Category: Sacramento Kings

Sacramento Kings Lose Second Game to New Orleans Pelicans 117-112

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New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) takes the ball to the hoop against the Sacramento Kings forward Trey Lyles (41) in the first half at Smoothie King Arena in New Orleans on Wed Nov 22, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

After getting totally ripped Monday night by the New Orleans Pelicans (8-7), the Sacramento Kings (8-6) met the Pelicans in a second game in as many days on Wednesday night. While they did trail at half-time they made things very interesting in the fourth quarter. The Kings tied the game numerous times in the final quarter but came up short losing 117-112.

Monday night the New Orleans Pelicans (8-7) completely owned the Sacramento Kings (8-6) crushing them 129-93. The Pelicans built momentum with each quarter and by the end of the third quarter this game was a done deal. In the first quarter of that first game Monday night, the Kings actually won the opening 31-29.

The Pelicans established a lead at the half 66-53 and never looked back. Wednesday night the Kings played the Pelicans in a second game in as many days hoping to turn things around but lost by five points to get swept in the two game series.

Game recap: In the first quarter of this game the Pelicans took the opener 32-30 so very similar to their first game Monday night. The second quarter was eerily similar with the Pelicans taking the quarter 32-20. At the half New Orleans led 64-50.

The Pelicans had a 14 pt. lead in this game at half-time and they held a 13 pt. lead in the first game of this series at the half. Zion Williamson already had 17 points in the first half and was making himself right at home driving the basket scoring layups at will.

The Kings defense was having a lot of trouble stopping him. Brandon Ingram had 11 points in the half. The Kings Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox both had double digits.

Mid-way through the third quarter, the Kings made some adjustments keeping Williamson out of the paint and making things much more difficult for him. As the third came to an end, Zion Williamson had not scored a single basket and Brandon Ingram had six points in the quarter.

The Pelicans continued to hang onto a double digit lead and after three quarters the score was 79-93. The Kings were trailing but this was manageable going into the fourth quarter unlike Monday’s game. Sacramento was out of that game going into the fourth on Monday night. It would all come down to the fourth quarter for Sacramento in this game.

With 8 1/2 minutes left in the game the Pelicans called a timeout. Sacramento had pulled to within two points 97-95. Sacramento’s bench player Trey Lyles had really turned it on scoring 12 points and De’Aaron Fox was really pushing with 24 points scored.

This game was within the Kings reach as Sacramento had tied up the game at 102 with 6:44 left on the clock. At 5:16 the Kings had, at long last, taken the lead 105-104. The Kings fought hard in the final quarter but came up just short losing the game 117-112.

The Kings had enough offense to have won this game but at times there was a defensive let-down. Fox had the high score for the team with 26 points. Sabonis had 23 points and Barnes finished with 22 points. Monk and Lyles both had double digits off the bench.

Friday night the Kings continue their road trip taking on the Minnesota Timberwolves. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00.

Kings Take a Beating At the Hands of the New Orleans Pelicans 129-93

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New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) looks to get the ball to a teammate while under the basket against the Sacramento Kings at Smoothie King Arena in New Orleans (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The New Orleans Pelicans (6-7) squashed Sacramento in the Kings worst game of the season. The Pelicans poured in on the second half as they mercilessly pounded the Kings (8-4) in both the third and fourth quarters.

This game could not have ended soon enough for the Kings in their most embarrassing game of the season. Their worst game prior to this one was a loss to the Rockets in early November. They lost that game by 25 points. The final in this one was 129-93.

The Kings were on a roll but the Pelicans put an end to their six game win streak. The Kings were coming off a win over the Dallas Mavericks last Sunday. Monday night they took on the Pelicans and just couldn’t hang with them. The Pelicans had good defense to shut down the Kings scoring and dominated on offense staying well ahead of the Kings all game long. This was a challenge for Sacramento playing their first back-to-back games of the season.

Game recap: New Orleans did have a moderate start to the season but they still possess some very strong players in Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson. They will be missing CJ McCollum with a chest (collapsed lung) issue.

The Kings Kevin Huerter was a game time decision. Sacramento will be looking to push their winning streak to seven. Whether or not the road trip along with this back to back will effect the team will be known as this game gets underway.

