Western Conference Recaps, March 29: The Sacramento Kings Are Back In The Playoffs

Sacramento Kings clinch postseason berth with win against Portland Trail Blazers

The Sacramento Kings clinched their first playoff berth since 2006. Led by Malik Monk’s 19 points off the bench, they grabbed a 120-80 victory against the Portland Trail Blazers. De’Aaron Fox had 18 points and Domantas Sabonis recorded 15 points and 12 rebounds. Shaedon Sharpe led the Trail Blazers with 30 points.

OTHERS:

The Los Angeles Lakers are keeping their playoff hopes alive.

Led by Anthony Davis’ 38 points and 10 rebounds, the Lakers secured a 121-110 victory against the Chicago Bulls. After coming off the bench in the last game, LeBron James started and scored 25 points.

“I'm just trusting the work that I've been putting in,” James said. “I know I put in a lot of work. I know my body.”

Nikola Vucevic led the Bulls with 29 points and 12 rebounds and DeMar DeRozan had 22 points.

-Russell Westbrook showed signs of his old form. With Paul George sidelined with a leg injury and Kawhi Leonard out for personal reasons, Westbrook recorded a season-high 36 points and 10 assists to give the Los Angeles Clippers a 141-132 victory against the Memphis Grizzlies. It was the most points he scored since Jan. 28, 2022.

Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 36 points and Dillon Brooks had 30.

-With Lauri Markkanen sidelined due to a hand injury, the Utah Jazz used Talen Horton-Tucker’s career-high 41 points to grab a 128-117 victory against the San Antonio Spurs. It was the most points he scored since Apr. 7, 2022. Rookie Malaki Branham led the Spurs with 21 points and Tre Jones had 17.

-Devin Booker scored 29 points to lead the Phoenix Suns to a 107-100 victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves. After being sidelined 10 games with an ankle injury, Kevin Durant scored 16 points and Chris Paul had 19.

Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 31 points and Karl-Anthony Towns had 25.

Cory Nelson is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson. You can also check out his personal blog HERE.