Author: Sports Radio Service

Kings Wrap Up Road Trip With a Lose to the Cavaliers 136-110

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donavon Mitchell (left) tries to reach in on the Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (right) at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland on Mon Feb 5, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Cleveland Cavaliers (32-16) beat the Sacramento Kings (29-20) Monday night 136-110. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 29 points. The Kings had a lot of trouble containing the Cleveland long game. The Cavs had 23 triples. 

The long seven game road trip had taken it’s toll on the Kings. Domantas Sabonis had yet another triple double with 19 rebounds, 15 assists and 12 points. Sacramento will be thrilled to be back at Golden 1 Center on Wednesday night.

Game recap: The Kings got a nice start in the opening quarter of the game but trailed after the first 12 minutes of play 39-34. Keegan Murray, who has struggled the past few games had a much improved first half scoring ten points. 

Sabonis had eight points in the half but more impressive were his 11 rebounds and ten assists. He was a basket away from another triple double. Harrison Barnes had the team high in the first half with 13 points. De’Aaron Fox was on the verge of double digits as was Sabonis. 

Despite some nice play in the first quarter the Kings had cooled off in the second quarter getting stomped 35-25. At the half the Cavs had a 74-59 lead. Cleveland was red-hot from beyond the arc with 13 triples and the Kings needed to shut that down in the second half. Sacramento had to lock in defensively getting some stops.

Cleveland continued to shoot more triples in the third quarter and mid-way through the quarter had 17 and the Kings needed more stops and a whole lot more offense. Sacramento got some offense going as well as some stops cutting a 19 point deficit to 13 with 6:01 left in the quarter. 

Sabonis clocked another triple double in the third. As the quarter began to wind down, the Kings were being outplayed on both sides of the ball. The Cavs Mitchell was unstoppable with 27 points to his credit through three quarters. Cleveland led going into the fourth quarter 106-92.

The Kings had some ground to make up with the most important task containing Mitchell in the fourth quarter. Both teams were shooting around 55% from the field but it was those Cleveland triples that were making a huge difference for the Cavaliers. 

The 21 point Cleveland lead had been cut to ten 106-96 with ten minutes left in the game but the relentless Cavs pushed their lead back to fifteen 111-96. With a 126-105 Cavalier lead the two teams began to trade baskets.

 Even open looks were failing for the Kings and they were totally being outplayed offensively and defensively. This lengthy road trip was physically catching up with the Kings and it really showed as this game played on.

After a grueling seven game road trip the Kings now head back home. This was a disappointing game for the team, struggling most of the way. Every starter finished with double digits as did bench player Malik Monk but despite that, the Cavs dominated in every way. 

Harrison Barnes had the team high with 22 points. The Kings just could not contain the 23 shots from beyond the arc that the Cavs hit. 69 points from downtown did a real number on Sacramento.

Post game notes: After winning a game in Chicago against the Bulls 123-115 Saturday night, the Kings capped off a seven-game road trip playing the Cavaliers Monday night. Cleveland improved to a 31-16 record are coming off a win over the Spurs 117-101 Saturday night. The Kings finished off this road trip (their longest this season) with a loss in a 24 point loss to the Cavaliers.

Wednesday night the Kings will be back home at Golden 1 Center taking on the Detroit Pistons. Despite having the worst record in all of basketball, the Kings will not take this team lightly. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

AHL All Star Game/San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic: AHL All Star Game tonight in San Jose; Mukhamadullin to represent Barracuda

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

2024 AHL All Star Game/San Jose Barracuda logo

On the SJ Barracuda/AHL All Star Game podcast with Marko Ukalovic:

#1 Marko, first of all it had to be exciting for the San Jose Barracuda and the AHL to hold the 2024 All Star Game at Tech CU now in it’s second year a great opportunity for the Barracuda to showcase their home ice building.

#2 The AHL announced that the All Star Game was live streamed on AHL televised to fans worldwide.

#3 Marko you had a chance to take a look at the AHL Skills Competition tell us how that went and who were some of the fastest skaters and hardest shooters.

