Month: January 2024

Kings Dominate Hornets 123-98 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis drives to the net against the Charlotte Hornets center Nathan Mensah and guard Terry Rozier at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte on Wed Jan 10, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

There would be no ugly start for the Sacramento Kings (23-14) in Wednesday night’s game against the Charlotte Hornets (8-27). They won every quarter in the game with the final 123-98 in favor of the Kings at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte. Once again Domantas Sabonis and Keegan Murray stole the show; Sabonis with 24 points and Murray with 25.

Game recap: The Kings did have a much better start in this game than they did Wednesday night. They won the opening quarter 33-28. They went on to win the second quarter 38-31 leading at the half 71-59. The Hornets began to made a bit of a move after trailing by as much as sixteen points in the second quarter. 

Sabonis continued his stellar play with 18 points and six rebounds in the first half. Keegan Murray who had a slow start last night finished the half with 21 points en route to another terrific game. 

De’Aaron Fox who also struggled last night in the opening quarter had 13 points in the half. They also cleaned up the turnovers with only four in the first half. Sacramento had a great first half and were looking to continue to contain Terry Rozier and Miles Bridges in the second half. Rozier and Bridges were doing most of the heavy lifting for the Hornets in the first half.

Four minutes into the third quarter, the Kings had taken their largest lead of the game 82-62. The Hornets had cut the Kings 23 point lead to 15 as the third quarter expired but Sacramento continued to lead 95-80. Charlotte was having little success containing Sabonis as he continued to dominate.

With under four minutes left on the clock the Kings had this game well in hand leading 117-91. The Sacramento starters came out of the game and the bench took over. The Hornets were looking to sweep the Kings after winning their first two matchups but Sacramento had different plans. They led the entire second half winning the game 123-98 handing Charlote their 28th loss of the season.

Murray had the high for the Kings with 25 points and Sabonis was close behind with 24 points and he also had ten rebounds. Malik Monk had 20 off the bench and team leader Fox finished with 19 points. With Murray and Sabonis shooting so well it takes so much pressure off Fox which can go a long way to keeping him healthy. Right now this team doesn’t have a single injury and that is something that they really want to preserve going forward.

The Hornets got some outstanding minutes from Rozier with 22 points and Bridges with 24 points. 

Post game notes: After a scary first quarter Tuesday night against the Detroit Pistons, the Kings got a far different start in Wednesday night’s game against the Hornets. The Kings were outplayed in the first quarter of the Pistons game 47-29 and that was something that they didn’t want to see again any time soon. They were able to turn things around and win that game 131-110. The Hornets have been struggling this season losing Wednesday night to the Chicago Bulls 119-112.

Next up on this road trip for the Kings will be the Philadelphia 76ers Friday night. Both teams have similar records so this game has the makings of a real battle. The Sixers are favored to win this game. Joel Embiid is one of the Sixers main threats although he has missed his last two games with a swollen knee. He is doubtful in Friday’s game but that could change in the days leading up to Friday’s matchup. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:30 PM at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

 

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Augie Mesenburg: Rest is good for Purdy and McCaffrey; Elijah did some heavy lifting Sunday

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass as the Los Angeles Rams Byron Young (0) tries to defend in the first half at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara on Sun Jan 7, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the 49ers podcast with Augie:

#1 Augie, how important was it for the 49ers to get these two weeks off before they play in the NFC Division game?

#2 The 49ers starting quarterback Brock Purdy got some valued rest as he did not play against the Los Angeles Rams on Sun Jan 7th at Levi Stadium in the one point loss.

#3 49ers back up quarterback Sam Darnold looked good in the support role throwing going 16-26, 189 yards and one touchdown. Someone that the 49ers can rely on in case of emergency and from what you saw last Sunday does he look like he can step in at a moments notice.

#4 Augie talk about the job that running back Elijah Mitchell 14 carries, 52 yards and a touchdown. Mitchell did a great job covering for running back Christian McCaffrey who sat out Sunday’s game.

#5 Augie, How do you see head coach Kyle Shanahan getting this team ready for the post season. The goal is to get to the Super Bowl and in past years they came close but didn’t seal the deal.

Augie Musenburg is a San Francisco 49ers podcast contributor at http://www.sportsradioservice.com. Augie is a reporter on KHAI 103.5 FM Honolulu.

