Category: NBA

Winner, winner, chicken dinner! SacKings will pick second in NBA Draft

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Photo: @NBADraftLottery

by Charlie O. Mallonee

The NBA Draft Lottery order was selected in Chicago on Tuesday night, and the big winners of the night were the Sacramento Kings. The Kings entered the evening slotted to pick seventh on draft night in June. The Kings finished the season tied with the Chicago Bulls but lost a coin toss so the Bulls owned the sixth selection pre-lottery draw.

NBADraftFox
@NBADraftLottery

The Kings had just an 18.3-percent chance of winding up in the Top-3 in the Draft Lottery. Those odds may have been helped a little because the team was represented by first-year point guard De’Aaron Fox who has been a positive force for Sacramento ever since his arrival in June of 2017 from the University of Kentucky.

The Kings moved into the Top-3 in the 2017 Draft Lottery back fell back to the number five pick because Philadelphia had the right to swap selections if the Sacramento pick was higher than the Sixers. With the number five selection, the Kings took De’Aaron Fox.

This good fortune becomes even more important because the Kings will not have a first-round pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. The 2019 first-round selection was dealt away early in the tenure of Vlade Divac’s administration of basketball operations. This makes the 2018 draft selection even more important than it would normally be because it has to count for two seasons.

Who will be the number two draft pick?

Luka
Photo: @LukaDoncic

Virtually every mock draft site has Luka Doncic going as the number two selection in the 2018 NBA Draft. He is an international player currently playing with Real Madrid of Spain originally from Slovenia. Doncic is a 6-foot-7 small forward/shooting guard who is capable of playing positionless basketball that has become so popular in the NBA today.

Doncic is just 19-years old and definitely plays older than his years. He is an outstanding assists player who also is a strong rebounder on offense and defense. Doncic is an above average scorer and shooter at the free throw line. He needs work on his three-point shooting percentage and his number of turnovers needs to be lower.

The Kings front office has two prominent members – Vlade Divac and Peja Stojakovic – who are Eastern Europeans and should be able to make Doncic feel comfortable in Sacramento. One of the Kings up and coming stars is former Euro star – Bogdan Bogdanovic –  who certainly understands the style of basketball Doncic has been playing and could help make the transition to the NBA.

It looks like a match made in heaven right? Well, wait just one minute. The Phoenix Suns believe that Doncic can play point guard in the NBA. That’s right. They think this 6-foot-7 budding superstar can play point guard in “the association” alongside their star shooting guard Devin Booker. If the Suns believe Doncic can play that role, he could become the number one pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.

If Doncic goes number one, who goes number two?

NBADraftAyton
Photo:NBADraftLottery

That would leave DeAndre Ayton from Arizona available for the number two pick. Ayton is a 7-foot-1, 250-pound center who has an NBA body. He scores in multiple ways and has even been developing a three-point shot. Ayton runs the floor well and is not afraid of contact. He has great hands and good footwork.

His weakness is his defense. Ayton tends to get caught flat-footed too many times. He needs to do a better job defending against the pick and roll – a staple of the NBA. He needs to be more consistent about contesting shots.

Ayton is going to be a star in the NBA.

The Suns are going to be under immense pressure to draft the Arizona product and keep him in Phoenix. However, the Suns may opt to pass and go with Doncic who may pay off with more long-term results for them.

Either way, the Kings cannot go wrong. They are going to be able to draft a player who is going to become a star in the NBA.

That’s Amaury’s Podcast, News and Commentary with Jeremiah Salmonson: Warriors really made Game 1 win look easy; Harden carried Rockets on shoulders, but couldn’t win

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Photo credit: nba.com/warriors

On That’s Amaury’s podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson:

The Golden State Warriors started this third round of the playoffs with a road victory over the Houston Rockets 119-106 in Game 1 on Monday night. It looked like five guys (from Golden State) versus the Houston Rockets’ James Harden, who handled much of the scoring by himself.

Those five guys were referring to is the Warriors’ Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, Andre Iguodala, Stephen Curry, and Klay Thompson, who all combined for 99 points. Durant had his second-highest point total with 37 for this post season. The Rockets’ James Harden finished also with his second-highest postseason total with 41 points.

Houston head coach Mike D’Antoni called the Rockets performance a game of “mental lapses.” Game 2 is Wednesday night in Houston. The Rockets have the home floor after watching them in Game 1. Do the Rockets need to pick up the pace with a faster tempo?

