Category: NBA

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Warriors prepare for struggling Kings tonight at Chase Center

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Toronto Raptors’ OG Anunoby (3) drives at Golden State Warriors’ Damion Lee, center, and Moses Moody (4) on Sat Dec 18, 2021 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto (Canadian Press via AP photo)

On the Warrior podcast with Barbara:

#1 Barbara, one of the things that head coach Steve Kerr wanted to do for his key players Stephen Curry (rest), Draymond Green (right hip), Andre Iguodala (right knee), Otto Porter Jr. (left foot) and Andrew Wiggins (left knee) was get them some rest from Saturday night’s game in Toronto and had them fly back from Boston after last Friday’s game.

#2 One of the other things that Kerr wanted is to have the starters not to have to go through possible Covid 19 exposure and possible quarantine in Toronto Canada which would be two weeks.

#3 Barbara talk about Jonathan Kuminga he got lots of minutes and scored a career high of 26 points you had a chance to mention in your post game recap after Saturday night’s game what was your impression Kuminga.

#4 Kerr said after the game that he felt the second half was better than the first half using G league players and developmental players and gave Kerr a chance to see who they have in the minor league system.

#5 The Warriors take on the Sacramento Kings tonight at Chase Center in San Francisco. The Kings are struggling they’ve lost four of their last five games. They lost a frustrating home game at Golden One Center on Friday night to the Memphis Grizzlies 124-105 and their head coach Alvin Gentry and star player De’Aaron Fox were both out because of Covid 19 protocols. Barbara how do you see the Kings and Warriors match up this afternoon at 3pm?

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

Shorthanded Kings beat Spurs by seven 121-114 at Golden One

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San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) guards against Sacramento Kings center Tristan Thompson (13) Sun Dec 18, 2021 at Golden One Center in Sacramento in the first half of NBA action. (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings (13-18) were back in action on Sunday afternoon as they welcomed in the San Antonio Spurs (11-18) to Golden One Center. The Kings, fresh off an awful short-handed loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, were looking to clean up their effort.

However, it would be a tall task for the Kings as they remained understaffed, with the likes of De’Aaron Fox and Davion Mitchell still on the COVID list. The Kings managed to pull out the victory in a tough-fought matchup with the Spurs 121-114.

The Kings were off to a good start against the Spurs in the first quarter. The Kings offense was firing on all cylinders. The Kings put up a solid 37 points in the first quarter as the Spurs lack of defense was on full display. On the other hand, the Spurs were only able to score 27 points in the first to dig themselves an early deficit against the Kings.

The Spurs managed to flip the script in the second quarter. The Kings offense cooled, and the defense couldn’t step up. The Spurs scored 29 points in the second quarter as the Kings offense could only add 26 to their total.

Neither team played much defense in the first half as the Kings would go into halftime with a 63-56 lead. Damian Jones led the way in the first half for the Kings putting up a surprising 14 points. Tyrese Haliburton added 12 points in the first half. Lonnie Walker led the Spurs in the first half scoring 16 points.

In the third quarter, it appeared the Kings meltdown woes were coming back to bite them yet again. However, the Kings managed to get the game back under control before it got out of hand. The Spurs outscored the Kings in the third quarter, but it was only by one point, 29-28.

The Kings managed to stop the bleeding and not fall behind their opponent as they did on Friday night. The Kings would need to tighten up the defensive end in the final quarter if they wanted to get out of town with a win.

The Kings managed to do what they needed to win the game 121-114. The Kings received a significant contribution from Buddy Hield in the final quarter as the Kingd managed to outscore the Spurs. The last 12 minutes saw the Kings score 30 points compared with the Spurs 29.

Neither team shined on the defensive end of the floor all night. The Kings allowed at least 27 points in each quarter to the Spurs and scored at least 26 in each quarter themselves. The Kings were led in victory by impressive performances from Buddy Hield (29 points), Tyrese Haliburton (27 points), and Damian Jones (23 points).

The Spurs most significant contributors were Dejounte Murray and Lonnie Walker, who had 25 and 19 points, respectively. It was an excellent win for the short-handed Kings, who improved to 13-18 on the season. The Spurs fell to 11-18 on the year.

Up Next: The Kings have a quick 15-minute flight over to the Bay Area as they take on the Golden State Warriors on Monday at 7 PM PST at Chase Center.

