TNT NBA analyst Shaquille O’Neal said his advice to NBA players is to save aggressively about 75% of your earnings and live off the remaining 25%. (photo by TNT)
Mafia-NBA Scandal and Shaq’s advice –
That’s Amaury News and Commentary
By Amaury Pi-González
The average salary of NBA players is 11.9 million. Shaquille O’Neal’s comment and question about the players involved in the gambling investigation were, “How much is enough?” Shaq’s advice to the players in his own words: Save aggressively — ideally 75% of their earnings — and live off the remaining 25%. Ideally 75% of your earnings, and live off the remaining 25%”.
He emphasizes that it’s not about how much you make, but how much you keep. His core principle is that with discipline, you can build wealth and financial freedom even from smaller amounts by living. Shaq played for 19 seasons in the NBA.
Shaquille O’Neal’s fortune is estimated at around $500 million in 2025. But when it comes to handling his finances. Shaquille O’Neal said to his own children, “We ain’t rich, I’m rich, to teach them the value of hard work.
Shaq believes his children should earn their own success and not rely on his wealth. He requires them to finish school, get a degree, and present a business plan before he will invest in it. The NBA sent a memo to all 30 teams four days after guard Terry Rozier and coach Chauncey Billups were indicted by the FBI in the gambling investigation, shaking the NBA to its core.
The league wrote that it is reviewing policies on injury reporting, training, and education for all NBA personnel, as well as player safety measures. Charles Barkley has been vocally critical, dismissing arguments of gambling addiction and calling those involved “stupid.”
This comment came during an on-air debate with fellow NBA commentator Kenny Smith, who suggested addiction could be a factor. After the recent arrests on this scandal, Barkley has been very critical, dismissing the argument made on-air by commentator Kenny Smith, who suggested addiction could be a factor.
Quotes: Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner: Emphasized the seriousness of players betting on games and stated that nothing is more important than the integrity of the competition. Jessica Tisch, NYPD Commissioner: Described rigging games for profit as immoral and illegal, calling it an offense to players and fans. FBI Director Kash Patel: Referred to the alleged schemes as “mind-boggling ,” involving significant financial fraud over multiple years.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) gets hit with a foul while driving to the hoop against the Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis (11) in first half action at Golden One Center in Sacramento on Sun Oct 26, 2025 (AP News photo)
Sacramento Kings podcast Barbara Mason:
#1 How did the Kings Domantas Sabonis impact the game in terms of rebounding and inside scoring, and did the Kings get enough production from him down the stretch?
#2 With the Kings Zach LaVine listed as questionable due to illness, did he play and how did his level of play affect the Kings’ offensive rhythm?
#3 How effective was the Kings Russell Westbrook in his role — did he provide the veteran leadership and playmaking the Kings hoped for?
#4 Did the Kings get a meaningful contribution from DeMar DeRozan, and how did his performance compare to expectations in this game?
#5 Given the Kings allowed 127 points, what defensive breakdowns or weak matchups stood out, and which Kings player(s) were primarily responsible for trying (but perhaps failing) to stop the Lakers’ attack?
Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.
⚡Craft cocktails? Check. 🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah. 🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.
Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.
Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.
📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street
Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm
Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.
Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after the Lakers made a basket against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on October 26, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Jeremiah Salmonson
DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO — As the NBA reels from the worst gambling scandal since 2007, the Los Angeles Lakers came into Golden 1 Center and shot 46 free throws in a game where the Kings attempted only 18. That was the story of the night as the Kings lost to the Lakers 127-120 on Sunday night in Sacramento.
In the first quarter, the Lakers, without LeBron James or Luka Dončić, outscored the Kings 36-27 to take an early lead. The Kings’ defense wasn’t doing a sufficient job keeping the Lakers out of the paint, as 18 of their 36 points came there. The Kings’ bench was a nonfactor offensively in the first quarter, failing to score a single point. Zach LaVine, as he did in Friday’s win over the Jazz, got off to a red-hot start, scoring 11 points in the opening period. The Kings shot 47% from the field compared to the Lakers’ 63%.
