Author: Charlie O. Mallonee

I have been a sports reporter/broadcaster since 1976 which means ... I'm old and I love sports. I have done play-by-play for minor league baseball - including the infamous "Bad News Bees" - San Jose State football and football and high school sports in the Bay Area and on the Monterey Peninsula. I had the great privilege to host a weekly sports talk show on KNRY Radio Monterey/Salinas with my producer the late,great Gary Araki. I also hosted and produced "the Sports Fanatics" talk show on KSAC Radio in Sacramento. For the last 10 years, I have been a beat reporter covering the Oakland Athletics for Sports Radio Service. Three years ago, I became the senior reporter for our Sacramento Kings coverage. My goal is to bring you the news, views, fun and excitement of every event I am assigned to report on for Sports Radio Service.

Parker leads Spurs past Kings 112-104

Published on November 28, 2014November 29, 2014 by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment

by Charlie O. Mallonee

There were too many 3-Pointers, too much dribble penetration and too much Tony Parker for the Kings on Friday night in San Antonio as the Spurs downed the Kings 112-104.

The Kings entered the game at a great disadvantage with DeMarcus Cousins out due to a virus and with Rudy Gay and Darren Collison playing at less than 100-percent. Gay (Right Achilles Tendinitis) and Collison (Left Quadriceps Contusion/Strain) had missed the games in Houston and New Orleans.

The lack of Cousins and the lack of defense was the story of why the Kings lost. Without Cousins to fill the lane on defense, the Spurs controlled the paint scoring 56 points in high percentage territory. The Kings allowed San Antonio to shoot 51.2-percent (42 for 82) from the field and 50.0-percent (12 for 24) from beyond the 3-Point arc. Sacramento gave up 35 points to the Spurs in the second quarter.

The Kings tried to make up for their lack of defense by playing offense with reckless abandon. Sacramento shot a 50.7- field goal percentage (38 for 75). They shot a season-high 60.0-percent (6 for 10) from 3-Point land. The Kings were very productive from the free throw line hitting on 22 of 26 (84.6-percent) attempts. Even with those incredible stats, the Kings could not overtake the Spurs.

Rudy Gay lead the Kings with 28 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and one steal. Ryan Hollins scored 15 points and grabbed six rebounds as he filled in for Cousins at center. Darren Collison posted 15 points but had just two assists and turned the ball over three times in his 34 minutes on the floor. It was apparent that Collison was not playing at 100-percent.

Ben McLemore came alive for the Kings in the third quarter and finished with 14 points. Carl Landry recorded a double-double coming off the bench with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

“Turnovers and no defense is the reason we lost,” said Kings Head Coach Michael Malone. Malone pointed out that the Spurs connected on 12 3-Pointers mostly off relentless dribble penetration. He also was concerned about the 20 points San Antonio scored off of the Kings’ 15 turnovers. Referring to his team’s lack of defense Malone said, “(I) never know which team is going to show up.”

Malone did mention Ryan Hollins and said he was proud of Hollins’ effort in the game.

Tony Parker lead the attack for San Antonio with 27 points and eight assists. He shot 10 for 17 from the field in his 38 minutes on the floor. Tim Duncan dropped in 18 points along with eight rebounds, three assists and two blocked shots. Kawhi Leonard put up 19 points and was four for six from downtown.

The Kings finished the four game road trip with a record of 2-2. Sacramento now comes home and will play 10 of their next 11 games on their home floor. They have just four games on the road in the month of December.

The Kings will play the Memphis Grizzlies at home in Sacramento on Sunday afternoon. The Kings will be seeking revenge for the stinging 111-110 loss to the Grizzlies back on November 13.

Kings Notes: Protest denied; Cousins out?

Published on November 28, 2014November 28, 2014 by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment

By Charlie O. Mallonee

Protest Denied

The NBA has denied the protest filed by the Sacramento Kings about their 111-110 loss to the Memphis Grizzles on November 13, 2014.

