Yang Hansen's Regular Season Finale! Trail Blazers Defeat Kings to Secure Western Conference 8th Seed, Play-In Game Against Suns

On April 13 Beijing time, the NBA regular season concluded with its final games. The Trail Blazers defeated the Kings 122-110, securing the 8th seed in the Western Conference. They will face the Suns (Western Conference 7th seed) in the Play-In Tournament to compete for a playoff spot. If the Trail Blazers eliminate the Suns and advance to the playoffs, they will face the Spurs in the first round. If the Trail Blazers lose to the Suns, they will compete against the winner of the other Play-In game (Clippers vs. Warriors) for the final playoff berth, with the winner facing the Thunder in the first round. In this game, Yang Hansen got a chance to play as a substitute in the fourth quarter and recorded one rebound.

Technical Statistics

Trail Blazers: Avdija 25 points, 6 rebounds, 10 assists; Kamara 15 points; Clingan 13 points, 11 rebounds; Henderson 15 points, 4 assists; Holiday 23 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists

Kings: Achiuwa 27 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists; Reno 21 points, 9 rebounds; Clifford 24 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists

Game Process

The Trail Blazers started the game by hitting consecutive three-pointers, launching an 8-0 run. The Kings quickly responded with mid-range jump shots, driving layups, and free throws to score continuously. When Reno hit a three-pointer, the Kings took a 15-14 lead by one point. Afterwards, Avdija hit consecutive three-pointers to help the Trail Blazers regain the lead. In the following period, both teams alternately launched scoring bursts, making the game very tight. When Achiuwa scored on a floater, the teams ended the first quarter tied at 33-33. In the second quarter, the Trail Blazers started with drives and outside shots, scoring frequently to launch a scoring burst and establish a 6-point lead. Subsequently, the Kings' shooting cooled off, and the Trail Blazers seized the opportunity to launch a fierce attack, hitting consecutive three-pointers for a new scoring run. Towards the end of the quarter, the Kings attempted to close the gap, but the Trail Blazers maintained their hot shooting, with Sebel hitting a buzzer-beating three-pointer at the last second. At halftime, the Trail Blazers led the Kings 77-57 by 20 points. Yang Hansen did not get playing time.

After switching sides in the third quarter, the Kings became the team that entered the game state earlier, launching an 8-0 run. Avdija scored on a free throw to break the Trail Blazers' scoring drought, but the Kings continued their offensive momentum, hitting shots frequently to launch a new scoring burst. When Reno dunked, the Kings trailed 74-81 by 7 points. Subsequently, Kamara hit an outside three-pointer and Henderson completed a 2+1 play, allowing the Trail Blazers to launch a scoring run and expand their lead back to double digits. At the end of the third quarter, the Trail Blazers held a 12-point advantage. In the fourth quarter, both teams engaged in a very intense battle on offense. The Kings could not close the gap, but the Trail Blazers also could not expand their lead. In the final stages, the Kings attempted a last counterattack with jump shots and free throws, but the Trail Blazers played steadily, scoring continuously to secure the victory. Ultimately, the Trail Blazers defeated the Kings to secure the Western Conference 8th seed.

Starting Lineups

Trail Blazers: Avdija, Kamara, Clingan, Henderson, Holiday

Kings: Achiuwa, Reno, Carter, Prodon, Clifford