In the second quarter, led by Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan, the Kings got back into the game before halftime. Westbrook and DeRozan combined for 22 points in the quarter to tie the game 62-62 heading into the break. The Kings’ defense picked up in the second quarter, holding the Lakers to 26 points while scoring 35 of their own. Sacramento shot 47% in the first half compared to Los Angeles’ 52%—a significant decline from the Lakers’ first-quarter percentage, which showed the Kings were beginning to settle in defensively.
In the third quarter, Austin Reaves torched the Kings and led the Lakers to outscore Sacramento 33-28, giving Los Angeles a 95-90 advantage entering the fourth. It was at this point in the game that the free throw discrepancy—39 to 11 in favor of the Lakers, became particularly glaring. While not all of the fouls seemed legitimate, as evidenced by Doug Christie’s two successful challenges, the Kings weren’t playing disciplined defense and were reaching. Still, that much of a difference didn’t sit well with the Kings.
In the fourth quarter, the Lakers continued to attack the Kings on the offensive end and control the paint. Sacramento trailed 117-109 with 3:40 to play as Austin Reaves stayed red hot in the second half. From that point on, the Kings outscored the Lakers 11-10 in the closing minutes, but it wasn’t nearly enough as they fell 127-120 at Golden 1 Center.
Austin Reaves finished with an incredible 51 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists in a career night without Luka and LeBron in the lineup. On the Kings’ side, Zach LaVine scored 32 points and has now posted 30 or more in every game this season. He joins Jack Twyman (1959-60), Oscar Robertson (1961-62, 1965-66), and Tiny Archibald (1972-73) as the only Kings to score 30 points in the first three games of a season.
Speaking on LaVine’s start to the season, Doug Christie was highly complimentary of his defensive effort.
“Zach is playing at a really, really high level. I mean, I’m not even really concerned with the points. He’s competing on the defensive end, which is mad love. The defensive commitment that he continues to show is to be commended.”
As it related to the game overall, Christie was visibly distraught afterward when discussing the officiating.
“Forty-six, you said?” Christie responded after James Ham pointed out the free throw discrepancy. “I mean, we got to play defense without fouling, obviously, but there are two teams on the floor, so it’s wild. It’s wild. It’s wild.”
DeMar DeRozan echoed a similar sentiment, appearing in disbelief as he confirmed that Austin Reaves shot 22 free throws.
“Forty-six free throws was crazy to our 18, I don’t know,” DeRozan said after the game. “I got to go back and look, but like I said, 46 free throws is crazy. It’s crazy.”
Crazy or not, the Kings have yet to show a consistent ability to play high-level defense. Defense and fight remain the mantra Doug Christie has tried to instill in this group, but it hasn’t taken root yet, and the frustration is starting to show within the locker room.
Up Next
The Kings will head out on the road for a four-game trip. Their first stop will be in Oklahoma City on Tuesday as they take on the Thunder at 5 p.m. PST. The Kings will return home to host the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, November 5.
Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.
⚡Craft cocktails? Check. 🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah. 🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.
Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.
Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.
📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street
Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm
Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.
Miami Heat’s Tony Rozier leaves the Orlando Federal Courthouse through a side door after an arraignment on Thu Oct 23, 2025 (AP News photo)
Investigation of the Mafia-NBA Gambling Scandal
That’s Amaury News and Commentary
By Amaury Pi-González
The current investigation of the Mafia and NBA gambling continues, and could make the 1919 eight Chicago White Sox players banned for life after throwing the World Series on equal footing, the numerous PED scandals, with many players’ suspensions, the Pete Rose ban from baseball because of gambling charges, and the most recent the Houston Astros sign stealing scandal look all trivial in comparison.
This could be the “tip of the iceberg,” said one popular ESPN commentator on TV, referring to the current investigation Recently, before the Warriors’ game against Denver, Warriors’ coach Steve Kerr was asked about this current NBA scandal. He responded, “The biggest thing is that our players face a lot of wrath from fans,” referencing the barrage of hostile messages athletes now receive, especially from those with money riding on the outcome.
