Category: NBA

Blazers lack of defense as Kings Sabonis leads in scoring in Sac’s 126-94 pre season win

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (13) is one on one with the Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lilliard (0) at the Golden One Center in Sacramento on Sun Oct 9, 2022 (@ SacramentoKings photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–Game two of the preseason was set with the Kings coming home to take on the Portland Trail Blazers. The Kings first game of the preseason was Friday when they took on the Los Angeles Lakers. The Kings were set to take on the Trail Blazers Sunday at 6 PM PST. On Sunday, the Kings destroyed the Trail Blazers 126-94.

In the first quarter, the Kings came out firing. The Kings led by Domantas Sabonis scored 31 points in the first quarter. Sabonis had nine points followed by De’AaronFox and Kevin Huerter who each had six points. For the Trail Blazers, they only managed 19 points in the first against the Kings defense. Anfernee Simons scored six points for Portland in the first quarter.

The second quarter didn’t go much better for the Trail Blazers. In fact, the deficit grew larger. The Kings outscored the Blazers 39-34 in the second quarter to grow the lead even larger. The Kings would lead the Blazers 70-53 going into halftime.

Keegan Murray exploded for the Kings in the second quarter by scoring 12 points. Overall, the Kings offense was. Firing on all cylinders on Sunday night.

In the third quarter, it was more of the same. The Kings have looked great all preseason and that was on full display in the third. The Kings extended their lead over the Trail Blazers to 98-77 by outscoring them 28-24 in the third quarter.

The Kings, under Mike Brown, didn’t let up and fold like so many games in previous seasons under other coaching. It was a refreshing sight for Kings fans. Could they hold on in the fourth and final quarter?

In the fourth quarter, the Kings wrapped up the blowout. There was nothing Portland could do to contain the Kings as they ran away with victory. The Kings out scored the Trail Blazers 28-17 in the fourth quarter to come away with the victory 126-94.

It was indeed a blowout for the Kings who have looked really solid in summer league. Jerami Grant led the way for the Trail Blazers scored 17 points in the contest. Keegan Murray led the Kings with 16 points of his own. It was a great team win for the Kings where everyone got involved.

Up Next: The Kings will travel to Phoenix to take on the Suns on Wednesday at 7 PM PST.

Hoops Prevail, Drama Subsides: Lakers top Warriors 124-121 in exhibition shootout

Published on by moepeaLeave a comment

By Morris Phillips

SAN FRANCISCO–Anthony Davis owned the first half, Jordan Poole claimed the third quarter, and little known Matt Ryan, with a grand total of five minutes of NBA experience, took it from there.

Tally it up, and the Lakers escaped Chase Center with a 124-121 exhibition win that entertained the fans, but left coach Steve Kerr needing to see much more ahead of the season opener on October 18.

“We’re turning the ball over way too much, and defensively we haven’t been great,” Kerr conceded.

Along with the 30 made threes, 17 of those astonishingly from the Lakers, the numerous healthy scratches signaled exhibition as opposed to the heightened, intensity of the regular season. LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, Patrick Beverly and Dennis Schroeder did not dress for the Lakers. The Warriors played without Draymond Green, Klay Thompson and Andre Iguodala.

Green remains away from the team indefinitely due to the scuffle with Jordan Poole on Wednesday. There’s no indication that Green will be suspended by the Warriors and it’s likely he’ll be available for the season opener a week from Tuesday although that’s yet to be determined.

Little was said of Green on Sunday night, but Poole had a lot to say with the growth in his game, and the 18-point, third quarter explosion that gave the Warriors a 91-89 lead heading to the fourth.

Poole thrilled the crowd with his drive that started with an inside-out dribble move, finished with an around the back flourish and a flip shot for a bucket in the lane.

“We were debating on the bench if that was a travel, but they didn’t call it,” Kevon Looney joked.

Poole led the Warriors with 25 points, including three made threes and never appeared bothered by Wednesday’s incident or the speculation that he will sign a lucrative contract extension in the upcoming week.

Surprising, given all the uproar, and opinions regarding the incident? Not to Kerr and Poole’s teammates who know his focus and determination.

