Category: Golden State Warriors

Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox, foreground, shoots against Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins, left, and forward Kevon Looney during the second period at Chase Center in San Francisco on Fri Apr 21, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 The key to a Warrior win was this-the team needed to stop fouling, find a way to play better defense, stop making turnovers, and have their offensive weapons carry the day. All those happened as the Warriors led wire to wire to defeat the Sacramento Kings 114-97.

#2 The Kings arrived in San Francisco brimming with confidence. They had beaten the defending NBA Champions twice. Their offensive stars, Domantas Sabonos, DeAron Fox, Kevin Huerter, Harrison Barnes, and Malik Monk, all played well in the first two games. 

#3  Here’s how things went in the third period. Andrew Wiggins, Stephen Curry, and Moody helped the Warriors put 31 points on the board in the quarter. The Kings, behind Fox and Sabonis, also helped Sacramento tally 31 points. 

#4  The Warriors offense came to life as Golden State led by 18, 95-77, with a little over nine minutes left to play. Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, and Curry led the charge.

#5 It was a great game for the Warriors. They need to win on Sunday to even the series at two apiece. If they can achieve that goal, the Warriors will have to find a way to win on the road, as Sacramento will have the home-court advantage in two of the last three games in the series. 

Join Jeremiah for the Kings podcast Friday nights at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) is congratulated by guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) after scoring against the Sacramento Kings during the first half at Chase Center in San Francisco on Thu Apr 20, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Warriors, down two games to none, returned home to face the Sacramento Kings Thursday night at the Chase Center. The Warriors had to get a win to stay alive in the first round of the NBA playoffs. They had to get the win without their two best defensive players.

The NBA suspended Draymond Green for one game for his aggressive behavior in game two of the series. Green stomped on Domantas Sabonis’ sternum after Sabonis held on to Draymond Green’s ankle. Defensive whiz Gary Payton II was unavailable due to an injury.

The key to a Warrior win was this-the team needed to stop fouling, find a way to play better defense, stop making turnovers, and have their offensive weapons carry the day. All those happened as the Warriors led wire to wire to defeat the Sacramento Kings 114-97.

The Kings arrived in San Francisco brimming with confidence. They had beaten the defending NBA Champions twice. Their offensive stars, Sabonos, DeAron Fox, Kevin Huerter, Harrison Barnes, and Malik Monk, all played well in the first two games. Were the Warriors capable of stopping the high-scoring Kings’ offense? The Warriors answered with a very loud yes. 

The Warriors played well in the first quarter. They won the quarter 29-20. Andrew Wiggins and Stephen Curry led the offense in the second quarter. The Warriors finished the first half leading by 12 points, 53-41. The first half featured defense by both teams. The Warriors shot 34% from the floor, while the Kings shot 32.7%. The Warriors committed six turnovers to the Kings’ ten. The Warriors scored 13 points off those turnovers, the Kings three. 

The Warriors needed to find a way to stop Fox and Sabonis in the third quarter. Fox had been a force in the second halves of games all season, especially in the fourth quarter. Here’s how things went in the third period. Wiggins, Curry, and Moody helped the Warriors put 31 points on the board in the quarter. The Kings, behind Fox and Sabonis, also helped Sacramento tally 31 points. The quarter ended with the Warriors leading by 12, 84-72.

The players and fans know that a 12-point lead can be overcome in the last 12 minutes of the game. The Warriors had shown the Kings they could play defense without Green and Payton. Donte DiVincenzo had been a force on defense throughout the game.

Kevon Looney blocked shots and was in the right place to pick up rebounds. They needed 12 more intense minutes on both ends of the court to get the win. The Warriors offense came to life as Golden State led by 18, 95-77, with a little over nine minutes left to play. Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, and Curry led the charge. The Kings tried to fight back, but the Warriors defense did not relent. The Warriors increased the lead to 23, 114-91, with 2:31 left.