#4 Marko, talk about Barracuda All Star lone representative defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin .who replaced leading scorer Danil Guschin, who had originally  been the lone representative of the Cuda’s but had to bow out due to injury. That’s why Mukhamadullin was chosen to replace him.

#5 Marko, the AHL All Star Challenge is tonight at Tech CU this is a chance for those AHL players whose dream is it to have a career in the NHL to shine tonight.

#6 Just looking ahead the Barracuda next game is on Fri Feb 9 in Bakersfield against the Condors. The Barracuda in their last two games split with the Abbottsford Canucks last Friday and Saturday. The Condors on the other hand swept the Texas Stars in Cedar Park Texas last Friday and Saturday. How do you see this two game set with Bakersfield coming up?

Join Marko for the Barracuda podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Warriors take on Nets at Barclay Center in Brooklyn tonight

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

For all his efforts Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry who scored 60 points against the Atlanta Hawks a season high couldn’t get the Warriors past the Hawks at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Sat Feb 3, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1 The Golden State Warriors had to be frustrated getting a 60 point effort out of guard Stephen Curry in their last game against the Atlanta Hawks at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta only to lose 141-134 on Saturday night.

#2 Once again Barbara we talk about Curry and how’s he carrying the weight of the team this one was a season high for him scoring those 60 points.

#3 Curry said it “sucks to have something and nothing to show for it” after that big effort what’s worse the Warriors now drop four games under .500 as they sit in 12th place in the Western Conference.

#4 Curry also said it was frustrating that the Warriors could have had a couple plays here and a couple there and could have won the game in the seven point loss to Atlanta.

#5 The Warriors play the third of this five game road trip against the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night. The Nets have lost six of their last ten games and are 11th in the Eastern Conference of the NBA. How do you see these two teams tipping off tonight?

Join Barbara Mason for the Golden State Warriors podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Western Conference takes down Eastern Conference in AHL All Star Skills Challenge 18-13

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Jose Barracuda defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin acknowledges the crowd at Tech CU Arena during the Skill Challenge at the AHL All-Star Classic on Sunday FEB, 4, 2024. (Titus Wilkinson-Sports Radio Service)

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE — The West was the best in Silicon Valley.

The Western Conference defeated the Eastern Conference 18-13 in the Skills Challenge at the AHL All-Star Classic on a stormy Sunday evening at Tech CU Arena.

Despite the bad conditions outside, a packed arena witnessed the AHL’s best players showcase their skills in seven different events in a team competition where the teams were led by honorary captains; former Sharks defenseman Dan Boyle and former assistant coach Wayne Thomas.

Ontario rookie forward Brandt Clarke led the West as he beat his brother Graeme Clarke of the Utica Comets in an Inglasco Puck Control Relay heat to clinch the event for the West giving them a 5-2 lead after one event.

The Hersey Bears’ Ethen Frank won his second consecutive CCM Fastest Skater title with a time of 13.032 seconds; only his record-setting lap of 12.915 seconds in 2023 has been faster in the event’s history. Milwaukee Admirals’ Spencer Stastney came in second place with a time of 13:41. Texas Stars’ Matej Blumel had the best time for the West with a time of 13:64.

Cleveland Monsters’ goalie Jet Greaves won the Rapid Fire event as he stopped nine shots giving the East the victory in the competition. Bears’ goalie Clay Stevenson finished second with seven saves. Iowa Wild goalie Jesper Wallstedt gave the West’s best effort with six saves.

Colorado Eagles’ Riley Tufte won the CCM Hardest Shot contest with a blast of 100.9 MPH to edge out the Bears’ Dylan Mcllrath who fired a shot at 100.8 MPH. Bakersfield Condors’ Raphael Lavoie finished third with a shot of 99.7 MPH.

Clarke extended the West lead 7-4 when he went a perfect four-for-four in the Sharks Ice Accuracy Shooting event to win his second events of the evening. Clarke became the fifth AHL player ever to hit four targets in four attempts.

“My mentality at the start was not to mess up too hard. I didn’t want to go 0-for-8. I wanted to hit one, then hit the next one. Yeah, I just got into a rhythm, and it was good,” Clarke said.