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Warriors rested starters Saturday; Tip off with Kings tonight

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Toronto Raptors’ OG Anunoby (3) takes the ball against the Golden State Warriors’ Damion Lee, center, and Moses Moody (4) on Sat Dec 18, 2021 in Toronto at Scotiabank Arena. The Warriors host the Sacramento Kings Mon Dec 20, 2021 at the Chase Center in San Francisco (Canadian Press via AP News)

On the Warrior podcast with Barbara:

#1 Barbara, one of the things that head coach Steve Kerr wanted to do for his key players Stephen Curry (rest), Draymond Green (right hip), Andre Iguodala (right knee), Otto Porter Jr. (left foot) and Andrew Wiggins (left knee) was get them some rest from Saturday night’s game in Toronto and had them fly back from Boston after last Friday’s game.

#2 One of the other things that Kerr wanted is to have the starters not to have to go through possible Covid 19 exposure and possible quarantine in Toronto Canada which would be two weeks.

#3 Barbara talk about Jonathan Kuminga he got lots of minutes and scored a career high of 26 points you had a chance to mention in your post game recap after Saturday night’s game what was your impression Kuminga.

#4 Kerr said after the game that he felt the second half was better than the first half using G league players and developmental players and gave Kerr a chance to see who they have in the minor league system.

#5 The Warriors take on the Sacramento Kings tonight at Chase Center in San Francisco. The Kings are struggling they’ve lost four of their last five games. They lost a frustrating home game at Golden One Center on Friday night to the Memphis Grizzlies 124-105 and their head coach Alvin Gentry and star player De’Aaron Fox were both out because of Covid 19 protocols. Barbara how do you see the Kings and Warriors match up tonight at 7pm?

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

Toronto out plays Golden State 119-110; Warriors rest starters

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Toronto Raptors’ Scottie Barnes, (4) take a leap against the Golden State Warriors defense at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Sat Dec 18, 2021 (AP News photo)

Toronto Outplays Golden State 119-100

By Barbara Mason

Warriors rookie Jonathan Kuminga had a banner night against the Toronto Raptors shooting for 26 points.

The Golden State Warriors (24-6) took on the Toronto Raptors (14-16) at Scotiabank Arena Saturday night. The Warriors starters for the most part got the night off. The Raptors would not be seeing Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins or Jordan Poole in this game. It would not be even a contest as the Raptors would win easily 119-100.

The first quarter was all Raptors leading by the score of 31-18. Toronto led by 13 going into the second quarter and led by 63-42 at the half. The Warrior bench, playing the entire game, was working hard but the Raptors were having a great night playing some excellent ball.

The only starter on the floor was Kevon Looney. There were only nine players dressed for Golden State in this game. The star of the first half was rookie Jonathan Kuminga with 12 points.

The third quarter was more excellence by the Toronto Raptors winning every quarter so far in this game. Toronto’s VanVleet (27 pts), Barnes (21 pts), and Boucher (11 pts) were all over the Warriors bench in the quarter. This was some invaluable experience for the Golden State bench and some of these guys were coming through with flying colors.

After three quarters Kuminga had 21 points which led the team. He had a great shooting game but a disappointing stat in rebounds with only 1 and 6 turnovers something that he will be working hard to improve.

The Raptors finished the Warriors off in the fourth quarter. Golden State had a good quarter outscoring Toronto 31-23. We got to see the future Warriors especially Kuminga who finished with 26 points. It was a lot of fun watching him attack the rim and 4 of 6 from downtown.

“There’s a lot of tape for our young players to watch” said Warrior head coach Steve Kerr after the game. “I thought we played better in the second half and were more competitive” he said.

Monday night the Warriors will be back home taking on the Sacramento Kings at Chase Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Grizzlies clobber Kings 124-105; Sac has lost four of last five games

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Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks (24) drives past the Sacramento Kings center Damian Jones (30) at Golden One Arena in Sacramento on Fri Dec 17, 2021 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Kings were back in action against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night at home. The Kings last played on Wednesday when they took on the Washington Wizards.

The Kings handled the Wizards, defeating them 119-105. However, on Friday, the Kings were significantly short-handed. Kings head coach Alvin Gentry had tested positive for Covid earlier this week, and many staff members and players had to enter protocols as a result.

The players who missed Friday’s matchup were De’Aaron Fox, Davion Mitchell, and Alex Len. The short-handed Kings would try their best against the Grizzlies but ultimately fell 124-105.

