left abdominal soreness. ... Jaren Jackson Jr. and Brandon Clarke had 12 points each, with Clarke shooting 5 of 7.

Sacramento Kings guard Justin James (10) shoots against Memphis Grizzlies center Jonas Valanciunas (17) as forward Kyle Anderson (1) and center Damian Jones (15) move for position in the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, May 13, 2021, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP PhotoBrandon Dill)

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Sacramento Kings guard Delon Wright (55) looks to shoot against Memphis Grizzlies forwards Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) and Kyle Anderson (1) in the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, May 13, 2021, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP PhotoBrandon Dill)

Sacramento Kings guard Justin James (10) drives against Memphis Grizzlies forward Kyle Anderson (1) in the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, May 13, 2021, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP PhotoBrandon Dill)

Sacramento Kings guard Terence Davis (9) drives against Memphis Grizzlies center Jonas Valanciunas (17) in the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, May 13, 2021, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP PhotoBrandon Dill)

Sacramento Kings guard Buddy Hield (24) shoots against Memphis Grizzlies center Xavier Tillman (2) in the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, May 13, 2021, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP PhotoBrandon Dill)