The West finished off the East in the last event of the competition as they won the Upper Deck Breakaway Relay event. The highlight of the entire event, not just the relay event, for the hometown crown was the last shooter of the event, San Jose Barracuda’s Shakir Mukhamadullin scoring on his breakaway attempt to cap off a fun evening for the fans in attendance.

Mukhamadullin was not able to attend the Red Carpet or and was late to appear on the ice during the Skills Competition due to a delay in the Barracuda flying back from Abbotsford, British Colombia, Canada where they played the Canucks the night before. The ‘Cuda defenseman came on to the ice with a half hour remaining to a standing ovation from the crowd.

“It’s a good thing for me, I like when the fans get loud. I love the ‘Cuda fans and all the other fans, I thank you who came from other cities,” Mukhamadullin said.

The 2024 AHL All-Star Classic presented by Tech CU continues on Monday with the AHL Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Ceremony 11:00 am, featuring the enshrinement of Dennis Bonvie, Gordie Clark, Gerry Ehman and former Barracuda head coach, Roy Sommer, the winningest head coach in AHL history.

The league’s mid-season showcase wraps up Monday night at 6:00pm with the 2024 AHL All-Star Challenge, a round-robin tournament among the league’s four divisions played at 3-on-3.

U of A rallies in second half to defeat Cardinal 82-71

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Stanford Cardinal forward Brandon Angel (23) attempts to get the finger roll shot against the Arizona Wildcats guard Pelle Larsson (3) who tries to reach up to block the shot at the McKale Center in Tucson AZ on Sun Feb 4, 2024 (Getty photo)

By Daniel Dullum

Sunday, February 4, 2024

Stanford wrapped up it’s final regular season Pac-12 men’s basketball road trip to the southwest Sunday, as the Cardinal fell to No. 11 Arizona 82-71 before an announced crowd of 14,688 at McKale Center in Tucson, Ariz.

Caleb Love and Oumar Ballo led the Wildcats with 18 points apiece, followed by Pelle Larsson with 17 and KJ Lewis added 12 points off the Arizona bench. Ballo grabbed 13 of the Wildcats’ 42 rebounds, and Love had seven assists and two steals.

Maxime Raynaud popped in a game-high 29 points for Stanford, hitting 11 of 19 field goals, including 5 of 6 behind the arc. Raynaud also had six rebounds and three assists. Michael Jones was next with 21 points, and Brandon Angel added 10 points and seven boards. Benny Gealer contributed nine assists in his first career start.

Arizona (17-5 overall, 8-3 Pac-112) held the Cardinal (11-10 overall, 6-5 Pac-12) to 38.2 percent shooting (26 of 68), while hitting 47.7 percent (31 of 65). The Wildcats had a 45-24 scoring advantage in the paint.

The win gave U of A a split in the season series; Stanford defeated the Wildcats 100-82 on Dec. 31.

The Cardinal took a double-digit lead in the first half, propelled in large part by Reynaud’s 21 points in the first 20 minutes. Stanford also sank nine 3-pointers and took a 45-34 halftime lead — its largest of the game.

Arizona opened the second half with a 25-7 run to take the lead. The Cardinal pulled to within 61-59 on a Rayna 69-65 with ud 3-pointer with 7:42 remaining. Back-to-back 3s by Angel made it 69-65 with 4:17 left, but the Wildcats put the game away with their free throw shooting down the stretch.

The Cardinal return home on Wednesday for a Pac-12 game against UCLA. Tip-off is at 6 p.m.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: California Politicians and Shohei Ohtani Taxes

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Shohei Ohtani designated hitter for the Los Angeles Dodgers is all smiles while he greets fans at the Dodger FanFest at Dodger Stadium on Sat Feb 3, 2024 (AP News photo)

California Politicians and Shohei Ohtani Taxes

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi Gonzalez

Shohei Ohtani, today the biggest baseball star in the world, signed a 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers for 700 million dollars. The State of California Controller, Malia M.Cohen, who was born and raised in San Francisco, wants Congress to change the tax code to cap deferred payments. If this happens, Ohtani would owe more taxes to the State of California.

