Portland Trail Blazers lead Sacramento Kings 61-53 at half time
The Sacramento Kings’ first game at the Power Balance Arena is in progress against the Portland Trail Blazers. The good news for Portland fans is that the Blazers are leading the contest 61-53 at half time.
The game is of great importance for both teams, as the Kings will try to build on an emotional home victory against the Los Angeles Clippers, while the Blazers are looking to avoid their third consecutive defeat of the 2010-11 season.
Kings forward Omri Casspi said that it would be his team's priority to win the home contest for the fans. He said, "We just wanted to go out there and play well and win the game for our fans. We talked about it with (Coach Paul Westphal) and it was important for us to come and play aggressively and play well."
First Quarter Recap
The Kings got off to a fast start, using some quality defence and efficient scoring to take an early 13-6 lead in the seventh minute. However, Sacramento lost some of their intensity halfway through the opening quarter, turning the ball over and missing some easy shots.
Portland took advantage by tracking down the Kings and tying the game at 15-15 with just three minutes to go. The Trail Blazers then went on a 6-2 run to take a 21-17 edge. On the other hand, Sacramento responded with some incredibly balanced scoring, going on an 8-2 run to take a two-point lead at 25-23.
Blazers guard Andre Miller then hit a turnaround jump shot to tie the game at 25-25, before DeMarcus Cousins made one of two free throws to give the Kings a 29-28 lead. Portland guard Wesley Matthews came around the rim with a lay-up shot to give Portland a one-point advantage at the end of first quarter.
Portland’s Andre Miller leads all scorers with 12 points while Cousins leads Sacramento with six points.
Second Quarter Recap
The Trail Blazers came on strong in the second quarter, shared the basketball and continued to play offensively.
Sacramento guard Marcus Thornton hit a three-pointer early in the second to tie the contest at 32. In addition, the Kings went on an 8-4 run to take a 40-36 advantage.
Courtesy of a combined 21 points from their backcourt combination, Portland took a 61-53 lead into the half.
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