The Sacramento Kings De’Aaron Fox (5) goes up against the Portland Trailblazers Damian Lilliard (0) at Golden One Center in Sacramento on Wed Jan 13, 2021 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

The Sacramento Kings are having an interesting season. Yes, I know the word “interesting” is about as descriptive as it sounds. However, I’m not sure how else to chalk it up. They have played great games, and they have played terrible games. They have looked like a group of all-stars, and they have looked like a group of misfits.

In the Kings last game, they faced the Indiana Pacers. It was a tough test for the Kings that they were able to pass. The Kings were able to beat the Pacers by a final of 127-122. Domantas Sabonis tried his best to keep his team in the game but was outpaced by Harrison Barnes of the Kings. This was one game the Kings looked like a team that could go places.

On Wednesday, the Kings were set to welcome the Portland Trailblazers. Portland has also had an up and down season. They entered the game on Wednesday with a record of 6-4. The Blazers would look to improve against the Kings getting a 132-126 victory on Wednesday night.

The Kings were looking to continue their upward trend after beating the Pacers two days prior. Then disappointment for Kings head coach Luke Walton and company would set in.

In the first half, the Kings played great! They had flashes of greatness and flashes of weakness. However, all in all, they were able to outscore the Trailblazers 68-65 in the first half. Damian Lillard had 23 points in the first half and De’Aaron Fox had 16 points. The Kings were looking to channel the good parts of the first half to put together a win against a formidable opponent.

In the second half, things started out strong for the Kings. They outscored the Blazers 37-35 in the third quarter to remain in control 105-100 heading into the final 12 minutes. In the fourth, the Kings weren’t able to keep the offensive pace up. The Kings were only able to score 21 points in the quarter compared to the Blazers 32 points.

It was an underwhelming final quarter in an otherwise solid game for the Kings. They had moments in the game to put the Blazers away but weren’t able to do it. Damian Lillard finished the game with 40 points to lead the Blazers in scoring. De’Aaron Fox led the Kings in defeat with 29 points. The Kings will look to Friday’s game to get their next win.

Up Next: The Kings stay home at Golden One Center and welcome in the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night at 7 PM PST.