What we learned as Kings drop season opener to Blazers

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SACRAMENTO -- The Mike Brown era began in an all-too-familiar fashion.

The Kings were in the driver’s seat for most of Wednesday’s season opener, but fell off down the stretch in a disappointing 115-108 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers at Golden 1 Center.

Brown, who has spent every minute of his first few months in Sacramento installing a competent defense and winning culture, watched his team get outscored 11-2 in the game's final two minutes.

It wasn’t all bad news. After getting out to a sluggish start, the Kings went on a 16-1 tear in the second quarter that had a sellout crowd on its feet. De’Aaron Fox went off for 33 points. Kevin Huerter balled out. The Ying Yang Twins shook their saltshakers at halftime.

But in the end, the Kings opened the season with a loss to a Portland team they hope to edge in the standings and sneak into the play-in tournament. 

Here are three takeaways from tonight’s season opener:

Unfortunate ending

Terence Davis threw down a thunderous put-back dunk to give Sacramento a 106-104 lead with 2:18 remaining. But he was called for a technical foul for an excessive celebration.

Here’s what followed: Domantas Sabonis traveled and committed a kicked ball violation, Fox was called for a charge and Portland went on an 11-2 run to finish the game.

Not ideal.

But remember: Keegan Murray, the Kings’ prized first-round pick in June, didn’t suit up Wednesday night. If he plays Saturday against the Los Angeles Clippers, he’ll give the Kings another offensive threat and stable defender they could’ve used over the final few minutes.

Fox shines

Despite the game ending in the loss column, Fox couldn’t have started his season on a much better note. 

In 35 minutes, Fox went off for 33 points -- his most in a season opener -- to go along with seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals. He was sloppy with the basketball, committing eight turnovers, but the five makes from downtown is an encouraging sign for the guard who shot 3s at a 29.7 percent clip last season.

Headband Huerter

Kevin Huerter’s debut in Sacramento also was the first game for his black headband, an accessory he never wore over four seasons with the Atlanta Hawks.

RELATED: Brown motivates Kings with incredible NSFW practice sprint

The headband might be here to stay after Huerter’s performance Wednesday night.

Sacramento was at its best when Huerter was on the floor, as he finished with 23 points on 8-of-12 shooting to go along with three rebounds, two assists and one steal. He nailed six of nine 3-pointers and tallied a plus/minus rating of plus-16 to lead the Kings.

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