“He doesn’t really let stuff phase him,” Looney said. “If things (aren’t) going his way, he just puts his head down and keeps working.”

“There’s a reason Jordan is where he is right now, especially when you consider where he was coming out of Michigan as a late first-round pick struggling his first few months in the league,” Kerr said. “There’s a reason he’s in this position about to sign a big extension hopefully. Guy’s tough.”

Stephen Curry added 24 points, four assists in 24 minutes, two more minutes than Kerr insisted his star would play. Andrew Wiggins had 15 points, and James Wiseman put up 13 off the bench.

Davis returned to action after missing the two, previous Lakers’ exhibitions and looked like 2020/bubble AD with 28 points, 24 of those in the first half. The eight-time All-Star impressed with a dunk of a lob, and two made threes. Last season, Davis played in just 40 games and shot a career-worst 18 percent from distance.

Matt Ryan had his, singular NBA moment with 20 points–in 20 minutes–and six 3-pointers, the final one with 2:44 remaining that put the Lakers up 118-114. Ryan also cooly converted a pair of free throws with five seconds left that gave the Lakers their final margin of victory.

The 25-year old Ryan’s previous NBA experience? Five minutes as a Boston Celtic in their season finale in April. He scored three points.

“It’s good because you never know what can happen in a regular season game,” Davis said. “You might need Matt (Ryan) or you might need Scotty (Pippen Jr.), or Max (Christie). You just never know. And for them to get those type of reps in that type of situation, especially on the road, is good.”

The Lakers won for the first time in pre-season after three losses. The Warriors, who host Portland on Tuesday, lost for the first time after winning twice in Japan.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings look to pick up second win host Blazers Sunday at Golden One

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Sacramento Kings De’Aaron Fox (left) reaches out to head coach Mike Brown (right) during practice session. The Kings host the Portland Trailblazers at Golden One Center in Sacramento on Sun Oct 9, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 Jeremiah the Sacramento Kings (1-0) played against the Los Angeles Lakers to open the pre season at Crypto.com in the Southland and got off to a victory with a 105-75 win it just seemed like the Kings held the Lakers back on defense and were able to covert their shots on offense last Monday night?

#2 De’Aaron Fox is one of the Kings weapons on offense who can deliver night in and night out just like he did last season shooting for ten points tie for second in scoring pulling down four rebounds and getting an assist.

#3 The Kings might look forward to Keegan Murray with 16 points, six rebounds and one assist he played big last Monday for the Kings in the win. Great ball distribution taking his shots wisely and ended up leading the Kings in scoring.

#4 Richaun Holmes never one to shy off the shot he’s been key of the Kings even last season in some crucial moments when he was needed to hit some timely shots. Monday was no different has he hit ten points, five rebounds and an assist. Holmes can really fit into the scheme of things with this offense this year.

#5 The Kings match up for their next game against the Portland Trailblazers (0-2) I know you’ll be on hand mic side and for the written word for the final game recap for this thriller. The Blazers have dropped their first two pre season games to the Los Angeles Clippers and the Utah Jazz they play their first pre season road game with the Kings Jeremiah tell us how you see the Kings countering the Blazers this Sunday night at Golden One?

Join Jeremiah with the Kings podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Warriors podcast with Jerry Feitelberg: Green punches teammate during practice drills; Thompson has mental block in practice

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Golden State Warriors Draymond Green slugged teammate Jordan Poole during practice Wed Oct 5, 2022 practice. Green will be suspended by the team that could overlap into the regular season. Poole reportedly had been edgey about getting a contract extension from the team (photo from Clutch Points)

On the Warrior podcast with Jerry F:

#1 Jerry, Golden State Warriors Draymond Green known for occasionally loosing patience and being vocal threw a punch in practice at teammate Jordan Poole during practice on Wednesday. Green is subject to suspension that could overlap from the pre season to the beginning of the regular season.

#2 Jerry Green is noted for getting angry at times after this recent incident some question maybe the Warriors have kept Green too long on the team because of his outbursts and at times having anger issues his most famous when he went after former Warrior Kevin Durant during a bench argument telling him to sign a contract and commit to the team on live television that he should have been let go by the team at that time?

