The Portland Trail Blazers played a version of the Sacramento Kings on Sunday evening in the season finale of the 2025-26 regular season. If you had been able to recognize any three members of tonight’s starting lineup for Sacramento back at the beginning of the season, you’d have been considered a basketball sicko. Young, energetic, and completely anonymous was the motto for the Kings. Portland, meanwhile, was playing for possession of the 8th spot in the Western Conference and strong benefits thereby
in the NBA Play-In Tournament.
Given that, the game went about as you’d expect. Sacramento made it a game in the first quarter. After that, it was all Blazers. Portland scored 77 before intermission on their way to a 116-104 final score. The win takes the Blazers to 42-40 on the year, their first winning record since the 2020-21 season. It also puts them in prime position to make the 2026 NBA Playoffs. From the 8th position, they’ll need to win one game to pass onward to the postseason, either next Tuesday’s game against the Phoenix Suns or the consolation game on Friday the 17th against the Winner of the Los Angeles Clippers-Golden State Warriors matchup.
Here are a few observations from tonight’s game to tide you over.
Dro(o)p Coverage
The Blazers continue their habit of dropping bigs to the lane to defend multiple situations. It makes some sense, since they want to keep Donovan Clingan near the rim, in prime position for blocks or rebounds. But opponents are making mincemeat out of the defense. Threes came so wide open for the Kings tonight they might as well have offered offer a few Hail Mary’s before lofting them skyward. When the Blazers close in this defense, the next pass is often wide open.
The approach worked just fine against the Kings, but I have doubts about the long-term viability. Sacramento shot upwards of 55% for large swaths of this game. I shudder to think what a real, focused team will do.
Opportunity Knocks
Turnovers proved the saving grace for Portland’s defense, particularly in the pivotal second period when they streaked away. This facet of the “D” is unquestionable, at least. The Kings looked smooth in the halfcourt, but as soon as Portland started pressuring them full court, they started throwing away the ball. The Blazers forced 17 turnovers for an incredible 30 points.
The technique worked really well against Sacramento’s second unit. Their starters held together, but some of those bench players looked like the NBA lights were a little bright for them. Portland showed no mercy, making it hard for them to even dribble. That turned the game.
Lots o’ Boards
If the extra opportunities from turnovers weren’t enough, the Blazers also destroyed the Kings on the offensive glass. Portland nabbed 18 o-rebs in this one for 29 second-chance points.
The boards and TO’s together gave Portland 101 shots against 83 for the Kings. That was more than decisive.
Avdija Threes
It was a prolific night for the Blazers beyond the arc in general. They shot 16-46 from distance. But Deni Avdija’s shot, in particular, was falling. He went 5-9 on threes. That’s been a missing element from his game. Good to see heading into Play-In week.
Up Next
The Blazers’ 2025-26 regular-season schedule has now concluded. They will move on to the 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament, facing the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night at 7:00 PM, Pacific.
