Jakub Skarek makes 19 saves in Barracuda’s 4-3 shootout win

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San Jose Barracuda vs Onatrio Reign on Saturday December 20th at Toyota Arena (via flickr/ontarioreign)

By Madison Montez

Egor Afanasyev opened up the scoring and put San Jose up on top first. In his first game back since his injury, Colin White registered the secondary assist. Five minutes later, Martin Chromiak of the Ontario Reign made teddy bears fly all over to tie the game at 1-1 a piece.

Shorthanded, Andre Lee gave Ontario their first lead of the game. After Cole Guttman was given a ten minute misconduct, Egor Afanasyev tied the game for his second goal of the game.

With their second powerplay goal of the game, Oliver Wahlstrom gave San Jose their lead back. Musty, who drew the penalty that put them on the powerplay, registered the primary assist. With 45 seconds left of the game, Andre Lee tied the game at three to send the game into overtime. After a scoreless overtime period, it headed to a shootout.

Round one, both teams scored. Round two, Bystedt missed and Ward missed. Round three, Afanasyev scored, Chromiak missed. Skarek with the save, Barracuda win 4-3.

Both teams showed off their special teams in Saturday night’s game. San Jose took advantage and went two for eight on the powerplay while Ontario went zero for four. Coming into Saturday night’s game, San Jose had the advantage on the powerplay, ranking first in the Pacific Divison. On the other hand, Ontario had the upper hand on San Jose on the penalty kill, ranking third while being shorthanded in the Pacific Division.

Being such a close game, the shots were also very close. After the first period, Ontario outshot San Jose 8-7. After the second period, both teams shot the same, seven shots. After the third period, Ontario outshot San Jose ten to seven.

Jakub Skarek, who made 19 saves on 21 shots, recorded Saturday night’s win. His record now improves to 10-3-0-1. For Ontario, Isaiah Saville got the start in the net. He recorded 18 saves on 21 shots and his record now moves to 4-2-0-1.

THREE STARS OF THE GAME:

  1. Egor Afanasyev
  2. Andre Lee
  3. Martin Chromiak

The Barracuda will be back in action Sunday December 21st at the Toyota Center in Ontario for 3:00pm PT, wrapping up their roadtrip against these same Reign. They will be looking to the series. Gabriel Carriere and Mattias Sholl are expected to make the starts in net.

Warriors Snap 3 Game Losing Streak on a 14-Point comeback Win against the Suns, 119-116.

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Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) scores a three-pointer against the Phoenix Suns in the fourth quarter during an NBA game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025. The Warriors won 119-116. (Photo Credits to Santiago Mejia/ S.F. Chronicle)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Warriors began their Saturday evening game at 5:30 p.m. inside Chase Center against the Phoenix Suns (15-12), who started the night and stayed seventh in the Western Conference. The game marked Golden State’s Native American Heritage Night, as the Warriors fought and ultimately ended a three-game losing streak with a 119-116 win over the Suns. It was the teams’ third meeting this season, with Phoenix defeating Golden State 99-98 in Arizona on December 18, matching the season series at 1-1.

Golden State came into the game averaging 113.8 points per game, while Phoenix allowed 113.9 points per game defensively. The Warriors also finished 3-2 against division opponents. Head coach Steve Kerr started Jimmy Butler III, Draymond Green, Quinten Post, Moses Moody, and Stephen Curry, who averaged 28.8 points and four rebounds per game this season.

Despite Butler’s strong first-quarter performance of 10 points, the Warriors fell behind early on. Brandin Podziemski scored eight points, but Golden State struggled defensively, trailing 44-32 at the end of the first quarter. The Warriors committed five turnovers and shot 13-of-23 (56.5%) from the field, while Phoenix capitalized on Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks’ hot shooting, scoring 11 and 12 points, respectively.

Golden State’s night took a turn in the second quarter when Draymond Green was ejecteded for two quick technical fouls. Green finished with four points, three rebounds, and an assist. The Warriors responded by increasing their depth in the rotation and intensifying their play. Will Richard, a rookie, had an immediate impact by hitting a perfect 3-of-3 from the field and 2-of-2 from three, totaling eight points and three rebounds.

