Bucks cruise past Warriors 118-99; Golden State has now lost four of last five games

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry attempts to find a teammate to pass to against the Milwaukee Bucks’ Bobby Portis and Wesley Matthews at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee on Thu Jan 13, 2022 (AP News photo)

Bucks Cruise Past Warriors 118-99

By Barbara Mason

It is not a happy time for the Golden State Warriors (30-11) of late. In their last four games they are at the bottom of the NBA for offensive rating, points per game and three-point FG.

They are averaging 95.5 points per game, they are shooting 25% from downtown and the offensive rating is 95.5. Very un-Warrior-like play; they are struggling right now immersed in a true winter chill. That chill continued like frozen bricks as Golden State lost their fourth out of five games 118-99 to the Milwaukee Bucks (27-17).

Thursday night the Warriors were facing yet another challenge traveling to Milwaukee to play the Bucks. The world champs are led by superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and once again Golden State will be missing Draymond Green out with a left calf issue. He is doubtful for the remainder of their road trip. This is a big loss for Golden State; taking the court without the defensive prowess and leadership that Green provides.

The Bucks came into the first quarter in a perfect start for Milwaukee. They established an early lead 37-21. In the early part of the second quarter the Bucks were shooting 62% to the Warriors 37% and Golden State was getting drummed out of the building.

They were four of 20 from downtown, missing open shot and had those turnover issues once again. It seemed that the Bucks could hardly miss a shot in the first half. They led 77-38 at the half and continued to shoot 62% while the Warriors could only manage 27% shooting by the end of two quarters.

Not a single Warrior had double digits at first half’s end while the Bucks had four players, Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis and Grayson Allen shooting at will practically unable to miss. These guys were going crazy having the time of their lives at the expense of Golden State. It was an unbelievable deficit going into the third quarter.

Mid-way through the third quarter two Warriors finally reached double digits. Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins had 10 and 14 respectively. By third quarters end the Warriors had cut their deficit to 97-72. They had really dialed their game up winning the third quarter 34-20. While it was too little too late it was certainly a positive in an otherwise disastrous game for the Warriors.

The Warriors went on to win the fourth quarter outscoring the Bucks in the second half by 20 points. When you allow 77 points in the first half odds are that you have little to no chance to come away with a win.

Curry, Wiggins, and Klay Thompson all had double digits and off the bench Jonathan Kuminga had a great game with 15 points in 19 minutes. He continues to improve and is showing a lot of promise,

The Warriors continue their road trip taking on the Chicago Bulls Friday night. Tipoff is schedule for 4:30.

Kings bounce back to defeat Lakers at Golden One 125-116

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) gets a pass off by Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) and center Alex Len (25) at the Golden One Center in Sacramento on Wed Jan 12, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Wednesday night in Sacramento. On Monday, the Kings last played and lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers 109-108. It was a tough loss for the Kings, who had the chance to win the game with the final shot.

However, De’Aaron Fox missed the last shot as the Kings lost. On Wednesday, the Kings welcomed Lebron James and the Los Angeles Lakers to town. The Kings had played the Lakers tough this year and were hoping to win against the rival from Los Angeles. The Kings won the game by the final of 125-116 against the Lakers. 

In the first quarter, the Kings defense got off to a rough start. The Kings allowed the Lakers to score 34 points to put themselves in an early hole in the first quarter. Fortunately for the Kings, the offense got off to a decent start. The Kings scored 29 points in the first quarter to trail the Lakers by only five after the first. However, the Kings would need to tighten up the defensive end to stay in the game long term. 

In the second quarter, it was rough early for the Kings. The Kings started the second, struggling to score the basket and allowing the Lakers to get pretty much whatever they wanted. However, the Kings turned up the intensity towards the end of the second as they began driving more to the basket and taking fewer perimeter shots. The Lakers outscored the Kings 33-32 in the second quarter to marginally increase their lead going into halftime.

The Lakers were led in the first half by Lebron James, who had 17 points. The Kings strongest first-half performance came from De’Aaron Fox, who scored 14 points. Nevertheless, the Kings trailed the Lakers, heading into halftime 67-61. 

