The Portland Trail Blazers sacked the Sacramento Kings 117-110 in NBA action tonight. It was the third consecutive victory for the Blazers and raised their season record to even-steven (22-22) for the first time since November 14. Deni Avdija led the way for the winners with 30 points, while Russell Westbrook and Malik Monk scored 23 for the Kings.
Deni hit the court after missing three games and was a little rusty: he only scored 15 points in his first nine minutes on the court. Slacker. He finished with 30 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, and a handful of clutch plays down the stretch. Shaedon Sharpe also carried a big load with 27 points and 7 rebounds.
This one was decided at the free-throw line when all was said and done. The Blazers hit 29 of 33 (88%) compared to 15 of 18 (83%). Deni’s aggression was contagious, and this time the free ones went through the net
You have to love Russell Westbrook, now playing his 18th season in the NBA. Well, you don’t have to, but it’s not hard to do. He’s apparently 11th in the league in assists and generally having a good year. He ended up with 23 points, 7 assists, and several choice soundbites tonight. He also missed a big free throw with his team down five points at the 18-second mark, which was much appreciated.
Donovan Clingan was huge in the fourth quarter tonight, scoring the first eight Blazers points when the Kings were trying to get back in the game. He ended up with 21 points, 17 rebounds, and 1 huge block on Zach LaVine with 2:03 left in the game and the Kings rising.
The Blazers are back home Thursday, Jan. 18 to host the Miami Heat. Game time is 7pm Pacific.