In the first quarter, the Kings and Grizzlies both got off to a solid start on the offensive end. However, neither team’s defense looked outstanding as the shots fell for both teams. The Kings scored 31 points in the first quarter as the Grizzlies put up 29.

In the first quarter, the severely short-handed Kings got a much-needed lift from Harrison Barnes as he led the game with eight points. On the other hand, the Grizzlies got six points from De’Anthony Melton.

It was a very inconsistent quarter for the Kings in the second quarter. The Kings played great in the first half of the quarter. However, as the quarter came to a close, the Kings unraveled. The Kings built a 50-35 lead with 5:50 left in half, but it was short-lived.

The Kings lost the lead almost as quickly as they made it by the sloppy defense and unnecessary turnovers. The Kings had nine turnovers in the second quarter and 11 in the game, leading to 17 points so far. The Kings were outscored by the Grizzlies 29-25 in the second quarter.

The Kings were led by Harrison Barnes in the first half, who scored 15 points. Dillion Brooks led the way in the first half for the Grizzlies with 13 points. The Grizzlies took their 58-56 lead into the second half against the Kings. The Kings would need to clean up the messy play in the second half to have a chance at winning the game.

In the third quarter, the Kings meltdown continued. The Kings allowed the Grizzlies to score 33 points in the third quarter, but that wasn’t the biggest problem. The Kings offense only scored 19 points in the third. So, the Kings were left with a massive deficit heading into the final quarter 91-75.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings showed some heart but ultimately fell to the Grizzlies 124-105. The Grizzlies outscored the Kings 33-30 in the final quarter to finish off the blowout of the Kings. The Kings held their own in the first half but could not contain the duo of Jaren Jackson and Dillon Brooks, who had 21 and 23 points respectively.

The Kings were led in defeat by Tyrese Haliburton, who scored 21 points. It was a disappointing game for the Kings, who were also short-handed due to Covid.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday at 3 PM PST at Golden One Center.

Warriors Survive the Celtics 111-107

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Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles past Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) at TD Garden in Boston on Fri Dec 17, 2021 (AP News photo)

Warriors Survive the Celtics 111-107

By Barbara Mason

Now that Stephen Curry has surpassed the record set by Ray Allen a huge weight has been lifted off his shoulders. He is now able to play relaxed and free with no pressure other then trying to win games. The team is now relaxed as well and after a few days off the Golden State Warriors (24-5) should be poised and ready to take on the Boston Celtics (14-15) tonight at TD Garden.

The first quarter saw a Golden State that was light on their feet and starting fast. The Warriors led 34-26 at the end of the quarter. The Celtics had a very slow start in this game. Curry starting hitting three’s and along with Andrew Wiggins the Warriors were starting this game with a very fast pace.

At the half the Warriors had extended their lead 68-54. The first quarter was all Steph while the second quarter belonged to Andrew Wiggins. Wiggins was four of six from downtown with 24 points and Curry was three of six with 20 points. Wiggins was close to shooting 50% from downtown.

Both of these teams are known for being second half teams as they went into the third quarter. It was a horrible start in the first four plus minutes for Golden State. The Warriors were 0 for 6 with one turnover and needed to get going.

They had really cooled down letting the Celtics get within six points. The Warriors timing was way off and they were having trouble handling the Celtics intensity. Boston is especially hot at home so Golden State had to show up in the second half.

The Celtics were shooting 43% on three’s something that’s very tough to handle unless it is contained. The Warriors only had four turnovers in the entire first half but racked up five in the first six minutes of the third quarter.

Golden State barely held onto the lead as the quarter came to an end 82-81. What was most surprising is the Warriors had only 14 points in the third quarter, their lowest of the season.

The Warriors came alive in the final minutes of the fourth quarter leading 105-95. The Celtics had mounted a ferocious charge taking a brief lead in the final quarter with Jayson Tatum leading the way.

Golden State still had a lot of work left to close this game out. With 34.7 left on the clock Steph hit a floater and the Warriors were a stop away from their 24th win. A great defensive possession and Golden State won the game 109-104

It wasn’t pretty at times but great at other times and it was enough for the win. Andre Iguodala was a huge factor off the bench with 12 points, in fact the entire bench was very effective. Curry finished with thirty points and Wiggins turned in 27 points for the hard fought win 111-107. Head Coach Steve Kerr had his 400th win.

The Celtics got some great work from Jayson Tatum with 27 points from Jaylen Brown with 20.