The Warriors dominated the glass, outrebounding Phoenix 24-15 in the first half, but the Suns kept the lead with smart offense, hitting 26-of-47 (55.3%) and 7-of-17 (41.2%) from three. De’Anthony Melton made two of three free throws after getting fouled on a three-point try in the final seconds of the half, and Richard added a fast putback to close the gap on Melton’s last attempt. Phoenix led 67-64 at halftime.

Golden State began the third quarter with renewed energy. Jimmy Butler scored seven straight points, bringing his total to 17 before the halfway mark of the quarter, as the Warriors staged a comeback. Phoenix committed four early fouls, which allowed Golden State to find its attacking rhythm. The Warriors seized their first lead since the opening minutes when Gary Payton II hit a three-pointer, making it 79-76.

From there, the Warriors gained control thanks to their defensive energy and timely shooting. Richard continued to impress, hitting two major three-pointers that excited the Chase Center crowd. Phoenix struggled at the free-throw line during the quarter, going 16-of-20 after being flawless earlier. Butler and Richard had each scored more than 20 points by the end of the third quarter, and Golden State led 93-87 heading into the fourth.

The Warriors played smart basketball in the fourth quarter, focusing on spacing, ball movement, and tough defense. Stephen Curry’s leadership was noticed as he handled traffic offensively, hustled in transition defense, and kept the team focused. Golden State extended its lead to 11 points, 103-92, with seven minutes left.

Phoenix made one more effort behind Booker, who scored three consecutive baskets, including a three-point play, to cut the advantage to 109-105 with less than two minutes remaining. Curry responded with a deep 30-foot three-pointer, but the Suns continued to reply. Jimmy Butler made a three-point play to put the Warriors up 115-110, but Booker responded with another three-point play to make it 115-113.

Collin Gillespie missed a three-pointer that would have given the Suns the lead. Curry was fouled on the next possession and missed his last free throw attempt, but Gillespie next hit a tough three to get Phoenix within one point, 117-116, with nine seconds left. Golden State performed well under pressure, with Curry finishing with a reverse layup to increase the lead to three. Phoenix failed to take a shot on its final possession.

The Warriors rallied from 14 points down to win 119-116, stopping a three-game losing streak. Curry led Golden State with 28 points, going 9-for-19 from the field and 4-for-11 from beyond the arc, while also scoring a double-double with 10 rebounds.

Richard added 20 points and five rebounds, while the Warriors’ bench scored 52 points. Golden State improved to 14-15, eighth in the Western Conference, after going 4-6 in its previous ten games. The victory also gave the Warriors a 2-1 lead in the season series with the Suns. The Golden State Warriors ( 14-15) are scheduled to defend their home against the Orlando Magic at Chase Center on Monday, December 22, at 7 p.m.

San Jose Sharks podcast Mary Lisa: Celebrini on an offensive roll can he keep it up against Seattle?

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San Jose Sharks defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin (85) is called for a penalty against the Dallas Stars center Colin Blackwell (15) in the second period at SAP Center in San Jose on Thu Dec 18, 2025 (AP News photo)

San Jose Sharks podcast Mary Lisa:

#1 Can San Jose’s Macklin Celebrini continue his offensive surge against Seattle’s defense?

#2 Will William Eklund’s playmaking ability be a key factor in the Sharks breaking the Kraken’s defensive structure?

#3 How will goaltending between Yaroslav Askarov and the Kraken’s netminder influence the outcome?

#4 Can Tyler Toffoli provide timely scoring and veteran leadership for the Sharks in this divisional battle?

#5 What role will Alexander Wennberg and Collin Graf play in generating secondary scoring and maintaining puck possession? Depth contributions from players like Wennberg and Graf could be pivotal in a close game.

Join Mary Lisa for the San Jose Sharks podcasts each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings podcast Tony Harvey: Sabonis to be out for another month

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Nov 11, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis (11) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images | Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Sacramento Kings podcast Tony Harvey:

#1 Tony, did the injury that Domantas Sabonis have make him someone who was tradble. Also Sabonis will be out another month with a left injury to his left knee.

#2 Sabonis has been out since Nov 16th due to a meniscus tear on his left knee. Sabonis will be looked at again by the Kings medical staff in four to five weeks.

#3 The Kings have been trying as hard as they may to get in the win column and are close to last in the Western Conference standings at 6-21.

#4 Sabonis is averaging 17.2 points and 12.3 rebounds per game in 11 games which he did before getting the injury. Sabonis preivous to this season had led the NBA in rebounding the last three years.