In the third quarter, it was all Kings. That pretty much sums up the quarter perfectly. The Kings had an offensive outburst as they scored 40 points in the third quarter to take the lead on the Lakers. On the other hand, the Lakers only scored 23 points in the third to put themselves behind the Kings 101-90 heading into the fourth quarter. Could Lebron James and the Lakers come back to defeat the Kings? We found out in the final 12 minutes. 

In the fourth quarter, the Kings played tough. The Lakers outscored the Kings in the final quarter 26-24, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Kings surge in the third quarter. The Kings defeated the Lakers by the final of 125-116 and improved to 17-27 on the season.

The Lakers dropped to 21-21 on the year as Lebron James couldn’t bring his team back to victory. However, Lebron James led the game in scoring with 34 points. The Kings leading scorer was De’Aaron Fox, who scored 29 points for the Kings. It was an excellent win for the Kings with an electric crowd behind them at Golden One Center. 

Up Next: The Kings take on the Houston Rockets on Friday at 7 PM PST in Sacramento.

Morant Leads Grizzlies To Win Over Warriors 115-108

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) shoots against Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney (5) and forwards Andre Iguodala (9) and Andrew Wiggins (22) in Memphis on Tue Jan 11, 2022 (AP News photo)

Morant Leads Grizzlies To Win Over Warriors 116-108

By Barbara Mason

Tuesday night the Golden State Warriors (30-10) took on the red-hot Memphis Grizzlies (29-14). Memphis is riding on a nine-game winning streak and they will make the Warriors work for this game. They are led by Ja Morant one of the best point guards in the game today. The absence of Draymond Green would be a factor in this game. So a lot of tough challenges in this game for Golden State.

The Warriors were outplayed in the first half. The ugly turnovers were an issue and the three points shooting was almost non-existent. Golden State was three of 13 from downtown. The Warriors have been struggling offensively especially from long range and the Grizzlies have a solid offense and defense that turned the Warriors away shot after shot.

Many of the turnovers from Golden State were due to the unrelenting defense of Memphis. With the Grizzlies leading 59-51 and under one minutes left in the half, the Warriors wanted to make a small run before the clock ran out. At the half. the Warriors had cut an 18 point deficit to eight.

The points off of the 12 Warrior turnovers were hurting them while the Grizzlies were fueled by three point shots the entire half. Ja Morant finished the first half with 18 points. Going into this game we all knew he was going to be a handful and he certainly was in the first half.

Stephen Curry had 12 points and Andrew Wiggins finished the half with ten. In the third quarter the Warriors had to limit those turnovers and do their best to contain Morant.

The Warriors started the third quarter with two steals and just like that had cut the Grizzlies lead to 59-56. Golden State came alive in the second half and the three’s starting dropping giving the Warriors a 71-66 lead. Midway through the third the game had totally flipped.

We saw a different defense from the Warriors in the third quarter and Memphis starting missing those long balls. As the quarter began to run out the two teams began trading the lead. The Warriors led after three quarters 90-87.

The Grizzlies led for much of the fourth quarter by the slimmest of margins. At 6:15 Memphis led 103-99. With both Curry and Klay Thompson on the sidelines this game was in jeopardy. With 4:39 left in this game the splash brothers came in to finish the game.

The hottest team in tne NBA would try to hold off the Warriors with 2:48 left on the clock. A missed three by Golden State and Ja Morant finished off the Warriors 116-108.

The Grizzlies took 100 shots in this game to the Warriors 80, not a winning formula The turnovers killed Golden State giving Memphis their tenth win in a row. The Warriors fought hard in the second half but it was the first half deficit that lost this game for Golden State. Points off turnovers were disastrous for the Warriors.

The Warriors will now head off to Milwaukee to take on the World Champs Thursday. The tipoff is scheduled for 4:30 PM.

Queeta Provides A Boost: Rookie impresses, but Kings suffer heartbreaking 109-108 loss to Cleveland

By Morris Phillips

SACRAMENTO–The Kings’ inconsistencies are so far reaching, they intersect with everything the faltering club touches. In this case, the first NBA basket for rookie Neemias Queta was muddied by a dubious footnote.

