Month: December 2024

Sac Kings wrap: Nuggets Jokic triple-double helps edge Kings 130-129

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Denver Nuggets center) Nikola Jokic (left) and Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (right) battle for the basketball first half action at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Mon Dec 16, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Monday night in Sacramento. The Kings last played in New Orleans, where they defeated the Pelicans. On Monday, the Kings welcomed the Denver Nuggets to town.

The Nuggets entered the game 13-10 on the year and right in the middle of the pack in the standings. The Kings entered play on Monday with a 13-13 record and looking to get above .500. The Kings and Nuggets tipped off at 7 PM PST as the Kings fell to the Nuggets 130-129.

In the first quarter, the Kings got off to a rough start. The Nuggets were asserting themselves physically with the Kings early and exploiting bad defensive matchups. With 2:34 left in the quarter, the Kings would be down 32-13 and in desperate need of a spark.

It was one of the toughest quarters of the season for the Kings so far. In the quarter, the Kings only shot 9% from three and 36% overall. The Kings struggled mightily as they were outscored 41-21 in the first.

In the second quarter, the Kings competed hard to get back into the game. However, the defense continued to lack. The Nuggets would score 34 points in the second quarter to continue to put pressure on the Kings.

However, the Kings’ offense exploded for 46 points in the quarter to pull closer heading into halftime. The Kings would trail the Nuggets 75-68 heading into halftime. Domantas Sabonis led the Kings in the first half with 15 points. Aaron Gordon led the Nuggets with 16 first-half points.

In the third quarter, the Kings picked up right where they left off in the first half. The Kings’ shooting was much improved as they scored 35 points in the third. On the other hand, the Nuggets only managed to score 21 points as the shooting dried up for them. After three quarters, the Kings would lead the Nuggets 103-96.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings just couldn’t seal the deal. The Kings battled, but ultimately, they couldn’t make any shots on the final few possessions, and they lost the game 130-129. The Kings were outscored in the fourth quarter 34-26.

The Nuggets were able to hit the big shots they needed down the stretch to erase the Kings’ eight-point lead with roughly 4:00 minutes to play. The Kings’ best performance came from De’Aaron Fox, who finished the game with 29 points.

Jamal Murray led the Nuggets in victory with 28 points on the night. It was a disappointing loss for the Kings as they tried to win their fourth game in a row. However, they will have a chance to get back on track on Thursday.

Postgame, Malik Monk talked about how the Kings needed to come with intensity and attention to detail right from the start of the game. Monk said, “That’s a hard question. It’s just on us really, just being locked in from the get-go. Can’t really say what we can do better. We just got to be locked in from the jump ball on those things,” he said. “Like boxing out, getting on the floor for loose balls. Getting rebounds, second-chance points, not fouling and things like that. We just got to be on our toes from the get-go instead of letting them put us on our toes.”

Up Next: The Kings will stay home to take on LeBron James and the LA Lakers at 7 PM on Thursday.

G League: Jones and Dexter lead Kings with 20 pts each in 117-104 win over Valley Suns

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Scoreboard says it all Stockton Kings get a win over the Valley Suns at Adventist Health Arena in Stockton on Mon Dec 16, 2024 (Stockton Kings X photo)

By William Espy

STOCKTON–The Stockton Kings hosted the top team in the West, the Valley Suns, in the second half of a back-to-back on Monday night.

The Kings pulled out to an early 12-3 lead, forcing the Suns to take a timeout. Stockton dominated the first quarter overall, extending that lead to 42-16 after 12 minutes as they shot 66.7% from the field in the opening frame.

It was clear right out of the gate that the Kings wanted to avenge their first loss at Adventist Health Arena of the season on Sunday, and the Suns weren’t able to contain them.

The second quarter was a much different story though, as the Suns charged back a bit. By the end of the quarter, it was 70-52 in favor of Stockton, but the game was now well within reach for Valley. Mason Jones was having himself a game, as at halftime he already had 20 points, 8 assists, and 8 rebounds for Stockton. The Suns’ leading scorer so far this season Mamadi Diakite was up to his usual tricks, shooting 5-6 for 12 points.

