Wed Oct 30 02:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Blazers Fall to Kings Despite Strong Defensive Effort
**SACRAMENTO, CA** – The Portland Trail Blazers fell to the Sacramento Kings 111-98 on Monday night, despite a valiant defensive effort. The Blazers hung close for the first two quarters, but a lack of three-point shooting and turnovers ultimately led to their downfall.
“We played well defensively,” said Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, “We did a lot of things we wanted to do, and we didn’t let the lack of shot-making deflate us. We played hard.”
The Kings, on the other hand, caught fire in the third quarter, shooting 61.9% from the field and 6 of 10 on three-pointers. The Blazers, who shot just 1 of 13 from three-point range in the first half, couldn’t keep up.
Deandre Ayton led the Blazers with 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Scoot Henderson added 18 points off the bench. However, the Kings’ three best players, Domantas Sabonis (16 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists), De’Aaron Fox (24 points, 4 assists), and DeMar DeRozan (23 points), were too much to overcome.
The Blazers, who are now 1-3 on the season, will look to bounce back on Wednesday as they travel to face the Los Angeles Clippers.
First Piper 