Author: Sports Radio Service

Last-second layup by Thunder’s Dort sinks Kings 105-103

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Oklahoma City Thunder forward Luguentz Dort (5) tries to line up a shot against Sacramento Kings guard Buddy Hield (24) in the closing minutes in Oklahoma City on Fri Nov 12, 2021 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum
Friday, November 12, 2021

A layup off a steal by Lu Dort with 1.7 seconds remaining gave Oklahoma City a 105-103 win over the Sacramento Kings Friday. It was the fourth win in a row for the Thunder.

The Thunder overcame an 18-point deficit to snag the win. Sacramento had the ball with 25 seconds to play, but Kings guard DeAaron Fox was stripped on an attempted crossover by Dort, who converted the steal into the go-ahead layup.

After the Kings (5-8) called a full time out following Dort’s go-ahead basket, Buddy Hield missed a 24-foot 3-pointer from the left wing as time expired.

Dort and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder (5-6) with 22 points apiece. Darius Bazley had 15 points (on 6-of-8 shooting), eight rebounds and two blocks, and Tre Marin scored 12 points off the OKC bench. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl grabbed 14 rebounds.

Harrison Barnes led Sacramento with 21 points, followed by Richaun Holmes and DeAaron Fox with 16 points each. Hield and Chimezie Metu each added 14 points for the Kings. Holmes added 15 rebounds and four blocks, Tristan Thompson grabbed 10 boards, and Tyrese Haliburton contributed eight rebounds, seven assists and eight points.

It was the fourth time this season that the Thunder overcame a deficit of 16 or more points this season.

The Kings’ road trip continues on Monday, when they visit the Detroit Pistons.

Warriors prove elite status beating Chicago 119-93; Curry scores 40 in victory

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Stephen Curry guard for the Golden State Warriors jumps for joy after converting one of his three point shots in the second half of action at the Chase Center in San Francisco against the Chicago Bulls on Fri Nov 12, 2021 (AP News photo)

Warriors Prove Elite Status Beating Chicago 119-93

By Barbara Mason

After a horrific start in Friday night’s game, the Golden State Warriors (11-1) turned things around led by a Curry Flurry of epic proportion. They finished off the Eastern Conference leaders 119-93.

Friday night the Warriors finished their eight-game home stand against the Chicago Bulls (8-4) looking for their seventh win in a row. Their last six wins were by double digits although tonight they will be challenged by the Eastern Conference leading Bulls.

The Warriors will try to contain a Chicago team that is very good on both ends of the court. The Bulls do not take very many three point attempts, probably their only weakness but they are very good from mid-court range.

In the first quarter, the Bulls simply outplayed the Warriors forcing seven turnovers and taking the early lead 29-23. The Warriors were actually lucky to only be trailing by six points. It was an ugly start for the Dubs and against a team like the Bulls a start like this could prove very costly.

The Warriors really turned things around in the second quarter and limited the turnovers with only three. They took the lead at the half after trailing by ten points 48-43. The Warriors did a good job on the glass in the second quarter. This game had all the makings of a very close finish. Zach Lavine had 12 points for Chicago and Stephen Curry finished the half with 17 points, three of them from downtown.

The third quarter was a good one for the Warriors forcing turnovers and outplaying the Bulls. Curry continued his three point onslaught leading the team to a nineteen point advantage mid-way through the quarter. The Warriors defense forced the Bulls into three points attempts which did not go well for Chicago and at the end of three quarters the Warriors had a big-time serious lead 84-62.

The Bulls would need a monster comeback in the final quarter trailing by 24 points mid-way through the fourth quarter. Chicago began to hit some three’s trying to trim the Warrior lead. Every time the Bulls would make a run, the Warriors would answer. It had been all Golden State in the second half. The final of 119-93 proves without doubt that Golden State is indeed an elite team.

Curry had 40 points in this game and again Andrew Wiggins had an amazing game with 15 points and seven rebounds. The bench was equally amazing with Kuminga, Iguodala and Payton scoring eight points apiece. We can’t talk Warrior offense without talking defense and an amazing job by Draymond Green with nine rebounds and seven assists.

