The Kings fought hard to pilfer playoff positioning, but suddenly the hunter became the hunted Tuesday night in Portland where the Blazers won 112-97. The loss drops the Kings to ninth and their playoff spot now goes to the Blazers.

It was clear that playing their third game in four nights took a toll on the Kings and the loss came with little surprise and the Kings definitely could have used some help from Rudy Gay who missed the game with a corneal abrasion to his left eye.

Still, there was a lot to take from this game as the Kings look on to their next game Thursday night in New Orleans.

Two Overtimes Was Too Many

The entire Kings’ roster seemed a step slow on defense, sloppy with their passes on offense, and all around lethargic in performance. The effect of the double overtime game against the Hornets the night before was glaring and the Blazers took advantage of it.

Sacramento managed to get to the free throw line 32 times to Portland’s 19. However, even at the line, the fatigue was evident as Sacramento converted just 56.3 percent of their attempts, whereas Portland shot 78.9 percent.

Coach Karl seemed to know energy would be key and expanded his rotation early. James Anderson received 18 minutes and Quincy Acy got 17. Seth Curry received just seven minutes in garbage time and still managed seven points.

Cousins Cools Off

DeMarcus Cousins has had a dominant January. He scored a career-high 48 points against the Pacers, only to surpass it two nights later against the Hornets where he dropped a colossal 56.

Coming off the double-overtime thriller the night before seemed to catch up to Cousins more than any other King. He managed 17 points, but did so on just 4-of-21 shooting, while going 9-of-17 from the free throw line.

Though facing inferior opponents in Mason Plumlee and Meyers Leonard, they were able to scrap and disrupt the fatigued Cousins who also seemed a step slow on the defensive end. For Cousins, it will be a night to forget.

Willie Cauley-Stein is ALIVE!

The rookie center has continued to impress since coming back from his finger injuries. He made his presence felt early and often Tuesday night.

In the first quarter alone, Cauley-Stein threw down two alley-oops that were reminiscent of the Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan. In total, Cauley-Stein scored 12 points – 10 of which happened in the first half. He also tied Acy for a game-high three offensive rebounds.

His points came somewhat as a surprise as Cauley-Stein was drafted primarily for his defense and the rookie did not disappoint. He finished with four blocks and altered countless other shots and passes into the key.

It will be very interesting how the Kings respond Thursday night in New Orleans.