The Portland Trail Blazers remained intact and had a chance to secure a postseason play-in berth because they did not make a transaction before to Thursday’s trade deadline.
The Blazers defeated the Sacramento Kings, one of the five clubs Portland is pursuing, 108-102 on Thursday night, marking a significant step in that direction.
The Blazes’ victory is their tenth in eleven games. The Blazers last won at least 10 games in 11 games during the 2017–18 season, winning 13 straight games from February 14–March 18.
Regarding the team’s recent success, Blazers guard Anfernee Simons commented, “It feels amazing.” putting forth a lot of effort and defeating some really strong teams. Simply put, I’m proud of how we turned up every single night.
Once more, the Blazers’ defense performed admirably, keeping the Kings, who score 116.1 points per game, in check. Over the past 11 games, the Blazers have had the highest defensive rating in the NBA (104.7).
Blazers coach Chauncey Billups stated that their defense is the only thing that has remained constant. And we are aware that this is how we will be able to contend with each of these clubs. We must be flying all around. We have a lot of individuals to play. The next player must perform with the same level of passion.
With 30 points and 8 of 12 three-pointers, Anfernee Simons led the Blazers.
The Blazers had a 106-99 advantage that the Kings were unable to overtake thanks to Simons’ three with less than a minute left.
Simons remarked, “I just wanted to take that side-step jump shot and I took it. I was about to go to the basket.”
On Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Moda Center, Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons looks at the clock during an NBA game against the Sacramento Kings.Meagher, Sean/The Oregonian
Shaedon Sharpe scored 24 points on 9 of 18 shots after coming off the bench.
In this game, Shay hit some big ones, according to Billups. In this game, Ant hit several huge ones. The others were merely there to assist and to sort of be present for everything else. That, in my opinion, is what makes our play so beautiful.
The entire game was close. The Kings outscored the Blazers, who hit 9 of 19 from three-point range (47.4) in the first half, thanks to 11 turnovers. At halftime and at the end of the third quarter, Portland had a slim 54-50 and 79-77 lead, respectively.
Simons and Kings forward DeMar DeRozan controlled the proceedings in the fourth. DeRozan scored 15 points, while Simons scored 16.
The Blazers finished with 13 turnovers, only committing three in the second half. Portland made 40% of their three-point attempts but only shot 43.3% from the field.
Once more, the Blazers’ defense kept a high-scoring club under check. Portland limited the Kings to 10 of 30 three-point attempts and held Sacramento to 42% shooting.
Deandre Ayton did a nice job of defending Domantas Sabonis while scoring 18 points and pulling down eight rebounds. Despite having only 10 points by the end, he had four assists and 14 rebounds.
On Thursday, February 6, 2025, Portland Trail Blazers player Shaedon Sharpe made a reverse layup against the Sacramento Kings at Moda Center in an NBA game.Meagher, Sean/The Oregonian
IMPORTANCE OF IT
The Kings, Golden State, and Phoenix Suns (25–25) were all tied for ninth place going into the night, with the 13th-place Blazers (23-29) three and a half games behind. The Warriors lost to the Los Angeles Lakers (30-19), and the Suns were off.
With a full game against the Kings and the Warriors, the Blazers are now tied for tenth place. They are two and a half games ahead of Portland.
ON THE BOARDS, CAMARA
Toumani Camara, a forward for the Blazers, only made two of thirteen field goals and pulled down a career-high 14 rebounds, including crucial offensive rebounds in the fourth quarter.
There is no denying that Toumani will influence the game whether or not he makes a shot, according to Billups.
UPCOMING
The Blazers visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday at 5 p.m.
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Aaron J. Fentress | [email protected]|@AaronJFentress (Facebook), @AaronFentress (Instagram), and @AaronJFentress (Twitter)
