The Sacramento Kings have lost a basketball game for the first time in nine days.
Sacramento’s four-game losing streak came to an end on Sunday night as the Portland Trail Blazers used a big second quarter to take a double-digit lead and never looked back en route to a 117-110 win at Golden 1 Center.
The Kings (12-31) had started off a season-long seven-game homestand with four-straight wins, but the Blazers’ strong play in the paint and around the rim was the difference as Sacramento fell victim to Portland for the third time this season.
As strong as the Kings have played over the past week, Sunday’s loss acted as a reminder that this team has flaws–especially on the defensive end–that need to be addressed in the coming weeks leading into the February 5th trade deadline.
AND ONEEEE 🗣️🗣️🗣️ pic.twitter.com/U5hmV2Ysgi
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) January 19, 2026
Sacramento Kings vs. Portland Trail Blazers takeaways
Fresh off a 26-point performance on Friday night, Russell Westbrook carried his approach into Sunday’s matchup against Portland.
Westbrook scored 11 points on a perfect four-of-four shooting (two-of-two from deep) to help Sacramento survive a 15-point opening period from Blazers forward Deni Avdija.
Avdija, a ‘Kings Killer’ in recent years, set the tone early for Portland — but Malik Monk’s reemergence helped the Kings hit back.
Monk, who had scored 13 points over the past two games combined entering play on Sunday, matched that output in the first half alone by knocking down three of his five attempts from beyond the arc.
Sacramento had shot 46 percent from three-point range during their four-game winning streak, and they went six-for-13 (46%) during the first half, but the Kings’ weak paint defense reared its ugly head.
Portland outscored Sacramento 38-20 in paint scoring during the first half, which loomed as the difference in a 64-53 Blazers advantage heading into the break.
RUSS3️⃣L W3️⃣STBROOK pic.twitter.com/SMMbbQ7VOu
— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) January 19, 2026
The Kings struggled to find an answer to their paint woes throughout Sunday’s matchup, as Avdija and Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe gave Sacramento fits in and around the paint.
Second-year big man Donovan Clingan made his presence felt during the second half, scoring 17 of his 21 points and grabbing eight of his 16 boards following the break.
Clingan, Sharpe, and Avdija combined to score 78 of Portland’s 117 points, with most of that taking place in the Kings’ paint.
Sacramento made a late charge in the fourth, thanks to some timely shot-making from Malik Monk (23 points on five-of-nine shooting from three-point range), but too much damage was done during the first half.
The Kings tied or outscored the Blazers in quarters one, two, and four, but a 32-21 disadvantage in the second loomed large as the final buzzer sounded.
Sacramento is playing better basketball overall than it was just over a week ago, but the defensive lapses returned on Sunday.
The Kings were a few steps slower on their defensive rotations and struggled to combat a sizable Blazers frontline on the boards. Portland corralled 11 offensive rebounds, outscoring Sacramento 23-12 in second-chance points during Sunday’s action.
Paint defense also cost the Kings in the loss, as the Blazers (62-50) pulled away, though most of that damage occurred in the first half.
How did Malik make this!? 🤯 pic.twitter.com/wD1DnUk1K3
— Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) January 19, 2026
Monk and Westbrook scored 23 points apiece during the losing effort, while rookie center Dylan Cardwell registered the first double-double of his NBA career (career-high 12 points and 10 rebounds).
Domantas Sabonis scored eight points and grabbed eight rebounds while turning the ball over six times over 20 minutes of playing time in his second game-action since returning from a 27-game absence that was due to a knee injury.
Sacramento Kings head coach Doug Christie opted to play Cardwell over Sabonis in crunch time, leaving the rookie big man on the floor as Sacramento attempted to complete a comeback win, trimming the deficit to four points with 18 seconds left before the Blazers put the game away for good.
“He’s just coming back, it’s a process,” Christie said postgame, refuting the notion that Sabonis is currently under a minutes restriction. Christie explained that Cardwell’s rim-protecting ability and big night on the glass made his decision to keep the rookie in over Sabonis for the final eight minutes of play.
Sabonis came off the bench for the second-straight game, marking the first time since the 2018-19 season that he hasn’t started consecutive games.
Sacramento Kings Injury Updates
Forward Keegan Murray will miss the next 2-3 weeks with a moderate left ankle sprain.
Guard Keon Ellis was ruled out of Sunday’s game due to left knee soreness. Ellis, who has missed the past two games, is considered day-to-day.
When is the next Sacramento Kings game?
Sacramento will continue a season-long seven-game homestand on Tuesday night when it faces the Miami Heat for the second and final time this season.
The Kings exploded for 127 points in a 16-point win over the Heat back on December 6th in South Beach, as Zach LaVine’s season-high 42 points (8-for-13 from three-point range) led Sacramento to victory.
Sacramento is 3-1 over their past four matchups against Miami at Golden 1 Center.
Be sure to catch all of the Sacramento Kings vs. Miami Heat action right here on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage beginning at 5:30 PM PT on Game Night before a 7:00 pm PT tip-off from downtown Sacramento.
Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season
Tuesday, January 20th – vs. Miami Heat – 7:00 PM PT
Wednesday, January 21st – vs. Toronto Raptors – 7:00 PM PT
Friday, January 23rd – @ Cleveland Cavaliers – 4:30 PM PT
Sunday, January 25th – @ Detroit Pistons – 12:00 PM PT
Tuesday, January 27th – @ New York Knicks – 4:30 PM PT
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