A Royal Pain
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Richaun Holmes Impressive In Kings Victory Over Trail Blazers

By Anthony Cardenas

PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 07: CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers (L) and Alex Len #25 of the Sacramento Kings square up and receive double technicals during the second half of the game at the Moda Center on March 07, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. The Sacramento Kings topped the Portland Trail Blazers, 123-111. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 07: CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers (L) and Alex Len #25 of the Sacramento Kings square up and receive double technicals during the second half of the game at the Moda Center on March 07, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. The Sacramento Kings topped the Portland Trail Blazers, 123-111. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
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The Sacramento Kings needed a victory on Saturday night against the Trail Blazers, and they got it behind the solid play of Richaun Holmes in his return.

Richaun Holmes made his long awaited return to the floor on Saturday night as the Sacramento Kings went in to Portland and defeated the Portland Trail Blazers.

After missing 25 games due to a torn labrum in his shoulder, the Kings early-season MVP came off of the bench on Saturday night and was impressive in his return. Holmes played 19 minutes and scored 10 points and pulled down 8 rebounds, 5 of them offensive.

The things he brought back in to the Kings rotation didn’t show up in the stat sheet, in classic Richaun Holmes fashion. It was his relentless motor that allowed him to pull down those five offensive boards, and he was active on defense by blocking one shot and altering a handful of others. He did struggle a bit with his touch, going just 3 for 8 from the field.

Holmes also committed five personal fouls, which is something that is almost expected after missing two months of game action. It can be tough adjusting to the speed of the NBA game after missing so much time, so expect this little issue to go away with more reps.

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A Full Team Effort

It wasn’t just Holmes’ performance that led the Kings to a huge victory over the Trail Blazers. The Kings made 21 three-pointers, tying a franchise best that was set earlier this season. They shot well from the opening tip, scoring 40 points in the first quarter and building a 16 point lead. They never really let up, and received contributions from up and down the roster.

Bogdan Bogdanovic enjoyed one of his best games of the season, scoring 27 points and dishing out 8 assists. He went 7 for 11 from deep. Buddy Hield caught fire in the second quarter, and finished the game with 22 points. Harrison Barnes added a big 20 points and De’Aaron Fox had 14.

The victory for the Kings solidifies their place alone in 9th place, 3.5 games behind the Grizzlies for the final playoff spot. But the Kings have very little time to celebrate, as they will turn around and play the defending champion Toronto Raptors tonight back in Sacramento. Some players played big minutes for Sacramento, including Harrison Barnes who played a whopping 36 in what was essentially a blowout.

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Don’t count on the Kings coming out with the same firepower they did last night. They’ll likely be tired, but will do their best to take advantage of a Raptors team that is a long way from home.

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