The Kings won the opening quarter taking a 31-29 lead. There was a very real change in the energy in the second quarter and at the half, the Pelicans had taken a 66-53 lead. New Orleans peppered the Kings winning the quarter 37-22.

Williamson was having a field day finishing the first half with 22 points. The Kings offense was struggling and fatigue could very well be factoring into the collapse. Sacramento led until the final five minutes of the quarter and then everything began to break down.

Keegan Murray only had 5 points in the half and De’Aaron Fox finished with nine points. This is when the Pelicans began to really turn it on extending their lead to 13 points going into the locker room.

The Kings would have to dig deep if they wanted to turn this game around. They had to find a way to disrupt the play of Williamson. They will be playing the Pelicans for a second time on Wednesday in New Orleans so they want to come out of this with at least a split.

As the third quarter got underway it became very evident that the sluggish play from Sacramento was partially the result of fatigue. At 7:57 in the quarter the Pelicans had a 22 point lead, 77-55.

New Orleans was running roughshod over the Kings. The Pelicans were shooting at 57% to the Kings 35%. Shots from beyond the arc also went to New Orleans shooting at 54% to the Kings 26%. This game was turning into a disaster for Sacramento. As the third came to an end, the Pelicans had taken a dominating 100-69 lead.

There was just more of the same as the fourth quarter wore on. This game could not have ended soon enough for the team. The final was 129-93 in a real shocker. Harrison Barnes had the high for the Kings with 16 points.

Sacramento will have to pull it all together because on Wednesday the Kings will meet the Pelicans for a second time in New Orleans. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.

30 points at 5:54

Kings Offense Shines In Win Over Mavericks 129-113; Sac picks up sixth win in a row in Dallas

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Sacramento Kings De’Aaron Fox (5) runs up the court against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center in Dallas on Sun Nov 19, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (8-4) won the final three quarters in their matchup against the Dallas Mavericks (9-5) finishing them off 129-113. Every starter finished in double digits and displayed a great defensive effort in the win against a very tough Dallas squad.

The Kings got their sixth win in a row Sunday night in Dallas taking on the Mavericks . Sacramento was able to contain Luka Doncic who averages 41 points per game, also recording 11.5 rebounds and nearly nine assists. Doncic led the Mavericks in scoring with 25 points.

In the Kings last few outings Domantas Sabonis has come away with 16 rebounds against the Lakers and 14 versus the Spurs so he can hold his own. He also delivers offensively and of course the Kings are now whole with the return of De’Aaron Fox who scored 43 points Friday night against the Spurs. He seems to step up bigger with every game since his return. The Kings showed that they have the talent to beat the Mavericks.

Game recap: The first quarter of this game was a close one with the Mavericks edging out the Kings 36-35. The Kings won the second quarter 35-29 and at the half Sacramento had a 70-65 lead. Every starter for Sacramento was in double digits at halftime with the exception of Harrison Barnes who was on the cusp with nine points.

The Kings were on point and had to carry this into the second half of the game. The Mavericks are in second place in the Western Conference tied with the Nuggets. The Kings could not afford any sort of let-down against Dallas in the second half.

The two teams battled back and forth in the third quarter with the Kings leading by slim margins for most of the quarter. In the final two minutes of the quarter Sacramento began to edge ahead leading after three quarters 107-96. Every King starter had double digits and off the bench Malik Monk had 12 points. They now had to keep up the pressure going into the final quarter of the game.

The Kings continued to extend their lead in the fourth quarter little by little leading 114-99 with 8 1/2 minutes left in the game. Each team had nine turnovers going into the fourth protecting the ball well on both sides.

Sabonis had recorded another double double with 11 rebounds and 28 points. The Kings had to dig deep to retain this lead against one of the best teams in the NBA. The Kings offensive effort continued through to the finish of this game. They won the quarter 22-17 and finished off the Mavericks 129-113. This was a terrific win for the Kings and was their sixth win in a row.

The Kings beat the Mavericks at every turn from shots from the field, to shots from beyond the arc and rebounds. They did have a few more turnovers, with 13, then Dallas but they had a consistent effort throughout the entire game offensively and defensively.