Jeremiah Salmonson is filling in for Amaury Pi Gonzalez, who is taking this week off at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

 

Golden State Warriors podcast with David Zizmor: Warriors’ Durant and Rockets’ Harden both have highest in scoring in postseason

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Photo credit: @sportingnews

On the Warriors podcast with David Zizmor:

Talk about how the Warriors Kevin Durant dominated on offense Monday night in Game 1 in Houston with 37 points coming in with his second-highest total for the postseason. His opponent, the Rockets’ James Harden, finished with his second-highest total of 41 points. It looked like Harden against five Warriors players.

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

“Hamptons 5” lineup helped Warriors to 119-106 rout of Rockets in Game 1

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Photo credit: David J. Phillip/Associated Press

By Pearl Allison Lo

The Golden State Warriors started on the road for the first time these 2018 NBA playoffs and won by way of a 119-106 victory over the Rockets Monday at the Toyota Center in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals for a 1-0 series lead.

Golden State’s “Hamptons 5″ lineup consisted of Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, Andre Iguodala, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, who all combined for 99 points and a +48 rating versus the starting five for the Rockets (85 points and a -30 rating).

Durant posted his second-highest total this postseason with 37 points. On the flip side, Houston’s James Harden’s 41 points tied his second-highest too as he shot his best from the field (58.3%) these 2018 playoffs.  

Harden’s role could not be understated, as he helped or made 23 straight points from 3:10 left in the second to 8:10 left in the third.  

In Durant’s words: “We tried to take the first punch and kept on fighting…stay solid and keep up with each other…play a calm, steady game.”

Rockets’ coach Mike D’Antoni cited “mental lapses” and the need to be “mentally sharper.”

However, the separation between the teams did not occur until the third quarter.

At the end of the first half, both were dead even and just one point away after the first quarter.

Harden scored the first nine points for Houston (9-2 run) with a variety of shots, including two three-pointers and a technical free throw, courtesy of Green.

The Rockets got a scare when Harden left the court with 3:17 left in the first after Kevon Looney inadvertently stepped on his right foot.

The Warriors got their first lead (35-33) with 9:03 left in the second and then the teams wrestled back and forth until Golden State emerged the winner.

Houston used a 7-0 run to tie the game again with 1:51 left.

Golden State did not get their first free throws until 1:28 left in the half.

Almost ending the first half the way he started, Harden made his team’s last three shots for a total of 13 points in the second. Trevor Ariza, Green and Iguodala ended the half with three fouls.

Foul trouble would continue.

In the third, Ariza had to sit out with 9:35 left when he got his fifth foul.

After Iguodala made the second free throw, both teams traded baskets (seven of them interrupted) until 5:50 left when the Warriors went on a 10-2 run spurred by Thompson’s three. Stephen Curry either assisted with or hit eight of the points.

The Rockets put together an 8-0 run with two threes and two free throws near the end of the third, pulling to within four with a three (11:44 left in the fourth).

However, Golden State countered with a 7-2 run two minutes later to keep their lead.

Game Notes: Houston’s Chris Paul had a game-high 11 rebounds, Green a game-high nine assists and +19 and Thompson a game-high six threes.

Up Next: Game 2 will take place Wednesday at 6 pm PT. 

Sportstalk remote podcast from Hana Zen Japanese Cuisine at Pier 39 in San Francisco on Thursday, May 10, 2018

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yelp.com photo: Hana Zen at Pier 39 San Francisco by night fall and home of some of San Francisco’s best Japanese Cuisine

Cast: Michael Duca (host), Morris Phillips, Amaury Pi Gonzalez, Jeremy Kahn, and Lee Leonard (producer). Our thanks to Alvin and Angie Louie, the owners of Hana Zen Japanese Grill and Sushi Bar on Pier 39 at San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, for hosting Sportstalk Radio. Tonight, we were treated to Hana Zen’s famous California Sushi Rolls, Ahi Tuna, Chicken Teriyaki, Calamari, and their wonderful miso soup.

Also, you can enjoy their sushi rolls, sashimi, and other Japanese favorites. Hana Zen also offers filet mignon, New York steak, and try their famous Lava Rock cooking right at your own table. In addition, you can enjoy some green tea ice cream at the end of your meal.

