Author: Sports Radio Service

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: The Asian Connection MLB Open 2024 Season in South Korea

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San Francisco Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee is bringing a lot of excitement to the Giants for the 2024 season at Oracle Park in San Francisco (AP News photo)

The Asian Connection -MLB Open 2024 Season in South Korea

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

Amaury Pi-González

For the first time, Major League Baseball’s regular season will open its 2024 season in Seoul, South Korea, as the Los Angeles Dodgers will face during a two-game series on March 20 and 21, where each team will play once as the home team. “There are a lot of baseball fans in Seoul, and it’s a beautiful city, so the MLB proposed that it would like to hold the opening games here, and of course, we agreed,” Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, 63, said in an interview with Bloomberg TV.

The series will be played at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, the home of the Kiwoom Heroes of the KBO. It was also the host site of first-round games in the 2017 World Baseball Classic. The domed stadium was built in 2015 and has a capacity of 16,744

Although only 4% of all Major League players are Asian, fans in Seoul, South Korea, are hoping to see Dodgers players like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, both from Japan as well as San Diego Padres Yu Darvish, from Japan and also a nice homecoming for South Korean Ha-Seong Kim.

Chan Ho Park, the pitcher, was the first South Korean former professional baseball player to play in the major leagues and was the first South Korean player to be named an MLB All-Star. But there is little doubt that the most significant baseball star that fans want to see, Shohei Ohtani, has become the most well-known international figure of American Major League Baseball; Ohtani has excellent global traction.

Talking about this two-game season opener in South Korea, Commissioner Rob Manfred, “We’re going to get off quick. We’re opening in Korea, and it’ll be Ohtani’s first game (with the Dodgers),” he said, before adding with a smile, “every once in a while, you get lucky in terms of the way things shake out.”

Baseball is the most popular professional sport in South Korea, with around 6.4 million spectators during the KBO (Korean Baseball Organization) in 2022.

American missionaries introduced baseball to Korea in the 19th century. South Korea played baseball under Japanese colonial rule under the Joseon name. Lee Young-min hit South Korea’s first-ever home run in 1921.

Local interest: Are there any South Korean players in the Bay Area? Last December, the San Francisco Giants signed signed 25 year old South Korean star outfielder Jung Hoo Lee.

ESPN will carry the Dodgers-Padres two-game opener of the 2024 MLB season from South Korea. “Why do people sing Take Me Out to The Ballgame when they’re already there? -Alex Rodríguez.

Oakland A’s relocation podcast Augie Mesenburg: Sacramento is A’s first choice for 2025 season; City of Oakland wants guarantee of expansion team

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Oakland A’s team president David Kaval has met with the Oakland Coliseum Joint Powers regarding a lease extension beyond 2024. The A’s could play the remaining three years at the Coliseum 2025-27 before the Tropicana ballpark is ready in Las Vegas (photo by ABC Sky7 still photo)

On the Oakland A’s relocation podcast with Augie:

#1 The Oakland A’s brass met with the Oakland Coliseum Joynt Powers. Seeing that players’ union most likely will not sign off to play in a minor league ballpark and most importantly the A’s don’t want to miss out on that $67 million annual television money from NBC Bay Area Sports California contract.

#2 There has been no disclosure to how much a year and how long the A’s will be staying at the Coliseum as the new park in Las Vegas is supposed to be ready by 2028. It’s sounding like it might be the three years 2025-27 to finish up in Oakland similar to what the Raiders did before they left Oakland for Las Vegas.

#3 Some are asking could this lead to something being worked out with the Mayor of Oakland and the City of Oakland for a chance that the A’s brass could re-visit Howard Terminal again? It doesn’t seem likely on the surface but there are two law suits coming from Strong Public Schools and Schools over Stadiums that will challenge the Nevada public funding of the Tropicana ballpark and the A’s might be looking at a back up plan.

#4 Augie, the A’s try hard as they may have not nailed down a location to play their games after 2024. A’s owner John Fisher and team president David Kaval have looked at numerous sites Las Vegas Ballpark (home of the A’s minor league triple A team), Sutter Health Park (home of the Sacramento Rivercats), Salt Lake City (home of the minor league Bees), and Oracle Park in San Francisco. All of the parks didn’t work out either it was a minor league park or at Oracle Park they would have to share it with the Giants and the Giants were concerned about the turf being torn up. The latest from Thursday’s news is Sacramento’s Sutter Health Ballpark is a front runner for the A’s in 2025.