This game silenced those saying that the Warriors hadn’t played any real team yet. Well now they have and there is your answer. These guys are for real and are going to be very difficult to beat moving forward. Still they talk about improving all the time and we all look forward to those improvements because they look pretty invincible right now.

The Warriors head out on the road to take on the Hornets (7-7) Sunday afternoon. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Ray Fosse to be inducted into the Oakland A’s Hall of Fame Way Overdue

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The late Oakland A’s TV analyst Ray Fosse seen here taking a stroll on the Oakland Coliseum field will be honored by being inducted into the Oakland A’s Hall of Fame as announced Fri Nov 12, 2021 (Oroville Mercury-Register file photo)

Ray Fosse to be Inducted into the Oakland A’s Hall of Fame Way Overdue

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

Amaury Pi-González

OAKLAND–I could have only wished the Oakland A’s would have inducted Ray Fosse into their Hall of Fame when he was alive. Today the Oakland A’s announced the popular catcher and broadcaster will be in the Hall of Fame.

The A’s Press Release today:

‘Two-time Major League All-Star catcher and Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Ray Fosse will be enshrined in Athletics history forever as a member of the Athletics Hall of Fame. Fosse joins four-time All-Star “Captain Sal” Bando, Gold Glovers Eric Chavez and Joe Rudi, Director of Player Development Keith Lieppman, and A’s Clubhouse Manager Steve Vucinich as members of the Class of 2022.’

Affable and always available to talk baseball Ray was one of those guys that I would always enjoyed picking his brain when it came to baseball knowledge. How to manage different pitchers during a game and all other aspects of the game we all love. A presence in the Press Box, I will always miss him. During the games at home we would talk about what happen in the previous game(s) or what to expect prior to the game at hand. I was privileged to have known him for years. He was strong of body and mind.

Ray Fosse was the catcher during the last two years of the A’s 1970’s dynasty, in 1973 and 1974. He caught some of the greatest luminaries in the history of the Oakland Athletics, guys like Jim “Catfish” Hunter, Vida Blue, Ken Holtzman, John “Blue Moon” Odom, and Rollie Fingers.

He always asked me about Latino players, their idiosyncrasies and superstitions, guys like Dagoberto Blanco (Campy) Campaneris, Manny Trillo, Gonzalo Márquez, who was a professional pinch hitter something that was seen as a key component of a team in the American League before the Designated Hitter rule was adopted in 1973.

Since I was a kid I was always fascinated by the work of a catcher. The only player that sees the whole field right in front of his eyes, and no wonder many catchers become managers. They’re basically acting managers, on the field. Ray Fosse was a real catcher. He played the position like it was intended to be played. Ray personified what a catcher is, strong, smart and in charge.

“A good catcher is the quarterback, the carburetor, the lead dog, the pulse taker, the traffic cop and sometimes a lot of unprintable things, but no team gets very far without one” -Miller Huggins.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead Spanish play by play announcer for the Oakland A’s and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings try to snap three game skid in OKC tonight

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The Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) tries to dribble to get inside on San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) on Wed Nov 10, 2021. Fox was was the high scorer for the game with 37 points and did the heavy lifting for the Kings it wasn’t enough as Sacramento went down to their third straight defeat at AT&T Arena in San Antonio. The Kings are in Oklahoma City tonight. (AP News photo)

On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 Jeremiah the Sacramento Kings (5-7) who are suffering losing their last three games and got walloped by the San Antonio Spurs (4-7) on Wednesday night in San Antonio 136-117. After the Kings had that short run they are now facing the possibility of losing four straight on Thursday night in Oklahoma City.

#2 Dejounte Murray led the Spurs with 26 points Kings head coach Luke Walton knew that Dejounte was a force that had to be reckoned with and the Kings defense had trouble defending him.

#3 Jeremiah, despite scoring a season high 37 points the Kings De’Aaron Fox just couldn’t carry all that weight by himself and the Spurs defense pretty shutdown anyone else down in the Kings line up as the only other four Kings who scored in double figures fell short to get over the hump to catch the Spurs.

#4 The Spurs who had their own three game losing streak before Wednesday night’s game never let up on the Kings as Spurs head coach Gregg Poppovich was pushing the team hard not to drop this game.