Spartans drop their third straight lose San Diego State 81-78 at Provident Credit Union

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

By Troy Ewers

Short moment of happiness on the San Jose State Spartans bench as they would later lose to the San Diego State Aztecs in San Jose on Tue Jan 9, 2024 (SJSU Spartans photo)

Tuesday, January 9th, 2024

By Troy Ewers 

SAN JOSE–The San Jose State Spartans host the No. 19 ranked San Diego State Aztecs in a big conference game for the Spartans. The Aztecs are riding a six game winning streak and 13-2 record, both losses coming in away games to unranked teams and San Jose State hopes to be another unranked team to hand San Diego State an L on the season. SJSU hasn’t won a conference game so far and hope they can get the ball rolling against an in-state Conference rival.

A surprising first half as both teams were fighting to get a run started. Each team looked as even as it could be, literally feeling like a heavyweight bout where blows were traded and when it looked like the Aztecs were generating a run, the Spartans stayed in the mix with free throws and threes.

For the opening half Alvaro Cardenas and Trey Anderson led the Spartans in points, Cardenas having 10 and Anderson having 11. On the other side Jaedon Ledee with 14 points and Lamont Butler with 11 points were the point leaders for the Aztecs.

This led to a 42-41 Aztec lead at halftime and in Event Center in front of predominantly San Diego State crowd, the score shocked people where the Spartans had a chance to upset their rivals. 

The second half was no different than the first… a slugfest between two teams trading buckets. Tibet Gorener showing everyone why he’s third all tie in SJSU history in three point shooting as he dropped a couple early ones at the top of the half to tie things up and after SDSU switched to a full court press, the battle became more physical which led to some questionable fouls and some chippiness from both coaches.

A three from Amey Jr. tied it up with four minutes left and when the clock was at a minute and a half left the Spartans were within four points making the game a battle of who can not make a crucial mistake. With 40 seconds the Spartans were now within two points and a shot clock violation on San Diego State created a high pressure last possession for the Spartans.

SJSU had the ball with 13 seconds left and a major opportunity at their hands and Trey Anderson gets blocked. After Lamont Butler went 50% on his free throw attempt giving the Aztecs a three point lead. Spartans miss the buzzer beater and the game ends 81-78 San Diego State winning. 

San Diego State brought a large crowd and their A-game and even though the Spartans brought their A-game, the Aztecs squeaked out the victory. Cardenas led the Spartans with 21 points and didn’t get a double like he did three of the last six games, but walked out with a great showcase.

On the Aztec side, Jaedon LeDee was the point leader with 31 points and 10 rebounds. SDSU stays undefeated in conference play while SJSU is winless in the Mountain West.

Next game for the Spartans is January 13th against Air Force and Coach Tim Miles has to do some course correction as his Spartans have now lost three in a row.

Reign dominate in 4-1 win over Barracuda

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Ontario Reign goalie Erik Portillo makes a save with San Jose Barracuda forward Tristen Robins fighting for position with Reign defenseman Jacob Moverare at Tech CU Arena on Tuesday JAN 9, 2024. (San Jose Barracuda)

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE — The Ontario Reign scored every which way but loose in a 4-1 victory over the San Jose Barracuda on Tuesday evening at Tech CU Arena.

San Jose lost its third straight game to their division rival. Ontario has won three straight games against the ‘Cuda and have won all five meetings this season.

Ontario (19-10-3-1) drew first blood early in the first period with an even strength goal. Sameul Fagemo continued to torment the Barracuda with his first goal of the contest. Wyatte Wylie set up Fagemo who guided a wrist shot underneath the glove of ‘Cuda goalie Eetu Makiniemi for his team leading 17th goal of the season at the 4:05 mark.

“That line as a whole, (T.J.) Tynan, (Samuel) Fagemo, and (Charles) Hudon. They got some talent, they score. Fagemo has a great shot. We can’t give them opportunities because they’ll make you pay,” ‘Cuda head coach John McCarthy said.

The Reign doubled its lead early int he second period with a power play goal. Jacob Moverare found Charles Hudon along the right wing and Hudon blasted a one-timer past Makiniemi for his 13th goal of the season at the 2:25 mark.

Ontario scored its third unanswered goal while on the penalty kill. A turnover inside the ‘Cuda zone led to Akil Thomas picking up the puck, getting Makiniemi to go down before tucking in the puck into an open net for a short-handed goal, his 11th of the season at the 5:35 mark.

San Jose (11-16-5-0) out shot Ontario 14-12 in the middle frame but were denied getting on the scoreboard by Reign goalie Erik Portillo who made a few point-blank saves on ‘Cuda chances.

The Barracuda finally broke through late in the third period. Jack Studnicka made a drop pass to Danil Gushchin who beat Portillo with a wrist shot to the far side for his team leading 12th goal of the season at the 12:57 mark.

