Month: March 2025

Short-Handed Kings Rally to Upset East-Leading Cavaliers 123-119

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Malik Monk during the Kings vs Cavs game on Wednesday night (Photo: Sacramento Kings on X)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings came into Wednesday night’s game against the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers short-handed, missing key players due to injuries and absences. The Kings were without Domantas Sabonis (ankle sprain), Jake LaRavia (illness), and Zach LaVine (personal reasons).

Before the game, Doug Christie emphasized the importance of trust as the Kings prepared to rely on a depleted rotation. “I think even with our guys prior to the other night, that was one of the things we were trying to establish,” Christie said. “For players that haven’t played, the message to them is to play the right way. It doesn’t matter the name on the back of the jersey, it’s about the name on the front.”

Togetherness and consistency, regardless of the opponent, have been key messages from Christie all season. On Wednesday, the Kings needed to embrace that fully to take down Cleveland—and they did just that, earning a hard-fought 123-119 victory.

The first quarter was brutal for the Kings offensively. They shot an abysmal 4-of-23 from the field and were outscored 22-15. Watching the game, it felt like a twilight zone moment, the shooting struggles were so bad that it was remarkable Sacramento trailed by only seven at the end of the period. On the other side, Cleveland wasn’t exactly in rhythm either, shooting 9-of-20 from the floor.

The Kings’ shooting improved in the second quarter, but it wasn’t enough to cut into the Cavs’ lead. Cleveland outscored Sacramento 34-32 in the period, extending its advantage to nine points at the half. The Kings had plenty to build on heading into the third, especially with the Cavaliers playing on the second night of a back-to-back. Despite their shooting struggles, Sacramento was down only single digits. Malik Monk led the Kings with 14 first-half points, while Ty Jerome paced Cleveland with 12. The Kings shot 34% from the field in the half compared to the Cavs’ 56%.

Sacramento completely flipped the script in the third quarter. Fueled by strong play on both ends from Devin Carter, the Kings surged ahead by as many as 11 points. However, Cleveland responded in what became a game of runs, clawing back to keep it close. The Kings outscored the Cavs 43-32 in the period to take a 90-88 lead into the fourth. The Golden 1 Center crowd erupted as Sacramento found its rhythm, putting Cleveland on its heels. With momentum on their side, the Kings needed to execute down the stretch to finish the job.

The final quarter was a battle, with both teams trading blows on both ends of the floor. In the end, the Kings did just enough plays to secure the 123-119 win, outscoring Cleveland 33-31 in the quarter. It was a complete team effort—every Kings player who logged more than seven minutes finished in double figures. Devin Carter and Trey Lyles combined for 29 points, with Carter providing a crucial spark off the bench. Evan Mobley led all scorers with 31 points in a losing effort for the Cavs. With the win, the Kings improved to 35-33, while Cleveland dropped to 56-13.

Doug Christie was clearly pleased with his team’s effort after the game. “Fantastic fight… that’s what Sacramento Kings basketball is all about. You bring that every single time.”

When asked how he got such an impressive performance from his team, Christie said, “That’s the performance I expect. The result may vary from time to time… but a high level of intensity and physicality, when you put on our jersey, that’s what is expected, and hats off to our guys.”

Keegan Murray echoed those sentiments. “It was a good win, especially after the week we had last week and with guys out tonight. It was a good team win against a very good team.”

After a rough stretch that saw them lose four straight, the Kings regained some confidence as they began a long homestand.

Key Performances

  • DeMar DeRozan led the Kings with 27 points.
  • Malik Monk scored 22 points on 8-of-18 shooting.
  • Devin Carter added 16 points, five rebounds, and three steals.

Playoff Picture

The Kings remain in ninth place in the Western Conference, sitting 3.5 games behind the Minnesota Timberwolves and LA Clippers for the seventh and eighth spots. They hold a three-game lead over the Phoenix Suns, who occupy the 10th seed.

Up Next

The Kings stay home to face the Chicago Bulls on Thursday at 7 PM PST in the second night of a back-to-back.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Giants selling ownership stake – What does it mean?

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Giants selling ownership stake – What does it mean?

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

San Francisco Giants CEO Larry Baer says the money from the sale of 10% of the Giants will be used for ballpark improvements with the developments around the ballpark (San Francisco Chronicle file photo)

The San Francisco Giants dropped a 10% ownership stake in the franchise to the private equity firm Sixth Street, as reported today by the New York Times. The Giants did not confirm the specific share that it sold. Still, they said it was a “strategic partnership.” Larry Baer, Giants President, and CEO, said that the deal “allows (the Giants) to strengthen further our franchise on the field and in the community.”

