By George Devine, Sr.

Despite a 41-point night by Damian Lillard, the Kings won out over the Portland Trailblazers, 123-119 in a hard-fought game at Sacramento. The visitors actually led in the first and fourth quarters, but a 25-13 advantage in the third gave the Kings the edge they would come to need as Lillard poured in one three-pointer after another — one from 28 feet out — late in the final period. He had 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Also a high scorer for Portland was LaMarcus Aldredge with 24 points, 6 boards and 5 assists.

For Sacramento, DeMarcus Cousins played true to form, contributing 35 points with 13 rebounds. Rudy Gay had 32, with 5 rebounds and 4 assists. This is in keeping with his pattern of scoring at least 20 in most of the games he has played since coming to Sacramento. Isaiah Thomas scored 22 points and had 7 rebounds.

This makes for two losses in a row for the Trailblazers, and breaks a 2-game losing streak for the Kings.