#3 How much of a distraction going into the regular season will this fight impact the Warriors with Green suspended to start the season?

#4 Klay Thompson had what was reported as a mental block regarding his past achilles tendon injury during practice. Warrior head coach Steve Kerr sounding very concerned in talking with the media about Thompson after practice Wednesday hopes that this is something that Thompson can overcome.

#5 Jerry, LeBron and the Los Angeles Lakers are in Sunday against the Golden State Warriors. Jerry wanted to ask you about all the hoopla around Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and LeBron. Kareem said that LeBron taking the side of vaccine hesitancy was putting lives and livelihoods at risk. LeBron responded by saying in terms of his relationship with Kareem, “No thoughts and no relationship.”

Join Jerry Feitelberg for the Warriors podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Murray leads Kings with 16 pts in 105-75 victory over Lakers in the Southland

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook, second from right, jumps as he guards Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox, second from left, as forward LeBron James, left, watches along with Harrison Barnes at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Mon Oct 3, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

Monday night at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles marked the first Sacramento Kings game of the season. Granted, it was pre-season it was nonetheless exciting for Kings fans and NBA fans like to see their purple and black back in action. The Kings managed the Lakers with ease winning the game 105–75 in Los Angeles.

A lot has changed since the Sacramento Kings last took the court. New additions to the roster and draft picks have really shaken up the outlook for the Kings this season. In addition to roster changes for the on court ranks, the Sacramento Kings hired a new head coach in the off-season.

New head coach Mike Brown who arrived via the Golden State Warriors in the off-season is poised to take the helm of the kings and try to turn the culture of losing around in Sacramento. The Kings core group of De’Aaron Fox, Harrison Barnes, Domantas Sabonis and company are all back for another season in Sacramento.

In addition to the players remaining on the roster the Kings picked up the likes of Malik Monk via the market and Keegan Murray in the NBA draft. Kings fans are excited to see the development of this team and the new head coach who the current front office wanted not old leadership. On Monday night the Kings put forth a solid effort in their first preseason game of the year.

In the first half most of the starters for both teams played in the game. The contest in the first half was a very even matchup between Kings stars such as De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis taking the court against the likes of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. After the first half of action, The Lakers led the Kings 46–41 going into halftime.

De’Aaron Fox led the way in the first half for the Kings scoring ten points in just over 15 minutes. For the Lakers, Anthony Davis scored the most points in the half with 11. The Kings were poised to take over the game in the second half with the main starters taking the rest of the night off.

In the second half it wasn’t even a contest. The Kings dramatically outscored the Lakers in the second half. The third quarter saw the kings outs score of the Lakers 35-13 while in the fourth quarter the Kings trounced the Lakers 29–16.

All in all the Kings would defeat the Lakers 105–75. It was an impressive win for the Kings who played well on every side of the ball. Keegan Murray led all scorers in the game with 16 points has Anthony Davis led the Lakers with his 11 first half points.

The Kings next match up is in Sacramento against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday at 6 PM PST

Warriors Bid Sayonara To Tokyo Winning Game Two 104-95

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry sign autographs for fans in Tokyo during the Tokyo pre season series on Sat Oct 1, 2022 before their game with the Washington Wizards (@warriors photo)

Warriors Bid Sayonara To Tokyo Winning Game Two 104-95

By Barbara Mason

The Golden State Warriors (2-0) took on the Washington Wizards (0-2) in the second game of their two game series amidst a sell-out enthusiastic crowd. As in game one the applause for the Golden State Warrior lineup was thunderous.

Draymond Green addressed the crowd before the game. “On behalf of myself, my team mates our coaching staff we just to thank you all for an incredible experience,” he said. “Being in Tokyo for these last five days has been absolutely amazing. I look forward to living here one day. Thank ya’ll, we love y’all.” News flash??? but that is what the man said.

This game was a close one going into halftime. The Wizards held a slim lead 56-54. Washington won the third quarter 29-20 to extend their lead 85-74. The fourth quarter was all Warriors stuffing the Wizards 30-10. The final was 104-95 in favor of Golden State.