That the Giants intend to use the money for improvements to Oracle Park and the Mission Rock mixed-use development surrounding the stadium, as well as the team’s Spring Training complex in Scottsdale. But it will not impact the team’s players’ payroll. And added, “This is about improvements to the ballpark, making big bets on San Francisco and the community around us, and having the firepower to take us into the next generation.” said Baer Major League Baseball Network revealed.

Major League Baseball and NBC Sports Regional Networks announced a new partnership today to stream games consumers for three MLB Clubs: Athletics (NBC Sports California), Giants (NBC Sports Bay Area), and Phillies (NBC Sports Philadelphia) – through MLB.TV during the 2025 season.

Fans in the Clubs’ home territories can now watch the networks’ game coverage live and on-demand with live pre-and post-game shows through the league’s streaming service, which is now entering its 23rd season. Talking about money for those who like to watch MLB games on TV.

This 2025 season- Packages for the A’s and Giants will be available monthly for $19.99 and can be bundled with MLB.TV’s out-of-market games for $39.99 a month. The Phillies package will be available for $24.99 monthly and can be bundled with MLB.TV’s out-of-market package for $44.99 per month.

Here’s a list of the current valuations for each MLB franchise as of late 2024,

1-New York Yankees $7.55 Billion

2 Los Angeles Dodgers $5.45 Billion

3 Boston Red Sox $4.5 Billion

4 Chicago Cubs $4.22 Billion

5 San Francisco Giants $3.8 Billion

6 New York Mets $3 Billion

7 Philadelphia Phillies $2.92 Billion

8 Atlanta Braves $2.8 Billion

9 Los Angeles Angels $2.7 Billion

10 St. Louis Cardinals $2.55 Billion

11 Houston Astros $2.42 Billion

12 Texas Rangers $2.4 Billion

13 Seattle Mariners $2.2 Billion

14 Toronto Blue Jays $2.1 Billion

15 Chicago White Sox $2.05 Billion

16 Washington Nationals $2 Billion

17 San Diego Padres $1.78 Billion

18 Baltimore Orioles $1.73 Billion

19 Milwaukee Brewers $1.6 Billion

20 Colorado Rockies $1.48 Billion

21 Minnesota Twins $1.46 Billion

22 Detroit Tigers $1.45 Billion

23 Arizona Diamondbacks $1.43 Billion

24 Cleveland Guardians $1.35 Billion

25 Pittsburgh Pirates $1.32 Billion

26 Cincinnati Reds $1.26 Billion

27 Tampa Bay Rays $1.25 Billion

28 Kansas City Royals $1.2 Billion

29 Miami Marlins $1.2 Billion

30 Oakland Athletics $1.1 Billion

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

Barracuda shutout Gulls 4-0 in midweek morning matchup

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San Jose Barracuda vs San Diego Gulls on Wednesday March 19th at Tech CU Arena (via flickr.com/sjbarracuda)

By Madison Montez

SAN JOSE–The Barracuda took on the San Diego Gulls for a morning midweek matchup. The last time these two teams faced off was on Wednesday March 5th where the Barracuda fell in overtime. Former Barracuda captain Ryan Carpenter scored the overtime winner.

This time on Wed Mar 19th the Barracuda shutout the Gulls at Tech CU 4-0.

Tuesday it was announced that the second leading defenseman Luca Cagnoni was recalled to the Sharks. In the AHL this season, Cagnoni has 13 goals and 34 assists, adding up to 47 total points.

San Jose got started early, scoring at 9:38 of the first. Lucas Vanroboys scored his ninth of the season, coming off of a rebound shot. Danil Guschin and Braden Hache registered the assists.

Going 4 for 7 on the powerplay on Sunday against Tucson, San Jose kept the power-play momentum going. On their first opportunity of the game, Danil Guschin scored his 4th power-play goal of the season. Pavol Regenda and Rem Pitlick registered the assists.

San Jose further extended their lead at 14:23 of the second. Ethan Frisch scored his 3th goal of the season. Ethan Cardwell and Colin White registered the assist.

With 56 seconds left, Colin White scored an empty net goal to seal the win. Ethan Cardwell registered the lone assist. White and Cardwell both with their second point.

THREE STARS OF THE GAME:

  • 1. Danil Guschin
  • 2. Lucas Vanroboys
  • 3. Ethan Frisch

The Barracuda will be back in action on Saturday where they will travel to Bakersfield to take on the Condors. The last time these two teams faced off was on Wednesday February 26th where they fell 3-2. Thomas Bordeleau and Danil Guschin both scoring in the loss.