The two-way star contract with the LA Dodgers contains $680 million in deferred payments due from 2034 to 2043. California wants to tax Ohtani much more; however, if he is not living in California when he receives the deferred money, the State of California would not be legally allowed to tax Ohtani the 13.3% income tax plus 1.1% payroll tax in this State.

According to a calculation by the California Center for Jobs and the Economy, Ohtani can save $9.8 million per year in California taxes and $98 million throughout the contract with the deferred agreement in place. It was Ohtani and his financial team the ones who pitched the idea of the current contract structure.

This should not surprise anybody. California has one of the highest taxes in the nation, and California continue to lose residents, specially high earners who have moved to States with lower taxes, as well as corporate businesses who also relocated from the Golden State across the nation.

Not to mention the middle-class (or whatever is left of it) as they leave California for Nevada, Arizona, Florida and Texas. Funny with so many other problems in California, including a $68 Billion deficit, as a result of revenue decline in 2022-23 they are pointing at Ohtani’s contract.

William McBride VP of Federal Tax Policy at the Tax Foundation said this about the Ohtani and California tax debacle: “If Congress enacted restrictions on deferred income, it would put the state in a worse position in term of its ability to collect revenue from this high earners and star athletes, because they wouldn’t be here.”

By the way, Shohei Ohtani revenues extend beyond playing on the field, he also has other income from endorsements, commercial contracts and everything else for this international superstar, here and in Japan.

Let’s face it. Shotime is a worldwide star,and I for one, cannot blame him to look for his own interest, after all this is still America. Looks like Ohtani’s financial team outsmarted California politicians, and some in government are resentful.

Quote: Winning depends on where you put your priorities. It’s usually best to put them over the fence.” – Jason Giambi

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the vice president of the Major League Baseball Hispanic Heritage Hall of Fame Museum and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Pro Bowl 2024 game recap: NFC wins for second straight year beating AFC 64-59

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

NFC linebacker Demario Davis (56) of the New Orleans Saints reacts after being named defensive player of the game after the 2024 Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando. Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports photo

By William Espy

The NFL’s 2024 Pro Bowl Games concluded on Sunday with the flag football game. The NFC started with a 12-9 lead due to the results of the prior skill competitions. Despite starting off trailing, the AFC got out to an early lead due to a 45-yard Tyreek Hill touchdown which put them up 15-12.

That lead would be short-lived though, as CeeDee Lamb would put the NFC back in front with a pass from Jalen Hurts. They’d convert on the two-point conversion as well, putting them up by four.

Following two quick touchdowns, the defense took control for a short time as both conferences recorded a big stop, the biggest coming when the NFC was able to keep their opposition out of the end zone on a fourth and goal.

With 47 seconds remaining in the first game, Tua Tagovailoa connected with Ja’Marr Chase to retake the lead. They’d hold that lead heading into the “Move the Chains” event, which the NFC would go on to win and we saw another lead change, as it was now 22-21 in favor of the NFC.

The AFC scored on their first opportunity during their second and took the lead back once again, with Keenan Allen converting on a second and goal pass from CJ Stroud. The NFC tried to bounce back, however on first and goal, Geno Smith threw off target and it went right to defensive back Denzel Ward who picked it off in the end zone, barely getting both feet down before going out of bounds.

Stroud then connected with Chase for the second time of the night, extending the AFC’s lead to 33-22. Amon-ra St. Brown brought his conference back within one possession, although it wouldn’t last long. Allen added a passing touchdown to his resume on a trick play, finding Evan Engram in the end zone. Smith threw his second interception of the night, as Patrick Surtain II got a pick-six to extend the AFC’s lead even further. At half-time, the AFC led 47-36.

The NFC continued to dominate the skills competitions though, after wins in the Gridiron Gauntlet and Best Catch, they clawed themselves back into the fight. They would enter the second half of the flag football game with a 48-47 lead and also had the first possession of the half.

They wouldn’t convert though, but when the AFC got the ball they were able to regain the lead with Allen’s second receiving touchdown of the night, this time from Gardner Minshew. Lamb’s second touchdown of the night would bring Eli Manning’s team back into the lead, 55-53.