Kerr was talking about the fans, and I agree that fans do not have a right, because they bet on a game, to harass or intimidate him or his team, because a fan made a certain bet and Kerr made a substitution, and that fan felt it cost him to lose money on his legal bet.
With all due respect to the Warriors coach, I understand what he is saying and agree with his statement, but as of today, nobody knows whether this scandal involves basketball fans who bet on NBA games. It is legal for adults to bet on sports in the US.
More than 30 people have been arrested in this recent FBI investigation into illegal gambling, match-fixing, and a mafia-backed poker scheme, and so far those arrested include NBA players, a head coach, and organized crime members. Are there also fans among the people over 30 who have been arrested so far?
We do not know, or those in the know have not told us yet. Here are all the major sports outfits in the country: DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, Bet365, ESPN Bet, Fanatics Sportsbook,BetRivers. There are also a bunch of sites that are dedicated exclusively to horse racing.
The Warriors’ success at the box office is nothing new. The Golden State Warriors sold out games with great frequency during their time in Oakland, especially during their championship-winning years . The team amassed a long consecutive sellout streak that began in Oakland and continued after their move to San Francisco.
I remember those years when I was their first and only, to date, Spanish play-by-play announcer for all their games, home and away. The Warriors have always been a very popular team in the Bay Area, whether they played in Oakland or in San Francisco.
On a lighter note: A good friend of mine told me that the prices for food at the Warriors games at Chase Center in San Francisco are so high that a hot dog costs $8.50 and a beer is as high as $20. But once they’re inside, they know those are the prices; it’s like an island, they cannot leave. Which I responded, What do you expect? They play at the Chase Center, Chase is a huge US Bank.
Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.
While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com
LeBron James (left) seated next to Bronny James (center) and forward Rui Hachimura (right) as the Los Angeles Lakers battle the Golden State Warriors on Tue Oct 21, 2025 at Crypto Arena in Los Angeles (AP News photo)
Sacramento Kings podcast Tony Harvey:
#1 The Los Angeles Lakers are coming to Golden One Center in Sacramento on Sunday night. LeBron James will be scratched out of the line up as he is reportedly suffering from a sciatic nerve on his right side and will be out of commission for three to four weeks.
#2 There has been talk that the LeBron had been allegedly named in connection with the NBA gambling scandal as his injury reports were being sold that gave gamblers an inside track to betting Lakers games.
#3 In the indictment, a key individual is Damon Jones (former NBA player, former unofficial Lakers helper) who is accused of passing along non-public information about player injuries/availability to bettors.
#4 Back to the Sacramento Kings they’re coming off a 105-104 victory over the Utah Jazz on Friday night. Zach LaVine led with 31 points. LaVine should be key for the Kings in scoring for this season.
#5 Kings host the Lakers Sunday, LeBron is out of the lineup does that give the Kings a leg up also with the home floor advantage?
Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.
⚡Craft cocktails? Check. 🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah. 🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.
Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.
Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.
📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street
Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm
Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.
Dennis Schröder #17, Zach Lavine #8 and Russell Westbrook #18 of the Sacramento Kings react after they beat the Utah Jazz at Golden 1 Center on October 24, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
By Jeremiah Salmonson
DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento Kings opened their 2025-2026 home schedule on Friday night in a game against the Utah Jazz. The Kings, who lost their opening game of the season on Wednesday in Phoenix 120-116, bounced back in front of their home crowd defeating the Jazz 105-104.
In the first quarter, the difference really came down to shooting. The Kings outscored the Jazz 31-24 and shot 55% from the floor compared to just 39% for Utah. Zach LaVine led the charge on offense, scoring 15 points in the quarter to give Sacramento the early advantage.
“I always feel comfortable scoring,” LaVine said after the game. “That’s never been a problem. I felt really good last year. That was one of my best years last year. Just keep it rolling, keep focusing on my work…”
In the second quarter, the Kings again benefited from the lackluster shooting of the Jazz, who connected on just 39% of their shots. However, Sacramento failed to pull away as they shot only 32% from the field themselves. The Jazz outscored the Kings 22-18, and the Kings led 49-46 heading into halftime. Dennis Schröder and LaVine led the Kings in the first half with 11 and 15 points, respectively.
