Category: NBA

Scott Perry Returns to Sacramento With Optimism and Big Decisions Ahead

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Scott Perry is introduced and joined by his wife in Sacramento on Wednesday. (Photo: Kevin John on X)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO — “Good morning everyone, I’m so excited to be back in Sacramento, California. It is a joy and a blessing for me…”

Scott Perry opened his second tenure in Sacramento with a tone of optimism and resolve from the main press conference room inside Golden 1 Center on Wednesday morning.

Perry, who had previously spent a few months with the Kings in 2017 before leaving for New York to join the Knicks, is now back in Sacramento for the long haul as General Manager of the club.

One of the most pressing decisions Perry faces is selecting his head coach. The new Kings GM did not commit to interim coach Doug Christie, but he also didn’t rule him out.

“I’ve spent time with Doug Christie already,” Perry said. “I admire him as a player and his career. I watched him this year from afar… He’s one of the first people I met with when I arrived here in Sacramento… I want to have a few more conversations in and around this job, and hopefully we can come to a decision in the next week or so.”

The Kings and Perry appear eager to get to work. The next few months should give Kings fans a strong indication of the long-term direction the franchise is heading.

Golden State Warriors podcast David Zizmor: Green says Curry Warriors ticket to winning games

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Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) scores while being surrounded by Houston Rockets Tari Eason (17) and Jalen Green (4) during game 1 of the NBA Playoffs first round at the Toyota Center in Houston on Sun Apr 20, 2025 (AP News photo)

Golden State Warriors podcast David Zizmor:

#1 Golden State Warriors guard Draymond Green said that game 1 basically boiled down to Stephen Curry leading the Warriors in scoring with 31 points to maintain a lead on the Houston Rockets, “In order for us to win basketball games it requires Steph Curry to be great,” Green said. “And he was just that.”

#2 Curry was 12 for 19 from the floor and hit five crucial of nine attempts for three pointers and got some acrobatic shots that even amazed his teammates.

#3 Game 2 is on deck Wednesday night. The Rockets are looking to get some scoring production from Albert Sengun who lead with 26 points in game 1 but their going to need a lot more from Fred VanVleet and Dillion Brooks if they plan to get by Golden State. David what’s your thoughts on game 2?

David Zizmor does the Golden State Warriors podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioserivce.com

Kings Eliminated by Mavericks 120-106 in Play-In; Monte McNair Fired Immediately After Game

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Monte McNair ex GM (right) and owner Vivek Ranadive (left) of the Sacramento Kings (Photo: ESPN on X)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–In a whirlwind of a season for the Kings, it all came down to one game. The Kings and Mavericks played in the Western Conference 9/10 play-in game on Wednesday night inside Golden 1 Center.

The sold-out crowd inside G1C was raucous from the start as the Kings looked for a win and a date with the Memphis Grizzlies in a second play-in game for the eighth seed. The Kings and Mavs largely had similar seasons marred with turmoil and turnover.

The Mavs made what many consider to be the worst trade in NBA history, shipping Luka Doncic out for the Lakers’ Anthony Davis. On the other hand, the Kings traded All-Star point guard De’Aaron Fox and head coach Mike Brown during the season. Neither team could afford to lose the game, but one was destined to. The Sacramento Kings’ season ended on Wednesday as they lost to the Mavs 120-106.

In the first quarter, the Kings got off to a solid start. The pace and intensity matched the Mavericks’, and the Kings outscored them 29-27 in the opening quarter. It seemed the Kings came to play; however, the first quarter would be the only quarter in which the game was close.

In the second quarter, the Mavs exploded for 44 points compared to the Kings’ 19. The Kings appeared to lose all will to live in the game. I felt as if I was watching someone slowly die after the body had given up. The Kings went into halftime trailing the Mavs 71-48.

In the third quarter, the Mavs continued to pour it on. Dallas outscored the Kings 33-28 in the third as all hopes of a Kings comeback were snuffed out. The Kings continued to struggle to contain the Mavs, as their size and length proved too much for Sacramento.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings had all but mailed it in. The Kings couldn’t mount any comeback as they were blown off their home court by the final of 120-106. The Kings went out with a whimper in the 2024-2025 campaign. DeMar DeRozan led the Kings in defeat with 30 points in 43 minutes of action.

Immediately following the game, while reporters were in the locker room, I got word from a league source that Kings head coach Monte McNair was fired.

Following the news, players were called into a meeting while some still showered—another cog in the wild turn of events that was the Kings’ season.

The Kings will hold exit interviews later this week, and the media will get one last chance to talk to this current group of players.

