Category: NBA

Warriors down Nuggets in the preseason opener 107-105

Published on by rxsluggerLeave a comment

The Denver Nuggets watch the Golden State Warriors offense take lay ups and shots. The Warriors get a two point win to open the NBA exhibition season on Sat Dec 12, 2020 at Chase Center in San Francisco (photo from @warriors)

By Jerry Feitelberg

San Francisco- The Golden State Warriors opened the first of the three-game preseason with a win over the Denver Nuggets 107-105. It was the first game the Warriors had played since the NBA season stopped play last March. The Warriors had the worst record in the NBA last year. Injuries to key players and the loss of Kevin Durant, in a sign and trade deal to the Brooklyn Nets, caused the Dubs to flounder all season long.

The W’s superstar, Steph Curry, played in only five games last season. All-Star Klay Thompson did not play as he recovered from surgery to repair the ACL in his left knee. Klay will miss the entire 2020-2021 season due to a torn Achilles tendon. The Warriors traded for Kelly Oubre, Jr, to help make up for Klay’s absence. The team acquired Andrew Wiggins from the T-Wolves for D’Angelo Russell. Wiggins did not have a chance to work with Steph last season. The W’s are hoping that Oubre and Wiggins will fit in well with the Warriors’ scheme of attack.

The number one draft pick, James Wiseman, and the veteran forward, Draymond Green, were not available due to bouts with Covid-19. They should return soon. However, it might take time for them to blend in with the new players.

The Warriors are hoping for center Kevon Looney to stay healthy for the entire year. Looney had been saddled with injuries in his first four years with the team. W’s head coach Steve Kerr will have to determine who will be the starting center. Will it be Wiseman, Looney, or Marquiss Chriss. Chriss played well last year. In the five years, the W’s went to the NBA finals, they used three guys in the center position. They used Pachulia, JaVale McGee, and David West in the rotations. They hope to use the three bigs, in the same manner this year.

The W’s are hoping for improvement from the second-year player, Jordan Poole. Poole worked hard in the off-season to add new dimensions to his game. Damion Lee, Brad Wanamaker, Kent Bazemore will be fighting to get playing times this season. These four players will get time on the second unit. Another player who is trying to make the team is Mychal Mulder. Mulder did well last year late in the season.

Players on the bubble know that they have to make the most of their opportunities when they get into the game.

How did they do? The Warriors’ first game was against the Denver Nuggets at the Chase Center Saturday night. Steve Kerr and his staff are looking to see what players will make the team. The W’s had a formidable opponent. The Nuggets beat the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2020 playoffs. They couldn’t handle the Lakers, but they are an outstanding team led by center Nikola Jokic.

The Warriors started Kevon Looney at center, Eric Paschall, who made the 1st team-NBA all-rookie team in 2020, was one of the forwards, Kelly Oubre, Jr the other forward, Andrew Wiggins, and Steph Curry were the guards.

How did they perform? Looney had eight points, six rebounds, and three assists. Paschall eight points, seven boards, and three assists. Oubre ten points, Wiggins eight, Steph 10. Steph made two threes in 22 minutes of actions. The subs did well too, Bazemore knocked down 13, Damion Lee twelve in eleven minutes of action. Brad Wanamaker, signed as a free agent, had eight. Jordan Poole 10, and Mychal Mulder 10 in 10 minutes of work.

Jokic led Denver with 26. Gary Harris 11, Paul Millsap 8, Jamal Murray 4. Backup guard Monte Morris added 10.

The Warriors play the next two preseason games against the Kings in Sacramento on December 15th and 17th. They open the season against the Brooklyn Nets on December 22nd. They will face their old teammate Kevin Durant who will be making his debut as a Net. It will be a must-watch game.

NBA is back Kings get clobbered by Blazers in Portland 127-102

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) and Portland Trailblazers Damian Lillard (0) watch the play fold in front of them in Portland on Fri Dec 11, 2020 (nba.com photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

The NBA is back! Most of the teams in the league came back into action for pre season play. The Sacramento Kings would be one of those teams. The Kings on a two game visit to Portland lost the first of the two on Friday night 127-102.

Kings fans come into this season trepidatious at best. The Kings had an off-season that could be described as turbulent. They fired their General Manager Vlade Divac, signed De’Aaron Fox to a max extension, lost Bogdan Bogdanovic to free agency, and tried to repair a shattered Buddy Hield relationship. All of this had taken place since the bubble in Orlando saw the Kings fly home.

