Month: March 2022

Kings Can’t Stand The Heat: Miami cruises, snaps Sacramento’s modest win streak

Published on by moepeaLeave a comment

By Morris Phillips

Once the Heat established themselves on Monday, little space remained for the Kings to be who they are, or who they want to be for that matter.

How’s that?

“We got back to being who we are,” Miami’s Jimmy Butler said after he led the Heat to a 123-100 win over the Kings with his 27 points and seven assists. The Heat snapped a four-game slide with the win, and looked like the Eastern Conference leaders they’ve been in the latter stages of this season in the process.

Bam Adebayo also had a big night for Miami with 22 points, 15 rebounds and Tyler Herro added 20 in 29 minutes off the bench.

“Felt amazing to get back in the winning column,” Herro said.

The Kings (27-49) had their moment early, leading 6-0 briefly before the host’s grueling style wore down the visitors and their thinned rotation. Miami scored the next nine points and never looked back. Sacramento managed just 19 points in the first quarter, and they trailed by 12. The deficit grew to 16 at the half, and 25 points after three quarters. Most notably, the Kings improved defensive play took the night off as they surrendered 101 points with eight minutes left in the game.

Davion Mitchell play was once again an eye-opener for the Kings as he led them with 21 points and nine assists in 41 minutes on the floor. Drafted for his high-level, defensive intensity, the rookie continues to show polish in all facets of his performance.

“(It’s hard) playing him 40 minutes every night and guarding the best player,” coach Alvin Gentry said. “But he accepts that and goes out and does the very best he can. I think you can see the improvement, the improvement in his decision-making. The effort has always been there defensively, so we just have to continue to get better.”

Harrison Barnes added 17 points as the Kings played without the quartet of Domantas Sabonis, De’Aaron Fox, Terence Davis and Richaun Holmes for the fourth straight game. The Kings squandered an opportunity to win a third, consecutive road game and have lost 13 of 18.

The Kings conclude a five-game road swing with games at Houston on Wednesday and Friday. According to the Sacramento Bee’s Jason Anderson, an improbable 6-0 finish to the season–all against Western Conference opponents–could net the Kings the needed tie breakers to nab the 10th spot in the Western Conference. Possible, but highly unlikely as the Kings have yet to win four in a row this season.

The visit concluded Sacramento’s schedule against Eastern Conference teams. They finished 10-20 against the East, a major reason they likely will miss the playoffs for a 16th straight season.

Eagles have their way with the Barracuda in 4-0 shutout win

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Jose Barracuda center Kyle Topping (71) and his teammates suffer another loss to the visiting Colorado Eagles at the SAP Center in San Jose on Wed Mar 28, 2022 (photo by the San Jose Barracuda)

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE — The Colorado Eagles scored four goals in the first period en route to a commanding 4-0 shutout victory over the San Jose Barracuda on Monday evening at SAP Center.

San Jose has lost four games in a row and remain in the cellar of the Pacific Division with 44 points. Colorado has won two games in a row.

Colorado (32-19-4-3) drew first blood past the halfway mark of the first period. Martin Kaut found Jordon Gross along the left wing. Gross lasered a wrist shot to the far side top shelf past ‘Cuda goalie Zachary Sawchenko for his 10th goal of the season at the 11:46 mark.

The Eagles doubled its lead 34 seconds later. Kiefer Sherwood set up Stefan Matteau in the slot and Matteau beat Sawchenko with a one-timer for his third goal of the season.

Colorado made San Jose pay for taking a frustration penalty just nine seconds into their first power play to score their third unanswered goal of the opening frame. Rob Hamilton blasted a slap shot to the short side for his sixth goal of the season at the 14:57 mark.

The Eagles scored its second power play goal just under two minutes later. Dylan Sikura set up Mikhail Malstev right front of the crease. Maltsev beat Sawchenko with a shot between legs for his 16th goal of the season at the 16:55 mark.