#2 Cardinal Charged the Matadors 87-70, in NIT Opener, Tuesday Night on the Farm

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Stanford Cardinal forward Maxime Raynaud led in scoring against the Northridge Matadors at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Tue Mar 18, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal X photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif. — The Second ranked (NIT SF Regional) Stanford Cardinal (21-13) utilized their Maples Magic to handle instate opponent California State University – Northridge Matadors (22-11) 87-70, inside their Maples Pavilion.

Stanford led from wire to wire and had an advantage in the first 20 minutes The Cardinal was in control from the first shot made by redshirt-sophomore guard Ryan Agarwal from beyond the arc. They never looked back after that bucket.

The home team also produced a 9-0 run, while playing stellar defense against the Matadors. Stanford forced CSUN to shoot 37% from the field and 22% from three in the first half.

Senior forward Maxime Raynaud led all players in scoring at recess. He compiled 15 points, 5 rebounds and an intimidating 4 blocks in the initial half of the contest. Raynaud was not only the leading scorer for both squads, he was the only Cardinal player in double figures.

Although Benny Gealer was in single digits at the midway point of the game, his second three-pointer was at the halftime buzzer, which gave them their then largest lead (17). Also during the beginning frame, Raynaud placed himself in Stanford’s Top 10 scoring list.

Senior forward Keonte Jones was the Matadors’ lone double-digit scorer (11) and was the key player attempting to keep Stanford in reasonable reach.

After the Stanford mid-game buzzer beater, Stanford led by 17 points, 46-29. All the momentum seemed to be in Stanford’s favor and the sting of that heart-wrenching loss in the ACC Tournament appeared to be a distant memory

The second half had a similar start as the first half did 20 minutes prior. This time it was freshman forward Donavin Young launching a trey, putting his Cardinal up by 20 immediately. They would add another point to that impressive scoring margin during the final half.

CSUN tried to make it competitive, as more players contributed from the scoring aspect. However, Stanford was able to hold on to their large lead and win by 17 points, 87-70. Out of the Cardinal’s 21 wins, 17 have been in the friendly confines of Maples Pavilion.

Raynaud posted another double-double, 22 points, 11 rebounds and 5 blocks. Oziya Sellers also scored 20 points, while Benny Gealer dropped 13 points and Jaylin Blakes chipped in 11 points and offered four assists.

The Matadors had four players scoring at least 10 points. Keonte Jones led CSUN with 18 points and 5 rebounds, while Scotty Washington tied Jones in rebounds while producing and tallied 17 points. Grady Lewis led his team in rebounds (7), while while producing 12 points, and Tyler Beard mustered up 10 points and team high four assists.

The Cardinal will play Round 2 of the NIT at Maples hosting Kent State, Saturday March 22 or Sunday March 23, time and date TBA at a later date,.

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson Tue Mar 18, 2025: Stanford holds lead over Matadors in 87-70 win

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Stanford Cardinal forward Maxime Raynaud (42) led with 22 points against the Cal State Northridge Matadors at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Tue Mar 18, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal X photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 First half Michael the Cardinal were just scoring like it was going out of style. The Cardinal finished the first half with a 46-29 lead against the Cal State Northridge Matadors.

#2 Once again Maxime Raynaud led Stanford in scoring with 22 points, 11 rebounds and two assists. Raynaud has come through all season long.

#3 Oziyah Sellers finished second in scoring with 20 points and three rebounds. Sellers has come through for the Stanford offense all season long.

#4 In the second half after a rough first half the Matadors ended up tying the Cardinal in second half scoring 41-41 but Stanford would come away with a 87-70 win at Maple Pavilion.

#5 The Cardinal take on Kent State Golden Flashes this Sunday at Maples. The Flashes have had a good season at 23-11. This could turn out to be as rather contested game coming up?

Michael Roberson does the Stanford Cardinal podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Braves Strider returns after 1 years absence pitches perfect 2 plus innings; Twins Lewis out with hamstring injury; plus more news

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Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider (00) pitches to the Arizona Diamondbacks at Truist Field in Cobb County GA on Apr 5, 2024. Strider hasn’t pitched in a year since and pitched over two innings of perfect ball against the Boston Red Sox in spring training on Mon Mar 17, 2025 (AP file photo)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1  Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider made his first appearance in a year to throw 2 2/3 innings of perfect ball against the Boston Red Sox. Strider struck out six of the eight batters he faced. Strider was pleased to return to the mound after being out,  “It was like a little reward sprinkled on the pathway, a good test for the work you’ve been doing.” Strider had Tommy John surgery last season.

