Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James (23) passes the ball under pressure from the Houston Rockets Kevin Durant (7) in game 2 of the NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Wed Apr 22, 2026 (AP News photo)
NBA Playoffs podcast Michael Roberson:
#1How did LeBron James influence the outcome of Game 2, and what aspects of his performance (scoring, playmaking, leadership) were most impactful?
#2 What were the main reasons the Houston Rockets struggled offensively despite having Kevin Durant back in the lineup for game 2 and is back for game 3.
#3 How did the Los Angeles Lakers exploit defensive weaknesses—particularly involving Alperen Şengün—through their game plan?
#4 What role did Lakers supporting players like Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard play in securing the victory?
#5 After falling behind 0–2 in the series, what adjustments must the Rockets make heading into Game 3 to stay competitive?
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots in front of the Los Angeles Clippers forward John Collins (20) at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood during the first round of the NBA Play In game on Wed Apr 15, 2026 (AP News photo)
NBA Playoffs podcast Michael Roberson:
#1 How did Stephen Curry’s performance influence the outcome of the Warriors vs. Clippers play-in game, especially given his recent return from injury?
#2 What were the key factors behind the Golden State Warriors’ late-game comeback against the Los Angeles Clippers, particularly in the fourth quarter?
#3 How did roster health and injuries (including absences like Moses Moody and Bradley Beal) impact both teams’ strategies and rotations in this elimination game for the Clippers?
#4 Why were the Clippers considered favorites heading into the matchup, and what went wrong for them despite holding a late lead?
#5 What does this win mean for the Warriors’ postseason chances, and how does it set up their next play-in game against the Phoenix Suns Friday?
Los Angeles Clippers forward John Collins (20) takes a shot against Golden State Warrior center Kristaps Porzingis (7) at the Intuit Dome Ingelwood on Sun Apr 12, 2026 (AP News photo)
Golden State Warriors podcast David Zizmor:
#1 In the second meeting between the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers and the same clubs facing each other in a play in on Wednesday how much of an advantage does it give each team to get familiar how they stack up against each other?
#2 How will Stephen Curry handle the Clippers’ perimeter defense, and can he create enough scoring opportunities against their top defenders?
#3 What impact will Draymond Green have on both ends of the floor, particularly in setting up the offense and defending the Clippers’ key scorers?
Sacramento Kings guard Nique Clifford looks to pass around Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson (00) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, April 12, 2026, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)
By Barbara Mason
Sunday evening the Sacramento Kings (22-60) finished off their 2025-26 season losing to the Portland Trail Blazers (42-40) 122-110. The Kings had the high score for the game. Precious Achiuwa had a double double with 27 points and 11 rebounds.
Despite the loss, Maxime Raynaud and Nique Clifford had double digits, Clifford with 24 points. Next big date for the Kings will be the NBA draft later this year.
Game recap: After the first 12 minutes of play this game was tied at 33. The Kings were hanging in this game until the second quarter when Portland really turned the game around outscoring the Kings 44-24. At the half the Trail Blazers had a 77-57 lead and it sure looked like Portland was in total control of the game.
One thing that we have learned in the later games of this season is that there is no “quit” on this team, they battle until the very end. These young players play hard and they never give up. By the end of the third quarter the Kings had cut the Trail Blazers lead nearly in half.
Going into the final quarter Portland had a 96-84 lead. Clifford and Achiuwa were shooting lights out. Clifford with 20 and Achiuwa with 22 points. Raynaud also had double digits shooting for 15 points.
If nothing else these guys will bring incredible energy, skill, and scoring ability to next year’s roster. The rally the Kings mounted at the end of the third quarter fell apart as the final quarter wore on.
Just when it looked as if all was lost, the Kings fought back pulling to within 11 points 103-92. With eight minutes left in the game the Kings pulled to within nine points 104-95 but that would be as close as they would get and that was the finish of the 2025-26 season for the Sacramento Kings.
The Kings Precious Achiuwa finished with the game high, a double double, 27 points and 11 rebounds. Nique Clifford had 24 points and Maxime Raynaud with 21 points.
Game notes: A season like no other has finally come to an end for the Sacramento Kings. Everything that could go wrong did and the Kings went into probably every game this season short-handed. If not every game pretty darn close to every game.