Maltsev has three goals in two games against San Jose.

“We didn’t have a whole lotta jump (in our game),” said assistant head coach Michael Chiasson. “We didn’t defend from the inside out. We didn’t bring the puck out cleanly when we had to.”

San Jose (20-33-2-2) only had six shots on goal despite having a five-on-three power play toward the end of the first period.

Neither team was able to score in the middle frame as Colorado outshot San Jose 11-9.

Special teams play haunted San Jose by giving up two power play goals and not being able to score on six opportunities with the man advantage.

“The special teams put us behind the eight ball. We didn’t generate too much on the power play,” Chiasson said.

San Jose, having played with a depleted lineup, didn’t show any desperation in the third period with just five shots on goal.

Eagles goalie Hunter Miska had a relatively easy evening as he stopped all 20 shots to earn his first shutout victory of the season. Sawchenko made 31 saves on 35 shots in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished 0-for-6 on the power play. Colorado was 2-for-4.

The Three Stars of the Game were: 1) Gross 2) Miska 3) Jayson Megna

San Jose traded defenseman Mark Alt to the Rochester Americans for forward Mason Jobst. Alt three goals and a total of eight points for the Barracuda this season.

UP NEXT: San Jose concludes its five-game homestand when they host the Ontario Reign on Wednesday at 10:00am.

Grizzlies Pick Golden State Apart 123-95; Loss is Warriors third in a row

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Grizzlie Adams: Memphis Grizzlies’ Steven Adams (4) loses the ball as the Golden State Warriors’ Gary Payton ll, left gets a grip on it at the Fed Ex Forum in Memphis Mon Mar 28, 2022 (AP News photo)

Grizzlies Pick Golden State Apart 123-95

By Barbara Mason

It has been less than a week for the Warriors on this current road trip but it has felt like much longer. It has been a more than frustrating trip and one of the most important components for the Warriors did not accompany the team and that is the three point shot. It has been MIA.

Monday night the Warriors (48-28) played their last game of the road trip against the Memphis Grizzlies (53-23). Klay Thompson and Draymond Green did not play in this game although Andre Iguodala was able to play after a bit of an absence.

It was great to have him back on the floor The Memphis Grizzlies will still be without Ja Morant who will be re-evaluated in several weeks.

The Warriors were able to stay close in the first quarter trailing 20-16. The shots from downtown were few and far between for Golden State as were every shot they took. Both teams looked awful. The Warriors looked like a team that had played 5 games in seven days; low energy and just absolutely dragging. It had really taken a toll.

The Grizzlies came to life in the second quarter and really went to work on the Warriors. Not only were the Warriors shots from downtown missing, their entire offense was missing. They were sleepwalking through the entire first half.

The Grizzlies were picking the Warriors apart leading 63-37 at the half. The only Warrior in double digits was Jordan Poole with ten points. When you ask if this game could get any worse, the answer is yes. As the quarter came to an end Head Coach Steve Kerry was ejected in the closing seconds of the half. This was the Warriors second largest deficit this season.

The Warriors had to try to finish this game on a good note. It would take all they could muster to get some energy going because it sure looked like the tank was completely empty.

The Warriors just had to play possession to possession in the third quarter and ignore the scoreboard. Memphis continued to toy with the Warriors and continuing to extend their lead although ever so slightly.

In all fairness the Warriors scored 37 points in the first half and 30 points in the third quarter. They played a better game and the Grizzlies barely edged them in the quarter 32-30. Memphis took a 95-67 lead into the fourth quarte

As the fourth quarter came to an end the Warriors had suffered their worst loss of the season 123-95. While it was a terrible loss there were some bright spots. Jordan Poole had his 14th straight game with 20 plus points scoring 25 points in this one. The return of Andre Iguodala was another bright spot.

Right now the most important thing for the Warriors is to get home safely and regroup. This has to be the worst road trip that the team has had all season. With six games left in the regular season the sting of this road trip has to be left behind.