The Kings protested the outcome claiming that Courtney Lee’s game winning shot should not have counted because it was made after time had expired. Both teams were allowed to submit evidence in support of their positions on the decision to count the basket and award the win to Memphis.

Per the league office, “The Commissioner determined that the game officials’ call that Lee’s shot was timely was within their judgement and not a misapplication of the playing rules. Sacramento’s protest therefore did not justify the extraordinary remedy of overturning the games’ result.”

Cousins out versus the Spurs?

The Kings have released the injury report for tonight’s game in San Antonio and the news is not good for Sacramento fans. DeMarcus Cousins has a virus and is listed as doubtful to play in the game. By NBA definitions, that means there is only a 25-percent chance that Cousins will appear in the contest.

Rudy Gay and Darren Collison who have missed the last two games due to injury are listed as questionable. That means the team feels there is a 50- percent chance they will be available for the game in San Antonio.

A game without Cousins, Gay and Collison would make a win for the Kings in San Antonio a real long shot.

DeMarcus Cousins: NBA Western Conference Player of the Week

Published on November 25, 2014November 25, 2014 by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment

by Charlie O. Mallonee

DeMarcus Cousins of the Sacramento Kings has been named NBA Western Conference Player of the Week. Cousins lead the Kings to a 2-1 record for the week averaging 25.7 points, 16.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.7 blocks in 31.7 minutes of playing time. He recorded a double-double in all three contests.

Cousins is leading the NBA in rebounds with 12.3 per game. He is averaging 23.2 points per game. Cousins is second in double-doubles with 10 so far this season.

This is the second time Cousins has been named Player of the Week. He was granted the honor for the week of January 13, 2014.

Kings down the T-Wolves 113-101 on the road.

Published on November 22, 2014 by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment

by Charlie O. Mallonee

The Sacramento Kings opened a four game road trip with a 113-101 victory over the Timberwolves in the Twin Cities on Saturday night. It was a game that featured two distinctively different Kings teams on the court.

The pregame hype had this slated as a relatively easy road game for the Kings. The T-Wolves have been decimated by injuries early in the season. The only problem for Sacramento was there are no easy games on the road in “the Association”. The Timberwolves proved that by their play in the game.

The Kings came out in the first half playing as if it was going to be an easy game that would not require them to play with intensity. The Wolves played with determination on offense and used a tough zone defense down low to tie up Cousins and to dare the Kings to take outside shots. The Kings hit on just two of 12 3-Point opportunities in the first half. Sacramento turned the ball over 10 times. The lack of defense allowed Minnesota to take a 52-48 lead into the locker room at halftime.

After the game, Ben McLemore said, “We came out not ready to play basketball”. Kings Head Coach Michael Malone indicated he was worried about his team’s attitude before the game started.

“I challenged our guards at halftime,” said Malone. The guards responded. The entire Kings team responded.

Sacramento came out in third quarter ready to play. The Kings outscored the T-Wolves 36-25 in the quarter. The guards stepped up and started hitting outside shots. The defense kept the T-Wolves off balance. Sacramento led 84-77 at the end of three quarters.

The Timberwolves cut the Kings lead to just four points early in the fourth quarter led by some inspired play from rookie forward Andrew Wiggins. Sacramento continued to play tough defense and scored 29 points in the quarter to walkaway with their eighth victory of the season.

DeMarcus Cousins posted another double-double putting up 31 points and pulling down 18 rebounds while being double and triple teamed all game. Ben McLemore put up 22 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in 40 minutes of playing time . McLemore hit on four of nine 3-Point attempts.

Darren Collison scored 19 points to with seven assists and two rebounds. Derrick Williams put up 12 points including a key 3-Point bucket late in the fourth quarter to help preserve the win. Rudy Gay had 14 points, six rebounds and six assists for the Kings.