The Suns cut the Kings’ lead even further in the third quarter, and heading into the final frame it was just a five-point game with either team within reach of a victory. The Kings had a tremendous start, but as has been the case many times this season, they struggled to maintain their lead and the opposition fought their way back into it.

The Kings were still converting shots at a high rate, although it wasn’t quite as high as it was after the first quarter. Heading into the fourth, they were shooting just over 55% from the field and nearly 41% from behind the arc. Stockton was also out-rebounding the Suns, leading that category by a staggering amount. The board battle was 42-27 in the Kings’ favor.

The Kings extended their lead to double-digits over the course of the quarter, but the Suns battled back and tried to keep it close. It took until the final minute of the game for the Suns to bring the Kings’ lead back down to single digits, but by then it was too little, too late. The Kings walked away with a crucial 117-104 victory over a very difficult opponent. The win was led by Jones and Dexter Dennis who both scored 20+ points. Drew Timme and Isaiah Crawford also had strong performances, finishing with 18 point a piece.

After the game, Jones spoke about the victory. “We knew we needed to get off to a hot start, and that’s what we did. We knew that if we came out ready and prepared, we knew we’d win, so that’s what we wanted to do.” He then spoke about his personal performance, “[It] just feels good. Just continues to show the hard work and dedication that I continue to put in. Just knowing the team counts on me a lot and I don’t want to let them down, so I just want to take it day by day and continue to get better. I don’t like to lose, so every day I feel like if I give my best, we got a great chance to win.”

Raiders’ Losing streak reached 10 in a row, as the Falcons swooped down in the desert to a 15-9 victory on MNF II

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) was caught from behind by Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Monday Night Football Dec 16, 2024 (Las Vegas Raiders X photo)

By Michael Roberson

LAS VEGAS, NV — The Las Vegas Raiders (2-12) lost their 10th straight game after a 15-9 loss to the Atlanta Falcons (7-7) on a cool night in Sin City.

Las Vegas was in trouble immediately, after they fumbled on their opening drive. Atlanta took that gift and eventually capitalized on it with a 30-yard touchdown pass by Kirk Cousins to Drake London, with :14 left in the first quarter. After 15 minutes of play, the Dirty Birds led 7-0 inside Allegiant Stadium.

In the second quarter, the home team finally got off the snide and converted a field Goal. Daniel Carson booted it from 52 yards away. However, they would give another two points on a Safety. Alexander Mattison, who also fumbled in the first quarter, was tackled in his own end zone. Atlanta led by six points at that point in the game.

At the half, the Raiders trailed by six, 9-3. At that juncture of the game, it was uncertain if the Raiders would score any more points in the second 30 minutes of the contest.

In the third quarter, the Raiders intercepted Cousins, and seemingly had momentum on their side. Unfortunately for them, that turned into a punt blocked by Atlanta, and another score by them.

Kicker Younghoe Koo kicked a 40-yarder to put the Falcons up by nine, 12-3. That margin lasted to the end of the quarter. Going into the final quarter, Atlanta was seemingly in total control, but there was 15 minutes left in the battle.

The fourth stanza had Koo making another FG (48), and putting his Falcons up by 12, 15-3. The Raiders did respond and showed the Silver and Black Pride around 10 minutes later on the scoreboard. From that dire scenario they had at intermission, they did find a way to get into the endzone.

QB Desmond Ridder tossed a 5-yard TD pass to running back Ameer Abdullah. Daniel Carlson missed the PAT, so the Raiders had to settle for six. That was also their deficit, 15-9.

The last few minutes of the game ticked away, and the Falcons were the victors, but that is not the story. The Raiders actually put themselves in a position to win the game after all. Desmond Ridder hurled two hail marys that worked for other teams this season, but not the streaking Raiders. Being down by six at that point, a touchdown could have won it. That was not as certain, since Carlson did miss an earlier PAT.

“Disappointing, I wish we could have a better result, we’ll keep fighting, getting ready for next week.” Stated Raiders HC Antonio Pierce after another close loss.

