The Portland Trail Blazers seem to have lost their footing, and it couldn’t have happened at a worse time in the season. The team faced the Sacramento Kings on Friday night with ten players on their injury list, and they lost an eleventh at halftime. The Kings were in play for the playoffs, and they took no prisoners as they pounded Portland’s lineup. Still, the Blazers attempted to hang in there via their distance shooting, but they were no match for Sacramento’s forte: lane shots. There was no telling how this game could have ended if more of Portland’s attempts had been successful; however, we all know the results as the Kings walked away with a 138-114 win. It’s not all doom and gloom for the Blazers, but it’s not looking too bright either. With five games left, the team sits tied for the fifth-worst record in the league with a 10.5% chance at the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft if they lose out.
The third quarter, in particular, was chaotic as the Kings dropped bombs on the scoreboard, leaving Portland reeling, with only a few bright spots throughout the game. Shaedon Sharpe led the team with an impressive 27 points, but it was not nearly enough against the playoff-bound Kings. Portland’s offense had shown potential in the first half, but they could not match their agility and sure-shot accuracy.
The Blazers could swiftly figure out what they need to do to shake off their slump in time for their next game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. With the assistance of the team’s coach, Chauncey Billups, they’ll buckle down and end the season on the best possible note. They’ll have a chance to regroup with their starting lineup, and hopefully, they can come out victorious in their next matchup.
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