NBA Playoffs podcast with Michael Roberson: Golden St’s Butler and Curry do damage in play in win over Memphis; Magic’s Anthony leads with 26 pts in win over Hawks; plus more news

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Golden State Warriors Jimmy Butler (left) and Stephen Curry (right) embrace the Warriors victory over the Memphis Grizzlies of the NBA play in win at Chase Center in San Francisco on Tue Apr 15, 205 (AP News photo)

NBA Playoffs podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1  Golden State Warriors Jimmy Butler scored 38 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, guard Stephen Curry scored 37 as the Warriors are the seventh seeded team in the NBA Western Conference with a 121-116 win over the Memphis Grizzlies in Tuesday night’s play in tournament at Chase Center in San Francisco. The Warriors have advanced to the best of seven games to face the Houston Rockets in Houston on Sunday.

#2  The Orlando Magic’s Cole Anthony came off the bench on Tuesday night with 26 points with six assists to help lead the Magic to a 120-95 win over the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA play in tournament. Paolo Banchero scored 17 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists and Wendell Carter Jr scored 19 points with seven rebounds. Next up for the Magic the Boston Celtics in Boston Sun Apr 20th for the best of seven series?

#3 On the other hand the Hawks Trae Young was none to thrilled with the direction of the play in game and was so frustrated that at 4:47 left in the game he got hit with two technical fouls one for throwing a chest pass at official James Williams and deflecting the ball with his foot and would not give the ball to official Pat Fraher. Was this a matter of how the Hawks just couldn’t get anything going against the Magic and Young had just had enough and this would be his season’s swan song?

#4 Michael, talk about Isiah Thomas’ comments regarding the Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James taking warm ups before last Sunday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers without a shirt on. Thomas said if it had been one of his players doing that he wouldn’t have allowed it. Thomas went onto to say “What are we doing here” and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver needs to fine that. Michael your thoughts on LeBron taking warm ups before games without a shirt on?

#5  Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison said that “defense wins championships” and he used that to explain why he made the decison to trade Luka Doncic to the Lakers in deal that shocked the NBA and quite frankly upset the Mavericks fanbase that had fans chanting in the stands for firing Harrison.

Michael Roberson does the NBA podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NBA Playoffs/Golden State Warriors podcast David Zizmor Wed Apr 16, 2025: Warriors get set for next round with Rockets in Houston on Sunday

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Golden State Warriors guard Stephn Curry (30) takes a jump shot three pointer against the Memphis Grizzlies Scotty Pipen Jr. at Chase Center in San Francisco on Tue Apr 15, 2025 in the play in game (AP News photo)

On the Golden State Warriors podcast with David Zizmor:

#1 The Warriors advance to the seven game series of the playoffs after defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 121-116 at Chase Center in San Francisco on Tuesday night in the play in game.

#2 The Warriors had leading scorers with Jimmy Butler with 38 points and Stephen Curry with 37 points. The Grizzlies simply had trouble containing these two all night long.

#3 The Warriors move onto the next round in a best seven game series in Houston against the Houston Rockets as game 1 gets underway on Sunday. The Rockets have had a good season 52-30 and are 29-12 at home. The Warriors finished in the Western Conference seventh at 48-34 and have won seven of their last ten games. How do you see this series coming up?

Join David for the Warriors podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony Renteria: Can Kings get this play in game against Mavericks?

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Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis (11) picked up his 61st double double of the season against the Phoenix Suns at Golden 1 Arena in Sacramento Sun Apr 13, 2025 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony Renteria:

#1 Sacramento Kings Domantas Sabonis and Jonas Valanciunas each chalked up a double double as the Sacramento Kings clinched for their first play in game after defeating the Phoenix Suns 109-98 Sunday.

#2 Sabonis scored 20 points and had 12 rebounds for his 61st double-double of the season. Valanciunas scored 22 points and ten rebounds.

#3 The Kings Zach LaVine scored 20 points and the Kings improved to 40-42 and are ending their regular season on positive note with a win.

#4 The Kings will meet the Dallas Mavericks for the play in game. The Kings finished the season in ninth place and the Mavericks finished at tenth place. The Play In game is one and done on Wed Apr 16 for a 7:00pm PDT tip off at Golden 1. How do you see this post season match up?

Tony Renteria podcasts the Sacramento King each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings podcast with Barbara Mason: Kings move onto next step with Play In game vs. Dallas Wednesday

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The Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan takes a jump shot against the Phoenix Suns Cody Martin (17) in first half action at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Sun Apr 13, 2025 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1 Sacramento Kings Domantas Sabonis and Jonas Valanciunas each chalked up a double double as the Sacramento Kings clinched for their first play in game after defeating the Phoenix Suns 109-98 Sunday.

#2 Sabonis scored 20 points and had 12 rebounds for his 61st double-double of the season. Valanciunas scored 22 points and ten rebounds.

#3 The Kings Zach LaVine scored 20 points and improved to 40-42 and are ending their regular season on positive note with a win.

#4 The Kings will meet the Dallas Mavericks for the play in game. The Kings finished the season in ninth place and the Mavericks finished at tenth place. The Play In game is one and done on Wed Apr 16 for a 7:00pm PDT tip off at Golden 1. How do you see this post season match up?