The team needs to get healthy and play a few games to get their rhythm and flow going into the playoffs.

Wednesday night the Warriors will be taking on the best team in the NBA, the Phoenix Suns. This will be another tough assignment for Golden State. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary podcast: Proposed changes in preventing sign stealing from MLB; Union must approve proposals

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Former Oakland A’s starter Mike Fiers sits by the A’s dugout was on the Houston Astros when sign stealing was taking place. Fiers reported such going ons and baseball and the players union are working on rule changes to prevent any further stealing of signs (file photo from USA Today)

On That’s Amaury podcast:

#1 Major League Baseball proposed new rules regarding electronically stolen signs which was revealed when the Houston Astros were stealing signs in the 2019 season. Mike Fiers the former A’s pitcher who was a key whistleblower that cracked the sign stealing case wide open when he was with the Houston Astros.

#2 Amongst the proposed rule changes which must be approved by the union, No more looking at scouting information in batting helmets for hitters, hitters will have to do their studying of opposing pitchers before the game in the clubhouse but cannot review opposing starters, middle relievers or closers.

#3 MLB proposed that no managers, coaches, or players may print any scouting reports that can be distributed after the first pitch of a game.

#4 MLB will allow pitchers and catchers to wear wireless pitch com devices voluntarily throughout the regular season.

#5 Amaury on the pitch com issue of wireless devices pitching stars Zack Greinke of the Kansas City Royals likes the new pitch com idea and the New York Mets Max Scherzer says he won’t use it. Both were player representatives during the MLB lockout.

#6 King Richard star Will Smith issues apology: Will Smith who starred as the father of Venus and Serena Williams as father Richard Williams in the movie King Richard who went on stage on Sunday night and slapped comedian Chris Rock issued a direct apology to Rock. Rock who was contacted by Los Angeles Police after the battery declined to press charges and has not issue any statements since the incident. The Oscars Academy has vehemently said they do not condone violence of this kind. The Academy has not issued any discipline against the Fresh Prince such as suspending him from the next Oscars Awards.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead play by play Spanish announcer for the Oakland A’s flagship station 1010 Le Grande KIQI San Francisco and does News and Commentary each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings podcast with Morris Phillips: Kings face an angry and hungry Heat club tonight in Miami

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

It wasn’t pretty Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra (left) and Jimmy Butler (22) were trying to get at each other but teammates stepped in between during game against the Golden State Warriors on Sun Mar 20, 2022 in Miami. The Heat host the Sacramento Kings tonight and Miami have lost four straight games thus far. (photo from the New York Post)

On the Kings podcast with Morris:

#1 Morris the Sacramento Kings (27-48) have shown a lot of improvement over their last three games winning two out of three. The Kings going into tonight’s game in Miami have defeated the Indiana Pacers and the Orlando Magic their getting key help from Davion Mitchell, Harrison Barnes and Donte DiVincenzo.

#2 This game tonight might be more of a challenge for the Kings as the Miami Heat (47-28) have lost four in a row and Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra and Jimmy Butler who verbally spared in a recent loss are angry and hungry for a win.

#3 The Kings have a 11-25 road record and are ninth in the Western Conference with 100.5 points. Like we said they have improved over their last three games nearly beating one of the best teams in the NBA. The Heat will be fired up tonight after losing four straight the Kings will need to be on their A game on both sides of the basketball tonight.

#4 The Heat took loses against the Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and in their last game against the Brooklyn Nets. Looking at this this has to be shocking for a second place Eastern Conference team.

#5 The Kings Domantas Sabonis is out with a left knee which does not have any structural damage after going through an MRI last week. Sabonis is up for reevaluation this week. Morris they could use a guy like Sabonis in the line up tonight against the Heat.