Sacramento did a good job containing Doncic and Kyrie Irving. The high for the Kings was Sabonis with 32 points and 13 rebounds. Fox had 30 points in an outstanding win.

After Sunday’s game, the Kings will head into Louisiana to take on the New Orleans Pelicans Monday night, in search of a seventh straight win. Zion Williamson did not play in their game Saturday being rested and they did not play in today’s game.

The Kings will more than likely see Williamson in Monday’s game. The Pelicans will be rested but the Kings will also be riding high with a lot of confidence after Sunday’s win. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings take out Spurs for fifth straight win in a row in San Antonio

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Sacramento Keon Ellis (23) reaches for the basket in first half action at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio on Fri Nov 17, 2023 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 The Sacramento Kings (7-4) beat the San Antonio Spurs (3-9) in a game that was close until the final minutes of the game. 

#2 This was their fifth win in a row in an amazing resilient effort winning 129-120. 

#3 The Kings handed the Spurs their seventh loss in a row. De’Aaron Fox finished with 43 points.

#4 Fox also had eight rebounds, seven assists shooting at 58% from the field. This guy just seems to play better and better with every game.

#5 The Kings  take on the Dallas Mavericks next Sunday with tipoff scheduled for 4:30 PM in Dallas. Jeremiah how do you see this match up?

Join Jeremiah Salmonson for the Kings podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kings Beat Spurs In a Thriller 129-120; Sac on a five game win streak, face Mavericks in Dallas Sunday

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The Sacramento Kings De’Aaron Fox (5) tries to get a drive in on the San Antonio Spurs Jeremy Sochan (right) at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio on Fri Nov 17, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (7-4) beat the San Antonio Spurs (3-9) in a game that was close until the final minutes of the game. This was their fifth win in a row in an amazing resilient effort winning 129-120. The Kings handed the Spurs their seventh loss in a row. De’Aaron Fox finished with 43 points.

The Sacramento Kings (7-4) took on the San Antonio Spurs (3-9) Friday night at Frost Bank Center . They continue their road trip after beating the Los Angeles Lakers Wednesday night 125-110 at times leading the Lakers by as much as 20. LeBron James did a great job in the fourth quarter attempting to lead his team to a comeback but fell short. The Kings held on for the win in a great start to this current road trip.

Game recap: The Spurs got a fast start leading 9-0 inside of two minutes forcing Head Coach Mike Brown and the Kings to take an early timeout. The Spurs didn’t back down at all and the Kings were having offensive trouble from the start. Halfway through the first quarter the Spurs were already 4 of 6 from downtown leading 23-7.

With a couple minutes left in the first quarter the Kings chipped away at the Spurs lead and when the clock expired Sacramento trailed by two points 31-29. They had a nice turnaround after trailing by quite a significant margin.

One minute into the second quarter, the Kings had taken their first lead of the game 33-31. Sacramento continued to hang onto the lead in the first half of the quarter. The Spurs refused to go away and mid-way through the quarter had taken back the lead 43-42. The Kings battled back and this game was tied at 62 when the the first half came to an end.

The Kings owned most of the third quarter taking as much as a 16 point lead mid-way through the quarter. The Spurs turned the quarter around trailing by four points with just over three minutes left in the third.

San Antonio continued to threaten cutting the King lead to a single point 88-87. With under two minutes left in the third Malik Monk hit his 5th three of the night. Every time the Kings built a lead, the Spurs erased it and after three quarters the Kings held a 95-94 lead. The Spurs had overcome a 16 point deficit.

The Spurs took the lead to start the fourth quarter 98-95. Seconds later this game was tied at 98 and the Kings Kevin Huerter, Harrison Barnes and Keegan Murray were desperately needed to step up in this game.

As the final quarter wore on, this was anybody’s game. In the final minutes Sacramento pulled it all together with some great defense winning a very challenging game 129-120. The Spurs had a great game and very nearly pulled off a win.

The Spurs Zach Collins had the high for the game with 28 points and the remarkable Victor Wembanyama had 27 points and 9 rebounds.