“Historically you don’t generate a ton (of chances against Ontario) and typically they don’t generate a ton either. So, it’s kind of a boring game. The neutral zone (defense) that they play, they kind of sit back and play a 1-3-1 (formation). So, when you get a chance to score, you really got to take advantage of it,” McCarthy said.

Fagemo sealed the deal for Ontario with an empty net goal, his second goal of the game with 52 seconds remaining in the game. Fagemo has scored five goals in the past two games against the Barracuda.

Portillo (10-4-1-2) finished the game stopping all 36 of the 37 shots he faced to earn his 10th victory on te season. Makiniemi (4-5-0-1) made 27 saves on 30 shots in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished 0-for-3 on the power play. Ontario went 1-for-3.

The Three Stars of the Game: 1) Fagemo 2) Hudon 3) Gushchin.

UP NEXT: San Jose begin a home and home series with the Bakersfield Condors on Friday 1/12 at 7:00pm at Tech CU Arena.

Kings Polish Off Pistons 131-110

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) is guarded by the Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) in the first half at Little Caesar’s Arena in Detroit on Tue Jan 9, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

After a horrible first quarter, the Sacramento Kings (22-14) pulled it all together in the following quarters to take a 68-65 lead at the half. They had trailed by 20 points in the opening quarter only to take the halftime lead. They fought through a tie game in the fourth quarter to seal the win 131-110 over the Detroit Pistons (3-34).

Tuesday night the Sacramento Kings (22-14) were back in action taking on the Pistons (3-34) in Detroit. The Kings come into this game after getting peppered by the New Orleans Pelicans trailing at one time in that game by 50 points. 

The Pelicans won the game 133-100 and the Kings are looking forward to get back on the winning track against Detroit. The Pistons also lost their last game. The Denver Nuggets handed Detroit their 33rd loss of the season outlasting them 131-114.

The first quarter of this game was a shocker with the Pistons all over the Kings and leading after the first twelve minutes of play 47-29 in what would turn out to be a real roller-coaster of a game. Domantas Sabonis was the only starter that was holding this game together for Sacramento. The rest of the team combined misses, fouls and turnovers in the quarter to give the Pistons a huge edge. It was a horrible start for the Kings.

The second quarter saw an entirely different team take the court and at the half, the Kings had taken a 68-65 lead. There had been a 23 point swing in the first half and the rest of the starters came to life in the second quarter. Keegan Murray and De’Aaron Fox had a great second quarter to turn this game completely around. The Kings won that quarter 39-18 in a complete reversal of fortune.

The Pistons refused to back down and the third quarter was a tie with both teams scoring 30 points and the Kings were clinging to a 98-95 lead. The Kings put the finishing touches on this game in the fourth quarter winning it 33-15. The final was 131-110 in favor of Sacramento as they put this game away.

After a horrendous start in this game, the Kings put up some crazy numbers in their starting lineup. Domantas Sabonis had the team high with 37 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists. Keegan Murray who had a rough start finished with 32 points and 5 rebounds. De’Aaron also had a terrific game after a shaky start with 26 points. Malik Monk had 20 points off the bench in yet another stellar game. The turnovers were concerning with 18 committed in the game.

The Kings had led by 15 points in the third quarter but let the Pistons tie up the game in the fourth quarter. They nailed down the win in the final 9 1/2 minutes of play in this game. Sacramento gave up 47 points in the first quarter and only 45 in the entire second half of the game. After that first quarter the Kings put together a terrific offensive effort.

Post game notes: Tuesday night the Kings were back in action taking on the Pistons in Detroit Tuesday. The Kings came into this game after getting peppered by the New Orleans Pelicans trailing at one time in that game by 50 points on Sunday night. The Pelicans won the game 133-100. The Kings are back in the win column with the win over the Pistons. The Pistons also lost their last game on Sunday to the Denver Nuggets who handed Detroit their 33rd loss of the season outlasting them 131-114.

It is now off to Charlotte to take on the Hornets tomorrow night at Spectrum Center. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 4:00 PM.

  

 

Sharks Buried 7-1 by Maple Leafs, Losing Streak at 12

Published on by M WalshLeave a comment

The Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) and forward Mitch Marner (16) scramble for the puck against the San Jose Sharks forward William Eklund (72) in the first period at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Tue Jan 9, 2024 (Canadian Press via AP photo)

By Mary Walsh

The San Jose Sharks lost 7-1 to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday. Morgan Reilly, Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, Pontus Holmberg, Jake McCabe and Nicholas Robertson scored for Toronto, with Marner scoring twice.