Join Morris Phillips for the Sacramento Kings podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: 2022 A’s New Manager Kotsay will be Tested Early

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Oakland A’s manager Mark Kotsay will be taking on challenges this season and can he be as good of a manager that former A’s manager Bob Melvin was? (file photo from si.com)

2022 A’s New Manager: Kotsay will be Tested Early

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Mark Kotsay is the Oakland A’s rookie manager this season, and his new-look A’s will open the season on the road, on April 8, against the Philadelphia Phillies for three games, then on to Tampa Bay and four against the Rays, followed by three more north of the border in Toronto against the Jays. Three teams loaded with talented stars with hopes of going deep into the postseason.

Kotsay is a good baseball man, a good man that served as a coach for Bob Melvin. Eager to begin his new managerial career, as he will be challenged early. He is about to open the season against three of the best teams coming out of Spring Training.

The A’s will return home to open the season with a seven-game game home stand, four against the Orioles and three against the much improved Texas Rangers.

The A’s will stay by in bay and visit the San Francisco Giants in a brief two-game interleague series and then return to Oakland to host the Cleveland Guardians for three games, followed by Tampa Bay for three and then, on the road again.

The A’s 2022 season begins with 17-straight games (ten of those on the road). But Mark Kotsay always wanted the challenge. He was a durable player in the major leagues during a 17 year career, four of those seasons with the A’s.

This is what Billy Beane said after the hiring of Mark Kotsay, a 46-year-old who spent the previous six seasons as a coach for his predecessor Bob Melvin. “Even as a player, he’d always expressed this was something that he wanted to do. He immediately took a coaching job as soon as he stopped playing, which shows the passion that Mark has had to do what he’s getting ready to embark on.”

The new A’s skipper, born in Whittier, California, signed a three-year contract to manage the Oakland Athletics through the 2024 season. A great collegiate record for Kotsay who was the top amateur player in 1995 when he won the Golden Spikes Award.

He was the Most Outstanding Player of the 1995 College World Series with his team the California State Fullerton Titans, won first team All-American honors in 1995 and 1996 and also won an Olympic bronze medal.

He batted for a .404 average during his three collegiate seasons (a school career record) as they went 149-41 during those years. A first-round draft choice of the Florida Marlins and earned a World Series ring in 1997. Played for the A’s from 2004 to 2007.

Wishing all the best to Kotsay as he embarks into a new career as major league manager. The A’s are rebuilding this season and nobody expect them to be a serious contender on a division were just about every other team, Angels, Rangers and Mariners have gotten stronger with various deals during the winter.

The Houston Astros, with the return of their #1 pitcher Justin Verlander as still favorites to repeat as division champion, even though they lost their shortstop Carlos Correa who signed a very surprising, but lucrative three-year deal with the Minnesota Twins for $105 million. Correa’s Puerto Rican compatriots were saying, Ay bendito! trans: Oh bless! when he signed the deal.

Optimism is always a good way to approach everything in life. There are always surprises in this game. Best example was the Giants of 2021, winning their division with 107 victories. You cannot find anybody on this planet that could have predicted such a season.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the Spanish radio lead play by play voice of the Oakland A’s on 1010 KIQI Le Grande San Francisco and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Warriors drop fifth game out of six; Also Barbara’s favorite moment from the Oscar Awards

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) goes for two against the Washington Wizards guard Ish Smith (4) at the Capital One Arena in Washington on Sun Mar 27, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Barbara:

#1 Barbara is it pretty evident with no Stephen Curry the Golden State Warriors (48-27) have lost their way?

#2 The Washington Wizards who defeated the Warriors on Sunday 123-115 had lost four of their last eight games playing .500. a team that were the underdogs but the way the Warriors have been playing it’s a safe bet not to go near this one.

#3 The Wizards who got an eight point win over the Warriors held close leads for most of the game and hung on to defeat Golden State. The Wizards got scoring help from Corey Kispert 25 points, Kristaps Porzingis 23 points, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope who had 22 points.