De’Aaron Fox finished the game with 43 points, eight rebounds, seven assists shooting at 58% from the field. This guy just seems to play better and better with every game . There was absolutely no rust to shake off after he missed five games with an ankle injury just coming back three games ago.

The Kings have now won five games in a row and will take on the Dallas Mavericks next Sunday with tipoff scheduled for 4:30 PM. This will be the ultimate challenge for Sacramento and they will need all hands on deck for this one.

Sacramento Manhandles Lakers – Win Fourth In a Row 125-110; Kings beat LA despite LeBron’s triple double in the Southland

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Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) arms raised and forward Harrison Barnes (40) during a time out as the Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) looks on at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Wed Nov 15, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (6-4) had an amazing first quarter en route to a 125-110 win over the Los Angeles Lakers (6-6). They handed the Lakers their first home loss of the season as they outplayed them through the first three quarters. This is the first of a six game road trip for Sacramento and a very positive way to start it.

Game recap: The Kings got a great start in the opening quarter scoring 32 points in nine minutes. With less than two minutes left in the first quarter Sacramento had a 37-19 lead. Both Domantas Sabonis and Kevin Huerter had ten points apiece in the quarter. The Kings made six shots from downtown and were looking to continue to control the pace of this game going into the second quarter with a 38-25 lead.

After leading by as much as 20 points in the opening quarter, the Lakers erased that lead pulling to within eight points in the early minutes of the second quarter. Fast break points favored the Kings so far in this game and at 8:59 Sacramento held a 46-35 lead. With 0.1 left on the clocks the second quarter Fox hit a 27-foot jumper and the Kings took a 72-59 lead into the locker room.

Fox already had a 21 point game with Sabonis coming in with 19 points. So far in this game the Kings were dominating the glass. Sacramento finished the half with ten shots from downtown.

Sacramento finished the third quarter with an amazing 16 shots from downtown with Kevin Huerter responsible for six of them. He was having another solid game as the Kings continued to dictate the pace of this game going into the fourth quarter with a 104-80 lead.

The Kings were leading the Lakers in points from the field, shots from downtown, rebounds and only had ten turnovers through three quarters. The 24 point Sacramento lead was the largest they had in the game so far.

The Lakers got a fast start in the fourth quarter scoring six unanswered points. The Kings called a hasty time-out needing to get their offense back on track. It was a horrible start in the final quarter for Sacramento. They let their 24 point lead dwindle to 16. After missing numerous shots to start the quarter the Kings offense started to heat up again although they were committing too many turnovers with five in the quarter.

Both teams were shooting at 50% and the Sacramento offense began to struggle with five minutes left in the game. The 24 point lead that the Kings took into the fourth quarter had been cut in half with the Lakers trailing by a dozen. Sacramento was able to pull it together enough to win this game. This was the Laker’s first home loss of the season.

LeBron James gave his team an outside chance to win this game in the fourth quarter finishing with 28 points. D’Angelo Russell also had 28 points for Los Angeles. The Lakers did have 23 turnovers which hurt them.

Sabonis had the high for the Kings with 29 points and 16 rebounds. Fox and Huerter had 28 points apiece. Harrison Barnes chipped in double digits with 13.

Game notes: Wednesday night the Kings traveled to Los Angeles taking on the Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. The Kings had embarked on a six game road trip that started Wednesday night. The Kings came off a win over the Cavaliers Monday night 132-120 that saw the long-awaited return of Fox.

Fox did not disappoint and finished with 28 points. Sacramento had four starters with 20 plus points in that game and they extended their winning streak to three games. Huerter had a terrific night with 20 points and going 6 of 9 from downtown against Cleveland. Keegan Murray and Sabonis also had an outstanding game last Monday.

The Kings sure started this road trip on a positive note with the win Wednesday night. They will be looking to extend their four game winning streak Friday night taking on the San Antonio Spurs with a scheduled 4:30 PM tipoff.

