Portland builds its advantage before halftime
Deni Avdija scored 26 points and collected nine rebounds as the Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Sacramento Kings 110–98 at Golden 1 Center on Tuesday, October 13. Portland led by as many as 35 points in the preseason game, played on Wednesday morning, October 14, in the Philippines.
The Trail Blazers took a 33–22 lead after one quarter and extended it to 66–39 at halftime. Sacramento matched Portland’s 27 points in the third period and won the fourth 32–17, reducing the final margin without ever taking the lead.
Avdija made nine of 13 field-goal attempts and all six of his free throws in just under 25 minutes. He also contributed four assists and two blocks. His scoring set the pace on a night when Portland produced 54 points in the paint, compared with Sacramento’s 22.
Damian Lillard and Ja Morant each scored 14 points. Lillard made three three-pointers and added four assists, while Morant supplied six assists in a reserve role. Toumani Camara and Jrue Holiday scored 11 points apiece. Scoot Henderson started alongside Lillard in the backcourt and finished with nine points and four assists.
Donovan Clingan recorded five blocks in 20 minutes, helping Portland finish with nine blocks as a team. Robert Williams III added nine points, eight rebounds and a block off the bench.
Jonathan Mogbo and Tristen Newton led Sacramento with 15 points each. Mogbo also collected 10 rebounds. Precious Achiuwa finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Emanuel Sharp scored 12. Keegan Murray and Leaky Black contributed 10 points apiece.
Sacramento shot 30-for-90 from the field and converted 25 of 40 free throws. Portland made 39 of 87 shots despite going only 11-for-44 from three-point range. The visitors’ early scoring and production inside gave them enough room to withstand the Kings’ better final quarter.
The victory continued Portland’s preseason preparation after wins over Golden State and the London Lions. The exhibition result does not affect either team’s regular-season record.