After a quiet game one Golden State guard Stephen Curry finished this game with 17 points and five rebounds. Warriors Moses Moody and Patrick Baldwin Jr. both scored twelve points off the bench.

The Wizards had four starters in double digits; Kristaps Porzingis finished with 18 points, Will Barton with 12, and Rui Hachimura and Monte Morris both with 11.

There are a multitude of things to clean up for both teams and that’s why we have a pre-season. After 17 turnovers in game one for Golden State that will surely be one of them.

So back to the states for the Warriors gearing up for a game with the Los Angeles Lakers on October 9 at Chase. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 PM.

Warriors Kickoff Pre-Season In Tokyo Beating Wizards 96-87

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry (left) and the Washington Wizards Rui Hachimura (right) are presented before their game in Tokyo on Thu Sep 29, 2022 (@Warriors photo)

 

Warriors Kickoff Pre-Season In Tokyo Beating Wizards 96-87

By Barbara Mason

The NBA preseason got underway a world away last night in Japan. The World Champion Warriors took on the Washington Wizards in a two game series.

Friday night a sellout crowd in Tokyo got to see not only the defending champion Golden State Warriors but they also got to see Japan native Rui Hachimura who is a starter for the Wizards. He understandably got a huge round of applause from the crowd when introduce along with the Wizard starters.

It has been awhile. In fact, the last time a preseason series was played was back in 2019, that game a contest between the Houston Rockets and the Toronto Raptors.

Fans got to enjoy the play of not only the starters but the bench as well. None of the Warriors played more than 20 minutes in this game and going into the third quarter both teams were digging deep into their benches.

The Warrior’s James Wiseman, after missing all of last season, played 24 minutes and had the high score with 20 points, He hit on eight of 11 shots and had nine rebounds on his return. It could not have gone better for Wiseman after so much missed time. The high score for the Wizards was Hachimura with 13 points and nine rebounds. Wiseman and Hachimura were the only players to finish in double digits.

It’s early and it’s the preseason and so there were the expected early turnovers and erratic passes. Both teams shot under 33% in the first half and by game’s end they finished under 37%. Despite the less than stellar shooting, the crowd enjoyed a game that they will remember for a long long time. They got to see some of the world’s greatest players and they showed their appreciation with thunderous applause throughout the game.

Klay Thompson did not play in this game and Jordan Poole started in his place. The team continues to be cautious with Thompson since his return last January after suffering a torn ACL and a ruptured Achilles which sidelined him 2 1/2 season. He will not play in this series.

The second game of this series will be played on Saturday with tipoff at 10:00 PM on NBA TV.

Headline Sports podcast with David Zizmor: Cavs sign Garland to 5 yr $231 M deal; Durant wants out of Brooklyn looking at Miami, Warriors sign Divincezo and Looney

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Cleveland Cavaliers’ Darius Garland (10) is thrilled during an NBA play-in basketball game against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, April 15, 2022, in Cleveland. Garland has agreed to a five-year, $193 million contract extension with Cleveland and could be worth as much as $231 million, the deal is the largest in team history according Garland’s agent Rich Paul as announced on Fri Jul 1, 2022 (AP News file photo)

On the Headline podcast with David:

#1 Dave, the Cleveland Cavaliers signed Darius Garland to a five year rookie extension contract for five years worth up to $231 million will the Cavaliers get their value out of the Garland signing?

#2 The Brooklyn Nets Kevin Durant wants out from the Brooklyn Nets said as of Friday that he wants to play for the Miami Heat as long as Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Kyle Lowry as his teammates.

#3 The Golden State Warriors are fortunate to keep Kevon Looney who agreed to a $25.5 million three year deal. The Warriors also signed Donte Di Vincenzo for a two year $9.3 million deal.

David Zizmor is the NBA analysist for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NBA Draft podcast with David Zizmor: Warriors looking to develop Baldwin; Kings say Murray can help Mitchell and Fox

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Milwaukee University’s Patrick Baldwin Jr is expected to be a big help for the Golden State Warriors who plan to take their time developing Baldwin (AP News file photo)

On the NBA Draft podcast with David Zizmor:

Golden State Warriors picked center Patrick Baldwin Jr out of Milwaukee who they can develop and take their time brining him up as they’re in a good position to do so. Baldwin comes up from the first round a 28th pick.