#5 The Kings hope to turn the page tonight in Oklahoma City against the Thunder (4-6). The Thunder have won three straight games going into tonight’s contest. The Thunder defeated the New Orleans Pelicans (1-11) on Wednesday night 108-100 with the Thunder’s forward Luguentz Dort led with 27 points. Jeremiah tell us what do you expect from tonight’s contest as Kings head coach Luke Walton hopes to snap the skid tonight.

Join Jeremiah for the Kings podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez: Jackson expected to fill the Ruggs III void

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Newly acquired wide receiver DeSean Jackson working out with the Las Vegas Raiders will be featured on Sunday Night Football Nov 15, 2021 as one of the keys to the Raiders offense as they host the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas (photo by raiders.com)

On the Raiders podacast with Rich:

#1 Rich talk about how crucial it is for the Las Vegas Raiders (5-3) to get someone like veteran wide receiver DeSean Jackson and do you see him filling in the void left by former wide receiver Henry Ruggs III.

#2 Raider head coach Rich Bisaccia said that Jackson can run and that he was a big part of the Los Angeles Rams offense and could be expected to contribute big for the Raiders.

#3 Rich, we wanted to ask you about the 23-16 loss in New Jersey last Sunday to the New York Giants (3-6) did the recent troubles of Henry Ruggs and Damon Arnette play a role in the loss last week?

#4 Rich, just wanted to get your take on the Raiders Max Crosby being considered for defensive end of the year. Crosby does not lead the NFL in sacks but has been called one of the more consistent pass rushers in the league.

#5 Raiders host the Kansas City Chiefs (5-4) for Sunday Night Football the Chiefs have won four of their last six games they are a game just above .500 that said they have won their last two games and beat the Green Bay Packers (7-2) last Sunday 13-7. Packers quarterback Aaron Rogers was out due to Covid 19 protocols and was the center of remarks he walked back regarding be vaccinated. Was this an advantage for the Chiefs in beating the Packers last week?

Join Rich for all the latest on the Las Vegas Raiders podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears Football podcast with Daniel Dullum: Cal-USC postponement gives Bears a week to prepare for Stanford

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Cal Bears head coach Justin Wilcox stands on the sidelines with his players against the Oregon State Beavers on Sat Oct 30, 2021photo. Wilcox said the team followed all the Covid 19 protocols but nonetheless Sat Nov 13, 2021 game against USC has been postponed to Dec 4, 2021 (AP News file photo)

On the Cal Bears Football podcast with Daniel:

#1 Whose dumbfounded the most in the Cal Bears (3-6) Covid 19 situation head coach Justin Wilcox who said the team followed protocols or the other head scratcher how did the team contract Covid 19 that forced them to postpone this Saturday’s game with USC (4-5).

#2 Either way Daniel the Bears get a week off after that grueling game in Tucson where Cal quarterback Ryan Glover just couldn’t get any offensive traction going against the struggling Arizona Wildcats (1-8).

#3 The key thing in the game against the Wildcats the Bears who were missing over 24 players due to Covid 19 protocols coach Wilcox had a rough time getting second stringers, practice squad players and back up to jell in what some would call a thrown together situation.

#4 How important will this week be for the Bears to regroup from last week’s loss in Arizona get a week off and prepare for the Big Game against the Stanford Cardinal (3-6) at Stanford Stadium next Sat Nov 13. The Cardinal are coming off that horrendous loss to the Utah Utes (6-3) 57-7 and are looking for a better game. How do you see the Bears and Cardinal matching up next week?

#5 Lastly Cal quarterback Chase Garbers will have had two weeks off the first week against Arizona where he sat out for Covid 19 protocols and this Saturday for the same reasons. Enough time to recover from the Covid issues and start throwing the rock in preparation against the Cardinal.

Join Daniel for Cal Bears football podcasts every Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria: Lawyers trying to keep medical records from prosecution; Ruggs formally charged could now face 50 years

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Former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs seen in Las Vegas Superior Court in the morning Tue Nov 2, 2021 in Las Vegas of the accident. Ruggs is expected in court as the Clark County DA are preparing to add more charges that could land Ruggs in jail for 50 years. (Las Vegas Review Journal photo)

On the Raiders podcast with Tony R:

#1 Former Las Vegas Raider wide receiver Henry Ruggs III who is now charged with four felonies which includes reckless driving and now additional felony DUI and a misdemeanor charge for possession of a firearm while intoxicated.

