Trail Blazers 128 - Kings 120 (10/23/2026): Avdija Shines With 26 Points

The Portland Trail Blazers opened their 2026-27 season with a win over the Sacramento Kings. The game ended with a score of 128-120 at the Golden 1 Center. Portland now holds a record of 1-0, placing them second in the Western Conference standings.

The Kings faced a challenging start to their season, dropping to 0-1 and sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Despite the loss, the Kings showed moments of strong play, especially in the first quarter where they outscored the Trail Blazers 33-27.

Third Quarter Surge

The third quarter was pivotal for Portland. They turned the tide with an impressive 44 points, while Sacramento managed only 26. This surge played a key role in Portland's victory.

Deni Avdija led the charge for the Trail Blazers with 26 points, complemented by six rebounds and six assists. Damian Lillard also contributed significantly, adding 19 points and five rebounds to the tally.

On the defensive end, Portland was sharp. They forced 14 turnovers from the Kings and made eight steals. These plays were vital in maintaining their lead, especially during the second half.

Strong Performances

For Sacramento, Domantas Sabonis stood out with a remarkable triple-double. He recorded 27 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists, showcasing his skill across the board.

Darius Acuff Jr. also had a great game, scoring 33 points. Zach LaVine chipped in with 22 points and five rebounds, contributing to the Kings' offense.

Despite their efforts, Sacramento struggled with turnovers. Their 14 turnovers compared to Portland's nine played a part in the game's outcome. Additionally, the Kings' three-point shooting was not up to par, hitting only eight of their 30 attempts.

Looking Ahead

Portland will next face the Los Angeles Lakers on October 27. This will be another opportunity for them to solidify their strong start to the season.

The Kings will have a chance to bounce back when they host the Memphis Grizzlies on October 25. Coach Doug Christie will look to address the issues from this game and aim for a better performance.

Overall, the Trail Blazers' balanced attack and solid defense secured their win. Sacramento will aim to improve their shooting efficiency and ball control in upcoming games.

The game was a testament to both teams' capabilities, with Portland showcasing their depth and Sacramento displaying resilience despite the loss. Fans will be eager to see how both teams progress as the season unfolds.