By Charlie O. Mallonee

The Sacramento Kings suffered their fourth consecutive loss on Friday night in Portland losing to the Trail Blazers 104-91. It was the first game of home and away back-to-back series that will be continued on Saturday night in Sacramento.

The Kings once again allowed their opponent to be too successful shooting from the field. The Trail Blazers shot 48.8% (39-80) overall and 43.5% (10-23) from 3-point territory. Portland was averaging 44.9% shooting and 40.4% for 3-Pointers for the season.

The Kings defense has been very generous to the opposition over the four game losing streak. Coach Michael Malone has repeatedly said that the opponents are not feeling the Kings. He sees the need for his team to be more physical. Versus Portland, they faced a team that could also shoot from beyond the arc. It proved to be a lethal combination for Sacramento.

The Kings were out rebounded 47-31. They committed 24 fouls to Portland’s 18.

Sacramento did manage to break the 40.0% shooting mark. The Kings shot 41.9% (36-86) from the floor. They shot a miserable 27.3% (6-22) from 3-point land. Those are not the kind of shooting numbers that translate into victories.

DeMarcus Cousins tried to put his team on his back and carry them past the Blazers. Cousins scored 35 points in 37 minutes of playing time. He also pulled down nine rebounds.

Isaiah Thomas had a sub-par night. Thomas scored just 13 points in his 29 minutes on the floor. Greivis Vasquez added 12 points while Patrick Patterson and Travis Outlaw each scored 10 points each.

Portland’s starting five all scored in double digits. Damian Lillard was the leading scorer with 22 points. He also had eight rebounds and seven assists. Power Forward LaMarcus Aldridge added 20 points and seven rebounds. Two guard Wesley Matthews put up 18 points for the Blazers.

The series continues on Saturday night in Sacramento with the Kings searching for a way to make it back into the win column.