Tomorrow the Warriors are back at it taking on the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:30 PM.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Aaron Fox who led Kings in scoring Wed is in Covid 19 protocols

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Sacramento Kings Doug Christie assistant coach filling in for head coach Alvin Gentry seen here giving instructions during the first half against the Washington Wizards at Golden One Center in Sacramento on Wed Dec 15, 2021 (AP News photo)

On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 Sacramento Kings (12-17) topped the Washington Wizards (15-14) 119-105 at Golden One Center in Sacramento on Wednesday night. The Kings guard De’Aaron Fox who led the Kings in scoring with 28 points was put on Covid 19 protocols and will not be playing on Friday night against the Memphis Grizzlies at Golden One Center.

#2 Harrison Barnes who finished with 19 points and scored 15 in the fourth quarter and that really was a difference maker after the Kings won by four points.

#3 Barnes had two three point plays and a three pointer himself that helped the Kings snap their three game losing streak.

#4 Assistant coach Doug Christie coached and led the Kings to victory on Wednesday night. Head coach Alvin Gentry, Marvin Bagley III, and Terence Davis were all out for Covid 19 protocols.

#5 The Memphis Grizzlies (18-11) who have won seven of their last eight games and defeated the Portland Trailblazers (11-18) on Wednesday night 113-103 are coming to Golden One Center tonight you’ll be covering tonight’s thriller how do you see this match up?

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

Harrison’s Hot Hand: Barnes, Kings offense come alive in 4th quarter of 119-105 win over the Wizards

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By Morris Phillips

SACRAMENTO–Say you’re not LeBron, Steph or KD. But you’re not chopped liver either, a dude with a nice deal and a niche in the vast pantheon of the NBA. If that’s your bag, then Wednesday was your night, and Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center your place.

With defense seemingly optional, shot blockers and defenders nowhere to be found, the Kings got their fit in the fourth quarter with Harrison Barnes scoring 15 of his 19 points, leading to a 119-105 home win over the Wizards.

The Kings snapped a three-game losing streak and moved ahead of the stumbling Trail Blazers in the dense Western Conference playoff hunt. Meanwhile, the Wizards have dropped six of seven, including all three on their current Western road swing.

Of course, neither coach wanted a loss here. With their season tenuous, twice interim coach Doug Christie was intent on starting in the win column, and Washington’s Wes Unseld Jr. was desperate to avoid falling within a game of .500 after an impressive 10-3 start to the season.

The harsh circumstances certainly impacted 46-year old Unseld’s thoughts. But the 51-year old Christie’s as well.

“The competitive spirit always isn’t there. The collective mind-set isn’t always there. Our care factor isn’t always there. That’s my frustration,” said Unseld, no doubt pointing to a finishing stretch Wednesday that saw Wizards score just 16 of the game’s final 58 points after leading by 12 late in the third quarter.

“For us to come back and fight the way we did … if it was easy everybody would do it, but it’s not,” Christie opined.

The day began with the news that Alvin Gentry, William Bagley Jr. and Terence Davis had entered COVID protocols and weren’t available. That elevated the 51-year old Christie into his first head coaching assignment less than a year after he resigned from his role as the team’s broadcast color voice. It also thrust Chimezie Metu, Alex Len and Moe Harkless into significant roles against the Wizards.

The Kings maintained their approach of putting their most credible defenders on the floor, and Christie was the visual reminder, given his status as one the NBA’s best defenders at his peak in 2000 through 2005. But these Kings aren’t a one-game fix. They allowed the Wizards’ three-point looks, and a one-point halftime lead which they expanded with a 32-point third quarter.

Luckily, the Kings did better with shot selection and just attacking. They also dramatically reduced their turnovers after the break. For one night, sticky defense got trumped by being persistent and getting to the basket.

De’Aaron Fox best personified Christie’s wishes by eschewing deep balls and attacking the basket on his way to a 28-point night. Davion Mitchell added 13, which justified Christie playing him 29 minutes and getting his resistance defensively.

Barnes followed and he absorbed some contact in delivering some big points down the stretch. His made free throws put the Kings up 109-98 with 3:24 remaining.

Better opponents loom immediately with Memphis up twice and a visit to San Francisco in the Kings’ next five games. So which path will they follow?

Who knows. Tyrese Haliburton couldn’t supply anymore wisdom in simply saying, “the only consistent thing we’ve done is be inconsistent.”

