NBA G League Action: Warriors strong second quarter dooms Kings 152-144

Stockton Kings guard Jon Elmore (33) takes a shot against the Santa Cruz Warriors on Thu Feb 13, 2025 at Kaiser Permanente Arena in Santa Cruz (Stockton Kings X photo)

By William Espy

The Stockton Kings continued their road trip against the Santa Cruz Warriors, in a game that had a major effect on the standings in the long run in a high scoring loss 152-144 at Kaiser Permanente in Santa Cruz.

The Kings were recently overtaken by the Austin Spurs for first in the Western Conference, putting Stockton and Santa Cruz in a battle for second place.

The Kings got off to a strong start, leading 35-32 after the first quarter. It was clear right out of the gate that this would be a game decided by offensive firepower rather than defensive play. The second quarter was ultimately what decided the game, as the Warriors dominated, out scoring the Kings 43-28 and taking a resounding lead, 75-63, into halftime.

In the third, the Kings made a slight dent in the Warriors lead but it was only by a single point. The Warriors still led by 11 heading into the final frame but it was still within reach for Stockton.

The fourth quarter was a shootout essentially, the teams were seemingly scoring at will. The Kings outscored the Warriors for the third time of the night, but they were unable to bridge the gap that Santa Cruz forged in the second quarter. The Warriors walked away victorious, with a final score of 152-144.

Devin Carter, Terry Taylor, Jon Elmore and Isaiah Crawford all scored more than 20 points on the night. Carter finished the night with a very impressive stat line, 29 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists.

On the other side, Blake Hinson and Yuri Collins were the difference makers offensively for the Warriors. Hinson dropped 42 points on the night, while Collins finished with 32 of his own. Both ended the night with a double-double, as Collins had ten assists and Hinson recorded 11 boards.

The Kings will be back at home on February 26, as they host the Memphis Hustle in a matinee showdown at 11 AM. The Warriors on the other hand will host the Oklahoma City Blue on the 21st.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Pelicans split with Kings end 9 game skid in 140-133 OT win

The New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCullom (left) rolls past the Sacramento Kings forwards Keegan Murray (13) and Domantas Sabonis (11) for a layup in the first half at Smoothie King Arena in New Orleans on Thu Feb 13, 2025 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 The only way the New Orleans Pelicans (13-42) were going to end their nine game losing streak was to score lost of points and that’s what they did to split a two game set with the Sacramento Kings (28-27) on Thursday night 140-133 at Smoothie King Arena in New Orleans.

#2 The Kings made an all out effort to get this game but the Pelicans were on a mission to avoid losing a tenth straight game and it was a game of pride for them for this win.

#3 The Kings leading scorer Zach LaVine went all out with 32 points, two rebounds, and two assists in spite of the loss the Kings looked like they got what they bargained for in obtaining a player like LaVine.

#4 Malik Monk has been a big help he was second in scoring for the Kings with 24 points, six rebounds and nine assists. In some of the Kings wins Monk has been right there in the offensive tally.

#5 Next up for the Kings they’ll face Golden State at Sacramento. The Warriors have won six of their last ten games are are just behind the ninth place Kings in tenth place. Can the Kings fend off Jimmy Butler and the Warriors on Fri Feb 21st?

Jeremiah Salmonson does the Warriors podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears podcast with Morris Phillips: Cal gets back in win column with 72-63 win over Boston College; Onyiah leads with 21 points for Bears

Cal Bears center Ugonne Onyiah (0) attempts to block a shot against the Boston College Eagles at Haas Pavilion on Thu Feb 13, 2025 (Cal Bears X photo)

On the Cal Bears podcast with Morris Phillips:

#1 Cal head coach Charmin Smith picked up her first 20 game win that improved Cal’s record to 20-6 for the season it was exciting for coach Smith to pick up the win but also for the players to help get that win.

#2 The Cal starting five played some potent basketball against the Boston College Eagles for a 72-63 win at Haas Pavilion on Thursday night.

#3 Top scorer for Thursday night for Cal Michelle Onyiah with 21 points she is one of the most improved players at Cal.