The expectations for this year are tempered. The Kings didn’t do much to get better in the offseason. They are hoping that a young core including a healthy Marvin Bagley who can make a splash in a crowded conference.

The Kings took on the Portland Trail Blazers in their first matchup of the preseason. The results weren’t great. The Kings didn’t play well on defense. They allowed Blazers to score 127 points. Carmelo Anthony led the way in scoring for the Blazers with 21 points while recently departed King Harry Giles led the way in rebounds with 14.

For the Kings, who managed to put up only 102 points received 23 of those from Buddy Hield. Nemanja Bjelica led the way with seven rebounds for the Kings. The Kings allowed the Blazers to score 41 points in the first quarter to dig themselves an early hole. The Kings look to have a better performance in their next game on Sunday night.

Next up: The Kings will take on the same Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday at 6PM PST.

 

 

Headline Sports podcast with London Marq: No cusTOMary handshake from Brady; How Obure and Wannamaker will workout for Golden State; plus more

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady didn’t do the customary post game handshake with the opposing quarterback in this case Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff causing a furry of criticism after Monday Night Football (photo from CBS)

On Headlines podcast with London:

#1 Lots of criticism towards Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady for not going on the field after the game for the customary handshake with the opposing quarterback this time with the Los Angeles Rams Jared Goff after Monday Night Football. Brady refused to shake the hand of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles during week 5.

#2 Brady had this reputation as a nice person who contributes his time for charity and has opened his house up to the much criticized teammate and running back Antonio Brown but after shunning two opposing NFL quarterbacks twice after two games this season he’s starting to hear it from critics all around.

#3 The Golden State Warriors were hoping to have bolstered their roster adding guard Brad Wanamaker and Kelly Oubre Jr after what Warrior Stephen Curry calls after the injury to Klay Thompson “tragic for a guy as talented and hungry as Klay.”

#4 The Sacramento Kings nearly dealt away Bogdan Bogdanovic but now the team is trying to make him an offer. The Kings nearly dealt Bogdanovic to the Milwaukee Bucks but the Bucks acquired Jrue Holidy from the New Orleans Pelicans and Bogdanovic was up for bid as the Atlanta Hawks are vying for him at $72 million for four years. The Kings are debating whether to match that offer but some sources say that the Kings would better letting Bogdanovic go the Hawks because it allow salary cap flexibility around D’Aaron Fox, Marvin Bagley III, and Tyrese Halliburton’s salaries.

#5 On Monday the San Francisco 49ers signed quarterback Josh Johnson 34, as a practice squad quarterback and most likely won’t be on the active roster unless quarterback Nick Mullens is on the injured list. This is Johnson’s 14th NFL team and he has played in four different leauges, the UFL, AAF, XFL, and now the NFL.

Join London for Headlines podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears Football podcast with Michael Duca: Cal heads to Oregon State in what might be their best chance for a win

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Cal Bears Camryn Bynum far right celebrates after an interception thrown from UCLA Bruins Dorian Thompson-Robinson in the first half on Sun Nov 15, 2020 at UCLA (AP News photo)

Cal Bears Football podcast with Michael Duca:

#1 Michael in looking at last week’s loss to UCLA was it a matter of the change from preparing from ASU to UCLA on the fly after it was reported that ASU had multiple Coivd-19 cases and preparation for UCLA threw Cal off?

#2 The loss was reflective in the first half where the Bruins took a 27-1o lead an indicator Cal’s defense had a hard time getting tracked.

#3 UCLA quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson had time to throw against the Cal defense 196 yards, three touchdowns including a quarterback keeper.

#4 The Bruins executed a ground game that saw running back Brittan Brown carry for 71 yards and one score and Demetric Felton carry for 107 yards.

#5 Cal (0-1) face the Oregon State Beavers (0-2) at OSU. The Beavers have lost two tough games against Washington State University and the Washington Huskies. Cal is looking to get in the win column do you see this as Cal’s best chance to get a win?

Michael Duca does the Cal Bears podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

 

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary: Thompson’s News Worse for the Warriors in 2020

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Klay Thompson’s MRI show that he does have a serious Achilles tear and will be out for the 2020-21 season (CBS Sports file photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Although nationwide Stephen Curry is the most recognizable player with the Warriors, Klay Thompson is as loved by Warriors fans as anybody, and to hear the news that Klay will not be able to play this next season because of an Achilles tear in his right leg, is probably the worse news for the team in 2020.

