Blazers Outlast Kings Again Behind Twin Towers and Two-Way Grit
Lightning doesn’t usually strike twice-but don’t tell the Portland Trail Blazers that. Just 48 hours after edging out a controversial win over the Kings in Portland, the Blazers rolled into Sacramento and did it again, grinding out a 98-93 victory that felt like a sequel with the same ending: Portland walking off the court with the W, and Sacramento left wondering what just hit them.
Let’s break down how the Blazers managed to pull off back-to-back wins over the same opponent, this time on the road.
Dodging the Trap Game Curse
This had all the makings of a classic trap game. The Kings came in banged up, missing two key stars, and riding a losing record.
That’s usually been a recipe for disaster for the Blazers this season-playing down to the level of wounded opponents. But not tonight.
Portland didn’t play perfect basketball, but they played with focus and grit. Credit where it’s due: this team showed up ready to compete, not coast.
It’s easy to overlook a struggling team on the second night of a mini-series, especially when you’ve already beaten them. The Blazers didn’t fall into that trap.
They played like a squad that knew every win matters, especially on the road.
Bench Battle: Still a Problem
Let’s not sugarcoat it-Portland’s bench is still a concern. And not a small one.
The Kings’ reserves outscored the Blazers’ bench 37-13, including a lopsided 21-5 margin in the first half. That kind of disparity usually spells trouble. But somehow, Portland survived it again, thanks to a few timely contributions and a whole lot of heavy lifting from the starters.
One bright spot off the bench? Robert Williams III.
His box score might not jump off the page, but his impact down the stretch was massive. More on him in a moment.
Still, the imbalance is hard to ignore. Portland is walking a tightrope when it comes to depth.
You can’t keep relying on your starters to carry this kind of load night after night without eventually paying the price. Reinforcements-whether internal or external-need to show up soon.
Clingan and Williams: A Two-Headed Force
Let’s talk about the bigs.
Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III took over this game late, and they did it in tandem. With the game hanging in the balance, Clingan powered in a driving dunk, then Williams calmly knocked down a pair of clutch free throws. That sequence sealed the win-and underscored just how dominant this duo can be when they’re both locked in.
Together, they combined for 24 points, 23 rebounds, and 3 blocks. That’s not just productive-that’s game-changing.
If you slapped those numbers on a single player, you’d be talking All-Star buzz. But what makes this pairing so intriguing is how well they complement each other: Clingan’s size and touch, Williams’ timing and rim protection.
When both are healthy and engaged, the Blazers have a frontcourt tandem that can swing games.
Clingan From Downtown?
Here’s a subplot that’s starting to simmer: should Donovan Clingan be taking threes?
He went 1-for-1 from deep tonight and added another jumper just inside the arc. For a team that has struggled to stretch the floor at times, that kind of shooting from your center is a welcome wrinkle. But it also raises a fair question-do you want your best offensive rebounder hanging out on the perimeter?
Clingan currently leads the NBA in offensive boards, and that’s not by accident. He lives in the paint, and that’s where he does the most damage.
But if he can knock down the occasional three to keep defenses honest? That’s a wrinkle worth exploring.
Just don’t expect him to become a volume shooter from out there anytime soon.
Avdija and Sharpe Shoulder the Load
With the bench struggling, Portland needed its starters to come through-and two of them did in a big way.
Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe both stepped up when it mattered most. Avdija flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 24 points, 11 assists, and 7 rebounds.
Sharpe added 23 points of his own. Neither was flawless-both had five turnovers, and Avdija had a rough shooting night-but their presence was essential.
When either of them sat, the offense sputtered. When they were on the floor, the Blazers had direction, pace, and playmaking.
This wasn’t just about scoring. It was about control.
Avdija, in particular, looked like the engine of the offense, setting up teammates and keeping the tempo steady. Sharpe brought the scoring punch, attacking the rim and hitting timely shots.
Together, they were the backbone of this win.
Final Word
This wasn’t a pretty win, but it was a gritty one. The Blazers didn’t dominate-they just made the right plays at the right time.
They leaned on their bigs, rode their starters, and found just enough to get it done. If you’re Portland, you take this one and run.
Two straight wins over the same team, in two different cities. That’s not lightning-it’s growth.