Game Notes: The Warriors are back for Game Four of the series to be played Sunday at the Chase Center at 11:30 am.

The Warriors had so many stars shining Thursday night. Curry led the team with 36 points. Wiggins had 20, Poole 16, Klay Thompson 13, and Moody 13. DiVincenzo had six points. However, DiVincezo was all over the court Thursday night.

DiVincezo pulled down eight rebounds and had eight assists. Looney scored two big buckets in the game, but he was a force on defense as he pulled down 20 rebounds and helped on offense with nine assists. The Warriors, as a team, pulled down 69 rebounds. They also had 18 offensive rebounds. The Warriors blocked five shots and had 12 steals.

The Warrior defense clogged the middle and held Sabonis to 15 points. The Kings’ big center pulled down 16 rebounds. Fox led the Kings with 26 points, ten rebounds, and nine assists. Fox made three threes in nine tries.

The Warriors committed 11 turnovers in the game. The Kings scored seven points off those miscues. The Warriors defense forced the Kings to turn the ball over 15 times. The Warriors put 22 points on the board as a result.

It was a great game for the Warriors. They need to win on Sunday to even the series at two apiece. If they can achieve that goal, the Warriors will have to find a way to win on the road, as Sacramento will have the home-court advantage in two of the last three games in the series. 

Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole (3) shoots against Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes (40) and guard Davion Mitchell (15) during the first half of Game 3 of the NBA Playoffs at Chase Center in San Francisco on Thu Apr 20, 2023 (AP News photo)

Warriors Manhandle Kings 114-97

By Barbara Mason

Thursday night the Sacramento Kings (48-35) traveled to San Francisco to take on the Warriors (45-38) and get a taste of the raucous crowd that is primed and ready to will their team to their first win in these playoffs and win they did with a 114-97 game 2 victory. The Warriors trail by one game 2-1 after game 3.

From the opening tipoff it became evident that, despite the absence of Draymond Green, Golden State was ready for this game. The Warriors took a 29-20 lead in the opening quarter. They completely outplayed the Kings in the first twelve minutes.

The Kings could not buy a three and they struggled with offensive rebounds. What further exacerbated the situation was that the Warriors were hitting three’s. Once again Keegan Murray was silent and the Kings were having an awful offensive night.

The Kings were outscored in the second quarter 24-21 and trailed 53-41 at the half. Sacramento had more turnovers than the Warriors and they were also having a poor defensive game. It was an all-around poor first half for Sacramento at every turn, offensively and defensively.

The Warriors continued to hold a healthy lead after three quarters 84-72. They had not trailed once in this game.

The Kings had one quarter left to fight back in this game. They had been outplayed at every turn. They were 6 of 30 for 21% from downtown. Both teams were shooting at 37% field goals. The Warriors had twice as many three’s and that spelled the difference in this game amid a host of other issues.

The brilliance that we have seen all season in the fourth quarter from De’Aaron Fox just didn’t materialize. The Warriors outplayed the Kings offensively and defensively. Golden State owned the glass; they finished with 16 threes to the Kings 11 of 47. The final was 114-97.

De’Aaron Fox finished with 26 points the high for the team. Every starter with the exception of Keegan Murray had double digits. The Kings bench was a disappointment. Going into this game Sacramento knew how tough it was going to be at Chase. Chase lived up to it’s reputation and the Kings fell flat unable to handle the Warriors.

Stephen Curry had the high for the Warriors with 36 points. Kevon Looney had 20 rebounds.

Sunday afternoon the Kings will get another shot to win their third game of the playoffs. They have a huge task in front of them. Tipoff is scheduled for 12:30 PM.

Golden State Warriors guard Draymond Green states his case after getting ejected at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Mon Apr 17, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with David Zizmor:

#1 How will Draymond Green’s suspension impact Golden State going into game 3.

#2 Critics have said that Draymond has had the last straw for awhile now going back to his bench argument with Kevin Durant in 2016 and said Green should have been let go then. After everything that has gone down with Draymond should the Warriors have let Draymond go long ago.