#5 This might be more than just a kick the tires meeting to see if it’s worth to come back to the Coliseum after 2024 the A’s who were rumored at one point considering just shutting down operations between 2025-28 have not much choice and no where to go but the Coliseum until the new park in Vegas is ready that is if the Vegas ballpark can withstand the lawsuits by Schools over Stadiums and Strong Public Schools in Las Vegas.

Augie Mesenburg filled in for Daniel Dullum for the Oakland A’s relocation podcasts heard Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com. Augie is also a reporter for KHAI FM 104.5 and AM 950 Honolulu.

Warriors Squeak Past Jazz 140-137; Golden State wins sixth out of last seven games

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The Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) defends against the Utah Jazz Keynote George (3) in second half action at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Thu Feb 15, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Thursday night the Golden State Warriors (27-26) took on the Utah Jazz (26-30) in Utah in a close contest. The Warriors had beaten the Jazz last Monday night 129-107 but this game was far closer. Klay Thompson was the hero in this win willing his team to the victory shooting for 35 points for the final of 140-137.

Wednesday night the Warriors lost a heartbreaker to the Clippers 130-125 after leading for most of the game. They had little time to mull over the loss. After the game the Warriors had to immediately hop on a plane heading back to Utah for the second time this week to take on the Jazz (26-30). Thursday’s game was the makeup game that had originally been scheduled for January 17.

There had been talk of Thompson taking a bench role and Thursday that talk became to be. For the first time since his rookie season Thompson came off the bench. He not only came off the bench, he came to his team’s rescue scoring 35 points and knocking down 7 3-pointers.

In a three point difference, every last point that he scored was critical. In fact the entire starting lineup had double digits. The Jazz came into this game on a mission and came very close to winning the whole thing.

Before this game Thompson was asked how he felt about coming off the bench. The truth is that he was ok with it. He has suffered a few pretty serious injuries and he has struggled throughout this season.

Thompson was fine with his new role and he just wanted to help the team in whatever capacity he was assigned. He was lights out and just maybe this was the change that would work for him. He decided that instead of pout he would just go out there and make a difference and that is just what he did.

Game recap: The first quarter was a close one with the Jazz prevailing 39-36 but the Warriors came roaring back in the second quarter 48-32 and leading at the half 84-71.

Despite the 13 point deficit, the Jazz continued to fight but Golden State won the third quarter as well taking a 120-102 lead. By the looks of it, Golden State was aiming to wrap up this final game before the break.

This game took on a whole new look in the fourth quarter as the Jazz went to town outscoring the Warriors in the fourth quarter 35-20. It was a valiant effort by Utah who came up just short; and Golden State had survived partially in thanks to Thompson who had one of his best offensive efforts all season.

Thompson had the team high with 35 points. Draymond Green had a terrific showing with 23 points, a season-high, and Andrew Wiggins finished with 19 points and seven rebounds. Stephen Curry had 16 points and 10 assists. The Warriors did have 13 turnovers that turned into 29 Jazz points.

This was a disappointment for Utah coming so close and coming up short. The Jazz’s Collin Sexton missed a 3-pointer allowing the Warriors to hold on winning their eighth game in their last 10 games. Sexton had the high for Utah with 35 points and Keyonte George finished with 33 points. The was Utah’s third straight loss at home and their fourth straight loss overall.

The Warriors will now have a nice stretch before they continue the season taking on the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday February 22. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

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Barracuda shut out by Coachella Valley 4-0

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Tried as hard as they could the San Jose Barracuda were just blitzed by the Coachella Valley Firebirds at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert on Thu Feb 15, 2024 (San Jose Barracuda photo)

Photo courtesy of San Jose Barracuda.

By Titus Wilkinson (@TitusWisme)

The Barracuda on a roll looked to keep the good times going as they took on Coachella Valley.

For San Jose Magnus Chrona was in goal while for the Firebirds Chris Driedger got the start.

It was a slow start offensively for both teams as a goal wasn’t put on the board until 15:24 in when Kole Lind got Coachella Valley the lead.

Right after the goal San Jose found themselves down a man as Artem Guryev was given a match penalty for a hit to the head. Ozzy Wiesblatt would sit in the box to serve the penalty.

Heading into the middle frame the Firebirds were on the power play but were unable to capitalize.