Sacramento shot 49.4-percent (40 for 81) from the floor. They shot eight for 26 (30.8-percent) from 3-Point land. The Kings hit 25 of 30 (83.3-percent) from the free throw line. They outrebounded the Wolves 50-37. Turnovers were too high with 18 charged to the Kings.

Minnesota was led by rookie Andrew Wiggins who put up a career high 29 points to go with five rebounds, four steals, two assists and one blocked shot. The T-Wolves’ starting five all scored in double figures. The Timberwolves shot just 41.1-percent (37 for 90) from the field.

The Kings will return to action Tuesday night versus the Pelicans in New Orleans.

Sacramento to meet with MLS in New York City on Thursday

Published on November 19, 2014November 19, 2014 by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment

by Charlie O. Mallonee

Major League Soccer has asked three markets to come to their headquarters in New York City on Thursday to make presentations to the expansion committee. Sacramento, Minneapolis and Las Vegas have been invited to the meeting.

The meeting is part of the MLS expansion that will take the league to 24 teams by the end of the decade. Two new teams – New York FC and Orlando City – will begin play in the 2015 season.

Los Angeles FC, Atlanta and Miami are scheduled to enter the league in 2017. The Miami entry is dependent on securing a stadium site. David Beckham is the main figure in the Miami franchise group.

Sacramento, Minneapolis and Las Vegas are believed to vying for a fourth team to begin play in 2017 to bring the league to 20 teams. The Sacramento delegation is headed by Mayor Kevin Johnson and the owners of the Sacramento Republic FC with assistance from the Sacramento Kings organization.

“We look forward to having the opportunity to represent Sacramento in New York City to present to the Major League Soccer Expansion Committee,” said Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson. “As part of our presentation we’ll highlight the progress we have made in terms of our three core areas of strength: market, ownership group, and a clear path to a downtown facility. Our group remains singularly focused in our efforts to bring a Major League Soccer franchise to Sacramento.”

According to MLS, its Board of Governors will meet on December 6th to further discuss expanding the league.

March Madness returns to Sac in 2017

Published on November 18, 2014 by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment

by Charlie O. Mallonee

Five months after the new Sacramento Entertainment and Sports Center opens, the first and second rounds of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament – aka March Madness – will be held in Sacramento. The last time the tournament visited Sacramento was in 2007.

“Today’s announcement marks another significant moment in our effort to make Sacramento a global destination for sports, civic and entertainment events,” said Sacramento Kings Owner Vivek Ranadivé. “In the past, the NCAA determined Sacramento was not equipped for a tournament, but today we know that March Madness will thrive in our city. I can promise you that in 2017, March Madness fans will experience something totally unique and exciting in Sacramento.”

The games will held on March 17 and 19, 2017. The tournament is expected to bring a minimum of $4 million in spending to the city and surrounding areas.

“Being selected to host the NCAA Basketball Tournament is a testament to all the hard work of our city and region,” said Sacramento Sports Commission Director Mike Sophia. “NCAA officials, student-athletes and fans from across the country will enjoy an unparalleled experience at the new world-class arena and will witness our vibrant city at its best.”

Sacramento State will be the host university for event. The opportunity to host the prestigious tournament will also be a benefit to the school.

For the City of Sacramento, securing the tournament is confirmation that “if you build it (the arena), they will come.”

Kings file game protest over loss in Memphis

Published on November 17, 2014 by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment

by Charlie O. Mallonee

The Sacramento Kings have filed an official protest with the NBA over the team’s loss to Memphis last Thursday night. The Kings lost the game 111 – 110 on lay-up made by the Grizzlies’ Courtney Lee with 0.3 seconds left in the game.

The play was reviewed at courtside by the officiating crew because it appeared that Vince Carter’s inbound lob to Lee was tipped by the defender. If the ball was tipped, the clock should have started immediately and time would have expired before the lay-up could have been made by Lee. The referees ruled the ball was not tipped and upheld the Memphis victory.

The Kings are contending the shot was made after time had expired.