On the podcast, Sportstalk covered the Golden State Warriors and their second round playoff opponent, the New Orleans Pelicans. The San Francisco Giants and Oakland A’s both who lost in huge laughers on Monday night 11-0 for the Giants in Philadelphia and the A’s crushed in Oakland 16-1 by the World Champion Houston Astros. The cast explores what to expect from either team for May 2018.

 

Headline Sports podcast with Tony Renteria: How much help will Harden get facing Warriors in round 3?; Can Giants win this series in Pittsburgh tonight?; plus more

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photo from express.co.uk: The Houston Rockets Chris Paul (3) and James Harden (13) confer on the floor during the playoffs as the Rockets prepare to meet Golden State for game one round 3 of the NBA Playoffs

Headline Sports podcast with Tony Renteria:

#1 James Harden of the Houston Rockets–Will he be like an Island facing the Golden State Warriors Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, Stephen Curry, and Klay Thompson? Will he have a supporting cast in this upcoming series starting on Monday?

#2 Last year’s playoffs, Harden went 2-11 in the loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Will he get some help from his teammates this time around?

#3 The Giants are going into Pittsburgh after getting swept in Philadelphia. After getting swept, the Giants certainly want to get a series win from the Bucs.

#4 On Tuesday night, the Seattle Mariners pitcher James Paxton threw a no-hitter in Toronto, marking the first time a Canadian born pitcher threw a no-hitter in his home and native land. It’s the second time a Canadian pitcher threw a no-hitter since 1946.

#5 The Manchester United are in San Jose for a match with the San Jose Earthquakes on July 22. Tony takes a look at how important it is for the MLS to have Manchester here to help promote the league.

Tony Renteria does Headline Sports each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

 

Warriors close out Pelicans in five games 113-104; Rockets next

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@warriors photo: The Houston Rockets and the Golden State Warriors open their third round series starting next Monday at Golden State for game 1

By Daniel Dullum
Sports Radio Service
Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Golden State opened Game 5 of its NBA West playoff game at New Orleans with a third-quarter blitz that propelled the Warriors past the Pelicans 113-104, earning a 4-games-to-1 series triumph.

The Warriors now look forward to the much-anticipated Western Conference final against the Houston Rockets, who eliminated the Utah Jazz. It’s the fourth consecutive Western final for Golden State.

It was the Warriors’ 15th consecutive postseason win at home, tying the 1989-90 and 1990-91 Chicago Bulls for the longest such streak in NBA playoff history.

After a sluggish start, the Warriors opened the third quarter at Oracle Arena with a 25-4 run.

Stephen Curry shot 10-of -16 from the field, including 3-of-6 behind the arc, and he finished with a team-high 28 points, to go with eight assists, seven rebounds and a steal. It was Curry’s fourth game back in the lineup after missing five weeks with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee.

Klay Thompson contributed 23 points, six rebounds three assists and a steal for Golden State, and Kevin Durant scored 11 of his 24 points in the second quarter. Durant also had seven assists, six rebounds and two steals.

Draymond Green kicked in 19 points, 14 boards, nine assists, three steals and blocked two shots.

Anthony Davis had a monster game in defeat for New Orleans, finishing with a game-high 34 points (13-of-26 field goals), a playoff career-high 19 rebounds and four blocked shots in 46 minutes. Jrue Holiday had 27 points, 11 assists and 10 boards, his first playoff triple-double.

The Warriors-Rockets series begins Monday in Houston.

Golden State Warriors podcast with David Zizmor: The Warriors roll in five playoff games against Pelicans

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Photo credit: @warriorsworld

On the Warriors podcast with David tonight:

After dropping Game 5 in New Orleans to the Pelicans, the Golden State Warriors did some talking to themselves and got back on track quick with the help of Kevin Durant, who led Golden State with 38 points. Durant had been a little passive in Game 2, but came out with all cylinders firing in Game 3 in the Warriors’ 118-92 win at Oracle Arena. The Warriors’ Stephen Curry followed Durant with 23 points and Klay Thompson with 13.

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

 

Warriors return to form and dominate the Pelicans 118-92 for a 3-1 series lead

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Photo credit: nba.com/warriors

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Golden State Warriors, who were thoroughly thumped by the New Orleans Pelicans Friday night in New Orleans, came out smoking as the led by ten points 14-4 in the first few minutes of the game and put the pedal to the metal as they soundly defeated the Pelicans 118-92.