There was no scoring in the second though San Jose would take two penalties and the Firebirds one.

After an extended period of no goals the third period got the offense going quickly as Max McCormick scored his 20th of the season less than two minutes in.

Later in the period the Barracuda pulled their goalie while on the power play but the Firebirds scored two empty net goals to put the game fully away. The two goal scorers were Ryan Winterton and Marian Studenic.

There were some extra circulars after the goals as Scott Sabourin and and McCormick got into it. Overall on the night San Jose took 37 penalty minutes.

With the loss San Jose falls to 16-23-8 while the Firebirds continue their dominance improving to 28-12-4.

The shots at the end of this game favored the Firebirds 32-25 while both teams failed to score on the power play going a combined 0/6.

The playmaker of the night was Andrew Poturalski who racked up two assists bringing his total assists up to 22.

The three stars of the game were: 1st: Chris Driedger 2nd: Kole Lind 3rd: Max McCormick

The Barracuda will look to bounce back against the Condors as they continue their road trip on Saturday at 7 p.m.

Bears show fight but trounced by Cougars up North in Pullman 85-65

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The Washington State Cougars forward Isaac Jones (13) puts up a prayer with the Cal Bears forward Fardaws Aimaq (00) putting on the pressure in the second half at Beasley Coliseum in Pullman on Thu Feb 15, 2024 (AP News photo)

Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024

Beasley Coliseum, Pullman, Washington

California Golden Bears 65 (10-15 Overall; 6-8 Pac-12)

Washington State Cougars 85 (19-6 Overall; 10-4 Pac-12)

By Stephen Ruderman

The Bears went up north to Pullman, Washington, and though they put up some fight, they were subdued, as they lost to the Washington State Cougars, 84-65, in the opener of the road trip.

Cal lost a tough one Saturday at home against the UCLA Bruins. The Bears came back from down 14 points to take the lead, but eventually fell in overtime. Tonight, they were going to have to bounce back on the road, and on the turf of the powerful Washington State Cougars.

The game started scoreless for a whole minute and 49 seconds until Jaylon Tyson made a pullup jumper. The Cougars then scored 10 unanswered points to pounce out to an early 10-2 lead.

The Bears then scored eight unanswered points. Rodney Brown Jr. hit a three; Tyson hit a driving layup; and Grant Newell sank a three-ball to tie it at 10-10 with 11:28 to go in the first half.

The game remained tight as the first half went along. Jaylen Wells hit a three to put the Cougars back ahead at 13-10. From there, the Cougars kept the small lead for the next several minutes, but the Bears were able to stay closely behind.

Fardaws Aimaq was fouled and hit two from the line to put Cal within three at 22-19 with 4:22 to go. However, Andrej Jakimovski hit a three, and Myles Rice laid one in to open Washington State’s lead to 27-19.

Jalen Celestine hit a three to make it 27-22 with 2:48 left, but the Cougars closed out the first half with seven unanswered points, and altogether a 12-3 run, to go into the half uo 34-22.

Aimaq slammed one down to start the second half, but the Cougars kept adding. Wells hit a jumper, and Rice hit a three to make it 41-26.

Being down by double digits in the early minutes of the second half was nothing new to the Bears, who have come back from many such deficits this season. There was no reason to believe they couldn’t do so tonight.

The Bears had already come back from a large deficit early in this game. When the Cougars jumped out their 10-2 lead out of the gate, the Bears immediately scored eight unanswered points to tie it up. The Bears had all the confidence in the world that they could come back again.

Keonte Kennedy hit a three, and Tyson dunked one to make it 41-31. The Bears definitely believed they could come back, but the Cougars just would not relent, as they jumped out to a 51-33 lead with 15:17 to go. Brown and Newell then hit threes to make it 53-39, but the Cougars were too powerful, and they put the game away.

The Cougars opened their lead to 20 at 66-46 with 9:51 to go, and it was apparent that the Bears were not going to come back tonight. To Cal’s credit, they didn’t fall much further behind, as they never trailed by more than 23 points.

However, once all was said and done, Washington State comfortably won, 84-65.

Tyson led the scoring with 18 points for the Bears, but there was no stopping Myles Rice, who scored 25 for the Cougars. Isaac Jones wasn’t too far behind Rice, as he scored 21.