Since the start of 2026 a lot of the younger players got a rare opportunity to start games and they reaped the benefits. While Maxime Raynaud has been starting for awhile now, Nique Clifford, Devin Carter and Daeqwon Plowden have gotten a lot of minutes and the improvement they have shown has been impressive.
The Kings now look ahead to the upcoming 2026-27 season but before that the draft lottery at the end of May will be of great interest to the future of the team. Of course no team wants to finish with one of the three worst records of the season but those teams have the best chance at a first round draft pick.
Sacramento will not be in that group but they do have a 22-60 record and after Sunday night’s game and a finish to their season. They took on the Trail Blazers in their final game of the season ending with a loss Sunday. The Trail Blazers are tied for eighth place with the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers beat the Golden State Warriors Sunday night 115-110 and the Clippers came away with a big win.
Stay connected for upcoming Kings news and an important one to keep all eyes on will be the upcoming NBA draft. On May 10 the NBA draft lottery will take place. The date for the NBA draft will be announced at a later date most likely sometime in June.
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.
Sacramento Kings guard Devin Carter (22) throws down on the Golden State Warriors in the first half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Fri Apr 10, 2026 (AP News photo)
Sacramento Kings podcast Tony Harvey:
#1 How did Devin Carter manage to score 29 points and impact the outcome of the game against the Warriors?
#2 What role did Nique Clifford play in the Kings’ starting lineup during the April 10 matchup?
#3 How effective was Precious Achiuwa in the frontcourt for Sacramento against Golden State?
#4 In what ways did Daeqwon Plowden contribute to the Kings’ performance in this game?
#5 How did Maxime Raynaud perform as a starter, and what impact did he have on the Kings’ win over the Warriors?
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.
Devin Carter #22 of the Sacramento Kings drives to the basket past Gary Payton II #0 of the Golden State Warriors in the second half at Golden 1 Center on April 10, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
By Jeremiah Salmonson
SACRAMENTO — The Kings closed the book on their 2025-2026 home schedule on Friday night as they played their final game at Golden 1 Center. The Kings took on the Warriors at 7 p.m. PST in what was largely a meaningless game for both clubs. The Warriors, already locked into the tenth seed in the Western Conference, were largely tuning up for their play-in action next week, while the Kings were getting their final looks from their young guys. The season doesn’t officially end for the Kings until Sunday, but the last home game always has a nice celebratory feel to it, regardless of how little success the team had on the floor this season.
Adding to the celebration on Friday, the Kings honored longtime radio play-by-play broadcaster Gary ‘G-Man’ Gerould by announcing the naming of the Kings’ media dining and work areas after him. The team announced that the media dining and workspace at Golden 1 Center will be named the “Gary ‘G-Man’ Gerould Media Center” at the beginning of the 2026-2027 season.
“For more than 40 years, G-Man has been the defining voice of the Sacramento Kings, bringing every moment to life on the radio with unmatched precision, passion, and storytelling,” said Sacramento Kings Chairman and Owner Vivek Ranadivé in a team release following the announcement.
Gary is one of my personal favorite people I have ever met. His infectious kindness and sharp personality are just some of the attributes that set him apart in the broadcast landscape. It’s been an honor to work around him during the seasons I have covered the Kings, and each interaction I have with him leaves me better than I began. A well-deserved honor for the Sacramento icon.
However, it wasn’t just celebration that was on the docket for Friday night. The Kings played the Warriors hard on Friday and defeated Golden State 124-118.
In the first quarter, the Kings jumped out to an early lead against the Warriors as they outscored them 32-27 in the opening salvo. The Kings, led by 11 points from Malik Monk, took a five-point advantage early as the Warriors had no answers for the guard. Brandin Podziemski led the Warriors in first-quarter scoring with six points, while Draymond Green and Al Horford added five points each.
In the second quarter, the Kings continued to create more separation from the Warriors. The Kings outscored the Warriors 31-24 in the second quarter to take a 12-point, 63-51 lead into the halftime break. The Kings’ offense shined in the first half as they assisted on 14 of their baskets while committing only eight turnovers. Devin Carter and Nique Clifford cooked for the Kings in the second quarter, scoring 10 points each while amassing 12 points apiece in the first half. De’Anthony Melton led the way for the Warriors with 17 points in the half, all of which came in the second quarter.