Kings Defeat Cavs 132-120; Fox 28 pts and Murray 25 pts lead in Sac’s scoring

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Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen bottom left defends against Sacramento Kings center Alex Len top left whose trying to tip the ball in the basket at Golden 1 Sacramento on Mon Nov 13, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Monday night. The Kings were set to welcome in the Cleveland Cavaliers after two days off over the weekend. The Kings had last played on Friday against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Kings defeated the Thunder en route to their first NBA in-season tournament game of the year. On Monday, the Kings welcomed Donovan Mitchell and the Cavaliers at 7 PM PST. The Kings got a boost before tip-off as De’Aaron Fox returned from his ankle sprain after missing five games. The Kings trounced the Cavs in a commanding 132-120 win. 

In the first quarter, the Kings and Domantas Sabonis took control early. The Kings offense came out with high intensity. The lift Fox brings the Kings offense was apparent. Fox scored seven points as Sabonis added 11 in the quarter to get the Kings going. The Kings outscored the Cavaliers in the first quarter 33-25. 

In the second quarter, the Kings looked to build on the eight-point first-quarter lead. The Kings weren’t able to add to the lead in the second quarter. However, they did maintain exactly an eight-point advantage.

The Kings and the Cavaliers would enter halftime with the Kings leading 68-60. Fox and Sabonis had a tremendous first half for the Kings, with Fox scoring 15 and Sabonis 16. Donovan Mitchell led the way for the Cavaliers with 12 points in the half. Defensive intensity would be the game’s key in the second half for the Kings if they were going to win. 

In the third quarter, the Kings broke out. The Kings scored an impressive 42 points in the quarter to take a commanding lead. The Cavaliers were only able to muster 29 points as the Kings separated. The Kings offense could do no wrong in the quarter as the Cavaliers struggled to get back on defense. The Kings played a complete game as they led the Cavaliers 110-89 going into the final quarter. 

In the fourth quarter, the Kings took a step back as the Cavaliers upped the intensity on the offensive end. The Cavaliers offense put up 31 points in the fourth quarter. On the other hand, the Kings offense dropped off to a 22 point output in the final quarter of the game.

However, the Kings massive 21 point advantage would hold up as they defeated the Cavaliers 132-120. The Kings were led by Fox who had 28 points in his return from injury. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 22 points in the game. 

Up Next: The Kings go on the road to take on the LA Lakers on Wednesday at 7 PM PST.

Sacramento Kings game wrap: Sobonis stays hot scores his 15th Kings triple double; Sac takes out Thunder 105-98

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Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Homgren (7) takes a shot against the Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sobonis (10) in the first half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Fri Nov 10, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action at Golden One Center in Sacramento. The Kings were set to play their first NBA in-season tournament game. In the Kings last contest on Wednesday, they managed to defeat the Portland Trailblazers at home.

On Friday, the Kings were welcoming the Oklahoma City Thunder. The game was set for a 7 PM PST tip-off on the new hardwood exclusively for the NBA in-season tournament. The Kings defeated the Thunder by the final of 105-98 on Friday night.

In the first quarter, the Kings started the game on a terror. The Kings came out firing on all cylinders in the first, scoring 34 points in the quarter. On the other hand, the Thunder were held to 20 points by the Kings defense. The Kings were playing with an intensity that had been missing in the previous few weeks since the De’Aaron Fox injury.

In the second quarter, the Kings played much worse. The Kings offense reached a standstill in the quarter, scoring only 19 points. Fortunately for the Kings, the Thunder only managed 22 points for themselves in the quarter. So, the game would go to halftime with the Kings leading 53-42. The Kings didn’t play how they wanted to on the offensive end of the floor in the second quarter, but they maintained the lead. Kevin Huerter had a tremendous first half for the Kings, scoring 19 points. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 12 for the Thunder.

In the third quarter, the Kings lead continued to shrink. The Kings played an underwhelming third quarter, which shrunk the lead down to five going into the fourth quarter. The Kings were outscored by the Thunder 28-22 in the third quarter. The Kings were playing a very inconsistent game on the offensive end of the floor all night. The Kings would need to play with the same intensity they did in the first quarter to defeat Shai and the Thunder.

In the fourth quarter, both teams played with high intensity and attention to detail. Ultimately, the Kings would prevail by the final score of 105-98. The Kings scored 30 points in the last quarter of the game. The Thunder managed 28 points in the fourth quarter in defeat. It was an excellent win for the Kings, who didn’t shoot particularly well in the game but still found a way to win.