The Warriors, who couldn’t make three-point shots in Friday night’s loss, made four of them in the first six minutes of the game and finished the first quarter with a 15-point lead 37-22. The Pelicans won the second quarter 32-24 to trail at the end of the first half by seven points. They went to the locker room hoping that they could come out blazing in the third period just as they did in game three.

The Warriors, who have played so well so many times in the third quarter, dominated on both offense and defense. The Warriors scored 33 points and held the Pelicans to 19. Teams trailing by twenty or more entering the fourth quarter very rarely, if ever, come back to win in the NBA. The Warriors continued to pound the Pelicans as they won by 26 points, 118-92, to take a commanding 3-1 lead in the series.

Game Notes and Stats: Steve Kerr made two changes to his starting lineup Sunday afternoon. He started Draymond Green at center in place of JaVale McGee and inserted Andre Iguodala at the small forward position. Draymond had nine rebounds in the game and now has 899 rebounds in his playoff record. He’s the third Warrior to reach that plateau. The other two players are in basketball’s Hall of Fame. Wilt Chamberlain leads with 922, and Nate Thurmond is second with 896.

Kevin Durant led the Warriors with 38 points, five assists, nine rebounds, one steal, and one blocked shot. Green’s line was eight points, nine assists, nine rebounds, four steals, and two blocks. Steph Curry knocked down 23, and Klay Thompson added 13. Backup guard Quinn Cook led the bench with 12.

The leading scorer for New Orleans was Anthony Davis wi]th 26 points and 12 rebounds. E’Tuan Moore was second with 20 and Jrue Holiday had 19. The Warriors were able to contain Nikola Mirotic as they held him to just seven points. Ian Clark, a former Warrior, scored 11 coming off the bench.

The stats show the domination of the Warriors. The Dubs shot 48.4% from the floor, and the Pelicans were held to 36.4% The Warriors mad 11 3’s in 33 attempts and the Pelicans connected on just four of 26 tries. The Warriors were able to move the ball much better as they recorded 28 assists and the Pelicans’ ball movement game, which was so good Friday night, was not able to get going Sunday as they were credited with just 17. The Warriors handled the ball well as they committed 11 turnovers. The Warrior defense, however, forced the Pelicans to commit 19 which led to 21 Warrior points.

Game 5 for the best-of-seven series will be played at Oracle Arena Tuesday night at 7:30 pm PT.

Pelicans bounce back with 19-point win over Warriors in Game 3 119-100

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Advocate staff photo by MATTHEW HINTON: New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) celebrates a dunk with New Orleans Pelicans forward Nikola Mirotic (3) against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) as fans including Arcade Fire’s Win Butler, left, and Saints Cam Jordan cheer during the second half of game 3 of the conference semifinal NBA playoffs at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, La. Friday, May 4, 2018.

By Daniel Dullum
Sports Radio Service
Friday, May 7, 2018

New Orleans built a double-digit lead in the first half and cruised to a 119-100 victory over Golden State Friday in Game 3 of their best-of-seven NBA West series at New Orleans.

The Warriors still have a 2-games-to-1 lead in the series.

After JaVale McGee’s dunk gave the Warriors a one-point lead midway through the first quarter, Nikola Mirotic responded with a 3-pointer on the Pelicans’ next possession and New Orleans led the remainder of the contest. The Pelicans built a 15-point lead by the second quarter, though Golden State cut their deficit to six by halftime on Klay Thompson’s third 3-pointer of the quarter.

Thompson led the Warriors with 26 points, 20 of them in the second quarter. Kevin Durant was next with 22 and Steph Curry added 19. Draymond Green finished with 11 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists

Curry became the first Warriors player to score 2,000 career postseason points, now at 2,012. He also became the first Warrior to pass the 500 postseason assist mark and passed Reggie Miller for fourth all time in career postseason 3-pointers with 322. Miller had 320.

After Solomon Hill nailed three 3-pointers in the first quarter off the Pelicans bench, the tone was set. Ex-Warrior Ian Clark scored 18 points in 22 minutes. Rajon Rondo dished out 21 assists, a Golden State playoff opponent record.

Hill and Clark combined for six of the Pelicans’ 14 3-balls while the Golden State bench was held to 10 points over the first three quarters. Anthony Davis led the Pelicans with 33 points and 18 rebounds, and Jrue Holiday added 21 points and five assists.

The series continues in New Orleans at 12:30 p.m. PDT in New Orleans.