Edey’s Flawless Home Debut Sparks Grizzlies' Breakout Win Over Kings

The Memphis Grizzlies entered FedEx Forum needing far more than a win—they needed a performance that could steady an injury-hit roster and halt a mounting losing streak. Without Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., and coming off four consecutive road defeats, the team was desperate for a spark. What unfolded was a dominant showing that showcased renewed confidence and the emergence of a young big man ready for his moment.

Zach Edey, making his long-anticipated home debut, delivered one of the most efficient performances for a Grizzlies center in franchise history. The second-year big man was unstoppable inside, unfazed by the pressure, and lifted by a roaring home crowd eager for something to believe in. His perfect shooting night helped turn what could have been another frustrating evening into a cathartic reset for the team.

Memphis controlled the glass, minimized mistakes, and repeatedly attacked the paint—an approach that aligned cleanly with head coach Tuomas Iisalo’s blueprint. The Grizzlies’ frontcourt depth, long a quiet question mark this season, became the defining advantage in a matchup where Sacramento had little resistance to offer.

By the final buzzer, the five-game skid felt distant, replaced by the sound of a crowd celebrating renewed energy and the emergence of a potential season-altering force in Edey.

1. A Perfect Night for Edey

Zach Edey’s performance was striking not just for its production, but for its precision. The 7-foot-4 center finished 7-for-7 from the field, knocked down his lone three-point attempt, and posted 16 points, four rebounds, two steals, and a game-best +23 in only 24 minutes. His efficiency and composure suggested a player who had been preparing quietly for a breakout opportunity. Edey’s postgame comments reflected the confidence he carried into the night. He emphasized trust in his teammates and readiness for the moment, a mindset that translated to disciplined play at both ends of the floor. Rather than pressing in his home debut, he leaned on fundamentals and steady execution. The Grizzlies used Edey’s presence to establish dominance in the paint early, allowing him to set screens, roll hard, seal off defenders, and impose himself physically in matchups the Kings couldn’t withstand. Every clean finish and defensive stand drew louder responses from a fanbase eager to embrace its new interior anchor. For a team still navigating the absence of its top stars, Edey’s controlled effectiveness provided a blueprint for winning with structure and discipline while waiting for reinforcements.

2. Frontcourt Trio Takes Over

Memphis’ success was not Edey’s alone. The combined work of Edey, Santi Aldama, and Jock Landale overwhelmed Sacramento, giving the Grizzlies consistent production from the frontcourt. The trio totaled 66 points and 15 rebounds, attacking mismatches and generating quality looks throughout the night. Aldama spaced the floor and slashed effectively, creating pressure that opened opportunities for Edey and Landale to operate inside. Landale added physicality and interior playmaking, helping Memphis maintain control even when rotations tightened. Together, the group executed Iisalo’s emphasis on rebounding, ball security, and interior scoring with discipline. Memphis’ ability to dominate the glass was central to its success. By controlling second-chance opportunities and limiting turnovers, the Grizzlies dictated the pace and created an environment where high-percentage looks came naturally. Their efficiency illustrated how balanced interior play can simplify the offensive burden for a shorthanded roster. As the Kings struggled to counter the sustained pressure, the Grizzlies continued to build momentum, using size, physicality, and patience to close out their most complete performance in weeks.

3. Building a Foundation Amid Injuries

Edey echoed Iisalo’s messaging throughout his postgame reflections: control the glass, value possessions, and trust the process. Those themes defined Memphis’ turnaround performance and may serve as guiding principles as they attempt to stabilize their season. With Morant and Jackson still sidelined, the Grizzlies have leaned heavily on complementary contributors and role stability, making fundamental execution a necessity rather than an ideal. Edey’s emergence not only fills a frontcourt gap but reinforces the style of play Memphis must embrace to remain competitive until its stars return. The victory also served as an encouraging sign of the team’s long-term investment in size and developmental continuity. Edey’s growth, paired with Aldama’s versatility and Landale’s reliability, offers Memphis a platform on which to build sustainable interior production. If the Grizzlies can replicate the discipline and collective execution shown in their decisive win over Sacramento, they may have found a pathway to stabilize their season despite ongoing roster limitations.