The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting Sacramento Kings,123-119 , at Moda Center on Thursday.

It took nine ties and 11 lead changes to determine a winner in this game, with neither club ever leading by more than seven points. Ironically, Portland got out to that seven-point lead in the final minute, going on a 16-4 with 3:43 left across the next three minutes. Sacramento got it close with a couple of late three-pointers but never had a shot to tie the game. Portland's only real advantage was in free-throw shooting, hitting 24-of-25 while Sacramento connected on just 10-of-16. In addition, the Trail Blazers bench outscored the Kings bench, 35-23. Sacramento actually won the rebounding, assisting, points in the paint, fastbreak scoring and turnover differentials.

The Kings (14-22) were led by De'Aaron Fox and his 32 points, eight rebounds and 12 assists. Buddy Hield amassed 21 points, six rebounds and three assists. Harrison Barnes provided 17 points, five rebounds and two assists. Marvin Bagley III accrued 14 points, nine rebounds and three assists while Richaun Holmes had 12 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Nemanja Bjelica led the bench with 12 points and nine boards.

The Trail Blazers (21-14) got another gem from Damian Lillard, tallying 44 points and seven assists on 8-of-15 from three-point range. Enes Kanter compiled 22 points, 21 rebounds and two assists. Derrick Jones Jr accumulated eight points, four rebounds and four assists while Robert Covington collected seven points, six rebounds, three steals and three blocks. Carmelo Anthony led the bench with 16 points, two rebounds and three assists.

Both teams are taking a week off for the All-Star break. They'll both return next Thursday with Sacramento hosting the Houston Rockets and Portland playing host to the Phoenix Suns.