They’d hold that lead heading into the final skill competition, the tug of war. The NFC won and received three extra points to take their lead to 58-53 heading into the final quarter.

The AFC started the fourth quarter with a first and goal, which they converted as Allen gave his team the lead once again. They failed to convert on the conversion, and the AFC led by only a single point. Jahmyr Gibbs of the Detroit Lions was able to get the NFC back in the league, then the defense got a stop to make sure it stayed that way.

A scramble by Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ quarterback Baker Mayfield into the end zone on fourth down seemed to put the game away, but a late flag came out and the touchdown didn’t count. Instead, they gave the NFC a first down and another opportunity to put the game out of reach.

They weren’t able to do so and Peyton Manning’s team got the opportunity to pull off a comeback win. It came down to a fourth and goal with ten seconds left on the clock. The pass attempt was incomplete and the NFC and head coach Eli Manning walked away with a 64-59 win.

Although the AFC dominated in the flag football portion of the Pro Bowl, they were unable to overcome their disappointing performance in the skills competitions which handed the NFC the win. Demario Davis of the New Orleans Saints was named Defensive Most Valuable Player while the offensive award went to Baker Mayfield.

Super Bowl LVII/Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: 49ers and Chiefs what are the differences in teams; Will A’s shutdown operations after 2024?

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Artists rendition of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback (13) Pat Mahomes standing in front of Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas (NFL.com image)

On Headlines Sports podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Charlie, looking at the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs for Super Bowl LVIII what do you consider some of the key differences between the two teams?

#2 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that he knew that quarterback Brock Purdy was going to be their quarterback based on what he had seen from former 49ers quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance. Looks like Shanahan called it.

#3 Charlie, some of the right wing have said that it’s a fix that the Chiefs are in the Super Bowl that the officials missed some calls in order for the Baltimore Ravens to lose to the Chiefs because they wanted a path for Chiefs Travis Kelce and superstar singer Taylor Swift to be the face of the Super Bowl. Some in the right think the Chiefs are also fixed to win the Super Bowl because of the Swiftie tie in. The thinking is the Chiefs winning would help influence President Biden’s re-election campaign with another Swift endorsement. What do you make of the still discussed story?

#4 Turning to Major League Baseball and the Oakland A’s ballpark saga, the latest for the A’s 2025-27 seasons has several candidates now with Salt Lake City supposedly running in the lead, Portland says they are welcoming the A’s and further saying if it doesn’t work out in Vegas the City of Portland will pay for the park, retail, ballpark village housing, ballpark and put it on the Red Tail Golf Course in Beaverton outside of Portland, Sacramento could be a surprise, Oracle Park looks like a long shot too much baseball for the field, Summerlin looks out of the hunt, and the Oakland Coliseum doesn’t look like it has a chance and John Fisher A’s owner owns half of the Oakland Coliseum property.

#5 The last option that has raised eye brows as well as the ire of the Players Union from reliable sources that the A’s would consider shutting down operations and not play for the next three years after the 2024 season is completed. The idea being that Fisher can save, raise funds for his share of the construction costs of building the Vegas Ballpark without having to pay for employees, players and contractors for three lame duck seasons.

Join Charlie O for Headline Sports podcasts Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Canucks over come two-goal deficit to upend Barracuda 3-2

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Abbotsford Canucks winger Danila Klimovich (#18) looks to shoot the puck past San Jose Barracuda forward Tanner Kaspick (#41) during the Canucks 3-2 win over the Barracuda at Abbotsford Centre on Saturday JAN 3, 2024. (Abbotsford Canucks)

by Marko Ukalovic

The San Jose Barracuda headed into the All-Star break on a losing note.

The Abbotsford Canucks scored three unanswered goals in the second period to overcome a two-goal deficit in 3-2 victory over its Pacific Division rival on Saturday evening at the Abbotsford Centre.

Abbotsford head into the break winning two of its last three games. San Jose headed into the break losing two of its past three games.

San Jose (14-22-7-0) drew first blood in the early in the first period with an even strength goal. Thomas Bordeleau’s wrist’s shot was redirected past Canucks goalie Nikita Tolopilo by Ethan Cardwell for his 13th goal of the season at the 4:55 mark.