The Bears fall to 6-8 in Pac-12 play, and 10-15 overall. Now, they will head across Washington State to Seattle, where they will take on the Washington Huskies at 5:30 p.m. Saturday night.

Huskies rout Cardinal 85-65 in Pac-12 hoops

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Stanford Cardinal conferenced but just couldn’t figure out how to stop the Washington Huskies offense at Alaskan Airlines Arena in Seattle on Thu Feb 15, 2024 (Stanford Cardinal image)

By Daniel Dullum

Thursday, February 15, 2024

Stanford opened its penultimate Pac-12 men’s basketball road trip Thursday with an 85-65 defeat by Washington at Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle.

Washington (14-11 overall, 6-8 Pac-12) was led by Deion Brooks Jr. with 30 points on 8 of 14 field goal shooting, and Koren Johnson with another 30 points off the bench, including six 3-pointers. Shaver Wheeler was next for the Huskies with 14 points, eight assists and two steals. Braxton Meah had 13 rebounds.

Maxime Raynaud and Brandon Angel were the Cardinal scoring leaders with 19 points each. Raynaud also had a game-high 16 rebounds to go with two steals. Angel was 7 of 7 at the free throw line, and Raynaud’s double-double was his 10th of the season, Andrej Stojakovic added 10 points off the bench.

There were 13 lead changes and seven ties throughout most of the first half. Raynaud scored 11 of the Cardinal’s first 17 points, and scored seven points in a 10-0 Stanford run that put the visitors up 16-8.

The Huskies responded with an 8-point run and hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to take a 40-38 halftime lead.

Washington opened the second half with a 12-0 run, and while the Cardinal (12-12 overall, 7-7 Pac-12) cut their deficit to single digits with 11:14 left on a Stojskovic 3-pointer, the Huskies methodically pulled away.

The Cardinal resume their Northwest road swing on Saturday, when they visit Washington State. Game time is 3 p.m.

NHL podcast with Len Shapiro: Blackhawks Bedard back in line up tonight; Panthers Reinhart smartest forward in NHL says coach; plus more news

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Chicago Blackhawks Connor Bedard will return tonight against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the United Center in Chicago. Bedard who suffered a broken jaw in early January has returned a lot earlier than expected. (AP file photo)

On the NHL podcast with Len Shapiro:

#1 Connor Bedard the number one NHL draft choice is back in the line up tonight from a broken jaw he and the Chicago Blackhawks will be facing off against the Pittsburgh Penguins His return is earlier than expected and Bedard leads the Blackhawks in scoring.

#2 Things are going relatively well for the Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart. Reinhart has a career high 39 goals. Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said that Reinhart has the high IQ of a forward.

#3 Len, the Vancouver Canucks Phil Kessel will be working out at the Canucks AHL affiliate Abbotsford Canucks facilities. Kessel played all last season for the Vegas Golden Knights and has not played for Vancouver yet. Kessel is 36 years old and had 36 points, 14 goals, 22 assists in 82 games regular season games for the Knights. Kessel did not play in the Knights post season.

#4 The Philadelphia Flyers who will be in the Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series outdoor game this Saturday against the New Jersey Devils at Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford are still waiting to see how Tyson Forester (lower body injury) and Rasmus Ristolainen (upper body injury) are coming along. Neither played on Monday against the Arizona Coyotes nor practiced on Wednesday.

#5 The Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Reilly who crossed checked the Ottawa Senators Ridly Grieg in the head was suspended by the NHL Department of Player Safety for five games. Grieg as laid out after the cross check in Saturday’s game. The penalty happened within the last few seconds of the game as the Senators were leading the Leafs 4-3. Grieg scored on a empty netter with six seconds left and that’s when Reilly came up from behind Grieg and crossed checked him. Reilly’s motivation for the crosscheck was that Greig was piling on when the Sens had a one goal lead with six seconds left for a 5-3 Senators win.

#6 Tuesday the Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark was fined $5,000 for high sticking the the Tampa Bay Lightning’s forward Michael Eyssimont. The penalty was at 5:21 of the third period. Sometimes frustrations happen but apparently the officials ruled that Ullmark’s high stick went too far and Ullmark ended up getting the maximum fine by the NHL’s Department of Player safety.

#7 The San Jose Sharks wing man Tomas Hertl will miss several weeks after having left knee surgery. The surgery was performed to remove cartilage from the knee. Hertl after recovery will rehab and will be evaluated when he could return. Hertl was aware of the knee prior to playing the NHL All Star Game and decided to have the surgery after the All Star break.