#2  Royce Lewis of the Minnesota Twins will miss opening day due to a left hamstring strain injury the Twins announced on Monday. Lewis is the Twins third baseman and the Twins do not know when he will be back. Lewis will have to go on the IL and go through a recovery rehab period.

#3 Jace Jung was demoted from the Detroit Tigers to Triple A Toledo. Jung was trying to earn a spot on the roster at third base for opening day. The Tigers also optioned pitcher Sean Guenther to Toledo and the Tigers now have 39 players on the roster in the Grapefruit League camp in Lakeland Florida. Jung was under consideration to take free agent who went to the Boston Red Sox Alex Bregman’s spot on the roster. Jung was 4 for 33 with a .121 batting average with one home run and two doubles.

#4 There is no doubt that the Los Angeles Dodgers are loaded and are one of the most World Series ready teams in MLB. With an All Star cast, Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Clayton Kershaw, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Teoscar Hernandez, Will Smith, Tyler Glasnow, Roki Sasaki, and Blake Snell just to name a few teams who face the Dodgers are going to have fits.

#5 Amaury, how important is it that the A’s have a grand opening success in Sacramento and a proper introduction to the Sacramento fans in the home opener on Mon Mar 31st at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento?

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony Renteria: Kings take on NBA’s best Cavaliers Wednesday night

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Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis (11) drives on the Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (left) in the first half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Mon Mar 17. 2025 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony R:

#1 The Sacramento Kings Domantas Sabonis took a beating taking Memphis Grizzlies Luke Kennard’s head that hit him in the face resulting in a cut above his left eye and later returned only to roll his right ankle in the third quarter.

#2 The Kings however did the beating on the scoreboard with a 132-122 win over the Memphis Grizzlies and ending their four game losing streak at home at Golden 1 Center.

#3 The Kings DeMar DeRozan scored 22 points, six rebounds with nine assists and Keegan Murray provided 16 point, ten rebounds in what contributed to the Kings win over the Grizzlies.

#4 Tony talk about interim head coach Doug Christie who won his 21st game since joining the Kings back in December?

#5 Next up for the Kings the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs are the knock out punch of the Eastern Conference first place at 56-11. The Cavaliers have won nine of their last ten games and shockingly lost their last game to the Orlando Magic last Sunday 108-103. How do you see this match on Wednesday night at Golden 1?

Join Tony Renteria for the Kings podcasts each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Warriors podcast David Zizmor: 7 game win streak comes to an end shorthanded Nuggets defeat Warriors

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Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter (1) takes a jump shot against Golden State Warrior guard Moses Moody (4) and forward Jimmy Butler (10) in the first half at Chase Center in San Francisco on Mon Mar 17, 2025 (AP News photo)

Golden State Warriors podcast David Zizmor:

#1 Denver Nuggets Aaron Gordon scored a season high 38 points, teammate Russell Westbrook scored a critical 3 pointer and got a triple double that help lead the Nuggets to a 114-105 win over the Golden State Warriors 114-105 at the Chase Center on Monday night.

#2 Westbrook was key in this game scoring 12 points, 16 assists, and got 12 rebounds. You’ve seen the damage he could do when he was a Oklahoma City Thunder and he repeated that in the win over the Warriors on Monday.

#3 Jimmy Butler scored 23 points for the Warriors and grabbed eight rebounds and got six assists. But Butler couldn’t do it all as the Warriors couldn’t catch the Nuggets and ended their seven game win streak on their home floor at Chase Center.

David Zizmor does the Golden State Warriors podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kings Bounce Back at Home with 132-122 Win Over Grizzlies, but Lose Sabonis to Injury

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Zach LaVine in the game on Monday against the Memphis Grizzlies (Photo: Sacramento Kings on X)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

The Sacramento Kings returned to action Monday night after a rough two-game road trip, where they suffered blowout losses to the Golden State Warriors and the Phoenix Suns. Following the defeat in Phoenix, Doug Christie remarked, “That’s not us,” as the Kings struggled to find their rhythm. Back home, they had an opportunity to bounce back against a Memphis Grizzlies team playing without Ja Morant. The Kings capitalized, securing a 132-122 victory at Golden 1 Center.

Sacramento got off to a strong start, with their offense firing on all cylinders. They outscored Memphis 37-26 in the first quarter, led by DeMar DeRozan’s eight points. Desmond Bane kept the Grizzlies in it with eight of his own. Christie had emphasized the importance of aggression after the loss to Phoenix, and the message clearly resonated.