Queta, the rookie of Portugese decent, who was a standout center for Utah State, was rushed into duty with the Kings missing Richaun Holmes and Damian Jones (COVID protocols) along with Tristan Thompson, a late scratch with a quad issue. That left the Kings with starter Alex Len and an anxious Queta to combat the Cleveland Cavaliers’ imposing front line.

Just 30 seconds after Queta’s first quarter appearance, his nifty, jump hook in the lane gave him his initial points in the NBA. But six seconds later while the Kings’ defense took a pause, the Cavaliers’ Cedi Osman cruised in for an uncontested layup at the other end.

Monday’s fourth quarter was a mixed bag as well with Cleveland riding a 20-5 run to seize control and lead by double-digits only to see the Kings answer with a 9-0 run but come up short when De’Aaron Fox’s shot in the lane was a little long. That conclusion saddled Sacramento with a painful 109-108 loss at Golden 1 Center.

The Kings’ fifth consecutive loss came one night after the team was embarrassed in Portland by the Blazers, who were without their dynamic Lillard/McCollum backcourt. Against the Cavs, the Kings battled, only to come up short at the final horn.

Their biggest issue Monday? A lethargic start in which they missed eight of their first 10 shots and dug themselves a hole they ultimately couldn’t climb out of. But after an uninspiring start–and that issue of getting back on defense after a made basket–the embattled club played hard, and hit difficult shots.

Yes, the inconsistencies. But this time, interim coach Alvin Gentry generally seemed pleased.

“We did all we needed to do to put ourselves in position to win. We just couldn’t quite get over the hump,” Gentry said. “If you tell me that I could get De’Aaron Fox a foul-line jumpshot to win the game, I’ll take that. If we play that way night in and night out, we’ll change the direction of our team.”

The Cavaliers–also on a back-to-back–aren’t inconsistent at all. In fact, as one the league’s hottest teams, they’ve ruled the paint against all their opponents for better than a month. They were the unfortunate opponent for Golden State’s Klay Thompson’s return on Sunday, scoring a season-low 82 points. But the Kings’ porous defense immediately had Cleveland back on track; they scored their first 17 points on Monday in the paint.

Then Kevin Love got hot, pouring in 14 of his 19 points in the first half. The Kings appeared whipped at the break, trailing by 13, and not doing enough to inspire the smallest home gathering of the season.

“We were rebounding the ball, protecting the paint, doing everything that made us a good team, said Jarrett Allen, who finished with 18 points, 17 rebounds for the Cavs. “It was a huge step in the right direction.”

The Kings made it interesting in the second half by hitting 12 of their 14 3-pointers along with some blue collar work on the glass that would yield 15 offensive rebounds. The Cavs did their part in aiding the home team with 17 turnovers.

With Fox clearly laboring, likely due to a shoulder issue he’s battled, the Kings got scoring from Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hield. Haliburton’s three with 7:51 remaining extended the Kings only lead of significance to 94-89.

But the ensuing Cleveland run sealed it. Laurie Markkanen’s three with 2:34 remaining put the Cavs up 109-99.

Haliburton led the Kings with 21 points, 8 assists. Hield contributed 19 points while connecting of five of his eight 3-point attempts. Four other Kings scored in double figures, and Queta added 11 points, five rebounds in a career-high 24 minutes.

The Kings continue their five-game home stand on Wednesday when the Lakers visit, this time likely with the streaking LeBron James in tow. James has scored at least 30 points in 10 of his previous 11 games, with the exception being a 26-point, 7-rebound effort in a 108-103 win over Minnesota.

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: After 941 days of waiting Big Splashy Return for Thompson

Klay Thompson is seen here on Mon Jan 3, 2022 taking practice shots before the Golden State Warriors host the Miami Heat at the Chase Center. Thompson debuted in his first game back in two and half years on Sun Jan 9, 2022 against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Chase Center (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Barbara:

#1 Talk about Klay Thompson’s return?

#2 Kevon Looney had an exceptional defensive game that played a great part in this win.

#3 Stephen Curry sure got back on track after two loses in a row the most the team has suffered since the season started.

#4 What are Steve Kerr’s thoughts about the return of Thompson?

#5 The next game up for the Warriors will be against the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night in Memphis. How do you see this game?