#4 Warriors leading scorers Jordan Poole led with 26 points, Klay Thompson 25, Andrew Wiggins with 24, maybe they should give Draymond Green the ball more often he finished seven.

#5 Don’t get fresh with the Fresh Prince: Barbara getting off the Warriors subject you had a chance to watch the Oscar Awards tonight the highlight was when comedian Chris Rock got slapped in the face in front of a live audience on live TV by Comedian Will Smith after Rock made a joke about the Fresh Prince’s wife Jada Smith being GI Jane 2. It was a hard slap delivered by Smith right on the face of Rock who was stunned. What was more stunning is Smith dropping the F bomb telling Rock “Keep my wife’s name out of your f—–g mouth” not once but twice.

Join Barbara for the Golden State Warriors podcast Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Again, No Second Half Surge For Warriors; Wizards 123 Warriors 115

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Washington Wizards forward Corey Kispert (24) takes a shot against the Golden State Warriors at the Capital One Center in Washington DC on Sun Mar 27, 2022 (AP News photo)

Again, No Second Half Surge For Warriors; Wizards 123 Warriors 115

By Barbara Mason

Sunday afternoon the Warriors (48-27) took on the Washington Wizards (32-42) at Capital Arena. They would play the game with the same lineup as their game against the Atlanta Hawks Friday night in a losing effort 121-110.

The Warriors had a great offensive game in the first half of that matchup but the defense was lacking and would have to be cleaned up. The Warriors couldn’t keep up dropping their second straight game to the Wizards 123-115.

The Warriors have fallen 3.5 games behind the second place Memphis Grizzlies but are 3.0 games ahead of the fourth place Utah Jazz in the Western Conference. There have been numerous scenarios of just who the Warriors could meet in the first round of the playoffs.

I believe that if you plan to win a championship it doesn’t matter who you play. You have to be equipped to beat every team in the playoffs. You have to be able to beat the best of the best.

The Wizards had a nice first quarter leading mid-way through the game 14-7. The Warriors had some open looks in the quarter but were not able to put points on the board. Their defense looked good and they needed their offense to start clicking.

Despite being outplayed in the opening quarter and shooting only 33% the Warriors were still in this game. The Wizards led 28-24 going into the second quarter and Golden State had to find their offense.

The Warriors fell behind 48-37 mid-way through the second quarter. They had to start stringing some stops together and take away the momentum that the Wizards were playing with.

Washington was confident offensively building a 51-37 lead and the Warriors needed to shut down their rhythm and make a run before the half. After trailing by 18 the Warriors made up some ground at the half. The Wizards led 59-51.

The third quarter was equally as frustrating for Golden State. Every time they got a little momentum going they would either fail to score or turn the ball over. The Warriors were 7 of 25 on three’s through three quarters. Washington continued to lead 92-81.

The fourth quarter went from bad to worse when Draymond Green was hit with a technical foul four minutes into the quarter. The Wizards were having their best three point shooting game of the season. The Warriors could not take the Wizards out of this game giving the Wizards their 30th second win of the season 123-115. For the Warriors it was simply no offense – no win.

Outscored by 24 points from behind the three point line the Warriors struggled from the get go. They did get some offensive work from Jordan Poole with 26, Klay Thompson 25 and Andrew Wiggins with 23.

Draymond Green had a tough game struggling with too many turnovers seven points, six assists and only five rebounds. It was the shots from downtown that failed Golden State. It was an ugly loss for the Warriors and Golden State had lost another game that they had no business losing.

The Warriors will finish this disappointing road trip tomorrow taking on the second place Memphis Grizzlies. This will be a very challenging game especially if they play the way that they played against the Wizards. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM.

Oakland A’s podcast with Charlie O: Montas and Manaea is their stay in Oakland a minute by minute thing?

