Lillard, Blazers scorch Kings

The short-handed Sacramento Kings came out flat in the third quarter and the Portland Trail Blazers ran them out of the gym. After leading by just four at the intermission, the Blazers outscored the Kings by 13 in the second half for the 103-86 victory.

With Kings starter Isaiah Thomas missing the game due to personal reasons and reserve Aaron Brooks going down early with an injured left ankle, rookie Damian Lillard scorched the Kings with 22 points and nine assists. All five Blazers starters scored in double-figures against the short-handed Kings in the win.

The Kings bench, led by Marcus Thornton (14), Jimmer Fredette (13) and Thomas Robinson (12), scored a total of 46 points.