Join Barbara for the Warrior podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

An Evening To Remember at Chase; Thompson Back as Warriors handle Cavs 96-82

Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson, right, puts up a three pointer over Cleveland Cavaliers forward Lauri Markkanen (24) at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Sun Jan 9, 2022 (AP News photo)

An Evening To Remember at Chase Warriors Handle Cavs 96-82

By Barbara Mason

Sunday night fans got to celebrate the biggest game in Chase history. It seems as it we have been waiting a lifetime for the return of the Golden State Warriors (30-9) Klay Thompson. All the blood, sweat and tears that this guy has endured will come to fruition tonight. Win or lose, this game will be an unforgettable welcome home for the phenomenal Klay Thompson. The splash brothers are back!!! What a way to welcome them back as they earned a 96-82 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers (22-18)

“Tonight is about showing our appreciation for what he has had to go through individually and express our affection for him. In a lot of ways it will be a very difficult game to lock in and focus on. That’s the challenge for the group amidst all this emotion,” said Head coach Steve Kerr before the game.

The Warriors took on the Cleveland Cavaliers looking for number 30 of the season. The Warriors will have to focus with all the hoopla that will be going on but they will not be alone. The Cavaliers will also have to block out what will be the loudest crowd that they have ever encountered.

The Warriors will be looking for some better shooting from downtown. They have come off of two forgettable games this season, not only losing two in a row but also two tough games shooting seven of 33 against the Pelicans on Thursday night and five of 28 against Dallas on three’s.

At 11:13 in the first quarter we got to see Klay’s first NBA bucket in 2 1/2 years; a textbook floater in traffic. The Cavaliers will have the challenge of trying to contain both Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. After eleven minutes it became clear that the three-point drought had come to an end as Curry started the game four for four from downtown. The Warriors led after one quarter 24-21.

At the half the Warriors continued to hold the lead 51-46. In the second quarter Thompson had his first dunk and his first three of the game. The Warriors were only shooting 37% but it was their defense that kept the score in favor of Golden State. Kevon Looney had 10 rebounds in the half and Porter had six for a great defensive effort. Curry finished the half with 18 points, the only Warrior in double digits.

The Cavaliers had managed to hang with the Warriors until the third quarter. Golden State came unleashed in the third and extended their lead to 79-60. Looney had an amazing 16 rebounds in the quarter close to his all-time high.

The Cavaliers made a nice bid cutting the Warriors 24 point lead to ten in the fourth quarter but it just wasn’t enough. The Warriors shooting had cooled off in the final quarter but picked back up in the closing minutes. The final was 96-82. .

What could be better than seeing Curry and Thompson together again? Why a win with Curry and Thompson playing their first game together and that’s exactly what they got, the first of many. Thompson was on fire with his signature snarl evident throughout the game.

He had 17 points in 20 minutes of play and didn’t look the least bit winded. Curry finished with 28 points. Looney was amazing breaking his previous rebound record clocking 18. The entire team had a great defensive showing which was needed since the team only shot 39%.

“I was nervous to start. I am so grateful for this fan base. There were four or five shots that I should have made but I’m just thankful to be out here,” said Thompson after the Game. “:I am excited for the future. I’m just happy.”

Next up for the Warriors will be the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday. Tipoff is schedule for 5:00 PM.

Big night by Simons helps Blazers down Kings 103-88

Portland Trail Blazers guard Ben McLemore, right, and Sacramento Kings guard Tyrese Haliburton (left) go for the ball at the Moda Center in Portland on Sun Jan 9, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum
Sunday, January 9, 2022

Anfernee Simons poured in 31 points, Jusuf Nurkic nearly put together a triple-double, and the Portland Trail Blazers defeated Sacramento 103-88 Sunday night at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter in Portland.

It was the fourth straight loss for the Kings, while Portland snapped a two-game skid.
Nurkic scored 14 points, pulled down 16 rebounds and collected nine assists for the Trail Blazers. Nassir Little and Ben McLemore each added 13 points for Portland. Simons finished with seven 3-pointers.

Tyrese Haliburton led the Kings with 17 points and nine assists, followed by Alex Len with 16 points and 10 rebounds. De’Aaron Fox had 14 points, Harrison Barnes scored 13 and Buddy Hield scored 10 off the Sacramento bench.