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Hohokahm Park in Mesa AZ the spring training home of the 2022 Oakland A’s as the A’s go through their paces during a steady diet of roster changes seen taking batting practice Wed Mar 16, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the A’s podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Charlie, When you look at A’s pitchers Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas that they didn’t get dealt to any of the teams that were pursuing them how much of a reprieve and how relieved for the meantime is manager Mark Kotsay.

#2 There is the tale of the two stories on the futures of Manaea and Montas, Manaea and Montas might stay for now or the other story that the A’s want to deal Manaea first and Montas next. It’s possible that both could be gone by opening day. Either way you look at it they could help the A’s or help another ball club.

#3 Montas in an interview during spring training this week said that he has to perform whether he’s with the A’s or not and focus on what he has to do Montas said he didn’t want to put himself with thoughts of being on the trade block.

#4 Charlie, we didn’t get a chance to get your thoughts on the A’s acquiring Stephen Vogt Thursday. Vogt had such an influence on the A’s clubhouse and had a veteran presence between 2013-17. Manaea remembers Vogt during his rookie year and pitching to him and says he’s excited that he’s back.

#5 Charlie, talk about the shoulder injuries of right fielder Stephen Piscotty who got a cortisone shot to ease the pain and is hoping to get into some Cactus League games just before the regular season starts and pitcher James Kaprielian who is going to start some throwing sessions as he tries to get his shoulder ready. Kaprielian is not expected back until April 5th or later.

Join Charlie O for a look at the Oakland A’s podcasts every other Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sharks Sink Ducks 4-1, Meier Scores Hat Trick

Published on by M WalshLeave a comment

San Jose Sharks right wing Timo Meier (28) tries to get the puck away from Anaheim Ducks center Trevor Zegras (46) at the SAP Center in San Jose on Sat Mar 26, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Mary Walsh

SAN JOSE- The San Jose Sharks beat the Anaheim Ducks 4-1 on Saturday. It was Anaheim’s ninth loss in a row. Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Timo Meier scored for the Sharks, Meier with the hat trick. James Reimer made 27 saves for the win. Gerry Mahew scored for the Ducks and Lukas Dostal made 20 saves in the loss.

The Sharks started slowly on Saturday, taking two first-period penalties and getting just six shots in the first. After the game, Sharks Head Coach Bob Boughner talked about his goaltender’s performance:

“I thought Reims really kept us in it, at the beginning of the game, made some huge stops, especially on the penalty kill. We were just a little sloppy. But we used that, Reims’ saves, and we settled down and played a pretty good hockey game after that.”

Marc-Edouard Vlasic gave the Sharks the lead with his third goal of the season, at 14:48 of the first period. Ryan Merkley made a pass from just above the goal line back up the ice to Vlasic for the shot. Assists went to Merkley and Scott Reedy.

Timo Meier made it 2-0 at 1:41 of the second period. Meier got the puck from Alexander Barabanov near the boards, then carried it out to the slot for the shot. It was his 28th of the season.

Gerry Mahew got the Ducks on the board at 1:05 of the third period. Dominik Simon caught a turnover in the neutral zone and went the other way. Mahew followed in a hurry and Simon dropped the puck to him for the shot.

Timo Meier scored his second of the night on the power play at 3:56 of the period. Meier gathered up the puck from a cross-ice pass across the ice then skated closer to the net and shot the puck right by the goaltender. Barabanov and Hertl got the assists.

Meier completed his hat trick at 15:55. Tomas Hertl carried the puck into the zone and almost to the net before making a pass back to Meier, through three defenders. The pass was a little behind Meier so he reached his stick back and tapped it between his skates to set up for the shot. Hertl and Burns got the assists.

The Sharks power play had three shots and one goal in three opportunities. Their penalty kill gave up five shots in four penalties. The Ducks out-shot the Sharks 28-24. In the face-off circle, the Ducks won 57% of the draws.

Logan Couture was out of the lineup with the upper body injury sustained on Thursday.

The Sharks next play on Wednesday against the Coyotes in Arizona at 7:00 PM PT.