In the third quarter, the Kings again couldn’t extend their lead on the Jazz as both teams found their offensive rhythm. Sacramento was outscored 30-29 in the period as Utah pulled a bit closer, trailing 78-76 heading into the final quarter. LaVine added nine more points in the third to bring his total to 24 through three quarters.
In the fourth, the Kings held on despite being outscored 28-27, managing to retain their one-point advantage and beat the Jazz 105-104 thanks to a big game-ending defensive stop by Schröder.
Head coach Doug Christie was impressed with the last play of the game by Schröder and how it represented the kind of effort that will lead to success for the team.
“…If you guys watch, this team scored 130 points versus a really good defensive Clippers team,” Christie said after the game. “For us to come in and hold them to three 20-point quarters and only one 30-point quarter just signifies that it is possible—you can do it now. The consistency with which you approach that is going to be the most important piece to the puzzle.”
The Kings lost a number of traditionally important battles on Friday night. They were outscored in the paint (48-36), had fewer points off turnovers (21-15), fewer fast-break points (15-6), and fewer second-chance points (12-9). Still, the Kings managed to pull off the win. It wasn’t pretty, but it was a win—and that’s something Christie expects his team to do: win ugly games.
“I think one of the signs of a good team, and a team that is starting to come together, is that you win ugly as well. It’s not always going to be pretty. You win ugly. This one tonight, though, this was a team win.”
A team win it was, indeed. LaVine led the Kings with 31 points on 55% shooting in the victory, while Domantas Sabonis recorded a double-double in his first game of the season with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Malik Monk added 20 points, and Schröder contributed 17 points and five rebounds.
It was a big win for the Kings’ new group as they continue to implement new systems early in the season.
Russell Westbrook spoke after the game about the whirlwind of getting acclimated to a new team and atmosphere while working through the growing pains with a new group.
“You know what, it’s funny—I was just talking, telling my wife that, I mean, just last, what was it? What’s today, Friday? Saturday [last week], I was at home chilling, hanging out. I hadn’t played five-on-five in, I don’t know, since last year. So it’s my second five-on-five game. I’ll be fine. I’m in shape. The rhythm and all that stuff will come, but I’m not really worried about it at all, to be honest.”
It wasn’t pretty, but it marked the Kings’ first home-opening win since the Golden 1 Center opened in 2016.
Up Next
The Kings will stay home to take on the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday at 6 p.m. PST at Golden 1 Center.
Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.
⚡Craft cocktails? Check. 🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah. 🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.
Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.
Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.
📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street
Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm
Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.
This combo of images shows charged NBA personnel, from left, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former Cleveland Cavaliers’ Damon Jones. (AP Photo/File)
NBA Gambling Scandal, Operation Royal Flush and Greed
That’s Amaury News and Commentary
By Amaury Pi Gonzalez
Prosecutors say the suspects in Thursday’s NBA-Mafia-linked gambling bust used a wide range of sophisticated technology to cheat victims out of millions of dollars. At Thursday’s news conference, it was revealed that Operation Royal Flush began as early as 2019, with rigged games played in major markets like New York City.
In essence, this FBI investigation has been ongoing for five years. But now, everything is starting to come to the surface, with every day that goes by, more and more information is disclosed. This drip-drip story creates a nightmare scenario for a very lucrative sports league with a worldwide audience.
The NBA is both extremely popular and lucrative in China, where it is the country’s most popular sport with an estimated half a billion fans and a business value of around $5 billion. This story has worldwide repercussions.
Federal indictments filed in October 2025 allege that at least two NBA players faked injuries as part of an illegal gambling and game-manipulation scheme, and there is more. Some made bets based on information about a certain player who would not be available, thus encouraging someone “on the outside ” to bet against a particular team without their star player.
It is ugly, folks. From X-ray tables to hidden cameras and even per-marketed cards, prosecutors say the suspects in this NBA-Mafia-linked gambling bust used a wide range of very sophisticated technology in order to cheat victims out of millions of dollars.