Curry crowned the new king of 3 pointers breaks Allen’s record with 2,974; Golden State defeats New York 105-96

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Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry takes a three point shot that would break the NBA record held by Ray Allen in the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York on Tue Dec 14, 2021 (AP News photo)

By Jessica Kwong

NEW YORK, NY—Golden State Warriors (23-5) guard Stephen Curry walked into Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night ready to make history against the New York Knicks (12-16) in a 105-96 win. After warming up with a range of shots – including three pointers – Curry walked up to a smiling Ray Allen, the record holder for most three-point field goals in NBA history – but not for long.

Early in the first quarter, Curry sank a three-pointer, tying the record with Allen. Then with 7:33 remaining in the quarter, off a pass from Andrew Wiggins, Curry made the splash from the right wing setting a new record: 2,974 three-pointers.

Golden State then committed a foul and called a timeout that the league let last three-and-a-half minutes to celebrate the greatest shooter of all time. Curry took in his accomplishment at backcourt, then hugged teammates, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and finally, Allen.

“I talked to Ray last week and he mentioned just make it your own, like, there’s no right way, wrong way to celebrate it. It’s just the way you feel that moment and that’s exactly what happened,” Curry said postgame. “I’m sure as the days go on, I’ll go back to that moment and relive the emotions of it because it was like that, it was really, really awesome.”

Golden State led 12-10 after Curry’s historic shot and the score was tied at 24 at the end of the quarter. The Knicks led 48-47 at the half, but the Warriors took command in the third quarter, finishing 71-64. New York was unable to catch up in the fourth quarter and the Curry and the Warriors won 105-96.

The night ended with more glory for Curry, interviews at center court and MVP chants.

Kerr said the team fouled after Curry’s special shot to give him the moment.

“You know you have to do something you can’t just keep playing,” Kerr said, adding he noticed it was an extra long timeout that was obviously organized beforehand. “It just felt like the right thing to do to make sure we celebrate.”

Wiggins said “Steph is a humble superstar” and that “in his speech, he was just thanking other people.”

Draymond Green admitted that Curry hitting the mark was a huge relief for him and the entire team, and that they can now focus on other goals.

“Steph is the best to ever shoot a basketball,” Green said. “Tonight was a huge step in the right direction for us.”

Regarding being called the greatest shooter of all time, Curry is finally comfortable owning the title.

“I got that baby,” Curry said, raising both arms in the air.

He looks to hit many more three-pointers, but won’t say what his exact goal is.

“Now that I got past that hump I can just let it fly and see how far I can push it,” Curry said. “Whenever I’m done playing, hopefully it’s not anytime soon.”

The Warriors (23-5) lead the western conference and continue their road trip on Friday against the Boston Celtics. Tipoff is at 4:30 p.m.

Raptors use huge first half to rout Kings 124-101

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Toronto Raptors’ Pascal Siakam, left, gets two points on Sacramento Kings’ Marvin Bagley III at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Mon Dec 13, 2021 (AP photo via Canadian press)

By Daniel Dullum
Monday, December 13, 2021

Nine Toronto players scored in double-figures Monday night, as the Raptors defeated Sacramento 124-101 before 19,453 at ScotiaBank Arena.

It was the Raptors’ fourth win in their last five games, while Sacramento wound up winless in its three-game road trip.

The Raptors (14-14) did most of their offensive damage in the first half, taking a 70-45 lead into halftime. The 70 points was a season-high for the first two quarters for Toronto, which opened the game with an 11-0 run.

Chris Boucher led Toronto with 17 points, followed by Scottie Barnes and Pascal Siakam with 16, Malachi Flynn with 14, Fred VanVleet and Yuta Watanabe with 12 each, Svi Mykhailiuk with 11, and Gary Trent Jr. and Justin Champagne with 10 each.

Watanabe also had 10 rebounds and a steal, Siakam grabbed eight rebounds to go with four assists, Trent had four assists and three steals, and Dalano Banton added six assists off the bench for Toronto.

De’Andre Fox scored a game-high 29 points to lead the Kings (11-18). Buddy hield netted 14 points off the Sacramento bench, followed by Alex Len and Marvin Bagley III with 12 points each and Tristan Thompson with 11.

Bagley had 11 rebounds, Len had eight rebounds, and Davion Mitchell had six assists.

Toronto shot 54 percent from the floor, while the Kings shot 40 percent. Sacramento also turned the ball over 17 times.

The Kings return home on Wednesday to host the Washington Wizards at Golden 1 Center.