The Trail Blazers never trailed in the contest. Simons, filling in for Damian Lillard, hit a 3-pointer at the 7-minute mark of the fourth quarter to give Portland a 90-70 lead, its biggest of the game.
Sacramento then went on a 10-2 run to pull within 92-80. Simons responded with another 3 to halt the Kings rally with 4:36 remaining.

Fox’s start was a game-time decision because he’s nursing a sore right shoulder. Maurice Harkness sat this game out due to a sore right ankle. Richaun Holmes and Damian Jones were absent from the Kings lineup due to health and safety protocols.

The Kings return home Monday to host Cleveland, the first game of a five-game homestand.

49ers overcome 17-point deficit and defeat Rams 27-24 in an overtime classic

San Francisco 49ers kicker Robbie Gould (9) and Kyle Juszczyk (44) celebrate after Gould’s field goal in overtime to defeat the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Sun Jan 9, 2022 (AP News photo)

by Marko Ukalovic

LOS ANGELES — It was a Hollywood ending, but not for the team in the blue and yellow.

The San Francisco 49ers overcame a 14-3 halftime deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Rams 27-24 in overtime on Sunday afternoon at SoFi Stadium.

San Francisco finished 10-7 on the season clinched the sixth seed in the NFC. They will travel out to Dallas to take on the Cowboys in the wild card round of the playoffs. Los Angeles (12-5), despite the loss, finished first in the NFC West as the Arizona Cardinals lost to the Seattle Seahawks. They dropped to the fourth seed in the NFC and will host the Arizona Cardinals in the wild card round.

Los Angeles controlled the play in the first half. Their first two drives consumed over 15 minutes as quarterback Matthew Stafford methodically led his offense down the field with a nice balance where they were able to convert five of their first six third-down conversions.

Matt Gay capped a 12-play 61-yard drive with a 43 yard field goal.

On the Rams next possession Cooper Kupp set up Los Angeles inside the redzone with a 46-yard reception. Tyler Higbee scored a two-yard touchdown reception to give LA a 10-lead.

It was a rough start for the 49er’s offense and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo in the first half. Garoppolo had a fumble after a 14-yard sack (the Niners were able to recover the ball) and an interception as the Rams defense controlled the line of scrimmage.

San Francisco wasn’t able to get the running game going either as they ran for just 10 yards in the first half. Their special teams also performed poorly when they allowed a 31-yard punt return by Brandon Powell that set up the Rams in good field position.

Los Angeles took advantage of the punt return when Stafford found Higbee for his second touchdown of the game, a 15-yard leaping grab along the sidelines.

San Francisco gained momentum at the end of the first half when they went 61 yards on six plays on the final 38 seconds of the second quarter that resulted in a 42-yard field goal by Robbie Gould.

The 49ers came out with some mojo to start the second half. Garoppolo led them on a seven play 75-yard drive capped off with a 16-yard rushing touchdown by Deebo Samuel. It was the eighth rushing touchdown for Samuel this season for the hybrid wide receiver.

San Francisco’s defense dominated the second half as they forced four punts and a turnover. Emmanuel Moseley intercepted Stafford on Los Angeles’ second possession.

The 49ers ran the ball down the Rams’ throat as they tied it up at 17-17. 10 of the 11-play drive were runs as the offensive line controlled the trenches. San Francisco’s 11th play was a trick play that caught the Rams off guard. Samuel took a handoff and threw a 24-yard touchdown to Juaun Jennings who was left all alone down the right sideline.

San Francisco run for 125 of its 135 rushing yards in the second half.

Kupp was the catalyst when Los Angeles went up with 24-17 with 2:29 left in the fourth quarter. Kupp had a 30-yard reception to start the drive and ended it with a four-yard touchdown reception, his team leading 16th of the season.

San Francisco looked to have been done when Von Miller sacked Garopollo with two minutes remaining and forced the 49ers to punt.

However, the tenacious defense of San Francisco forced a three and out as the Niners used all their timeouts to get one more possession with 1:27 remaining.

Garopollo marched the 49ers down the field on a five-play 88-yard drive. He completed a 12-yard touchdown to Jennings with 26 seconds left to send the game to overtime.