The Raiders are next in action Sunday, December 22, as they host the Jacksonville Jaguars at 1:25 PDT on CBS. The Falcons fly back to Atlanta to host the New York Giants the same date on FOX at 1:00 PM EST

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez: Raiders loss streak reaches 10 with loss to Falcons 15-9 at Allegiant Stadium

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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Desmond Ridder (10) scrambles against the oncoming Atlanta Falcons in first half action at Allegiant Stadium in Atlanta on Mon Dec 16, 2024 (AP News photo)

On Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez:

1 The Atlanta Falcons struck first scoring a 30 yard touchdown on a pass from quarterback Kirk Cousins to wide receiver Drake London giving the Falcons 7-0 with 14 seconds left in the first quarter.

#2 At 11:44 in the second quarter Raider kicker Daniel Carlson booted a 52 yard field goal making it 7-3 and the Falcons. At 5:35 Alexander Mattison Rush took a one yard loss for a safety and the Falcons picked up two more points making it 9-3.

#3 Third quarter the Falcons got a field goal from Younghoe Koo who booted a 40 yard field goal and the Falcons were up 12-3 at 9:25.

#4 Fourth quarter Koo got a 48 yard field goal and pulled ten points on the Raiders with a 15-3 lead at 13:26 left in the game. At 2:54 Raiders quarterback Desmond Ridder threw to wide receiver Ameer Abdullah for a five yard touchdown pass and the Raiders first touchdown of the game cutting the Falcons lead to 15-9.

#5 The Raiders host the Jacksonville Jaguars next Sunday at Allegiant Stadium. The Jags are having a tough time at 3-11 this might be the best chance the Raiders have at snapping their ten game losing streak. How do you see this one next Sunday?

Rich Perez is a Raiders analyst for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Angels Mgr Wash says get rid of 3 throws to first base limit; How Springs fits in A’s rotation; plus more news

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Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington seen managing against the Oakland A’s on Sat Jul 20, 2024 at the Oakland Coliseum. The last visit for Washington and the Angels to Oakland. Washington said in a ESPN interview that the three throw limit rule for pitchers to first base should be junked. (AP file photo)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 In a ESPN interview with Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington who was asked what rule changes he would like to see he said, to give pitchers all the time they need to make pitches, and get rid of the throwing to first base only three times limit. Washington said experienced pitchers can handle the pitch clock whereas it affects the younger pitchers.

#2 Amaury, talk about how the Athletics are building up their pitching staff first with acquiring Luis Severino and now getting Jefferey Springs from the Tampa Bay Rays. Springs in 2024 made seven starts was 2-2 ERA 3.27. How do you see him shoring up the starting rotation for Sacramento?

#3 The New York Yankees acquired pitcher Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers. Williams a closer had an impressive ERA last season at 1.83 in 97 relief appearances. The Brewers in exchange got LHP Nestor Cortes and rookie prospect Caleb Durbin with cash considerations.

#4 Amaury, talk about the deal that sent outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for Isaac Paredes a first baseman, pitcher Hayden Weneski, and prospect Cam Smith. Tucker who suffered a shin injury played in 78 games for the Astros.

#5 Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman’s World Series walk off grand slam ball sold for $1.56 million including the buyers premium at SCP Auctions on Saturday night. Freeman hit the grand slam during game 1. The ball is the third most expensive ball bided it on behind Shohei Ohtani’s $4.392 million ball that he hit for his 50/50 home run, and Mark McGwire’s 70th home run ball he hit in 1999 worth $3 million.

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

Sacramento Kings podcast with Barbara Mason: Nuggets pay Kings a visit tonight at Golden 1

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The Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) goes to the basket against the New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (5) in the first half at Smoothie King Arena in New Orleans on Sun Dec 15, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1 The Sacramento Kings Domantas Sabonis scored a season high of 32 points on Thursday night and grabbed a season best 20 rebounds as the Kings defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 111-109.

#2 The Kings DeMar DeRozan scored 29 points and Keegan Murray and De’Aaron Fox each scored 18 points no doubt Murray and De’Aaron are a big part of the starting line up.

#3 The Kings are rolling they have won four of their last five games. So their getting some consistency.

#4 The Pelicans CJ McCullom did the heavy lifting hitting six 3 pointers and finished with a team leading 36 points but not good enough to beat the Kings.