#5 The Kings returned back from a long four game road trip they will host the Portland Trail Blazers Saturday night at Golden One Center how do you see this game playing out?

Join Tony for the Kings podcasts Saturdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

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. 

Utah Mammoth game wrap: But Dials Up First NHL Goal In 2-1 Mammoth Loss To Devils

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The New Jersey Devils right wing Stefan Noesen (11) scores a goal past Utah Mammoth goaltender Karel Vejmelka (70) in the third period at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Fri Dec 19, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Tom Walker

SALT LAKE CITY–Daniil But scored his first NHL goal in his tenth career game, but New Jersey comes from behind to defeat Utah 2-1.

Having won two out of three on their recent road trip, the Utah Mammoth (17-16-3) returned to Delta Center on Friday night for the first of two games on a brief homestand, squaring off against the New Jersey Devils (19-14-1) who have lost seven of their last ten contests.

Making his season debut for Utah was forward Alexander Kerfoot, originally a Devils fifth round draft pick in 2012, who returned after missing 36 games following a procedure to repair a core muscle injury. In the Mammoth net was Karel Vejmelka, who entered the game leading the NHL with 15 victories.

At 9:35 of the first period, 6’5″ 20-year old Russian rookie Daniil But, who was recently called up from the Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL, scored his first career NHL goal with a highlight-reel backhand in front of the Devils net, assisted by defenseman Sean Durzi, giving Utah a 1-0 lead.

As But celebrated his first goal, fans erupted into cheers which sounded like boos, because But’s last name is pronounced like “boot.” Among his teammates, however, But is known as “Cheeks,” a nickname bestowed by defenseman Nate Schmidt.

Utah selected But 12th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft. Last season he skated in 54 games with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in the KHL where he scored 9 goals and 19 assists in 54 games en route to his team winning the league’s Gagarin Cup. The Mammoth took the one-goal lead into the locker room after 20 minutes, with Vejmelka having stopped all 9 New Jersey shots.

The Devils tied things up at 11:21 of the second period when winger Connor Brown put a snap shot past Vejmelka for his ninth goal of the season, assisted by Nico Hischier and Dougie Hamilton. Other than that, both goaltenders held down their respective nets for the balance of the period. Through two periods of play, New Jersey goalie Jacob Markstrom saved 23 of 24 shots, and Vejmelka turned away 14 of 15.

Utah defenseman Mikhail Sergachev gave the Devils a power play at 3:11 of the third period for tripping against Jesper Bratt. A little more than a minute into the penalty, New Jersey forward Stefan Noesen cashed it in for his 3rd goal of the season, assisted by Hischier and Luke Hughes, to give the Devils their first lead of the game, 2-1. That goal would stand up as the game-winner as both goaltenders shut down the opposition the rest of the way.

In the Mammoth locker room, Kerfoot gave his first post-game interview of the season. “Yeah, it’s a tight game. One play kind of makes a difference, and when we score a power play goal, they score a power play goal,” Kerfoot said. “We had some looks there six-on-five to tie it up, but I thought overall, it was a pretty good hockey game, but they just made one more play than we did.” Asked how he felt in his first game back, Kerfoot said, “I’ve never gone through an injury like this. This season, I feel like more than ever, because the schedule is so condensed, we haven’t had practice time really at all. I haven’t gotten into a practice. So, my first couple shifts, it was just feeling, trying to keep it short. But overall, the game felt fast, but I felt good and felt like my touches were good when I was out there, and just got to keep building.” With regard to Daniil But’s first NHL goal, Kerfoot remarked, “Yeah, it’s great to see. Awesome moment for him. He’s a young kid who’s going to score lots of goals in this league. He’s had some looks, so it was nice for him to see one go in, and hopefully the floodgates open for him. I’ve thought that he’s been around the puck around the net, and it was just a matter of time before he got one.”

Daniil But’s excitement over his goal carried over from the ice and into the locker room. “I am not going to lie, it felt good when I scored,” But said, “but the most important thing is winning, and we lost today.” When asked what the team needs to do better moving forward, But’s answer was concise and to the point, “maybe more shots and guys in front of the net.”

