MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- There were some unfamiliar and uncomfortable moments for

Memphis guard Mike Conley and former Grizzlies coach Dave Joerger, but it was

Joerger who had the happy return with Sacramento to the FedExForum after the

Kings held on for a 96-92 win Friday night before a crowd of 15,987.

"It was strange going down a concourse and into a locker room I had never been in," said Joerger, let go by Memphis in May. After the game, he said, "From a personal standpoint, it's been very difficult for me ... but these are my guys now and so really proud of them."

The Kings, losers of six of their last eight going into the game, built as much as a 15-point lead midway through the third quarter with balanced scoring against a team that struggled offensively in Conley's first game back since suffering fractures in his lower back on Nov. 28.

Memphis, as it had through much of a 7-2 run in Conley's absence, turned up the defensive pressure and made a run in the fourth quarter, closing to 95-92 on the second of back-to-back 3-pointers by Troy Daniels with 55 seconds left.

The Grizzlies had a chance to tie with three seconds left, but Conley's leaning 24-footer bounced off the rim. Ty Lawson got the rebound, was fouled and hit a free throw to clinch Sacramento's fourth win in its last 24 games with Memphis.

DeMarcus Cousins had 13 of his 22 points in the second half and added nine

rebounds for the Kings (10-16) before fouling out with 1:27 left to play and Sacramento leading 95-87.

"Tonight we played physical and stuck together," said Cousins, who has averaged less than 16 points per game against Memphis. "That's what coach is trying to instill in us. Not the same as Memphis, but being able to grind it out."

As for his coach's emotions about this game, Cousins said, "He never let on how much he wanted it. But just getting a road win, and a win in this building was big."

Garrett Temple added 17 points, former Grizzlies center Kosta Koufos had 16 points and 13 rebounds, and Darren Collison chipped in with 11 points.

Marc Gasol scored 20 points and Tony Allen had 16 points and nine rebounds

for the Grizzlies (18-10). Daniels added 13, including four 3-pointers, Andrew

Harrison had 11 and Zach Randolph contributed 10 points.

Conley, in 28 1/2 minutes, had eight points and six assists. But it was

enough to make him the Grizzlies' career scoring leader (8,968), passing Pau Gasol.

The Kings, smarting from a 34-point blowout, played with purpose and balance

while building a 52-42 lead.

"In the other games, we were down but actually competing throughout the game," Memphis coach David Fizdale said. "Tonight, they absolutely outcompeted us all night. They beat us to every single loose ball. They outhustled us."

As for Conley's return and its effect on the offense, Fizdale said, "We knew with Mike coming back there would be rust. We know that and guys got out of rhythm, trying to figure it out and play with him. Again, that's zero excuse. Our effort was pathetic."

Allen said Sacramento "outworked us, and for a team that says they grit and grind, I don't think that should happen on our home court. ... It's a 50-50 game. I thought they beat us in that."

NOTES: After suffering fractures in his lower back from a Nov. 28 collision against Charlotte, Conley was expected to miss 6-8 weeks. But he said he talked with Portland's Evan Turner, who went through a similar injury and said, "That when you feel like yourself it's time to get back. ... About a week ago, I was ready to play." ... Kings coach Dave Joerger spent most of Thursday visiting with friends in his first trip back to Memphis since leaving the Grizzlies. He spent nine years here as an assistant and head coach. ... Grizzlies coach David Fizdale said he expects F Chandler Parsons (knee bruise) and F James Ennis (calf) "back within a few days." ... Grizzlies rookie F Deyonta Davis tore the plantar fascia in his left foot during Wednesday's victory over Cleveland, had surgery and is expected to miss 6-8 weeks. ... F Rudy Gay (hip) and F Omri Casspi (illness) missed the game for Sacramento, who plays Sunday at Dallas. Memphis stays home for a game with Utah.