Join Len Shapiro for the NHL podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Warriors podcast with Jerry Feitelberg: Warriors have trouble stopping Clippers Powell and George; Golden State snaps six game win streak at home

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The Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) takes a shot against the Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell (24) and guard Brandon Boston Jr (right) first half action at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Wed Feb 14, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Golden State Warriors podcast with Jerry Feitelberg:

#1 The Golden State Warriors were home against the Los Angeles Clippers but that didn’t make much of a difference as the Warriors had a tough time containing the Clippers.

#2 The Clippers got scoring production from James Harden 26 points, Paul George 24, and Norman Powell with 21 points led the way.

#3 Powell got the hot hand scoring four 3 pointers in the last 7:03 of the game. Powell matched up with Warrior guard Stephen Curry in the contest.

#4 Curry wound up leading the Warriors with 41 points but it was too little as the Clippers won it by five points.

#5 The Warriors have to return to the site of the passing of their late coach Dejan Milojevich once again. The Warriors were just in Salt Lake City on Mon Feb 12 and have a make up game with the Utah Jazz Thursday night this is the game that was canceled because coach Milojevich passed away the night before at dinner.

Join Jerry for the Golden State Warriors podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kings Fox hits 30 pts in 16 pt come back over Denver 102-98

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Denver Nuggets all around forwards Peyton Watson (8), Zeke Nnaji (22), and guard Christian Braun (right) try and defend Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) in the first half at Ball Arena in Denver on Wed Feb 14, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

DENVER–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Wednesday night. The Kings were set to take on the Denver Nuggets on Valentine’s Day. The Kings were coming off the first night of a back-to-back in Phoenix in which they were defeated by the Suns 130-125. It was a tough loss for the Kings in Phoenix as De’Aaron Fox had 40 points, and Domantas Sobonis had 35.

The loss would push the Kings to the eighth seed and in need of getting the ship back on track. After Tuesday’s loss, the Kings would be behind the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks for the sixth seed. On Wednesday in Denver, tip-off was set for 7 PM MST. The Kings defeated the Nuggets 102-98 at Ball Arena.

In the first quarter, the Kings came out with no energy whatsoever. The Kings offense looked so sluggish on the second night of a back-to-back. It was no mystery that this might be how the Kings came out of the gate, as has been the trend in back-to-backs. The Kings were outscored 27-16 in the first quarter. The Kings would need to pick up the intensity or this game would be over by halftime.

In the second quarter, the Kings offense came alive more than in the first. However, it was insufficient to stop the Nuggets from building on the first-quarter lead. The Nuggets would outscore the Kings in the second quarter 26-25 to build on the first-quarter lead. The Nuggets would lead going into halftime 53-41. The Kings played an abysmal first half that saw them turn the ball over 11 times.

The Kings managed to keep it from turning into a first-half blowout, but they would need a big energy shift in the second half if they wanted a shot to win the game. Fox led the way for the Kings in the first half with 12 points. However, it was an inefficient 12 points on 4-12 from the field. Aaron Gordon led the way with 14 first-half points for the Nuggets.

In the third quarter, the Kings showed some real heart. The Kings battled in the third to outscore the Nuggets 30-21. The Kings defense improved much in the quarter, but that wa sn’t the only reason the result improved. The Kings had zero turnovers in the third quarter, which propelled them forward. The Kings would trail in the game 74-71 heading into the final quarter of action.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings continued to show grit in what otherwise looked like a game over at halftime. The Kings managed to battle back to a tie game at 82 with 6:50 left. A game that started with the Kings looking like they had thrown in the towel turned into a dogfight. The Kings and Nuggets traded baskets as the fourth quarter was nearing the end.

The Kings, thanks to 17 points from Fox in the fourth quarter, would emerge victorious 102-98 over the Nuggets. It was an impressive turnaround on the second night of a back-to-back. Fox led the way for the Kings with 30 points. Sabonis had a 20-point 13 rebound double-double in the win. Aaron Gordon led the way for the Nuggets with 25 points in defeat.

Up Next: The Kings will take an eight-day break for the NBA All-Star weekend. The Kings will return to action on February 22nd at home against the San Antonio Spurs.