Utah Mammoth Head Coach André Tourigny opened his postgame comments by saying, “We did a lot of good stuff. Dominated scoring, chances, shots, things like that. But, at the same time, they scored a big goal on their power play, then made a mistake, and on the rebound, we had an opportunity to put the game away when we had the lead and could not score the big goal or take advantage of our opportunity. In the third, they did a good job. Give them credit. At the same time, we need to find a way to put pucks in the net, to find seams, and to create more chaos, but we could not find a way to find seams and put pucks in the net.” Talking about the goal by Cheeks, Tourigny added, “It was a matter of time. He is playing good hockey, and there was no doubt it was coming. I am happy for him; it was an important goal for us.”

Utah (17-17-3) will play the Winnipeg Jets (15-17-2) at the Delta Center on Sunday afternoon before traveling to Colorado for their last game prior to the Christmas break on Tuesday.

BEAR ATTACK!: Cal Berkeley Golden Bears beat Morgan State University Bears, 97-50

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Morgan State Guard Walter Peggs Jr, drives into the lane who is heavily contested by Cal Berkeley forward Dhiaukuei “DK” Manyiel Dut. (Photo credits to Sports Radio Services Michael Villanueva)

By Michael Villanueva

BERKELEY – Cal men’s basketball has again transformed its home court into a fortress under the cold lights of “Haas of Pain.” In front of the Berkeley crowd, the Golden Bears put up a strong and effective performance, dominating the Morgan State Bears, 97-50.

Cal and Morgan State faced off on Tuesday night for the first time since November 25, 1991, at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley. Cal won that game 97-50, and with this game, the Golden Bears extended their all-time series lead to 2-0.

Cal was in the middle of an eight-game homestand and had its best start since 2014, with a 10-1 overall record entering the contest. The Bears entered the game on a seven-game winning streak, their longest since 2014, and were unbeaten at home, with a perfect 9-0 record at Haas Pavilion.

The Golden Bears began the game with a starting lineup of John Camden, Chris Bell, Lee Dort, Dai Dai Ames, and Semetri Carr, who made his first start for the team. Dort instantly set the tone for the game, exciting the fans with back-to-back alley-oop punches. Cal then solidly claimed its home turf, dominating the tempo and imposing dominance over the Morgan State Bears.

Cal guard Dai Dai Ames entered the game averaging 18.3 points per game, while forward Chris Bell continued his strong runs of play, averaging 14.2 points in his previous ten games. Bell made an immediate impact, scoring 13 points and grabbing five rebounds by halftime. Morgan State struggled to find an answer for Bell’s offensive mix, especially in the midrange, as he shot 3-of-6 from the field and 2-of-4 from beyond the arc in the opening half.

Cal’s shooting efficiency was on full show in the first half, as the Golden Bears made 50 percent of their three-point tries and went 4-for-8 from deep. They were just as good overall, shooting 61 percent from the floor on 17 of 28 attempts. Berkeley played with poise and discipline on offense, moving the ball around the top of the key and making timely cuts that led to easy points.

The Golden Bears took care of the ball, causing only three turnovers as a team by halftime, while their defensive drive pushed Morgan State into six turnovers before the break. Morgan State was overwhelmed offensively, trying to find any rhythm and shooting 0-for-10 from outside the arc at halftime, while Cal maintained its momentum into the second half. At the break, the Golden Bears led 50-23.

Cal did not stop after the break, continuing to dominate on both ends of the court. Chris Bell led the squad with 28 points (8-of-11 shooting), six rebounds, and two assists. John Camden finished with 20 points, giving the Bears multiple scoring options that Morgan State couldn’t handle. Cal combined for 42 points in the paint and 21 points on the fast break, proving their depth and versatility. The Golden Bears won by nearly 50 points with a 97-50 triumph, dominating from start to finish and exiting Haas Pavilion with another statement win.

With their win, the Golden Bears improved to 11-1 overall and remained perfect at home with an 11-0 record. Cal returns to the “Haas of Pain” on Sunday, December 21st at 2 p.m. to host the Columbia Lions. The game will be aired and shown on the ACC Network

Cal Bears podcast Michael Villanueva: Cal’s 97-50 win gives them their best start since 1959

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Cal Bears forward Chris Bell (22) takes a shot against the Morgan State Bears Manok Lual (22) at Haas Pavilion on Fri Dec 19, 2025 (Cal Bears X photo)

Cal Bears podcast Michael Villanueva:

#1 Michael talk about the job the Cal Bears did tonight absolutely dominated on offense with a win over the Morgan State Bears (2-9) of Baltimore in a contest that wasn’t even close.