Coming out of halftime in the third quarter down 12, it was all Warriors early in the quarter as they went on a 12-2 run to pull back within reach of the Kings. Steph Curry and Kristaps Porzingis led the early push for the Warriors with five points each during that run. The rest of the third, the Warriors didn’t let up. Golden State outscored the Kings 38-19 in the quarter to take a seven-point, 89-82 lead into the final quarter of action. Brandin Podziemski led the resurgence for the Warriors with 10 third-quarter points, while Devin Carter carried the offensive load for the Kings with nine.
In the fourth quarter, the game turned into a back-and-forth battle. The Kings battled back and outscored the Warriors 42-29 in the fourth quarter to seal the 124-118 win. The game came down to the final few possessions, but timely free throws from Nique Clifford ultimately sealed the deal. Brandin Podziemski did what he could to keep the Warriors in it with 14 fourth-quarter points, but it was Maxime Raynaud and Daeqwon Plowden each scoring 12 points in the fourth quarter that propelled the Kings to victory. Devin Carter led the Kings in scoring with 29 points, while Maxime Raynaud added 23, Nique Clifford 20, and Daeqwon Plowden 20 points in the game.
It was the Kings’ final home game and final beam in a tumultuous 2025-2026 season for the Kings.
The Kings will go on the road for their final game of the season on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. PST in Portland to take on the Trail Blazers.
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.
Can the Sacramento Kings put Stephen Curry (30) and the Golden State Warriors on their backs this Fri Apr 10, 2026 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento? To find out listen to the Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson (AP News photo)
Sacramento Kings Jeremiah Salmonson:
#1 How will Maxime Raynaud’s presence impact the Kings’ ability to control rebounds and interior scoring against the Warriors?
#2 Can DeMar DeRozan take over offensively in clutch moments against Golden State’s defense?
#3 What role will Malik Monk play as a scorer and playmaker off the bench or in the starting lineup? (He has been a key contributor in recent seasons.)
#4 How important is Doug McDermott’s three-point shooting in stretching the Warriors’ defense?
#5 Can Killan Hayes provide enough offensive production to compensate for injuries and keep the game competitive?
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.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) takes a jump shot against the Sacramento Kings forward Precious Achiuwa (9) during the first half at Chase Center in San Francisco on Tue Apr 7, 2026 (AP News photo)
Golden State Warriors podcast David Zizmor:
#1 David the anticipated return of Stephen Curry after missing 27 games scored 17 points the Golden State Warriors (37-42) win over the visiting Sacramento Kings (21-59) 110-105 at Chase Center on Tuesday night.
#2 The Warriors were aware of the Kings Maxime Raynaud who can be effective from anywhere on the floor led Sacramento with 17 points.
#3 Next up for the Warriors another meeting with the Kings this time in Sacramento on Fri Apr 10th with a 7:00pm PDT tip. This one will be at Golden 1 do you see Curry’s return almost a sure win for Golden State in Sacramento?
Los Angeles Lakers Luka Doncic (pictured) is listed out with a grade 2 hamstring injury and Austin Reaves (not pictured) is out with a grade 2 oblique muscle injury. They are expected to miss the post season according to reports. (Getty photo)
NBA podcast Michael Roberson:
#1 How does Los Angeles Lakers Luka Dončić’s and Austin Reaves injuries impact the Western Conference playoff race and potential Finals contenders? (Consider how tightly packed teams like the Lakers, Nuggets, and Rockets are right now.)
#2 Which late-season performance is more impressive: Denver Nuggets Nikola Jokić’s triple-double dominance or Jalen Brunson’s clutch game-winner—and why? (Think about MVP narratives vs. clutch impact.)
#3 Are the Houston Rockets legitimate contenders in the West, or are they benefiting from favorable matchups and timing? (Use their current form and matchup vs. the Suns as context.)
#4 Can the Boston Celtics sustain their late-season surge into a championship run, and what factors make them especially dangerous? (Focus on Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and team chemistry.)
#5 Will Shaquille O’Neal’s new professional dunk league enhance basketball culture or distract from the NBA product?
Dylan Cardwell #32 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball during the game against the Golden State Warriors on April 7, 2026 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
By Jeremiah Salmonson
SAN FRANCISCO — The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Tuesday night against the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center. The Kings were squarely out of the playoff picture when they took on the playoff-hopeful Warriors. The Warriors are guaranteed the 10th spot in the Western Conference as they attempt to make a playoff run with Steph Curry having returned from injury.