#4 Cal’s defense in the second quarter was impressive holding the Eagles to just ten points but the Eagles had a break out fourth quarter scoring 22 points to Cal’s 21 none the less it wasn’t enough as the Bears win it by nine points.

#5 Cal could win another one as they take on the Syracuse Orange on Sun Feb 16th for a 3:00pm tip off at Haas Pavilion. Syracuse is 10-14 and are 13th in the ACC. How do you see this one this coming Sunday?

Join Morris Phillips for the Cal Bears podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kings Fall to Lowly Pelicans 140-133 In Overtime

New Orleans Pelicans guard Luis Alvarado (15) drives on the Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (right) in the first half at Smoothie King Arena in New Orleans on Thu Feb 13, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (28-26) did everything offensively they could to try and beat the struggling New Orleans Pelicans (12-42) but fell flat defensively. They were unable to contain CJ McCollum who had a banner night scoring 43 points.

The Kings miraculously got this game into overtime when all seemed lost but played a horrible five minutes of extra play. Their stats offensively were great. LaVine with 32 points, Monk with 24, Sabonis 28 rebounds and 22 points, DeRozan with 20 and Murray with 13 points and 8 rebounds. Solid number anyway you look at it. It all pointed to a defensive letdown.

Game recap: Sacramento got a bit of a slow start in the first quarter barely outscoring the Pelicans 29-28. They went on to outscore New Orleans in the second quarter 36-32 and leading at the half 65-60. This game had all the makings of a very close contest.

The game was tied a number of times in the third quarter as the lead went back and forth in this see-saw affair. If the Kings wanted a sweep they were going to have to work very hard for it; it was not going to come easy.

The Pelicans had the lead going into the fourth quarter 98-95. The Pelicans CJ McCollum had the game high going into the final quarter with 27 points. Sacramento was having great success from beyond the arc with 16 three’s. The Pelicans were also challenging with the long ball hitting 14 three’s.

The Pelicans continued to extend their lead in the fourth quarter taking a six point lead in the early minutes of the final quarter 103-97. The Kings were still turning the ball over (13 turnovers) with poor ball protection.

New Orleans continued to protect their six point lead and at 7:42 had pushed their lead out to 110-102. There was still a lot of time left in the game but the Kings had to get something productive going. Their offense had been flat in the second half.

The Pelicans had won the third quarter 38-30 and they were outscoring the Kings in the fourth quarter. At 4:04 the Kings trailed by a single point 116-117 looking to take back the lead. At 3:43 the game was tied at 117 and seconds later the Kings had taken the lead 120-117 after trailing the entire fourth quarter and the race was on.

With ten seconds left in the game, Sacramento let the Pelicans off the hook and trailed 125-122. The Kings never got the chance to take the three that would tie the game. Malik Monk was fouled, making both free throws.

Monk was fouled a second time to tie up the game at 127 in a surprise turn of events. Everything pointed to a Pelicans win but a missed Domantas Sabonis free throw was rebounded by Malik Monk and it was Monk back at the free throw line tying up this game and it was off to overtime.

With two minutes left in overtime this game remained tied at 133. The Pelicans CJ McCollum who had been hot all night hit a three giving New Orleans the lead 136-133. The Pelicans extended their lead 138-133 and Sacramento was in deep trouble. The final was 140-133 in favor of New Orleans.

After tying up the game, the Kings had a great opportunity to win this game but played a very poor five minutes of overtime. Domantas Sabonis did everything possible to spur his team onto a win with 28 rebounds and 22 points.

The entire starting roster had some great numbers with Zach LaVine scoring 32 points, Malik Monk with 24 and DeMar DeRozan with 20. The Kings allowed the Pelicans CJ McCollum to run roughshod all over them scoring 43 points putting an end to the Pelicans ten game skid. McCollum scored 11 points in the overtime to seal the deal.

Game notes: Thursday night the Kings took on the Pelicans in their fourth and final matchup of the season. Sacramento had won the first three games but could not get the sweep Thursday night. Despite a team’s record a sweep is never easy and Sacramento couldn’t get that fourth game.

