Kings vs. Trail Blazers: A Rivalry Reignited
A Longstanding Rivalry
The Sacramento Kings and Portland Trail Blazers have a storied rivalry that dates back to the early days of the NBA. The two teams first met in the 1970-71 season, and have since played over 200 games against each other.
The rivalry reached its peak in the early 2000s, when the Kings and Blazers were both contenders in the Western Conference. The two teams met in the playoffs three times during that span, with the Kings winning two of those series.
A New Era of Rivalry
In recent years, the rivalry between the Kings and Blazers has cooled somewhat. However, the two teams are now both on the rise, and there is a growing sense of excitement around their upcoming matchup.
The Kings are coming off a 39-43 season, which was their best record in over a decade. The Blazers, meanwhile, are coming off a 27-55 season, but they have a young and talented roster that is expected to improve this year.
Key Players to Watch
There are a number of key players to watch in this matchup, including:
- De'Aaron Fox (Kings) - Fox is one of the most exciting young players in the NBA. He is a dynamic point guard who can score, pass, and defend.
- Domantas Sabonis (Kings) - Sabonis is a two-time All-Star who is one of the best big men in the league. He is a skilled scorer and rebounder, and he can also pass the ball well.
- Damian Lillard (Blazers) - Lillard is one of the best point guards in the NBA. He is a prolific scorer who can also create for others. He has led