#3 Warriors down two games to none no Draymond, Kings are finding different ways to beat Golden State. Former Warriors head coach and current Kings head coach Mike Brown has the playbook of the Warriors in his head and it’s showing.

Join David Zizmor for the NBA Playoff podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green reacts after he was ejected from Game 2 in the first round of the NBA basketball playoffs after stomping on the chest of Sacramento’s Domantas Sabonis, at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Mon Apr 17, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

After losing two straight playoff games to the Sacramento Kings and having a dismal season on the road the Golden State Warriors problems in the post season are surmounting as the NBA suspended guard Draymond Green for stomping on the chest of the Kings Domantas Sabonis with 7:03 remaining in the fourth quarter. Green will be suspended for game three for one game.

During the fourth quarter on Monday night in game 2 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento Green stomped on Sabonis’ chest at which time the Warriors were trailing the Kings by four points when the infraction took place. Sabonis had held Green’s foot to the floor and it frustrated Green and Green reacted by stomping on Sabonis.

It didn’t help Green much when he jumped on the Warriors bench and started yelling and trying to pump up the Kings crowd in the section behind the Warriors bench. Green was accessed a flagrant 2 foul. Green’s behavior and his foul on Sabonis puts him out of game 3 at Chase Center in San Francisco for Thursday night and it no doubt hurts the Warriors chances to win this first round without their star guard who has a problem keeping his cool.

Jerry Feitelberg is a Golden State Warriors beat writer for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) drives past Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green in the first half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Mon Apr 17, 2023 (AP News photo)

Kings Take Game Two 114-106-Leads Series 2-0

By Barbara Mason

Monday night the Golden State Warriors (44-39) took on the Sacramento Kings (49-34) in game two of their playoff series at Golden One Center. Monday night the Kings got hold of the lead in the stretch on the Warriors to take game 2 114-106 Despite the Warriors closing in on the Kings the Kings were able to pull away and Golden State were unable to finish the game.

The first quarter of this game looked a lot different than in game one. The Kings looked positively sloppy and trailed after the first 12 minutes 23-17.

Kings Head Coach Mike Brown called a time out at 6:38 in the first quarter and whatever adjustments he made the Kings began to slowly turn things around. Their offense picked up and Golden State began to get into deep foul trouble.

Sacramento really cleaned up the offense in the second quarter and outscored the Warriors 41-29. The Kings led at the half 58-52.

One of the biggest problems in the first half for both teams were the turnovers. The Warriors had 13 while the Kings were right behind them with 12. Protecting the ball would be critical for both teams in the second half.

The Kings found themselves in the bonus with over ten minutes left in the third quarter. The Warriors were in deep foul trouble with Kevon Looney’s five personal fouls and Draymond Green with four. The Warriors began to chip away at the Kings lead after Sacramento had led by 12 points. After three quarters the Kings led 83-75.

Going into the fourth quarter the Kings had an eight point lead that can evaporate in a heart beat. This is the playoffs and nothing comes easy. The stage was set for another wild finish.

The Warriors needed to protect the ball and watch those fouls. 11 minutes into the fourth quarter the Warriors had twenty turnovers and would finish the game with 22. The King only had two turnovers in the second half.

With 7:03 left in the game things got ugly. Draymond Green and Domantas Sabonis collided and Sabonis grabbed his ankle. Green retaliated by stomping on his chest and received a flagrant two and was ejected.

With six minutes left on the clock the game was tied at 93. The Kings would take a nine point lead with 18 seconds left in this game. The Kings win by four points. They take a 2-0 series lead.

Stephen Curry had the high score for the Warriors with 28 points. De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis both finished with 24 points and off the bench Malik Monk had 18 points. Sabonis took a beating in this game getting stomped in the chest in the second half and getting a shot to the jaw in the first but he hung in there and celebrated a well-deserved win with his teammates.