At Thursday’s news conference, officials said the poker scheme, dubbed ‘Operation Royal Flush, started with an ” Expect domino effect ” after gambling allegations involving NBA” Said famous attorney Mark Geragos.
US Congress sent a letter to NBA commissioner Adam Silver requesting a briefing and expressing concern over “allegations of illegal gambling and sports rigging”. Looks like this NBA Gambling scandal has opened a can of worms.
The NCAA said Thursday it is investigating 13 Division I men’s basketball players at six schools — including Temple and Arizona State — for alleged violations of gambling rules and failing to cooperate with investigators.
The NBA has the highest average player earnings per year. In the 2024-25 season, the average NBA player salary was about $11.91 million, surpassing other major leagues like the National Football League (NFL) and Major League Baseball Politicians talk all the time about the “privilege class” in the United States, usually they do not go into sports, it becomes a talking point among political people, but the fact remains that professional sports in the United States is a very lucrative business for all involved, including players.
While the average salary of an American is around $63.000 per year, the average salary of an NBA player is around $11 million per year. $11 million per year would be more than enough for you and me and the majority of people, but there is one word that plays a big role here that nobody has mentioned.
Greed, one of the seven deadly sins, is a desire for more and more and more, like wealth, power, or possessions. We cannot forget that Greed is also part of this, even among those who are already millionaires.
Notes: Numerous regulated sports gambling websites are available in the U.S., but they are only accessible in states where sports betting is legal . Draft Kings and Fan Duel lead the market, with Bet MGM, Caesars Sportsbook, Fanatics Sportsbook, and bet365 also being popular choices.
Quote: “Eat your betting money but don’t bet your eating money.”—Horse Racing Proverb.
Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.
While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com
Sacramento Kings guard Zach Lavine (8) throws one down against the Phoenix Suns forward Oso Ighodaro (left) in the first half at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Fri Oct 24, 2025 (AP News photo)
Sacramento Kings podcast Jeremiah Salmonson:
#1 What was the largest lead the Kings held during the first half of the game, and how did the Suns respond in the second half?
#2 Which Kings player led the team in points, and what was his shooting performance?
#3 How many points did veteran guard Russell Westbrook score for the Kings in his debut with the team in this game?
#4 Which key Kings starters were unavailable for this game due to injury, and how might their absence how was their absence impacted this game.
#5 Kings host the Utah Jazz talk about how you see this match at Golden One Center tonight
Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.
⚡Craft cocktails? Check. 🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah. 🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.
Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.
Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.
📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street
Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm
Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.
Portland Trailblazers head coach Chauncey Billups was one of 32 arrested on Illegal gambling charges in Portland on Wed Oct 23, 2025 (AP News photo)
That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Illegal gambling bust rocks NBA World
Illegal Gambling Bust Rocks NBA World
That’s Amaury News and Commentary
By Amaury Pi-González
An FBI probe into mafia-linked gambling and sports rigging schemes led to the arrests of Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, as well as former NBA player Damon Jones.
According to the NBA, the current players have been placed on leave. An arrest and investigation like this takes months to put together; stuff like this doesn’t happen and come out in a few days.
It would be interesting to see what further revelations from all parties, including players, attorneys, and NBA representatives, emerge in the near future.
Among the many sources reporting early on this story, originally reported by the FBI, which is conducting the investigation, is NBC Sports, which reported that the betting scandal could involve NBA megastar LeBron James. The FBI secured more than 30 indictments tied to alleged illegal gambling scandals, including three former and current prominent NBA figures.
This is not good for the NBA, which just began its 2025-26 season on October 21, as NBC and Peacock televised a doubleheader broadcast featuring the Houston Rockets and the Oklahoma Thunder, followed by the Golden State Warriors at the Los Angeles Lakers.
More news on this should be coming soon.
Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.
While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com
Keon Ellis #23 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Phoenix Suns on October 22, 2025 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images)
By Jeremiah Salmonson
DOWNTOWN PHOENIX — The Sacramento Kings shocked the city of Sacramento on Wednesday night in the Valley of the Sun as they led 71-54 at halftime. However, it was short-lived, as a disastrous third quarter proved costly, and the Kings fell to the Phoenix Suns 120-116.
