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SACRAMENTO, California (Ticker) -- Chris Webber returned for the Sacramento Kings and helped make the Portland Trail Blazers disappear. Peja Stojakovic scored 19 points and Webber collected 16 and 13 rebounds in his first game in eight days as the Kings defeated the Trail Blazers, 89-74, for their eighth straight home win. Bobby Jackson chipped in 17 points on 7-of-8 shooting off the bench for Sacramento. Webber played his first game since December 18. The All-Star power forward has missed 20 games this season due to an injured left ankle. "It is definitely important for me to get back on the floor," he said. "I think that is what is going to help me keep going. Sometimes it's hard to not think about (my ankle). But I am trying to get to that point." An all-NBA First Team selection last season, Webber recorded his third double-double of the season. "He was so much more active tonight and doing things," said Kings coach Rick Adelman, who held the same position with the Blazers. "He's a little rusty on his shots and some things, but overall, he did some things laterally that he hasn't done before." In Webber's absence, Stojakovic stepped up, averaging a team-leading 22.2 points per game. "He had a great year last year. He came back this year ready to play and he has a lot of confidence in his ability," Adelman said. "He just keeps getting better because he has a world of talent and he's a hard worker." Sacramento allowed just 26 points in the opening 24 minutes, the second-lowest mark by an opponent in a half in franchise history. The Kings yielded 25 points in the second half of a 100-89 victory at Phoenix last March 7. "Our effort needs to be raised, that can cure a lot of evils," Portland coach Maurice Cheeks said. "If we play with effort and with purpose, we can win. If we play the way we did the first half, we don't give ourselves a chance." Rasheed Wallace had 25 points and matched his season high with 13 rebounds for the Trail Blazers, who have lost six of their last seven road games. Portland lost for the first time in 11 games this season when Wallace scores at least 23 points. Jackson collected 11 of his 17 points in the final quarter. He hit consecutive 3-pointers and added a basket with 2:48 left as the Kings opened their largest lead, 87-63. "I have been working hard (on my shot) and I just have to continue to have confidence," Jackson said. "I haven't seen a shot I don't like, but I just go out and play hard. If they give me shots, I am going to take them." The Kings are enjoying the second-best start in franchise history at 21-9. They improved to 15-1 at home, having trailed after three quarters just once at Arco Arena. Reserve forward Bonzi Wells contributed just six points before receiving his second technical foul with 11:26 remaining. The Blazers struggled from the field throughout, making only 1-of-13 3-pointers. They registered a season-low 12 points in the first quarter. "There was a lot of missed shots, a lot of missed shots, and I don't think we are as bad of a team as we played tonight," Blazers point guard Damon Stoudamire said. "When you spot a team like that a double-digit lead, it is really hard to play." Two of the NBA's best power forwards dueled at the start. Wallace's 14-foot jumper opened the scoring. But Webber responded with a basket and a dunk to give Sacramento a 4-2 lead after three minutes. The Kings never trailed thereaffter. |
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