The two teams now head to Chase Center in San Francisco for game three and the Kings will get a taste of the raucous fans in San Francisco where the Warriors are almost unbeatable. Tipoff is scheduled for Thursday at 7:00 PM.

acramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) shoots over Golden State Warriors guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) as Warriors forward Kevon Looney (5) and Kings forward Domantas Sabonis, left, watch in the third quarter at the Golden One in Sacramento on Sun Apr 16, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Barbara:

#1 The Kings took full advantage of the struggling Warriors on the road with a 126-123 game 1 win at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.

#2 This game was dead even after the first 12 minutes of play at 29-29. The atmosphere at Golden One was electric, the noise thunderous. Despite playoff inexperience the Kings were showing no signs of nerves keeping up with the Warriors shot for shot.

#3 Golden State amped it up in the third quarter leading by as much as ten points at 9:40 into the quarter 67-57. The Kings erased some of the Warriors lead but they could not catch Golden State. With under three minutes left in the third quarter the Warriors again established a ten point lead 86-76. 

#4 The hero for the Kings was De’Aaron Fox with 38 points the second most for a first time playoff appearance. Bench player Malik Monk had a terrific game with 32 points. All together Sacramento had 55 points off the bench. They had 60 points in the paint to the Warriors 44 that made a huge difference in the game.

#5 The Warriors play game two tonight at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. The Warriors have struggled with road games they lost game 1 in Sacramento do you see Golden State struggling in game 2 in Sacramento.

Join Barbara Mason for the Warriors podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Warriors Andrew Wiggins returns just in time for the first round of the NBA Playoffs in game one at the Golden One Center in Sacramento against the Sacramento Kings on Sat Apr 15, 2023 (AP News file photo)

On the Warrior podcast with David:

#1 David how much will the return of Andrew Wiggins impact the Warriors to start the first game of the playoffs on Saturday in Sacramento.

#2 The Warriors face off against one of their former and successful coaches Kings head coach Mike Brown. Brown knows the Warriors player personnel and realizes how difficult beating a team like that can be.

#3 For Warrior head coach Steve Kerr he knows Brown’s style of coaching and despite struggling on the road this season the Warriors got a victory against Brown and the Kings on Fri Apr 7, 119-97.

#4 David how do you see this first round for Golden State will the Kings be a force to reckon with and take advantage of the Warriors struggling road record or is that all out the window as the Warriors are noted for catching fire during the post season drive?

Join David Zizmor for the Warriors podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Jonathan Kuminga hits a shot for the Golden State Warriors and teammate Stephen Curry (30) was all smiles as the Warriors were never behind against the Portland Trail Blazers in Portland on Sun Apr 9, 2023 (AP News photo)

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1  The Warriors win guaranteed them a spot in the playoffs and were eliminated from a play in game with a huge win over the Trail Blazers 157-101 in the last game of the 2022-23 season.

#2 The Warriors had an amazing opening quarter in this game. Klay Thompson had five triples and the team finished the first quarter with 12 shots from beyond the arc and led after the first 12 minutes 55-27.

#3 There was no stopping the Warriors in the third quarter. They extended their lead to 120-75 with one quarter left in the game. Golden State had 21 shots from downtown shooting just over 55%. 

#4 With ten minutes left in the fourth quarter Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Thompson, Jordan Poole and Kevon Looney were finished for the day. Curry finished with 26 points, Thompson had 20 points, and Poole had 21 off the bench. Golden State finished with 27 triples in this amazing win.

#5 Warriors open game 1 of playoffs against Kings this Sat Apr 15 for a 5:30pm tip off at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. Kings head coach Mike Brown has a pretty good idea about the layout of the Warriors. Warriors coach Steve Kerr know how coach Brown sets up will this be a game of chess Kerr vs. Brown or will the players dictate the outcome of game 1.

Join Barbara for the Warriors podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com