#5 The Kings have now not scored less than 115 points in any of their last eight wins. The Kings 111 points against the Pelicans were their lowest score this season.

Barbara Mason covers Sacramento Kings basketball at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic: Reign rally back and win in shootout to edge Cuda 5-4 in Ontario

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The score says it all as the San Jose Barracuda loses a tough game to the Ontario Reign at the Toyota Center in Ontario on Sun Dec 15, 2024 (San Jose Barracuda X photos)

On San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko:

#1 The Ontario Reign got on the board early at 7:55 of the first period on a Charles Hudon goal assisted by Glenn Gawdin. The Reign are 8-0 when scoring first in the game.

#2 After being down 1-0 after the first, the Barracuda went onto their first power play when Francesco Pinelli took a two minute penalty for cross-checking. Danil Guschin scored his 5th goal to tie the game at 1-1 at 7:00 of the second.

#3 At 4:19 of the third, Samuel Fagemo cut into the Barracuda’s lead scoring his 12th goal of the season assisted Angus Boogh and Arthur Kaliyev. At 5:52, Ontario struck again tying the game with Shawn Element scoring his 5th goal of the season assisted by Aatu Jamsen and Tyler Madden.

#4 After two unsuccessful attempts by Danil Guschin and Andrew Poturalski, both Reign players Arthur Kaliyev and Taylor Ward scored to secure the win.

#5 The Barracuda will be back in action on Wednesday December 18th to play the Firebirds for the second time this season, looking to keep up their undefeated streak against Coachella Valley.

Join Marko Ukalovic for San Jose Barracuda podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Williams Controls The Pace, Cal Women Follow Suit In 71-45 Win Over Austin Peay

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By Morris Phillips

BERKELEY, CA–The impromptu signature session between Kayla Williams and a trio of nine-year old buddies came with a teaching moment. Williams, the Bears’ graduate strategist, provided the lesson just minutes after Sunday’s game.

“That’s the wrong answer. I’m your favorite player,” Williams corrected when the name Jayda Noble came up, not hers.

The signatures strengthened the bond between the girls and the unassuming star player. Not that Noble isn’t noteworthy, but Williams, the hooper, is transformative for the Golden Bears.

After shooting 7 for 8 floor against Austin Peay, Williams cemented her position as the focal point in Cal’s 11-1 start to the season that has them on the precipice of the national Top 25. Shooting 51 percent overall and 46 percent from the three, while operating as the savvy, offensive decision maker puts Williams on the mantle without question.

Williams has attempted just 99 shots in 12 games, so she’s hardly the first option. But she’s clearly the most efficient and perfectly content to heat her teammates up first.

“We know we have shooters, and our job is to look for each other,” she said. “And our connection, our bond, our relationship off the court is great. So that carries on to the court.”

Williams is the reason opposing coaches point to Cal’s experience and shot selection when explaining the Golden Bears’ success. She’s 123 games into her five-season college career, which includes stops at UC Irvine and USC. Williams’ current shooting streaks point to her improvement. Juju Watkins’ arrival at USC last season chopped Williams’ playing time significantly and probably motivated the Los Angeles to reclaim the spotlight at Cal.

“My goal is always to improve and get better, and I know that there’s a lot of areas where I can do that. For this team, I want to be at my best as much as possible,” she said. “Better shooter, better scorer, better passer, everything… all-around.”

San Jose Barracuda fall to Ontario Reign in shootout

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Ontario Reign Reilly Walsh (2) skates in front of Georgi Romanov (31) at Toyota Center on Sunday December 15th 2024. (Via OntarioReign/x)

By Madison Montez

SAN JOSE- After a battle back to take the game into OT, the Barracuda fall in a shootout to the Ontario Reign.

The Ontario Reign got on the board early at 7:55 of the 1st on a Charles Hudon goal assisted by Glenn Gawdin. The Reign are 8-0 when scoring first in the game.

After being down 1-0 after the 1st, the Barracuda went onto their first power play when Francesco Pinelli took a 2 minute penalty for cross-checking. Danil Guschin scored his 5th goal to tie the game at 1 at 7:00 of the 2nd.