Barbara Mason covers the Sacramento Kings podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kings Secure Home Court in 109-98 Win Over Suns; Sac hosts Dallas Wednesday at Golden 1 in Play In

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Domantas Sabonis on Sunday in the game against the Phoenix Suns (Photo: Sacramento Kings on X)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO — It was game 82 of 82 on Sunday afternoon. In a season known more for turmoil than winning, the Kings laced them up one last time in 2025, trying to secure a home play-in game on Wednesday against the Dallas Mavericks.

After a disappointing season for the Phoenix Suns, they traveled to Sacramento to take on the Kings on Sunday. Officially eliminated from playoff contention, the Suns wouldn’t play any of their stars. Brad Beal, Kevin Durant, and Devin Booker all sat for the Suns. The environment was ripe for a Kings win and they took advantage of the resting Suns with a 109-98 win at Golden 1 Center on Sunday to advance to the play in playoffs.

In the first quarter, the Kings outscored the Suns 33-25 to get off to a quick start. The Kings’ energy and intensity were good, and they looked like a team that came to win. Zach LaVine scored 10 points in the first quarter to get off to a hot start offensively.

In the second quarter, the Suns made a run and outscored the Kings 29-24 to get the game within three points going into halftime at 57-54. The Kings’ scoring in the first half came from Domantas Sabonis, who had 17 points in the half.

In the third quarter, the Kings expanded their slim halftime lead to 11 points by the end of the period. The Kings outscored the Suns 29-21 in the third as they looked to complete the win in the fourth.

In the final quarter, the Kings largely played the bench unit as the regular season came to a close. The Kings and Suns both scored 23 points in the final quarter, allowing the Kings to secure the 109-98 victory. The Kings’ best performance came from Jonas Valanciunas, who scored 22 points and had 10 rebounds on the day.

The Kings will stay home to take on the Dallas Mavericks in the 9/10 seed play-in game on Wednesday. Tip-off is set for 7 PM PST inside Golden 1 Center.

Kings Fall Short in Narrow 101-100 Loss to Clippers

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Kings vs the Clippers on Friday night. (Photo: Kings on X)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO — The Kings were back in action on Friday night in Sacramento as they took on the visiting LA Clippers. The Kings lost to LA by a final of 101-100 on Friday night inside Golden 1 Center.

In the first half, the Kings and Clippers kept pace with each other, trying to vie for position. The Kings outscored the Clippers 29-24 to jump out to the quick lead in the game.

In the second quarter, the Kings were outplayed by LA, as the Clippers outscored the Kings 26-20 en route to a one-point 50-49 halftime lead. The Kings were led in the first half by Domantas, who had 10 points in the half.

In the second half, the Kings fell behind the Clippers as they outpaced the Kings 25-21 in the third quarter. Offensively, the Kings couldn’t get anything going early in the second half and were in danger of the game slipping away.

However, the Kings battled and were able to bring the game to within one point with the ball and 2.2 seconds to go in the game. The Kings would inbound the ball to DeMar DeRozan near the logo, and he wouldn’t get a good shot off as the Kings lost 101-100.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings outscored the Clippers 30-26, but it wasn’t enough to win the game.

The Kings were led in the loss by Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis, who scored 26 and 19 points respectively.

Up Next: The Kings will stay home to take on the Phoenix Suns in the final game of the regular season on Sunday at 12:30 PM PST.

Sacramento Kings podcast Jeremiah Salmonson: Nuggets were on a mission Wednesday; Kings hope to stop Clippers tonight

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Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson (8) blocks a shot by Sacramento Kings guard Zack LaVine (8) in the first half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Wed Apr 9, 2025 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 Nikola Jokic led the Denver Nuggets had a triple double with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists as the Nuggets ended their four game skid with a 124-116 win over the Sacramento Kings at Golden1 Center in Sacramento on Wednesday night.

#2 It was the first game for the Nuggets since Mike Malone was fired and the Nuggets ironically were playing against the Kings the organization who fired Malone just before he started with the Nuggets. Were the firings of Malone by the Kings and Nuggets for similar reasons or totally different reasons by each team?

#3 The Nuggets who ended their four game loss streak got scoring help from Christian Braun with 25 points and Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter who had 21 points each.

#4 The win for the Nuggets is a sweep over the Kings for the season. After four straight loses, a new coach for Denver the Nuggets came into Golden 1 on a mission.

#5 Next up for the Kings the Los Angeles Clippers at Golden 1 Center tonight. The Clippers are on a roll they have won six straight games and are fifth in the Western Conference and are 48-32. The Kings coming in tonight are ninth at 39-41 having won four out of their last ten games. What are the Kings chances of getting past the Clippers?

Jeremiah Salmonson does the Sacramento Kings podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com