#2 Lawyers for Ruggs are trying to block medical records from becoming evidence at trial as the Clark County DA is considering adding a second felony DUI charge as Rugg’s girlfriend Kiara Je’nai Kilgo-Washington was injured in the accident. Under Nevada law a passenger who is injured could be addendum to a reckless DUI case which the DA is considering doing. Prosecuting lawyers say with the additional charges Ruggs could face from 46 to 50 years in prison.

#3 Attorneys for Ruggs David Chesnoff and firm partner Richard Schonfeld have sited a privacy law in trying to ask the court to block Ruggs medical records. Chesnoff said state law supersedes federal health records privacy requirements.

#4 Tony, the Raiders released Damon Arnette for taking a video of himself and saying he’s going to kill a fan who said he sucked on social media. With all that is going on with the Raiders after Ruggs and former head coach Jon Gruden will this team who will grip together and weather the storm or will they fall like a house of cards?

#5 The Raiders have added wide receiver veteran DeSean Jackson to the roster knowing his experience and what he can do in catching ball will he be a big help on the Raiders offense and quarterback Derek Carr.

Join Tony Renteria Thursdays for the Las Vegas Raiders podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Wins Sixth Game In A Row 123-110

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Golden State Warrior Andrew Wiggins (top) throws down against the Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and guard Patrick Beverley (22) at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Wed Nov 10, 2021 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

An explosive game by Kevon Looney with 15 rebounds led Golden State to their sixth win in a row 123-110. Offensively Andrew Wiggins had 35 points against his former team.

Wednesday night the Golden State Warriors (10-1) took on the Minnesota Timberwolves (3-7) in a quest for their sixth win in a row.

The Timberwolves came out strong in the first quarter but how long could they keep pace with the Warriors? It was not surprising because Minnesota is very good in the first half of their games, in fact second best in the league but they are near the bottom of the heap in the second half.

The Timberwolves got far too many offensive rebounds in the quarter but despite that the Warriors led 31-28 after the first quarter. Anthony Edwards kept Minnesota in this game with 16 points in the opening quarter. Andrew Wiggins led the way for Golden State with 11 points.

Golden State put the Timberwolves out of the second quarter extending their lead to 47-34 at 7:51. The great start that Minnesota had in the first quarter was vanquished by the explosive play of the Warriors. At the half Golden State led 69-54. Kevon Looney had a great first half with nine points and nine rebounds. Wiggins was all over the court finishing the half with 22 points. He set the tone in this game, something he really wanted to do against his former team.

The expected collapse by Minnesota in the third quarter did not materialize. Golden State had led by twenty points in the quarter that was cut to four in the late minutes of the third. Draymond Green took a shot to the knee and had to leave the court and that was when the Timberwolves got very hot. The score after three quarters was 93–84 in favor of the Warriors. Golden State would have to hunker down in the absence of Green in the fourth quarter.

The Warriors outside shooting had gone cold in the fourth quarter letting Minnesota back into this game. Anthony Edwards was having a great game for Minnesota shooting 50% from downtown. The Warriors had to somehow slow down Edwards who was on a real roll with 43 points and five minutes left in the game.

Minnesota was double teaming Curry and with no Green on the floor it was crunch time for Golden State. The Warriors forced numerous turnovers in the final minutes of the fourth quarter which helped to seal this game for Golden State.

Wiggins finished the game with 35 points and four rebounds. Curry had 25 points with three shots from downtown. In an electric performance Looney had 17 rebounds and 11 points.

Friday night we will get to see the Chicago Bulls (8-3) take on the Warriors in the final game of this long home stand. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Spurs enjoy big offensive night, rout Kings 136-117

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The Sacramento Kings De’Aaron Fox (5) tries his best to shut down the San Antonio Spurs Dejounte Murray (5) driving at the AT&T Center in San Antonio on Wed Nov 10, 2021 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum
Wednesday, November 10, 2021

San Antonio enjoyed a huge offensive night, with seven players in double-figures Wednesday, as the Spurs routed Sacramento 136-117 before a crowd of 15,065 at AT&T Center in San Antonio.