The Kings only shot 42% from the field, while the Thunder shot 44%. Coach Mike Brown was complimentary of his team postgame. In his postgame presser, Coach Brown said he was impressed with the game that Keegan Murray and Kevin Huerter turned in.

Huerter and Keegan have struggled in early part of the season yet excelled on Friday night. The Kings were led in victory by Huerter, who scored 28 points in the contest. In defeat, the Thunder were led by a 28-point performance from Gilgeous-Alexander.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday at 7 PM PST at Golden One Center.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings get OT win over Blazers 121-118; Sac hosts OKC at Golden 1 tonight

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The Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0) takes a shot against the Portland Trailblazers forward Justin Minaya (24) second half action at Golden One Center in Sacramento on Wed Nov 8, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 Jeremiah, Domantas Sobonis had the hot hand for the Sacramento Kings (3-4) on Wednesday night leading with 27 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists on the Kings 121-118 victory over the Portland Trailblazers.

#2 With just 13 seconds left in overtime the Kings Molik Monk hit two crucial free throws to keep hope alive.

#3 The Kings got ten points to the Trailblazers seven points in over time and got a four point edge for the win.

#4 The Blazers are now 3-5 how much is that record and some of those loses based on Damion Lillard no longer with Portland.

#5 The Kings host the Oklahoma City Thunder at Golden 1 tonight. The Thunder are 5-3 and defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in their last game 128-120. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lead all scorers for the Thunder with 43. How crucial will it be for the Kings defense to shut down Alexander?

Join Jeremiah for the Sacramento Kings podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kings Defeat Blazers 121-118; Monk and Sabonis lead Sac in scoring

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Guard Malik Monk (0) of the Sacramento Kings lets everyone know who the man is after scoring on the Portland Trailblazers forward Jerami Grant (9) at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Wed Nov 8, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Wednesday night. The Kings were coming off two games in Houston against the upstart Rockets. It was a disappointing show from the Kings on the road as they lost both games to the Rockets. The Kings were boat-raced in both games, losing 107-89 and 122-89.

It was a pathetic showing for the Kings in the Lone Star State as they looked to get back on track on Wednesday. The Kings were set to tip off against the Portland Trailblazers at 7 PM PST. The Kings snapped their losing streak of three games by beating the Blazers 121-118

In the first quarter, the Kings offense looked different than in previous games this season. Coach Mike Brown elected to start Keon Ellis over Davion Mitchell. The decision paid off early, as Keon gave the Kings solid minutes to open the game with stability. Overall, the Kings played well in the first quarter, scoring 34 points with help from an 11-point quarter from Domantas Sobonis. The Blazers scored 29 points in the quarter. 

In the second quarter, the Kings lost the lead. The Kings only scored 22 points in the second. On the other hand, the Blazers scored 31 points in the quarter to build a 60-56 lead over the Kings. Mike Brown was visibly frustrated with the Kings going into halftime. The Kings offense was suffering under missed open shots. If the Kings hoped to win, they needed to hit their open shots in the second half. 

In the third quarter, the Kings played better, but it wasn’t by much. The Kings outscored the Blazers 29-24 in the third quarter to regain the lead going into the game’s final quarter. The Kings leading scorer through three quarters was Domantas Sabonis, who had 21 points. The Blazers leading scorer was Jerami Grant, with 25 through three quarters. The score was 85-84 Kings going into the fourth quarter. 

In the fourth quarter, the Kings would play without enough intensity to finish the job. The Kings scored 26 points compared to the Blazers 27 points. The game would come to the end of regulation with the score 111-111. The Kings would need to finish the overtime job if they wanted to snap the losing streak. 

In overtime, the Kings got the job done! The Kings managed to squeak out the win over the Blazers in overtime, outscoring them 10-7. The King received a heroic performance from Malik Monk at the free throw line, crucial to the victory. The Kings leading scorer in victory was Domas Sabonis, who had 27 points. Jerami Grant led the way in defeat for the Blazers with 38 points. 

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday at 7 PM PST. The contest will count towards the NBA in-season tournament.