The Sacramento Kings weren’t able to protect home court as they fell to the Portland Trail Blazers in a game that came down to the final minute, where multiple chances were there for the Kings but never fully converted.
Despite being without Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento stayed competitive until the closing moments of the fourth quarter. However, they struggled to contain Portland’s depth, which ultimately made the difference.
The story of the night for the Trail Blazers was Deni Avdija, who delivered a near triple-double with 24 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds. His performance helped Portland complete a home-and-away sweep of the Kings, after edging Sacramento 134–133 in overtime on Thursday night.
Shaedon Sharpe added 23 points, including a poster dunk on Russell Westbrook late in the fourth quarter. Toumani Camara contributed 15 points, while rookie center Donovan Clingan finished with 14 points and 14 rebounds.
With the win, Portland secured its third consecutive victory, improving to 12–16.
Kings struggle
For Sacramento, it was a tale of two realities. The Kings dropped their fifth straight game and have now lost nine of their last ten, despite a solid performance from Dennis Schröder, who led the team with 21 points. Rookie Maxime Raynaud also impressed, recording 17 points and 12 rebounds.
After the loss, head coach Doug Christie focused on the positives, particularly on the defensive end.
“I thought defensively we were better than Thursday,” Christie said. “I’m really proud that the competition level is high.”
Christie also acknowledged that with the team falling to 6–22, adjustments are necessary moving forward. He emphasized the need for flexibility within the rotation and urged Malik Monk to “stay ready” after losing his spot to Keon Ellis.
It continues to get worse for Sacramento, as three-time NBA All-Star Domantas Sabonis is expected to remain sidelined for four to five weeks with a left knee injury. The Kings will look to regroup quickly as they face the Houston Rockets on Sunday, on the second night of a back-to-back.