Many Warriors fans are talking of how much this hurts, especially after he was getting ready to come back and play this upcoming season set to start December 22, after he missed the last season with torn ACL in his left knee.

The five-time shooting guard is expected to make a full recovery, according to all reports, that is sort of good news. However, this would be the second consecutive season for Klay to be on the sidelines.

The Warriors are forced to be without Thompson for the first two full seasons of his new contract. Many are questioning the organization, did they go too far in rewarding Thompson with his new contract of five-years and $189 million, specially because he inked that contract after he played his last game during Game 6 of the NBA Finals in 2019.

The Warriors picked Center James Wiseman (#2) in the first round of the NBA Draft this week. His role becomes much more important, he should be the starting Center for a team that is lacking size, a legitimate big man that can run the court, Wiseman is a 7 footer with great athletic ability. So picking Wiseman could prove to be a very “wise” move for the W’S.

Note: Soon the NBA will release the full schedule for every team. Each team is expected to play 72 games, with 42 of those against teams from the same conference and then 30 against non-conference. The league is moving carefully since we are in the middle of the predicted second wave of covid-19, so there could be more adjustments in the future as there could be games rescheduled because of the protocols.

Stay tuned and stay well.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings had a big draft night

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: cbssports.com

By Ana Kieu

The NBA Draft started on Wednesday night, and the Sacramento Kings had a big night. The Kings had their first and second round draft picks as well as the 35th pick and the 52nd pick, thanks to a three-team trade between the Kings, Houston Rockets, and Cleveland Cavaliers by the 2019 trade deadline,

With the 12th pick, Sacramento selected Tyrese Haliburton. Haliburton is a point guard who played at Iowa State University from 2018 to 2020. He was most recently named to the Second Team All-Big 12.

Haliburton told ESPN: “I’m in the perfect spot.”

ESPN Front Office Insider Bobby Marks shared his praise for the Kings’ 12th pick. Marks said: “In my 25 years working in the NBA, [Haliburton’s] the best interview I’ve ever gone through.”

The Kings traded their 35th pick to the Memphis Grizzlies for the 40th pick and a future second round pick.

With the 40th pick, Sacramento selected Robert Woodard II. Woodard is a guard and forward who played at Mississippi State University from 2018 to 2020.

With the 43rd pick, Sacramento selected Jahmi’us Ramsey. Ramsey is a guard who played at Texas Tech University from 2019 to 2020.

Nobody is sure that the Kings will get out of dysfunction this coming season, but these three picks are promising. Also, Sacramento has to consider changing their team’s culture.

Golden State Warriors podcast with David Zizmor: With Thompson injured Wiseman will have to step up

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Memphis’ James Wiseman (32) takes a jump shot over the Oregon Ducks Will Richardson (0) and Payton Pritchard (right) in Portland on Nov 18, 2019 will be joining the Golden State Warriors this season (AP News file photo)

Golden State Warriors podcast with David:

#1 Klay Thompson tore his achilles in practice on Wednesday and will getting an MRI today. Reports say the injury is significant and you may recall former Warrior Kevin Durant who tore his achilles in his last game with Golden State. How much of an impact will losing Thompson be for Golden State going into the season.

#2 After the Warriors selection of the NBA number two draft pick of 19 year James Wiseman will he be filling a void as they lose Thompson for the season. Will Wiseman be expected to step up after the Thompson season ending injury.

#3 San Francisco officials are already telling the Warriors that having fans coming into the Chase Center will not happen. With the spike way up, the Warriors were hoping to have fans return limited to 9,000 but the City said it’s just too risky and social distancing would be a huge concern.

David Zizmor does the Warriors podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Tony Renteria: Cano’s career could be toast after second PED’s suspension; 7 Raiders come down with positive Covid-19 test; plus more

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

New York Mets Robinson (24) Cano greets J.D. Davis (28) after hitting a home run during their game on August 17, 2020 against the Miami Marlins (AP News file photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with Tony R:

#1 Tony the New York Mets second baseman Robinson Cano who was suspended on Wednesday for coming up positive for PEDs may not be back with the Mets. This is Robinson’s second suspension for PED use.

#2 Cano was considered a Hall of Fame candidate who was just 376 hits away from reaching a career total of 3,000 most likely will never see that plateau and no team may pick him up because of his steroid use and suspensions.