The Kings showed growing pains early in the game as they committed five turnovers in the first five minutes. Yet, they still managed to take a 29-19 lead in the first quarter of action. The Kings played with high energy, and the Suns weren’t shooting the ball well as Sacramento built a double-digit lead.
In the second quarter, the Kings continued to put pressure on the Suns as they extended their lead to 71-54. The Kings outscored the Suns 42-35 in the second quarter as they shot the lights out and got contributions up and down the lineup. Zach LaVine led Sacramento in the first half with 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting. DeMar DeRozan and Malik Monk added 14 and 13 points, respectively. The Kings held the Suns to just 39% shooting in the first half, which was the primary contributor to their early success.
It was the third quarter—similar to years past—that proved costly for the Kings. Sacramento was outscored 36-21 in the period and let its nearly 20-point lead slip away. The Kings’ most glaring disadvantage in the third was the 24-8 discrepancy on points in the paint. By the end of the quarter, their lead had all but vanished, as they were up just 92-90 heading into the final frame.
In the fourth, the Kings battled but ultimately couldn’t overcome their poor rebounding as the Suns hammered the glass. Sacramento was outrebounded 51-37 as they struggled with some lineups to match Phoenix’s size. Dylan Cardwell, Drew Eubanks, and Maxime Raynaud combined for only nine total rebounds in the game. The Suns outscored the Kings 30-24 in the fourth quarter to seize the 120-116 victory at Mortgage Matchup Center. LaVine led the Kings with 30 points, while DeRozan finished with 29 points and nine assists. The Kings shot 50% (47-for-94) from the field but turned the ball over 13 times, leading to 19 Phoenix points.
“We’ve got to find a way to box out, make sure that we’re rebounding the basketball—just the fundamental, simple things that we talk about,” Kings head coach Doug Christie said after the game. “Scoring the basketball, we can obviously do that, but defense is where everything is going to happen.”
Malik Monk shared similar sentiments after the game.
“The second half, we just did what we did last year, started off sloppy in the third quarter and let them back in it and had to fight back,” Monk said. “So yeah, it’s easy fixes though. It’s all on us.”
The offense for the Kings seemed to stagnate in the second half, something that has been common in recent years. Monk attributed that to the Suns having their way with the tempo on the court.
“They just sped us up a little bit more in the second half, and we can’t fall into that,” Monk said. “When they sped us up, I think we started settling a little too much instead of moving the ball like we did in the first half.”
Aside from the issues on the offensive side, Christie made some interesting decisions on who played heavier minutes at the end of the game. Keon Ellis only played three minutes in the fourth quarter, and Dylan Cardwell logged significant minutes while the Kings were struggling to stay in it.
On Ellis, I asked Doug how he felt Keon played and about the situation he found himself in.
“Keon is the ultimate professional, and he is always ready to play,” Doug said after the game. “In these situations, we have a logjam, so it’s going to come down to who’s playing. But with his aggressiveness, his ability to knock down shots, and his defensive ability, he’s going to be on the floor.”
I’m not sure the fan base will be happy with that answer when Russell Westbrook and Dylan Cardwell both had more minutes than Ellis. However, it will have to do for now.
On the Cardwell front, Doug was hoping to get rebounding from the rookie, but in his NBA debut, Cardwell secured just one board.
“One of his things is that he can go get rebounds,” Doug said to me after the game. “He didn’t do it tonight as he normally does, but he was in there fighting, and his physicality and things like that are what we absolutely love.”
Doug Christie has a nearly impossible job. He has to make this roster of rookies, established vets, and future Hall of Famers all work together while undersized and injured. I don’t envy his position, and it behooves the fan base to give him a few weeks to figure it out until Domas comes back. However, the lack of Keon Ellis minutes is a tale as old as the Mike Brown era. I’m not sure what to make of that at this point.
Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.
⚡Craft cocktails? Check. 🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah. 🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.
Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.
Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.
📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street
Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm
Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.
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