The Pelicans were without Zion Williamson in this game. It sure seems that Williamson cannot catch a break spending more time off the court than playing on it this season. It was not determined that he was not available Thursday night just hours before the game citing conditioning issues. Brandon Boston Jr. has sprained his left ankle so New Orleans was shorthanded. It did take some pressure off Keegan Murray who has been doing his best to contain Williamson.

Next up for the Kings will be a matchup against the Golden State Warriors at Golden 1 Center next Friday February 21st. The regular season will get back underway next Wednesday once the All-Star Game finishes up this weekend. Tipoff for Kings game is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: Cardinal will have hands full at Duke on Saturday

Stanford Cardinal forward Cameron Grant (20) takes some pre game shots in preparation for the game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at McCamish Pavilion in Atlanta on Wed Feb 12, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal X photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 The Stanford Cardinal suffered a tough loss to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in an eight point loss 60-52 Wednesday night in Atlanta. Stanford now drops their road record to 3-5.

#2 Jackets guard Nathan George delivered leading in scoring with 22 points with seven rebounds and five assists. The Cardinal had a tough time containing him.

#3 Another Jacket the Cardinal had a tough containing was forward Baye Ndongo who was second in scoring with 15 points.

#4 The Cardinal leading scorer was guard Jaylen Blakes with 12 points and for Maxime Raynaud he finished with a surprising eight points as the Jackets were able to contain him.

#5 Stanford has a tall order facing the Duke Blue Devils on Saturday at 1:00pm PST at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham North Carolina. Duke is the toughest in the conference first place at 21-3 and is undefeated at home at 14-0.

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

Kings Beat Pelicans In Game One of Their Back-to-Back Series 119-111

Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (23) shoots a three pointer over the New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) in the first half at Smoothie King Arena in New Orleans on Wed Feb 12, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Last Saturday night the Sacramento Kings (28-26) won a close game over the New Orleans Pelicans (12-42) and Wednesday night the Kings

The Kings won the first of a back to back series with New Orleans 119-111. They will be looking to sweep the Pelicans Thursday night in their fourth matchup this season. Keon Ellis had a banner night off the bench hitting 27 points with five rebounds.

Domantas Sabonis had his 48th double double of the season with 15 rebounds and 16 points. DeMar DeRozan finished with 24 points and Zach LaVine with 23. Keegan Murray did not have a great shooting night but showed up defensively with seven rebounds having the unenviable task of guarding Zion Williamson who had the Pelican high with 33 points. The loss was the Pelicans tenth loss in a row.

Game recap: Sacramento did get a nice start going on a 12-0 run leading after the first 12 minutes 34-26. The Pelicans fought hard to cut the deficit to a single point in the second quarter and the Kings had loosened up letting the Pelicans back into the game.

Sacramento had at one time led by 16 points. Mid-way through the second quarter, Domantas Sabonis committed his third personal creating a shaky situation for the point forward. At 8:53 the Pelicans took their first lead of the game going on a 24-6 run.

The Sacramento offense had drastically cooled off in a wild turnaround. New Orleans had taken a 42-37 lead. The Kings answered going on a 9-0 run taking the lead back 46-37. Sacramento’s Keon Ellis was on a tear with 22 points in 14 minutes of play leading both teams in scoring.

The Kings kept letting the Pelicans challenge and with two minutes left in the half, New Orleans trailed by three points 57-54. Sacramento was having a rough time putting any distance between themselves and the feisty Pelicans. With 1:11 left in the half the game was tied at 59. At the half the Kings had broken the tie leading 65-63.

This was a wild second quarter with the Kings letting the Pelicans dictate the pace when they had it all going in the opening quarter. They would have some work to do in the second half and that would have to come from Zach LaVine and Keegan Murray who had been quiet in the first half only scoring three points each.

Among the starters, DeMar DeRozan had the high with 16 points but it was Keon Ellis who was really playing hard scoring 22 points in fifteen minutes of play. Sacramento had a lot of turnovers in the first half with ten and did not want a repeat of the 21 turnovers in their last game against the Mavericks Monday night. (They would finish the game with only 11 turnovers)

The Pelicans had three starters in double figures with Zion Williamson leading hitting 19 points. Trey Murphy III and Jose Alvarado also had a good first half chipping in 13 points apiece.