Under the protest procedure, both Memphis and Sacramento will have the opportunity to submit evidence to the league in support of their position. The decision on the protest should be rendered by December 2.

Rudy Gay agrees to a contract extension with Kings

Published on November 17, 2014November 17, 2014 by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment

by Charlie O. Mallonee

According to multiple sources, Kings forward Rudy Gay has agreed to a three year, $40 million contract that will keep him with Sacramento through the 2017-18 season. Bill Herenda of Comcast SportsNet California reports that he has confirmed the transaction.

Gay, who is in the final year of his contract, has been one of the major pieces in the Kings plan to build a winning franchise. Gay along with center DeMarcus Cousins are the foundation of the Kings plan to become a playoff contender in the NBA West.

Gay is currently averaging 22.5 points per game and shooting 44.8 percent from the field. He is shooting 34.5 percent from 3-point land and 88 percent from the free throw line. Gay is grabbing an average of 6.8 rebounds per game.

Kings Head Coach Michael Malone frequently emphasizes Gay’s importance to the team and its future development.

The contract would have Gay in a Kings uniform when the new downtown arena opens in 2016. The contract reportedly contains a player opt-out clause before the 2017-18 season. The NBA players union contract expires after the 2016-17 season and the salary cap is expected to significantly larger in next agreement between the league and the players union.

Gay has been the target of accusations of under performing when he played in Toronto and Memphis. He seems to be thriving in Sacramento under the direction of coach Michael Malone. Gay has also become a fan favorite in Sacramento.

Kings beat the Spurs 94-91

Published on November 15, 2014November 16, 2014 by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment

by Charlie O. Mallonee

The Sacramento Kings returned home on Saturday night looking to get back into win column after losing two heartbreakers on the road in Dallas and Memphis. The problem for the Kings was their first opponent on this short three game homestand was the defending NBA Champions – the San Antonio Spurs.

The Kings came out and played 48 minutes of tough defense and played four quarters of consistent offense en route to defeating the Spurs 94-91 before a sellout crowd.

The Kings were led on offense by DeMarcus Cousins with 25 points and 10 rebounds. That is not really a surprise. What was surprising was the fact that Cousins played just nine minutes in the first half. He came out of the game with three minutes to play in the first quarter, and he sat the entire second quarter.

After the game, Kings Head Coach Michael said he did not plan to keep Cousins out for the entire quarter but the unit on the floor was playing well and it gave his center a chance to rest. Cousins would need that energy going down the stretch against the Spurs.

Darren Collison took the lead multiple times in the flow of the game. The point guard scored 19 points, dished out five assists, had two steals and grabbed two rebounds in his 39 minutes of playing time, Colllison consistently pushed the pace of the game to keep the Kings playing at a high tempo.

Rudy Gay had a productive night for Sacramento. Gay scored 18 points, had six assists, pulled down three rebounds and added a steal and a blocked shot to his box score. Gay and Collison combined to lead the Kings when Cousins was on the bench.

Omri Casspi had a very productive night for Sacramento. In his 22 minutes on the floor, Casspi scored nine points, recorded five rebounds, a steal and one blocked shot. Casspi’s rebounds seemed to come at just the right moments for the Kings.

Carl Landry played some key minutes with Cousins on the bench. He finished with eight points, six rebounds, two assists, two blocked shots and one steal. Landry’s solid play off the bench helped the Kings stay in the game.

In his postgame comments, Michael Malone emphasized his teams outstanding defensive effort. The Kings held the Spurs to just 42.5-percent shooting (34 for 80) and just 29.2-percent (7 for 24) from beyond the 3-point line. Sacramento allowed the Spurs to score just 34 points in the paint.

Manu Ginobili led the Spurs in scoring with 21 points but Sacramento held him to just one 3-pointer (1 for 7) in the game. Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green scored 16 points each. Future Hall of Famer Tim Duncan added 15 points. The Kings held Tony Parker to just 11 points.