#2 Cal’s leading scorer Chris Bell led with 28 points. Bell was just simply difficult to defend and had his way with Morgan State’s defense.

#3 Cal’s John Camden followed up with 20 points, Camden was getting his shot working and mismatched Morgan State in the Cal 97-50.

#4 Cal with the win is now 11-1 and this is their best start since 1959. Cal is undfeated at home.

#5 Cal hosts the Columbia Lions who after winning seven straight snapped their win streak against the Stony Brook Seawolves 77-73. This game will be played at Cal on Sunday at 2:00 pm PT Michael what are your thoughts going into this one?

Michael Nueueva covers the Cal Bears for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Sharks podcast Len Shapiro: Dallas makes Sharks see Stars in game’s end 5-3 at SAP Center

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Dallas Stars center Justin Hryckowian (middle) is congratulated by teammates defenseman Nils Lundkvist and center Oskar Bick (10) after scoring against the San Jose Sharks in the second period (AP News photo)

San Jose Sharks podcast Len Shapiro:

#1 How did Macklin Celebrini’s leadership show up in Thursday night, especially during key moments against a structured Dallas Stars team?

#2 What stood out about Celebrini’s impact in this game—did his pace and decision-making translate into meaningful offensive chances?

#3 How effective was William Eklund had six shots and he was a minus three, Alex Wennberg, Tim Tofoli also minus three.

#4 Did Mario Ferraro set the tone defensively against Dallas’ top forwards, and how did his physical play influence the Sharks’ overall compete level?

#5 What can the Sharks take away from Colin Graf’s performance scoring two goals , particularly in terms of finishing chances and consistency in a tight game?

#6 Len talk about the standings and talk about the where the Sharks are in the wild card it’s early but it’s a great representation of where the Sharks are?

Len Shapiro does the San Jose Sharks podcast each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Wyatt Johnston illuminates the Stars with two goals in 5-3 victory over San Jose

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San Jose Sharks forward Colin Graf (51) scores one of his two goals against the Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) at SAP Center in San Jose on Thu Dec 18, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Lincoln Juarez

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Wyatt Johnston potted two against the Sharks in a 5-3 victory for the Dallas Stars at SAP Center Thursday night. Colin Graf scored two of his own while Macklin Celebrini assisted on both adding to his third-best point total in the NHL.

The Sharks rode a three-game win streak into Thursday night’s matchup against the Dallas Stars, the NHL’s second best team. After a 4-1 loss in Dallas two weeks ago, team teal went into Thursday’s game playing with some new swagger.

San Jose started the tilt with a lot of offensive zone pressure met by the sizable Jake Oettinger in the Dallas crease. Oettinger turned away 12 shots in the first, keeping the Sharks scoreless through the first period.

On the other end of the ice, Alex Nedeljkovic was tested 10 times and beat twice. Roope Hintz got the game’s first at 12:25 of the first period on a nice feed from Mikko Rantanen. It was his 10th of the season to put the Stars ahead. Almost exactly five minutes later at 17:38 of the first, Wyatt Johnston scored his first of two on the night and his 18th of the season to make it 2-0 Dallas.

The Sharks had some high percentage scoring chances but couldn’t get the puck past Oettinger, other than a Zack Ostapchuk deflection that was ruled a high stick upon review.

It wasn’t until 1:43 of the second period that San Jose had an answer on Shakir Mukhamadullin’s second goal of the year. Ty Dellandrea set him up to get the Sharks within one and start the back and forth second period.

Both teams went blow for blow in the middle period as Wyatt Johnston answered right back with his second goal of the game to give the Stars their two-goal lead back.

Later on, Colin Graf scored his first goal of the night and seventh of the season off a sweet pass from Macklin Celebrini off an offensive zone face-off win.

Soon after, Justin Hryckowian made it a 4-2 Stars lead on a disgraceful giveaway by goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic who threw the puck loosely into the slot where Hryckowian took possession and buried it. “I just didn’t execute the play” said Nedeljkovic describing a play he felt confident to make considering he made a similar pass earlier in the game.

Hryckowian’s goal ended up being the game winner as the Sharks couldn’t claw back. Colin Graf added one more to the Sharks effort on the back end of a tik-tac-toe setup by Celebrini and Igor Chernyshov.

Jamie Benn capped off the Stars win with an empty-netter to deflate the Sharks hope of a comeback.