#3 Tony tell us about the Las Vegas Raiders here they go again seven players go on the Covid-19 list, saftey Jonathan Abram, defensive tackles Maliek Collins, Johnathan Hankins, Kendal Vickers, defensive end Arden Key, cornerback Isaiah Johnson, and defensive end David Irving from the practice squad. Tony how will the absence of these seven players impact the Raiders going into Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

#4 The Raiders had a success in the ground game in their last game against the Broncos could they get that same satisfaction against the Chiefs this coming Sunday at Allegiant Stadium? The Raiders are the only team in the NFL to beat the Chiefs so far this season.

#5 The Sacramento Kings Bogdan Bogdanovic will enter restricted free agency after a deal that would have been a trade and sign deal fell though that would have sent him to the Milwaukee Bucks. The Kings and Bucks did have an agreement but the Bucks were able to acquire Jrue Holiday from the New Orleans Hornets as the Bucks were looking for someone that could compliment Giannis Antetokounmpo on offense. Will Kings still try and deal Bogdanovic somewhere else or will the Kings work on trying to keep him.

Join Tony Renteria for Headline Sports everyother Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings report: Reynolds retired, Jones hired

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: sacbee.com

By: Ana Kieu

After 35 years, Jerry Reynolds called it a career and subsequently retired from the Sacramento Kings. The 76-year-old executive and head coach came a long way from his humble beginnings in French Lick, Indiana, the same hometown as NBA legend Larry Bird.

Reynolds told KCRA: “It’s a dream I never would have thought it could have happened to someone from French Lick, Indiana.”

Aside from head coach, Reynolds also served as an interim head coach, assistant head coach, general manager, and director of player personnel.

“The 96 playoffs with Mitch Richmond and that bunch of Kings,” Reynolds told KCRA. “I was director of player personnel at that time. That crowd was the best and most enthusiastic ever, anywhere on Earth.”

Reynolds described his job as the Kings’ color commentator as the most fun job he has had in the past. He survived four ownership groups, five general managers, and 17 head coaches in his 35-year tenure. He added that it has been a blast and he wouldn’t change a thing.

In other news, Sacramento named Mark Jones as the team’s new television play-by-play announcer.

Jones will bring over 30 years of experience to Sacramento. He has been recognized for his nationally televised work on ABC and ESPN. He’ll work alongside the Kings’ color analyst Doug Christie on NBC Sports California.

Previously, Grant Napear served as the Kings’ play-by-play announcer from 1988 to 2020. Napear resigned from the Kings in June following his comments on the Black Lives Matter movement.

Former Kings player DeMarcus Cousins asked Napear: “What’s your take on BLM?” Napear responded: “Hey!!!! How are you? Thought you forgot about me. Haven’t heard from you in years. ALL LIVES MATTER…EVERY SINGLE ONE!!!”

The tweet exchange sparked backlash from players and fans alike. It was tweeted in the midst of nationwide protests of the death of George Floyd, a black man in Minneapolis who was killed by a police officer who kneeled on his neck. Floyd was a longtime friend of former NBA player Stephen Jackson.

Napear’s comments didn’t reflect the Kings’ views and values.

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary: NBA Starting Date–Up In the Air–

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

NBAPA Executive Director Michele Roberts says the players and owners are close on a salary cap agreement but are apart on whether to start in December with a 72 game schedule or in mid January (file photo from clutchpoints.com)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

NBA owners and players are not on the same page when it comes to Opening Day for the 2020-2021 season. It is all about revenue. The league wants a 72-game schedule beginning around Christmas, the players want something around mid-January 2021.

There is also a possibility the the NBA would offer players a short 50-game regular season that could begin in January. According to the NBA they believe that starting in January, however, could cost $1 Billion in losses.

The NBA Finals ended on October 11, as the LA Lakers won the title in six (6) games over the Miami Heat. If the season starts around Christmas some believe that veterans players of teams who went deep into the Postseason might not be ready, that they need more rest.

Obviously, the Pandemic figures big in the equation. If the NBA has no guarantee that games will be again played in empty-arenas. That is what the owners are saying when they prefer to begin the season in December instead of January.

This looks like ‘Groundhog Day” in comparison to what Major League Baseball went through recently and could be up for again next season.. The CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) also figures here. Depending what happens, players salaries could drop big time between the CBA 50-50 split between the NBA and the Players Union.

Some kind of agreement or decision on when to have the Tip Off for the season should be made soon.

Stay well and stay tuned.

Amaury does News and Commentary podcasts each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com