The 49ers won the toss and drove 69 yards down the field on 12 plays the resulted in a Gould 24-yard field goal.

49ers rookie cornerback Aubrey Thomas sealed the deal when intercepted Stafford on a deep pass down the right sideline.

Garopollo finished 23 of 32 for 316 yards with one touchdown, two interceptions and a QB rating of 87.5. Running back Elijah Mitchell ran an efficient 85 yards on 21 carries. Brandon Aiyuk led the 49ers in receiving with six catches for 107 yards. Jennings finished with six catches for 94 yards to go along with his two receiving touchdowns.

Stafford finished 21 of 32 for 238 yards with three touchdowns, two interceptions and a QB rating of 93.0. Kupp had another outstanding game as he led all receivers with seven catches for 118 yards and one touchdown. Sony Michell had just 43 yards on 21 carries.

San Francisco sacked Stafford five times to go along with their two interceptions.

GAME NOTES: San Francisco finished 9-for-14 on third down conversions. Los Angeles was 10-for-17.

San Francisco swept the season series and have won six in a row over their NFC West rival.

UP NEXT: San Francisco takes on the Dallas Cowboys from AT&T Stadium. Date and time TBD.

Denver Dominates Sacramento 121-111

Sacramento Kings forward Marvin Bagley III, center, gets between Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon, left, and center Nikola Jokic in an attempt to score at Ball Arena in Denver on Fri Jan 7, 2022 (AP News photo)

Denver Dominates Sacramento 121-111

By Barbara Mason

Struggles for the Sacramento Kings (16-25) continued against the Denver Nuggets (19-18). The team has struggled with the inability to finish games. They have squandered winnable games throughout the season and Friday night in Denver was no different as the Kings took a 121-111 loss to the Nuggets.

The first half was a tough one for the Kings as they took on the Nuggets. The Nuggets played both quarters at a nice pace, with great passing and a lot of patience. The entire team was playing in a near perfect rhythm which was trouble for the Kings. At the half the score was 66-54.

At one point in the half the Nuggets had 32 points in the paint while the Kings had 37 points total. At the half the Nuggets had the Kings number and there was nothing that Sacramento was able to do in the first two quarters to change the course of the first half.

Down by 20 points at one time in the first half, the Kings started to make a move in the third quarter. Sacramento got within four points of Denver but as has happened in the past, they let it slip away.

Every time that the Kings made a move, Denver had the answer. As the third quarter came to an end, the Nuggets led 96-85. Sacramento had far too many missed shots; misses from players that usually have a lot more success.

The Nuggets had a significant lead throughout most of this game. Denver had more fouls than the Kings by a couple, 20-18. The Kings had 46 rebounds to the Nuggets 41. The Kings had close third and fourth quarters winning both of them by a single points. It was the 12 point deficit at the half that determined the outcome of this game.

High score for the Kings was De’Aaron Fox with 30 and for the Nuggets Nicola Jokic had 33 points. Both teams had nice work off the bench, the Kings with 44 and the Nuggets with 42 points. Sacramento’s defensive woes continued in this game as well.

Sacramento will have a travel day tomorrow heading into Portland for a date with the Trail Blazers for Sun Jan 9th tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 PM.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings need to defend against Jokic and Nuggets tonight

Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) gets a pass away as Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu (17) tries to get an arm in to defend the pass at the Golden One Center in Sacramento on Wed Jan 5, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets tip off with the Sacramento Kings (18-17) tonight in Denver. The Kings are coming off a 108-102 loss to the Atlanta Hawks Wednesday night in Sacramento. The Kings have lost seven of their last nine games.

#2 More from Wednesday’s game the Hawks Kevin Huerter led with 25 points and in the last 38 seconds of the game Huerter scored five points the Hawks grabbed a six point win over the Kings.

#3 Huerter had 11 rebounds getting his first double double this year for the Kings. Huerter was a tough customer to shut down all Wednesday night.

#4 The Hawks were short players due to them being on the Covid 19 protocols list and the Kings were on back to back games. The Hawks executed enough on offense just to get over the top for the win.

#5 The Kings are in Denver tonight. The Nuggets lost their last game on Wednesday night to the Utah Jazz 115-109. The Nuggets have played .500 ball having won six out their last six games.

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