Martin Jones made 22 saves for the win. Sharks defenseman Henry Thrun scored for the Sharks, his first goal in the NHL. Kaapo Kahkonen made 16 saves on 20 shots before being relieved by Mackenzie Blackwood, who made 22 saves in the loss.

Morgan Reilly opened the scoring at 16:48 of the first period, a wrist shot from low in the slot. Tyler Bertuzzi was creating a good screen right in front of the Sharks goaltender. Assists went to William Nylander and TJ Brodie.

Auston Matthews made it 2-0 with a slap shot on the power play at 17:22. Low in the faceoff circle, Matthews sent the puck between Kahkonen and the post. Assists went to Mitch Marner and William Nylander.

Mitch Marner scored just 54 seconds into the second period to make it 3-0. From just above the goal line, and facing away from the goal, Marner pushed the puck behind him into the blue paint where it slipped by Kahkonen. Assists went to Jake McCabe and Timothy Liljegren.

Pontus Holmberg scored the fourth goal at 2:06. Skating into the zone, Holmberg held Kyle Burroughs off with his left hand while guiding the puck with one hand on the stick. Assists went to Bobby McMann and David Kampf.

The Sharks changed goaltenders after that goal, bringing in Mackenzie Blackwood.

Henry Thrun got one back for the Sharks at 7:21 of the second. Thrun tipped a shot from Mikael Granlund on the power play, scoring his first goal in the NHL. Assists went to Granlund and Anthony Duclair.

Jake McCabe made it 5-1 at 1:27 of the third period. Off a faceoff win, Marner’s pass found McCabe out in the open and a snap shot beat Blackwood. Assists went to Marner and Simon Benoit.

Marner scored his second of the game at 4:00 of the third period. The first of two goals they would score during a 4-minute major penalty against the Sharks, Marner pushed the puck over the line after Morgan Reilly’s shot was slowed down by Blackwood. Assists went to Reilly and William Nylander.

The second goal for that power play was scored by Nicholas Robertson at 5:54. His shot came from the faceoff dot through some traffic. Assists went to Matthew Knies and Jake McCabe.

The Sharks had Scott Sabourin in the lineup, his debut with the team. The forward had five hits in 11:12 of ice time and took one penalty, that four-minute penalty in the third period. He was called for a high-stick to the face of Simon Benoit.

The Sharks were out-shot badly, 45-23. this was most conspicuous in the first period when they had just five shots to the Leafs’ 16. In the face-off circle they struggled too, winning only 38.7% of the draws. Neither team did well with their penalty kills, as both teams were perfect on the power play.

The Sharks next play on Thursday at 4:00 PM PT in Montreal against the Canadiens.

NFL Post Season podcast with David Zizmor: Taking a look at this weekends four games

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is preparing his team to face the Houston Texans in Houston for the AFC Playoffs on Sat Jan 13, 2024 (AP file photo)

On the NFL Post Season podcast with David Zizmor :

#1 David, let’s go over each playoff game coming up this weekend starting with this Sat Jan 13th and we’ll start with the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans. The Browns finished 11-6 on the season and the Texans finished at 10-7. The Texans have the homefield advantage how do you see this game’s outcome and what your predicted score?

#2 The Miami Dolphins (11-6) goes up against the Kansas City Chiefs (11-6) this one at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City do you see this as an evenly matched contest or the Chiefs who know their way around getting deep in the post season and have homefield might have the edge?

#3 On Sun Jan 14th the AFC game is the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Buffalo Bills. The Steelers are 10-7 and the Bills are 11-6. The Bills have the homefield and face the Steel Curtain. Tony do you see this one?

#4 The Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys round off the playoff games for this weekend at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The Packers come in at 9-8 and the host Cowboys are 12-5. The Cowboys are the number two seeded team in post season with home field. How do you see the outcome of this contest?

Dave Zizmor covers the NFL for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Hernandez signs one year deal with Dodgers; Manaea signs with Mets, 2 yrs and $28M; plus more news

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Former Seattle Mariner Teoscar Hernandez signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Mon Jan 8, 2024 for a one year deal worth $23.5 million (AP file photo)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 The Los Angeles Dodgers have reached a one year deal with All Star outfielder Teoscar Hernandez worth $23.5 million. Hernandez 31 hit .258, 70 runs, 161 hits and 93 RBIs for Seattle last season. Also this week pitcher Tyler Glasnow joins the Dodgers talk about how Hernandez and Glasnow will be a of a help to the Dodgers.

#2 Former Oakland A’s starter left hander Sean Manaea has signed with the New York Mets. Manaea 7-6 with an ERA 4.44 with his only year with the San Francisco Giants last season. You’ve seen Manaea over the years he’s a eight year veteran how do you see him in the Mets rotation?

