Sacramento overcame a great game by Smith, beating Memphis 121-115. "It's a team sport," said losing coach Bob. "If we had another couple players like Smith out there, we'd have won this game easily. But we didn't, so we didn't." Bob has been under fire lately, and the lackluster performance by his players (save Smith) certainly doesn't improve his job security any.

The normally-quiet Smith was less than satisfied after the game. "I feel betrayed - like I did my best and my teammates didn't. I don't know if it was coach's fault for not getting the team up, or if the other players just all had an off day at the same time. But this was a close game, we had our chances, and we didn't execute when we needed."

Sacramento was led by Christie (28 points, 6 boards, 0 assists, a block), Crandell (22 points, 5 assists, a steal), Smith (15 points, 2 assists, 5 steals). Memphis was led by Smith (16 points, 5 boards, 13 assists, 2 steals), Gill (17 points, 10 boards, 2 assists, 2 blocks), Beard (29 points, 2 steals).

Sacramento stand at 9-2 after the victory. They stay at #1 in the Pacific and hold at #1 overall in the Western Conference. Memphis are now 3-7 and 3-2 at home with this defeat. They hold at #5 in the Southwest and stay at #12 overall in the Western Conference.

box score Sacramento roster Memphis roster