The Kings maintained their intensity in the second quarter, remaining active in passing lanes and forcing turnovers that led to offensive opportunities. Both teams scored 28 points in the period, allowing Sacramento to hold onto its 11-point lead heading into halftime. Defensively, the Kings racked up nine steals and four blocks while forcing 12 Memphis turnovers. Zach LaVine and Malik Monk led Sacramento with 16 and 15 points, respectively, while Bane paced Memphis with 14. The Kings shot 51% from the field in the half, compared to the Grizzlies’ 46%.

Coming out of halftime, Sacramento aimed to sustain its energy, but an early injury to Domantas Sabonis shifted the atmosphere. Just over a minute into the third quarter, Sabonis rolled his right ankle while driving to the basket and had to be helped off the court. The injury appeared significant, as he had only recently returned from a hamstring injury. Sabonis did not return, and his status remains uncertain. Despite the injury, the Kings edged Memphis 33-32 in the quarter and carried a 98-86 lead into the fourth. Bane continued to lead the Grizzlies with 34 points, while Monk led Sacramento with 20.

Memphis made a push in the final quarter, outscoring Sacramento 36-34, but the Kings held on to secure the much-needed win. Their 132-point performance marked their highest scoring game since February 24th against the Hornets. The victory improved their record to 34-33, keeping them in ninth place in the Western Conference standings. The Grizzlies fell to 43-26, remaining locked into the fifth seed in the West.

Postgame, Christie praised his team’s effort, stating, “That’s us,” in contrast to his remarks following the Phoenix loss.

Sacramento’s defense was a key factor, with nine steals and four blocks helping to generate turnovers in the first half. When asked about the team’s aggressive approach, Christie responded, “A lot of it, to your point, is what we talk about and what we show them… It was pretty exciting for me, and I know it was for them too. I know our fans felt it as well.”

Monk, who had been struggling in recent games, delivered a standout performance with 28 points on 10-for-17 shooting. When asked if he felt like he was back to form, he replied, “Nah, not yet. I need another two or three games, but holla at me after that.”

While the win was crucial, the Kings face a tough test ahead as they prepare to take on the top team in the Eastern Conference on Wednesday. They will be hoping for good news regarding Sabonis’ injury as they look to build on Monday’s performance.

Kings Key Performances:

Malik Monk led the Kings with 28 points on 10-for-17 shooting.

Zach LaVine added 23 points on an efficient 7-for-11 from the field.

Jake LaRavia contributed 12 points and two steals, shooting 4-for-7.

Devin Carter recorded four steals in just under 11 minutes of action.

Up Next: The Kings remain at home to face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday at 7 PM at Golden 1 Center.

San Jose Barracuda podcast Marko Ukalovic Mon Mar 17, 2025: Cuda host Gulls for classroom matinee Wed at 10:30AM at SAP

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The Tucson Roadrunners right wing Egor Sokolov (13) collides into the San Jose Barracuda forward Thomas Bordeleau (17) as Barracuda defenseman Lucas Carlsson (36) looks on at the Tucson Convention Center in Tucson on Sun Mar 16, 2025 (Tucson Roadrunners flickr photo)

On the San Jose Barracuda podcast Marko Ukalovic:

#1 Tough loss for the San Jose Barracuda 6-5 to the Tucson Roadrunners in shootout at the Tucson Convention Center.

#2 Scoring in the first period the Roadrunners Hunter Drew scoring his 13th goal at 7:28 Yotes in the lead 1-0. The Barracuda would score two unanswered goals at 9:11 by Danil Gushchin (21) unassisted, at 10:27 by Lucas Carlsson (10), Cuda in the lead 2-1. The Roadrunners Ben McCartney (12) scored at 13:38, the Barracuda Andrew Poturalski (26) scored at 14:53 with the Barracuda in the lead 3-2 at the end of the first period.

#3 Potrualski (27) ended the first period with a goal and opened the second period with a goal at 4:38 it would be a crucial goal to keep the lead as the Roadrunners Curtis Douglas (7) scored at 5:50 and it was 4-3 Barracuda after the second period.

#4 In the third period at 0:56 Pavol Regenda (9) scored for the Barracuda, the Roadrunners Douglas (8) scored his second goal of the game cutting the Barracuda lead to 5-4. The Roadrunners Sammy Walker (7) would score at 18:10 to tie up 5-5 the game and force overtime and then a shootout. In the shootout the Raodrunners from Sammy Walker and Max Szuber to get them the 6-5 win.

#5 The Barracuda now in sixth place in the AHL Pacific Division at 29-21-4-4 will host the San Diego Gulls ninth place at 23-27-5-2. The puck drops on Wednesday morning at 10:30AM how do you see this match up?

Marko Ukalovic does the San Jose Barracuda podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com