The third quarter remained close and with under three minutes left the Kings pushed out a 90-81 lead. They went on a 8-0 run hitting a number of three’s having hit 14 so far in the game. Zach LaVine got into double digits in the quarter now scoring a total of 12 points. Sacramento would have to hang tight in the fourth quarter with the Pelicans nipping at their heels. The Kings took a 92-86 lead into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter remained fairly close into the final minutes of the game. Sacramento began to string together stops and with under three minutes left on the clock the Kings had a 113-104 lead. Sacramento continued to extend their lead and with under a minute left in the game had a 115-107 lead and this game was a wrap. The final was 119-111.

Beating a team four times in one season is not easy and Sacramento will have their work cut out for them in the final game with the Pelicans this season. They have all the weapons to do it but need to execute Thursday night. They will have to contain Zion Williamson, a tough assignment.

Game recap: Wednesday night, the Kings traveled to New Orleans for a matchup with the Pelicans in the first of a double-header. The Kings were focused on a far different start than the one they had in their last contest with New Orleans back on Sat Feb 8th which was less than a week ago.

In the first quarter of that game the Pelicans had taken a 29-9 lead and the Kings had to fight hard to make up that deficit. Thanks to a lopsided third quarter in which the Kings overwhelmed the Pelicans 45-22, which had a lot to do with the eventual 123-118 win for Sacramento, they do not want a repeat of the first quarter in that game. They got a strong start in Wednesday night’s game.

The two teams will be back at it Thursday night at Smoothie King Center with tipoff scheduled for 5:00 PM. Sacramento will be looking for their third win over New Orleans in less than a week.

Barracuda swept by Eagles getting outscored 11-5

San Jose Barracuda vs Colorado Eagles on Wednesday February 12th at Blue Arena (via coloradoeagleshockey/instagram)

By Madison Montez

San Jose Barracuda didn’t get back into the win column on Wednesday night getting drubbed 11-5 by the Colorado Eagles. The Barracuda also lost on Tuesday night 6-3 loss against Colorado to get swept in two games. For San Jose, Tuesday’s standout player was Thomas Bordeleau who registered a goal and had two assists. For Colorado, their standout player was Jacob MacDonald who registered a hat trick.

Colorado got out to an early lead scoring on their first powerplay opportunity of the game. Jere Innala scoring his fourth power play goal of the season, T.J Tynan and Jake Wise registering the assists.

The Eagles were then given a five minute power-play opportunity when Thomas Bordeleau took a five minute cross-checking penalty. three minutes in, Jacob MacDonald netted his fourth goal of the weekend and his 11th PPG of the season. T.J Tynan and Jake Wise registering the assists again.

San Jose cut into Colorado’s lead when Colin White scored an unassisted goal at 6:47 of the second. His seventh goal of the season.

Colorado answered back and extended their lead three minutes after San Jose scored. Jere Innala with his 9th of the season, second of the night. Mark Senden registering the lone assist.

After two separate Eagles took two minute penalties that gave San Jose a two man advantage, they scored their first power play goal of the game. Filip Bystedt with his first power play goal of the season. Luca Cagnoni and Colin White registering the assists, White with his second point of the night.

Colorado went back on the powerplay after Anthony Vincent took a two minute roughing penalty. A minute and 13 seconds in, Jere Innala completed the hat trick scoring his third of the night, tenth of the season. Jake Wise and T.J Tynan registering the assists. Wise and Tynan assisted on all three of Colorado’s power play goals.

Halfway through the third, Oskar Olausson scored his ninth of the season assisted by Ivan Ivan to extend their lead to 5-2.

THREE STARS OF THE GAME:

  • 1. Jere Innala, 3G
  • 2. T.J Tynan, 3A
  • 3. Jake Wise, 3A

The Barracuda will be back in action on Saturday February 15th where they will take on the Bakersfield Condors.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony Renteria: Kings take on struggling Pelicans at Smoothie King Arena tonight

Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (center left) tries to take a shot on the Dallas Mavericks Kessler Edwards (20) who defends in the first half at the American Airlines Arena in Dallas on Tue Feb 11, 2025 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony Renteria:

#1 Sacramento Kings DeMar DeRozan led with 42 points on Monday night against the Dallas Mavericks 129-128 at American Airlines Arena in Dallas. DeRozan even had a baseline floater with just two seconds left for the winning basket.

