Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Sacramento Kings shoots the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 18, 2026 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Sunday night in Sacramento at the Golden 1 Center.

Coming into the game having won four games in a row, the Kings’ winning streak was snapped as they fell to the Blazers 117-110.

In the first quarter, the Kings and Blazers traded baskets. Deni Advija and Russell Westbrook led the charge for both teams as they scored 15 and 11 points, respectively, in the first quarter. The size and physicality of the Blazers was clearly bothering the Kings early as they looked to counter with different lineups, including multiple bigs.

In the second quarter, the Kings’ offense struggled against the Blazers as they only managed 21 points in the frame. On the other hand, the Blazers kept up a steady offensive pace as they outscored the Kings with 32 points of their own. The Blazers went into halftime leading the Kings 64-53 and in a prime position for the second half. The Kings were outshot from the field 51%-46% in the first half but maintained a large lead on shots beyond the arc, where they led Portland 46%-28%. The Kings would need a way to match the defensive intensity of Portland in the second half if they wanted to complete a comeback.

In the third quarter, the Kings stopped the bleeding from the first half but were unable to make up any ground on the deficit. The Kings and Blazers both scored 29 points in the third quarter, enabling Portland to take the double-digit 93-82 lead into the final quarter of action. Shaedon Sharpe tormented the Kings in the third quarter as he cooked for Portland. Sharpe compiled 14 points on 5-9 shooting from the floor and two made free throws in his nearly 11 minutes on the floor in the quarter.

Going into the fourth quarter and trailing by 11 points, the Kings needed to play a nearly perfect quarter in order to win the game.

The Kings fought in the fourth quarter but ultimately came up short and fell to the Blazers 117-110.

The Kings outscored the Blazers 28-24 as they attempted their comeback in the closing quarter. Malik Monk and Russell Westbrook led the Kings in scoring in the loss as they both had 23 points in the game on 25 and 33 minutes, respectively, for the pair.

The Kings battled, which had been the issue for much of the season with this group. It appears that while still maybe not the most cohesive team, they have moved past some of their effort struggles early in the season and are playing more to Doug Christie’s standard.

Dylan Cardwell has exceeded any expectations the Kings have had for the young rookie so far this season. However, he has consistently found himself in foul trouble. That’s not abnormal for rookies, but it remains something that young players continue to work on as they develop.

I asked Doug Christie after the game what his thoughts were on helping Dylan limit his foul troubles — it’s not something Doug is concerned about.

“I think more than anything, you have to let him experience it,” Doug said after the game. “He has to find and go past the limit and then let’s reel you in, as opposed to someone who you’re always trying to turn up to get to a limit. I have no problem with Dylan’s fouls. I don’t want him to be in foul trouble… But with the verticality and the physicality, we are going to live with that right now so he can learn where his line is at.”

Domantas Sabonis played just under 20 minutes of action on Sunday night, which seems abnormal for him even if he is recently returning from injury. He was also not in any of the closing lineups for the Kings, another rarity in recent years in Sacramento.

After the game, I asked Doug if Domas was on a minutes restriction.

“No, he’s just coming back. This is just game two… it is a process, that’s all.”

Well, I’m not sure how much I buy that from the Kings’ head coach. After all, minutes aside, he didn’t choose to have Domantas in the closing lineup, which almost certainly signals some sort of disconnect between what Domas provides and the skill set Doug is looking for late in games.

Doug alluded to that himself when later in the press conference he was asked why Dylan Cardwell was closing the game rather than Sabonis.

“I think more than anything it’s his ability to switch 1-5,” Doug said, referring to Dylan closing over Sabonis.

This will be a storyline to watch, as I would be surprised if Sabonis is happy about his position in all of this. Time will tell if this is simply working Sabonis back into the fold and a structure Doug will look to keep in place.

Up Next: The Kings will stay home to take on the Miami Heat on Tuesday at 7 p.m. PST inside Golden 1 Center.

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.