On Tuesday, the Kings played with a highly depleted lineup that was missing the likes of DeMar DeRozan, Russell Westbrook, Keegan Murray, and Zach LaVine. The Kings only had nine players available in the game. The Warriors were back in tow with Steph Curry, albeit off the bench in his second game back from injury. In a tough-fought game, the Kings fell to the Warriors 110-105 on Tuesday night.
In the first quarter, the Kings played the Warriors tough as they managed to outscore them 26-25 in the game’s opening 12 minutes. Maxime Raynaud and Daeqwon Plowden led the Kings’ offensive efforts in the first quarter as they scored seven and six points, respectively, to open the game. On the Warriors’ side, Pat Spencer led the scoring with seven points in the opening frame.
In the second quarter, the Warriors dominated and created significant separation from the Kings. De’Anthony Melton led the way for the Warriors with 12 second-quarter points as they outscored the Kings 41-27. Steph Curry trailed slightly behind Melton as he powered the Warriors in the second quarter with 11 points of his own. The Kings, who scored 27 points in the quarter, were led in scoring by Doug McDermott and Nique Clifford, who scored eight and five points, respectively.
The Kings went into halftime trailing the Warriors 66-53 after the first half of play in San Francisco.
In the third quarter, the Kings outplayed the Warriors in all aspects of the game and began a comeback attempt after being down 13 heading into halftime. The Kings outscored the Warriors 28-19 in the third quarter to come within four points and make it an 85-81 game heading into the fourth. Killian Hayes and Maxime Raynaud led the charge for the Kings, scoring eight points each in the quarter. Gary Payton II led the way for the Warriors, adding six points in the third.
In the fourth quarter, the Kings continued to push. However, De’Anthony Melton and Brandin Podziemski each scored seven points in the final frame to keep the Kings at bay. The Warriors outscored the Kings 26-25 in the final quarter to take home the win by the final of 110-105. Precious Achiuwa and Doug McDermott each added eight points in the final frame to keep the Kings in it. The Kings failed to come back and win the game, but it was not without fight and positive trajectory for the young group led by Doug Christie.
“It’s one of the gratifying things [watching players grow] that as you watch your players… we watch film, we talk about certain things and you get in practice, we work on certain things, and to watch them take that to the floor and do it is absolutely huge,” Doug Christie said.
“I think that they’ve faced adversity many, many times,” Doug continued. “And previously I thought they would drop rope and put their heads down, letting the game get away from us instead of continuing to fight. But all the little things that we talk about… super gratifying.”
Dylan Cardwell and Killian Hayes were some of the standouts for the Kings in the loss on Tuesday.
Cardwell finished with eight points, nine boards, and three blocks in the game. He had a large impact on the court in his nearly 26 minutes, which also included a scary incident with Draymond Green later in the game where they bumped knees. However, he stayed in the game after appearing to be in visible pain and finished the game.
“It was just me and Draymond knee to knee,” Dylan said after the game. “Just fighting for a rebound, so we were both hurt, whatever. But I got over it.”
Dylan, who seems to have found his timing again on the court after his return from his ankle injury, spoke on his process of getting back to form.
“That was my first ever… missing games in my whole entire life. The most games I missed in college in a row was one, I missed two games in five years, so that was my first time really sitting out for a while. So I had to give myself a little grace in returning, and now I feel more active… it just took a couple games for me to get back to where I was at.”
Killian Hayes had 18 points and four steals in the game to help the Kings in their comeback efforts. Dylan was excited to see Hayes performing at a high level and showing what they believe he can do on a regular basis.
“It is nice to see him all over the stat sheet,” Cardwell said of Hayes. “And then he’s a great defender. He is a great teammate, so I’m really happy for him.”
Killian spoke after the game about his role and the keys to his success that come from Doug Christie.
“He [Doug Christie] wants me to be aggressive defensively, picking up, getting deflections and things like that,” Hayes said after the game. “And on offense, just get the guys going and be aggressive as well.”
With the Jazz and Kings both losing on Tuesday, the Kings remain tied with the Jazz for the fourth-worst record in the NBA. The final two games of the season will determine the lottery odds for the draft later this summer.
The Kings will return home to take on the Warriors again on Friday at 7 p.m. PST at the 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.
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