#2 The Kings Zach LaVine and Malik Monk scored 17 points each to start the Kings three game road trip.

#3 Domantas Sabonis continues to roll and has been a huge help for the Kings and leads the NBA with 47 double doubles but was not selected this weekend’s All Star game.

#4 The Kings are now 14-8 going into tonight’s game in New Orleans under head coach Doug Christie since taking over after former Kings head coach Mike Brown was was 13-18 was fired Dec 27th.

#5 The Kings take on the Western Conference last place New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans have lost nine straight games. The Kings are in ninth in the Western Conference have won their last two games. How do you see this match up tonight.

Before catching Kings basketball stop by Old Sacramento for a spectacular Mexican Meal at Le Terezza Restaurant at 1027 Second Street Sacramento. Choose from an array of delicious Mexican favorites on the menu. Call 916-440-0874.

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

Golden State Warriors podcast with David Zizmor: Warrior on a roll battle Thompson and Mavericks tonight

Milwaukee Bucks Taurean Price (12) attempts to take a shot against the Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry (30) at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee on Tue Feb 11, 2025 (AP News photo)

Golden State Warriors podcast with David Zizmor:

#1 In the Warriors last win on Monday night Stephen Curry scored 38 points a season high after pulling away from the Milwaukee Bucks for the Warriors second straight win 125-111.

#2 Jimmy Butler scored 20 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in his second game with the Warriors. Buddy Hield had 16 points, with Quintin Post and Moses Moody scoring 13 each.

#3 Warriors are in Dallas tonight to battle the Mavericks at American Airlines Arena. The Mavericks are 28-26 and are in eighth in the NBA Western Conference how do you see this game tonight at 6:30pm PST.

For great Italian taste you don’t want to miss UNI Pizzeria at 1234 Polk Street in San Francisco’s Polk Gulch neighborhood. UNI serves some of the best pastas and pizzas make it your next stop before you take in your favorite sport. UNI Pizzeria 1234 Polk Street San Francisco. Call 415-740-2794 for pick up.

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

SJSU Spartans fall to SDSU Aztecs 69-66

Loss Graphic (via SanJoseStateMBB/x)

By Madison Montez

SAN JOSE-Coming into Tuesday’s game, San Jose State played without two of their star players in the regular lineup. Josh Udujge has an elbow/back injury. Will McClendon with a knee injury. The Spartans lost a heartbreak battle in a three points loss 69-66 at Provident Credit Union Arena.

After the first half, San Jose State went into the locker room up 37-20. Latrell Davis and Donovan Yap.Jr both leading the way with 11 points. Davis made 3-4 of his 3FG’s and 4-6 of his FG’s, only missing three shots in the first half. Davis with two rebounds and Yap.Jr with three rebounds and two assists. Sadaidriene Hall with five rebounds and two assists. San Jose State dominated in multiple categories in the first half. They dominated in three pointers (38%), 2nd chance points (11-5) , and steals (7-3). “I thought we did an excellent job in the first half” said HC Tim Miles

San Diego State went 0-13 at the three point line but made 73% of their free throws. BJ Davis led the way for the Aztecs in the second half with six points. Registering three rebounds and going 4-5 from the free throw line.

In the second half, San Diego State came out determined. The Aztecs quickly erased the 17 point lead and got ahead in the first four minutes. They started making their 3’s and playing defense. This caused San Jose to have eight turnovers and helped San Diego to have seven steals. San Diego dominated in multiple aspects but one that stands out was the points off turnovers. San Diego 16 and San Jose with four. “We just looked funny. We looked flat on offense and flat on defense.” said HC Tim Miles

The Spartans will be back in action on Friday February 14th, hosting the Nevada Wolfpack. This will be the first and only matchup between these two teams this season. “Just finish the game. Finish strong. We always go on a run and then we let them go on a run for too long. We just gotta cut that and just play hard” said Latrell Davis.