Baldwin according to scouting reports could be an elite NBA player at 6’10 he can shoot and handle the ball and play just as good as any guard coming out of the college ranks. Their is a concern about him staying healthy.

Baldwin played in only 11 college games this past season due to an ankle injury can he mesh that and get in more playing time. The Warriors medical staff are good with ankle injuries as they had time to work on Stephen Curry’s ankle a time or two.

Sacramento Kings picked Keegan Murray out of Iowa University a small forward drafted out of the first round as a four pick. Murray has a workout with the Kings prior to the selection and it just so worked out that Murray is now on board with the team.

The Kings say they are looking forward to seeing how Murray works with Davion Mitchell and D’Aaron Fox. They say that Murray will be a big help switching at the post and diversifying in the front court.

David Zizmor is an NBA analyst for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NBA Finals: Golden State Warriors World Champions After Beating Boston 103-90

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Golden State Warriors celebrate World Championship victory at TD Garden in Boston after defeating the Boston Celtics in six games on Thu Jun 16, 2022 (@warriors photo)

Golden State Warriors World Champions After Beating Boston 103-90

By Barbara Mason

Thursday night the Golden State Warriors took on the Boston Celtics and closed it out in six games winning the NBA Finals 103-90 at TD Garden.

The Warriors were 0-3 in playoff play when they had the chance to close out a series on the road. On the flip side of the coin the Boston Celtics have a 3-0 record in elimination games.

Teams leading 3-2 going into a game six have an 81% chance of winning. The last team to blow a 3-2 lead however, was the Warriors against the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.

Game 6 recap: The Celtics came into the first quarter on fire taking a 12-2 lead in the opening minutes. A couple of turnovers from the Warriors and a couple of three’s from Jaylen Brown was the difference in this game with a long long way to go. Three minutes into this game Klay Thompson was already in foul trouble and later Kevon Looney would find himself in foul trouble as well with two fouls. In a 17 point turnaround the Warriors took a 27-22 lead after 12 minutes.

The Warriors took a 15 point in the first two minutes of the second quarter. Marcus Smart had his third foul in the quarter but the Celtics were fighting their way back into this game trailing 37-29 with a lot of time left in the second.

Looney picked up his third foul in the second quarter. With under three minutes left in the first half the Warriors had taken an 18 point lead 51-33. Draymond Green was having an amazing game offensively and defensively with five points, five assists and seven rebounds. Golden State led at the half 54-39 with the Splash Brothers each turning in 12 points.

Boston turned a 22 point Warrior lead into 12 in the closing minutes of the third quarter, With under two minutes left in the third Boston had made a real push trailing 76-66 after three. It had been a 16-4 run for the Celtics despite a 17 turnover tally.

Golden State turned it on in the fourth quarter leading 101-86 with 1:30 remaining in the game. There would be no collapse for the Warriors in this game. The Celtic turnovers were a huge factor in the Boston loss. The Golden State Warriors were the NBA World Champions. The final was 103-90. It was nothing short of a finals masterpiece.

Curry was back after a tough game five with 34 points, seven assists and seven rebounds. Green was amazing with 17 rebounds, eight assists and 12 points. This was a real team effort that could not have been accomplished had it not been for every single player on the floor tonight.

A rough start for the Warriors turned into a glorious finish. “I’m so proud of our group. I thank God everyday that I get to play this game at the highest level with some amazing people,” said Curry the NBA Most Valuable Player after the game. “What we’ve been through in the past few years: it’s amazing. We hit rock bottom with injuries. We never take this for granted because you never know when you will be back here” he said.

It was a massive celebration for the Warriors on center court and a tough pill to swallow for the Celtics watching their opponents celebrate on their home floor. There was a huge celebration back at Chase Center with a watch party inside and out.

The Warriors now have their fourth championship in eight years, a level that few teams have been able to reach. They came so far in the past three years, going from worst in the league to world champions making this championship probably the sweetest they have ever celebrated.