The Spurs enjoyed hot shooting from behind the arc, sinking 18-of-23 3-point attempts, including five by Devin Vassell and four by Doug McDermott. It was the Kings’ third straight loss.

Dejounte Murray led the Spurs with 26 points and seven assists, followed by 18 from Drew Eubanks. McDermott and Thaddeus Young scored 17 points each, with 15 points apiece from Vassell, Lonnie Walker IV and Bryn Forbes. Keldon Johnson added 12 rebounds, four assists, three steals and a block to go with eight points for the Spurs (4-7).

Overshadowed in the Spurs’ lop-sided win was the effort of Sacramento guard DeAaron Fox, who scored a game-high 37 points, along with six assists, three blocks and a steal. Davion Mitchell and Chimezie Metu each added 13 points off the bench, and Buddy Hield scored 12 points, Mitchell also had six assists, and center Richaun Holmes grabbed 12 rebounds.

San Antonio jumped to a 14-point lead after one quarter and built a 71-54 halftime advantage.

The Kings (5-7) opened the second half with a 9-2 run, but were unable to cut into San Antonio’s lead, as the Spurs maintained a 17-point lead going into the fourth quarter. A McDermott 3-pointer halted the Kings’ run, and San Antonio never looked back.

Sacramento continues its road trip on Friday, visiting Oklahoma City

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary: Dodgers Urias Only to Win 20 games but not Nominated for the Cy Young Award

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Photo of Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Julio Urias seen here after winning his 20th game of the 2021 season on Sat Oct 2, 2021 at Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles against the Milwaukee Brewers. Urias shockingly did not win the coveted 2021 Cy Young Award (AP News file photo)

MLB: Only to Win 20 games but not Nominated for the Cy Young Award

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Young Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Julio Urías was the only pitcher in Major League Baseball among all 30 teams, this 2021 season to win 20 games; he ended with a record, 20-3, 2.96 ERA, started 32 games, pitched 185 2/3 innings, and struck out 195 hitters. However, the Mexican-born Urias was not among the three finalists for the coveted National League Cy Young Award. Is it because now victories are an antiquated way of judging a pitcher?

These were the three pitchers nominated for the Cy Young Award in the National League: Max Scherzer, who pitched for two teams this season, Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Dodgers, he finished with 15-4, 2.46 ERA, started 30 games, threw 179 1/3 innings, and struck out 236 batters.

In all fairness, he is a first-vote Hall of Famer. Philadelphia Phillies Zack Wheeler ended with a 14-10 record, 2.78 earned run average in 32 games he started, pitched 213 1/3 innings, and struck out 247. Corbin Burnes of the Milwaukee Brewers finished the season with an 11-5 record, 2.43 ERA, started 28 games, pitched 167 innings, and struck out 234.

As a broadcaster I do not have a vote. The people that vote are members of the BBWAA (Baseball Writers Association of America). I do have the utmost respect for them, some I have known and have been friends with for decades and worked with them.

To win 20 games during one season in today’s game is tantamount to winning 28 to 30 games years ago. Anybody that followed the postseason this year can see that one million pitchers were used, doesn’t matter if one is throwing a no-hitter after 5 innings, he is coming out for a reliever.

To be a starter doesn’t have the prestige it once had. But is not only the 20 wins, you cannot punish Urías because he pitched for a team that won over 100 games and was favorite to win the World Series again. I understand that a lot of the “logic” for this award goes to ‘innings pitched’ and in that case, Scherzer and Wheeler did pitch more innings than Julio Urías. It is (ironic and disingenuous) to give Innings Pitch that much weight when in today’s baseball starters do not work that much.

The beauty of baseball is that everybody has an opinion and a different point of view, (not to mention a bias for their team). I am not one that screams racism all the time, although I know, unfortunately, it still exists. And I do respect the votes by the baseball writers.

Maybe Julio can win 30 games next season and get the recognition he well deserves. The last 30 game-winner was Denny McLain of the Detroit Tigers, who in 1968 won 31 and lost 6. Today, the description for a starting pitcher has changed.

The winner will be announced live on MLB Network on November 17 at 3 PM Pacific time.

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