Sabonis Records Efficient Triple-Double in Kings Loss

Domantas Sabonis stuffed the stat sheet in Friday's loss against the Portland Trail Blazers with an efficient triple-double, his first of the season.

Sabonis dropped 27 points on 10-for-13 shooting, grabbed 19 rebounds and dished 10 assists. He became the first player since Wilt Chamberlain to record such a stat line while converting over 75% of their shots.

The three-time All-Star backed up his bold comments at morning shootaround. He said the offense is at its best when he's surveying the defense as the offensive hub.

His efforts to clean the glass created second-chance opportunities; Portland defenders couldn't contain him in the post, and he found cutting teammates at the top of the key.

Sabonis hit a crucial 3-pointer with under three minutes and 30 seconds to pull Sacramento within three (121-118). He was on fire all night, but it wasn't enough to win the home opener at Golden 1 Center.

That's been the story for the team since last season: a talented roster that can't close games. Rookie Darius Acuff Jr. became the first rookie to score over 30 points, adding 33 to Sabonis' 27.

While losses pile up, the Lithuanian center's strong start could improve his trade value. The offseason narrative that hovered around Sacramento is finding a trade partner to offload Sabonis' $94 million owed over the next two seasons.

His albatross contract limited general manager Scott Perry's free-agent spending power. He could only offer the veteran's minimum, which went to Ben Simmons, who tore his Achilles last Sunday.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported Sabonis' agency change from Wasserman to CAA Basketball. When players switch agents, it often signals they want a trade and a huge extension.

CAA also represents Trae Young, who switched to the agency in 2024. The Atlanta Hawks traded Young to the Washington Wizards last January, and Aaron Mintz negotiated his four-year, $212 million contract in July.

Sabonis was key to Sacramento breaking a 16-year playoff drought in 2022-23. He's offensively gifted with his playmaking and dominant rebounding.

The 6-foot-10 center averaged double-digit rebounds in seven straight seasons and has 37 in two games. A possession monster who's led the league in rebounding for three straight years is rare.

Defense isn't his strong suit, a significant drawback, but the elite offense covers his deficiencies. Surrounding him with perimeter defense is the best method to maximize his talents and minimize his flaws.

Sacramento hasn't built a great perimeter defense in several seasons. Sabonis has carried the team so far, and in the big picture, it benefits him more than the Kings.