The Reign took another penalty at 7:08 when Samuel Fagemo took a 2 minute penalty for tripping which led to back back power play goals. Lucas Carlsson scored his 2nd in a Barracuda sweater assisted by Jack Thompson and Ethan Cardwell.

At 12:22 Thomas Bordeleau extended the Barracuda’s lead to 2 scoring his 6th of the season assisted by Scott Sabourin and Ethan Cardwell.

At 4:19 of the 3rd, Samuel Fagemo cut into the Barracuda’s lead scoring his 12th goal of the season assisted Angus Boogh and Arthur Kaliyev. At 5:52, Ontario struck again tying the game with Shawn Element scoring his 5th goal of the season assisted by Aatu Jamsen and Tyler Madden.

At 8:26, Ethan Cardwell gave the Barracuda the lead again scoring his 2nd goal of the season assisted by Andrew Poturalski and Thomas Bordeleau. At 15:10, Aatu Jamsen scored and took the game to overtime.

After 2 unsuccessful attempts by Danil Guschin and Andrew Poturalski, both Reign players Arthur Kaliyev and Taylor Ward scored to secure the win.

THREE STARS OF THE GAME:

  • 1. Aatu Jamsen
  • 2. Ethan Cardwell
  • 3. Erik Portillo

The Barracuda will be back in action on Wednesday December 18th to play the Firebirds for the 5th time this season, looking to keep up their undefeated streak against Coachella Valley.

Drell leads with 22 in Remix 103-98 win over Kings in Stockton

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Stockton Kings forward Isaac Jones (3) throws down on the Rip City Remix’s forward Henri Drell (55) at Adventist Health Arena in Stockton on Sun Dec 15, 2024 (Stockton Kings X photo)

By William Espy

STOCKTON–For the second time in three days, the Stockton Kings hosted the Rip City Remix at Adventist Health Arena in Stockton. The Remix took Sunday’s second game 103-98 in Stockton. The Remix led by Henri Drell in scoring with 22 points.

The game started off similarly to their previous meeting, as the Kings went on a long run before the Remix were able to get on the scoreboard. Stockton pulled out to a quick double-digit lead, but once again Rip City fought their way back into it, tying it up with just under four minutes remaining in the quarter.

The Remix would actually take the lead before the end of the quarter, making it 31-30.

Rip City would maintain and extend that lead in the second quarter. Stockton trailed 59-44 heading into half-time. Henri Drell picked up where he left off in the last meeting, leading his team in scoring with 17 points heading into the break. Meanwhile, there was only a single player on Stockton in double-digits, Isaac Jones with 10. The Kings were struggling to make any shots, as they were 35.7% from the field. Rip City also had seven steals, which was the difference maker to this point in the game.

The Remix continued to pull away a bit at the start of the third quarter, but the pace was starting to pick up as the frame progressed. The Kings were starting to run out of time, and that was reflected in the way they were starting to play. Unfortunately for them though, the Remix thrive in high-paced situations.

Stockton was trailing by more than 20 points late in the third when Isaac Jones’s highlight reel dunk over the Rip City defender seemed to spark the home team. Heading into the final frame, the Kings trailed 85-65 so they’d need to make a dent in the Remix’s lead very quickly if they wanted a chance of walking away victorious.

That moment certainly ended up being a turning point, as the Kings went on an 8-0 midway through the final quarter, reducing the Remix’s lead to 92-85 with quite a bit of time remaining. With two minutes remaining, it was a three-point game. A late three-pointer by Alex Reese made it a four-point game, and Stockton took their last timeout with 17.1 seconds remaining. Colby Jones missed a three, and the Kings were forced to foul Justin Minaya with nine seconds left. He missed the first but made the second free throw to put the game essentially out of reach.

Rip City’s 103-98 victory was their first on the road this season, while it was also the Kings’ first loss at home. Drell’s 22 points led the Remix, while Isaac Jones had 31 points and 15 rebounds for Stockton in a losing effort.

The Kings will get back at it again tomorrow night, as they host the top team in the West, the Valley Suns in the second half of a back-to-back.