On holding Parker to just 11 points Coach Michael Malone said, “Darren Collison and Ramon Sessions – all the guys who were out there did a great job. We had discipline.”

The Kings as a team shot 43.0-percent (37 for 86) from the field. Ironically, the Kings went 0 for 12 from 3-point range. They went to the free throw line just 24 times but hit on 20 of those opportunities (83.3-percent).

On offense, the key for the Kings was their play in the paint. Sacramento scored 58 points in the paint. It is safe to say they dominated the paint.

The Kings also took care of the ball against the Spurs. They committed just nine turnovers in the game; well below their goal of 13 turnovers per game.

In summing up the game Michael Malone said,”It feels great anytime that you can beat the defending champions and protect your homecourt. More importantly for me tonight was the defense. We only shot 43-percent from the field, but the key was that we defended at a high level. We held that team to 91 points and 42-percent from the field. We dominated the paint and only had nine turnovers. If we defend like that, like we did earlier in the year, then I really feel we can beat anyone in the NBA.”

The Kings will back in action on Tuesday night versus the New Orleans Pelicans at Sleep Train Arena.

Kings lose in OKC 101-93

Published on November 9, 2014November 9, 2014 by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment

by Charlie O. Mallonee

No Westbrook. No Durant. Beating the Oklahoma City Thunder on the road – no problem. Except there was a problem. It is the NBA Western Conference where winning on the road is one of the toughest feats for a team to pull off. The Kings were not able to make it happen on Sunday as they lost to the Thunder 101-93 in OKC.

The Kings came out of the gate slowly. The Thunder packed the paint and used their zone defense to tie up Cousins and Gay down low. They dared the Kings to make it happen with outside shots. The Kings were not able to hit shots from the wings and went into halftime down to the Thunder 52-39.

The Kings played the first half like they had an easy win in hand versus the injury plagued Thunder. OKC came out with determination and made the Kings pay for their lack of intensity.

After the intermission, the Kings continued to fall back. Sacramento was down by 17 points before they began to turn things around.

The Kings starting five stayed on the floor for almost the entire third period and outscored the Thunder 26-15 in the quarter. Down by just two points, Sacramento had put themselves in a position to possibly win the game. The only problem for the Kings was the starting five were gassed and needed rest.

The Kings second unit was not strong on offense in the game, and they were even weaker on defense. Sacramento gave up 34 points to the Thunder in the fourth quarter which made it virtually impossible for them to win the game.

Sacramento shot 45.0-percent (36 for 80) from the field. They shot a very poor 25.0-percent (6 for 24) from beyond the 3-point arc. The Kings also hurt themselves from the free throw line. First, they went to the line just 22 times in the game versus the 30-plus opportunities they had created for themselves in their previous games. Secondly, the Kings shot a terrible 68.2-percent (15 for 22) from the stripe. They had been an 82.0-percent free throw shooting team before the game on Sunday.

The Kings were also out-rebounded by the Thunder 40 to 37. Sacramento had been averaging 49.2 rebounds per game before the OKC game.

The Sacramento bench provided only 24 points in the contest. The Thunder second unit scored 40 points in the game.

The one bright spot for the Kings was the assist to turnover ratio. They recorded 23 assists against just 10 turnovers.

Rudy Gay led the Kings in scoring with 23 points to go with 10 rebounds. DeMarcus Cousins’ streak of double-doubles was broken but he did score 16 points. Ben McLemore was much improved scoring 16 points including four 3-point baskets. Darren Collison added 12 points, five rebounds and seven assists for Sacramento.

After the game, Head Coach Michael Malone said his bench must play stronger in order to win on the road. Malone also noted the Thunder packed the paint and waited for the Kings to respond with outside shots which did not happen. Malone felt the Thunder took advantage of the Kings lack of defense in the fourth quarter.

The Kings are off on Monday and will return to action on Tuesday against the very tough Mavericks in Dallas.