The Barracuda doubled its lead near the halfway mark of the second period with a power play goal. Kyle Rau set up Cole Cassels from behind the net with a pass out to the slot and Cassels blasted a one timer past Tolopilo for his sixth goal of the season at the 9:15 mark.

Abbotsford (23-14-3-2) began their comeback with a 5-on-3 power play goal just over three minutes later. Linus Karlsson picked up a puck along the boards. The Swedish right winger skated in and fired a rocket past ‘Cuda goalie Georgi Romanov for his 10th goal of the season at the 12:52 mark.

The Canucks scored the equalizer late in the middle frame when former ‘Cuda defenseman Nick Cicek burned his ex-team. Arshdeep Bains found Cicek while falling down on the ice with a pass and Cicek beat Romanov with a wrist shot for his third goal of the season at the 18:32 mark.

Abbotsford made San Jose for its undisciplined play with its second power play goal with 12 seconds left in the period. Max Sasson scored a tic-tac-toe goal with a wrist shot from the slot for his 13th goal of the season.

San Jose failed to score the equalizer late in the third period as they ended the game short-handed when Ethan Frisch went to the sinbin for interference.

Tolopilo finished the game stopping 24 of the 26 shots he faced to earn the victory. Romanov made 19 saves on 22 shots in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished 1-for-3 on the power play. Abbotsford went 2-for-6.

The Three Stars of the Game: 1) Karlsson 2) Sasson 3) Cicek.

UP NEXT: San Jose hosts the AHL All-Star Classic at Tech CU Arena on Sunday 2/4 with the Skills Competition and Monday 2/5 with the All-Star Game.

Sacramento Kings Outlast Chicago Bulls in Fourth Quarter 123-115

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (left) dunks on the Chicago Bulls forward Juian Phillips (15) in first half action at the United Center in Chicago on Sat Feb 3, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (29-19) had a healthy lead mid-way through the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bulls (23-27) and let the Bulls back into the game. They had actually led by as much as 30 points in the third quarter. 

The Kings scoring leader was De’Aaron Fox who had an above average night with 41 points, Malik Monk contributed with 22 points and Domantas Sabonis led with 14 rebounds and ten assists which helped defeat the Bulls at the United Center in Chicago 123-115.

Game recap:The Kings got off to a nice start leading after the first 12 minutes 32-25. Sacramento would really extend their lead going into the half leading 71-52. Sacramento had a nice lead after two quarters but we have seen them drop large leads lately and having to fight their way to wins. This was a 19 point lead but the Kings have been there before only to let their opponents back into the game.

The Bulls cut the Kings 18 point lead in half winning the third quarter 29-20 and Sacramento was against letting their opponent back into the game. The Kings had led by as much as 30 points in the third but the Bulls came roaring back. 

Chicago went on to win the fourth quarter 34-32 but it was too little too late. The Kings held off the Bulls improving their road trip to 5-1 with one more game left on their seven-game road trip. This road trip has been a huge success as the team improved to 29-19 on the season. 

The struggles of King’s bench player Monk appear to be over after a 23 point night Friday and tonight hitting 22. He lit up when his team so badly needed him. Fox was brilliant with 41 points and Sabonis had yet another triple double with 13 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists. 

This was his 31st consecutive game with at least a double double making a concrete argument as to why Fox and Sabonis were not included in the All-Star game. Keegan Murray continues to struggle scoring but did have six rebounds in this game. He has only scored five points in each of his last two games. 

The Bulls did put up quite a fight considering the injuries they are going through. The Bulls Zach LaVine was handed quite a blow facing right foot surgery next week forcing him to miss the rest of the season. It will not be an easy path for Chicago going forward.

Post game notes: Saturday night the Kings took on the Bulls at United Center. The Kings are coming off a win over the Indiana Pacers Firday night 133-122. The Bulls took care of the Charlotte Hornets 117-110 on Wednesday night. The Kings win extends their winning streak to two games.

The Kings will finish up this seven game road trip in Cleveland taking on the Cavaliers Monday night. A win in this final road game would be amazing against a very strong Cavalier team. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 4:00 PM.