The Sacramento Kings entered Wednesday night with an opportunity to both punch their postseason ticket for the first time since 2006 and eliminate the Portland Trail Blazers from contention in the process. Portland didn’t make it easy initially, but with time, they ultimately bowed out in a 120-80 loss.
With the loss, the Blazers embark upon their second consecutive season without a postseason appearance. The loss keeps Portland in a tie for the fifth-worst record in the NBA with the Orlando Magic — also 32-44 — with their next opportunity to play coming on Friday night, once more against Sacramento.