#3 This past week the Giants traded for Robbie Ray for outfielder Mitch Haniger and Anthony DeSclafani and six million dollars. Ray won’t be ready until July as he’s recovering from Tommy John surgery did the Giants take a gamble on Ray waiting for him until July and coming back from Tommy John ?

#4 Also this past week the Los Angeles Angels signed Dan Plesac to a one year $1 million dollar deal. Plesac a right hander. In 2023 Plesac five games with a 1-1 record and a 7.59 ERA in 21 1/3 innings of work. Plesac appeared in 19 games and 18 of those were starts.

#5 The investigation continues for Tampa Bay Rays Wander Franco as to if he had a relationship with a 14 year old girl. Franco was released from a Dominican Republic jail. Franco bailed out paying $2 million Dominican pesos ($34,000 US) as a judge ordered his conditional release. Franco had been accused by two other minor girls and did not speak to reporters upon his release on Monday.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez does News and Commentary podcasts Tuesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Original Joe’s San Jose/Sportstalk podcast: Great food, great service a tradition in the South Bay since 1956; Giants are dealing; 49ers playoffs; and Warriors troubles

Published on by Sports Radio Service2 Comments

Entrance to Original Joe’s at 301 South First Street downtown San Jose hosted Sportstalk radio/podcast program on Mon Jan 8, 2024 (photo from Original Joes.com)

Mon Jan 8, 2024

Sportstalk is honored to do our podcast at Original Joes 301 South First Street in downtown San Jose. We thank our hosts and Original Joe’s owners Brad Rocca, Michelle Rocca, Matt Rocca, Greg Bardakos, assistant manager Chris, and our server Jenny. Original Joes welcomes our panel Jimmy Price Sports Talk contributor, Titus Wilkinson San Jose Barracuda and Sharks beat writer, Troy Ewers San Jose State Spartans and Sharks beat writer, and your host Marko Ukalovic.

On May 24, 1956 Louis J. Rocca, Louis J. Rocca, Jr. (Babe), Arthur Tortore (Otto) and Anthony Caramagno (Nino) opened “Original Joe’s” in San Jose. The four partners wanted to bring an authentic San Francisco restaurant to the South Bay. They were convinced that if they could keep it authentic, they could serve the community by producing their traditional home-style Italian American Cuisine. Their desire was so great that they actually transported San Francisco French Bread via Greyhound Bus everyday for the first two years of operation.
 In the early 1970’s downtown San Jose started to flounder. Businesses were relocating to the outskirts of town. Original Joe’s became one of the cornerstones for an ever changing downtown. As the genres of food have changed over the years, Original Joe’s maintains its traditional roots. Still owned and operated by the Rocca Family, Original Joe’s continues to strive to replicate the dining experience that people have enjoyed for over half of a century.

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Warriors in disarray Kuminga has lost faith in Kerr; Paul out with hand fracture; Payton out with hamstring

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Golden State Warriors Steve Kerr head coach talks with the media. Reports have surfaced that Kerr is getting complaints from Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody in what their role is and how the team is becoming fractured. The big question is will Kerr be back next season? (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Barbara:

#1 Barbara, there’s no secret the Golden State Warriors are going in a different direction from their World Championship days this 2023-24 has a dressing room that had dissension and questions about the direction of the team starting with Jonathan Kuminga who says he’s lost faith in Steve Kerr’s use of his lack of minutes. Kuminga feels he could be more effective with more minutes played.

#2 Moses Moody also has expressed his frustration with Kerr’s use of his minutes. Moody’s teammates are not happy with the way he’s been used and it’s contributing to misdirection on the floor.

#3 The Warriors dressing room is turning into a soap opera, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and Kevon Looney have been ineffective and have not been able to score or defend in ways they have in the past.

#4 Warrior guard Stephen Curry had the ball stripped away from him in their game against the Denver Nuggets on Thu Jan 4 at Chase Center. The ball towards the end of the game went to Nokola Jokic who hit a three pointer that defeated the Warriors and handed them their fourth loss in their last six games.

#5 There has been calls from fans to fire and replace Kerr to co-owner Joe Lacob. Kerr’s contract ends at the end of this season and their asking that Lacob doesn’t renew him. The only thing that saves Kerr now is if he can regroup the team and get them on a winning role again. Can Steve Kerr save his job?

#6 The Warriors have two major injuries with Gary Payton II out with a hamstring and Chris Paul out with a fractured left hand.

Join Barbara Mason for the Warriors podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com