Red-Hot Clippers Cool Off Warriors in Fourth Quarter 130-125

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The Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) goes to lay one up against the Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Wed Feb 14, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

After leading for the majority of Wednesday night’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers (36-17) the Golden State Warriors (26-26) fell short in the fourth quarter losing 130-125. The Warriors controlled the tempo, the pace but fell short in the final four minutes. The sixth win in a row for Golden State was not to be.

Game recap: The Warriors got a lightning start forcing turnovers and handling the Clippers quite well. Los Angeles is without Kawhi Leonard in this game missing it due to a left thigh injury. The first quarter was close throughout until the final minute when the Warriors got a little separation leading 30-23 after the first 12 minutes. 

The Clippers weakest quarter is typically the first quarter but Golden State had gotten this game going in the right direction in the opening quarter. Every Golden State starter had scored in the first twelve minutes. and the Warriors had set a great pace dictating play.

Mid-way through the second quarter the Warriors took a ten-point lead 43-33. The Warriors continued to double team James Harden who was the leading scorer on the court for the Clippers. 

Harden was not getting much help from his team mates and continued to try and carry his team. With 4:32 left in the half, the Warriors continued to hold the lead 47-39 and Golden State had their way throughout the first half. The first two quarters were all Golden State. 

The three’s started flying for the Warriors complimented by some solid defense. The score at halftime was 59-52 in favor of Golden State. The Warriors had held a 59-44 lead during the second quarter but the Clippers went on a 8-0 run to close out the half. They had cut the Warriors lead in half but Golden State still held a seven point lead going into the second half.

The Clippers got going in the third quarter and in a flash Los Angeles had pulled to within three points 59-62. Early in the quarter, Draymond Green got an elbow to the jaw and was taken back to the locker room to rule out concussion, broken jaw or any number of injuries that could have occurred after such a vicious hit. The team had to carry on in the absence of Green awaiting word on his condition. 

The Warriors rallied pushing their lead back to double digits 75-65 at 5:38. Stephen Curry was on fire with 25 points through 2 2/1 quarters and had 6 three’s. At 5:22 the ever tough Green came out of the locker room and rejoined his team mates on the court.

Brandin Podziemski was having a terrific game off the bench with 18 points going 4 of 4 from downtown. The third quarter saw another record for Curry with his fourth straight game hitting at least seven three’s.  As the quarter came to an end the Warriors held onto a 97-86 lead. 

The fourth quarter was an over the top physical game. The Clippers Mason Plumlee got a flagrant one when he showed excessive force guarding Brandin Podziemski and the Warriors Jonathan Kuminga also got a flagrant one for pushing Plumlee in the back in defense of his team mate. 

At 5:35 the Clippers made a push that tied up this game at 108. Los Angeles went on to take the lead; their first lead with a 17-2 run. The two teams began to trade leads as this game was going down to the wire. 

Curry had a real challenge being double-teamed for most of the game and forced to take some very difficult shots. Los Angeles had their largest lead when it really counted; in the last minute of the game 126-120. 

With 48.3 ticks left on the clock the Warriors were in danger of losing. Golden State was unable to guard the Clippers in the fourth quarter when it really counted. The final was 130-125 in favor of Los Angeles. This was an impressive win for the Clippers having to play without Leonard but they fought throughout the contest for the eventual victory.

The Warriors had a terrific game doing just about everything needed to win. Curry finished with 41 points hitting nine shots from downtown. Podziemski was terrific off the bench with 25 points going 5 for 5 from beyond the arc. Golden State protected the ball well with only 9 turnovers. It was a disappointing loss for the Warriors after leading for the majority of the game and playing so well throughout.   

Game notes: Wednesday night the Warriors took on one of the best in the west the Clippers at Chase Center. The Clippers are currently in third place in the Western Conference. The Clippers have the third ranked offense and they are first in three’s. Despite a crazy schedule, the Warriors are playing their best basketball of the season. They defeated the Warriors at Chase by five points and hop on a plane to play the Utah Jazz on Thursday leading into the All-Star game. Golden State failed to get their sixth win in a row Wednesday night. They couldn’t win the final two games before the break.

In a quick turnaround, the Warriors will hop on a plane and fly back out to Utah to make up the suspended game from January 17. It has been a crazy week for the Warriors but they are really rising to the occasion playing what is probably their best basketball all season. Tipoff for the Jazz game Thursday night is scheduled for 6:00 PM.