San Jose went 0-for-3 on the power play and couldn’t break the wall that was Jake Oettinger as he turned away 34 of 37 shots he faced.

The Sharks will wrap up the homestand with their last home game before the Christmas break against the Seattle Kraken at SAP Center at 7pm Saturday night.

Kings Lose To Trail Blazers In A Wild Overtime 134-133

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Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud (42) questions a foul call against him in the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers Thu Dec 18, 2025 in Portland (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (6-21) lost to the Portland Trail Blazers (11-16) in overtime 134-133 forging a late fourth quarter rally to force the overtime They had trailed by as much as 18 points before making an amazing run.

DeMar DeRozan finished the game with 33 points and it appeared he had hit the winning shot but a foul sent Portland to the line with 1.5 seconds left on the clock. The Trail Blazers Deni Avdija hit both free throws winning the game for Portland by a single point.

Game recap: The first quarter was a high scoring opening 12 minutes with the Kings leading 40-36. As it turned out Dennis Schroeder was able to play off the bench in this game. The Trail Blazers came back strong in the second quarter outscoring Sacramento 27-20 taking a 63-60 lead into the locker room at the half. The Kings were very much in this game going into the third quarter.

A wild third quarter got underway with the two teams trading the lead throughout. With under four minutes left in the quarter the Kings had a slim 77-76 lead. Maxime Raynaud had the high score in the game so far for Sacramento with under three minutes left in the third.

The Kings had four starters in double figures and the Trail Blazers Shaedon Sharpe with 22 points was doing a lot of the heavy lifting for Portland as well as Deni Avdija. Going into the fourth quarter, this game could not have been any closer with Sacramento continuing to hold onto a one-point lead 83-82.

Not being able to close out games in the fourth quarter has been problematic for the Kings this season. Sacramento had yet another chance to try and close out this game for the win.

The Trail Blazers took back the lead early in the fourth quarter 89-85 and the race was on. With 8:36 left on the clock the Kings were already showing signs of shutting down as Portland continued to extend their lead 91-85.

At 5:16 the Trail Blazers had their largest lead of the game 107-89. With under four minutes left in the game it was all downhill for the Kings via fouls and turnovers and it began to look like another meltdown was in the works. Sacramento began to pick away at the Trail Blazers lead and with 8 seconds left on the clock DeMar DeRozan hit a three to tie up the game 115-115 and this contest went into overtime.

The Kings struggled to start the overtime giving up a 122-117 lead to Portland. Sacramento fought hard throughout the extra minutes coming as close as three-points 129-126 with a minute left on the clock.

With 4.4 seconds left in the overtime it was again DeRozan giving the Kings a one-point lead 133-132. When a win seemed imminent Russell Westbrook fouled Deni Avdija. Avdija made both free throws and that was the game with the Trail Blazers winning a wild one 134-133 handing the Kings a heart-breaking loss.

Sacramento fought hard in this game especially in overtime. They came so very close losing by a single point. DeRozan had the team high with 33 points and Maxime Raynaud had a double double finishing with 29 points and 11 rebounds. Westbrook turned in 20 points and Keegan Murray had 17 points.

Portland’s Avdija had the game high with 35 points hitting the two free throws at the end that won the game for the Trail Blazers.

Game notes: The Kings have struggled all season and the last thing, they need as they go into another road game this one against the Trail Blazers, with more injuries. The Kings continue without their big man Domantas Sabonis who will be re-evaluated any day now after suffering a partially torn meniscus.

It appears he is close to returning to the court. Along with Sabonis, Zach LaVine is also down with a left ankle sprain that may keep him out for at least a week. It gets worse for Sacramento with Dennis Schroeder questionable with a right ankle sprain.

With all of this upheaval Malik Monk, Nique Cliffored and Keon Ellis played larger roles in this game. As far as the starting lineup for the Kings used Maxime Raynaud who continues to battle in his new role. Drew Eubanks was ruled out with a thumb injury.

With this plethora of injuries the Sacramento bench played a huge role and the starting line up along with Raynaud, DeRozan, Murray, Westbrook and Precious Achiuwa taking the court. The Kings came into this game after losing to the Timberwolves Sunday 117-103 while the Trail Blazers beat the Golden State Warriors 136-131 on Sunday.

The two teams will meet for a second time in as many days this time at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Saturday December 20th with tipoff scheduled for 7:00 PM .