Grizzlies Rout Kings 136-105 as Lopez Scores
Rookie Karim Lopez recorded his first career basket in Memphis's home win over Sacramento.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Basketball
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Sacramento Kings 136-105 on October 31, 2026, at FedExForum. Rookie Karim Lopez scored his first career basket with 30.5 seconds remaining, while Carson Cooper scored his first career point on a fourth-quarter free throw.
Why it matters
The game gave Memphis fans an early look at Lopez, the first Mexican-born first-round pick in NBA history, who has been working into the rotation. Lopez and Cooper both received game balls, marking milestone moments for the young players.
Memphis led throughout the second half, winning 136-105 over Sacramento. Lopez checked in with 4:15 left in the fourth quarter and scored his first career basket with 30.5 seconds remaining, while his full stat line was not reported.
The players
Karim Lopez
Lopez is a Grizzlies rookie first-round pick and the first Mexican-born first-round pick in NBA history.
Carson Cooper
Cooper is a Grizzlies player who scored his first career point on a fourth-quarter free throw in the win over Sacramento.
The details
Lopez dashed to the basket and laid in his first career points over the outstretched arms of a defender at the rim, while Cooper was open but did not receive the pass. Lopez had earlier logged his first game action on the road against the Portland Trail Blazers, where he finished with one rebound.
Timeline
October 31, 2026: Grizzlies defeat Kings 136-105 at FedExForum.
Earlier in the 2026-27 season: Lopez makes his first game appearance in a road loss at Portland.
Season Trajectory
Lopez's first-round selection marks a milestone for Mexican-born players in the NBA draft's history. His debut comes as the Grizzlies work young players into their rotation during the early stage of the 2026-27 season.
Lopez's expanding role gives fantasy managers a young player to monitor as the Grizzlies develop their rotation. The win also shows the team's depth as younger players like Cooper begin to earn minutes.
The takeaway
Watching how a rookie's first points come together can reveal much about a team's development, and Lopez's debut offers a clear example. Fans following young players should track minutes and production over the coming weeks.
Further reading
For more on the team, see Basketball coverage of the Memphis Grizzlies.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Commercial Appeal.
