Category: NBA

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings close home season against Warriors tonight at Golden 1

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Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) makes a move to the basket in front of Dallas Mavericks forward Christian Wood (35) and guard Jaden Hardy (3) during the first half at the American Airlines Arena in Dallas on Wed Apr 5, 2023. Fox will not be in the line up for Friday’s game against Golden State. (AP News photo)

On the Sac Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 Wednesday night the Sacramento Kings (48-32) took on the Dallas Mavericks (38-42) at American Airlines Center. The Kings have secured their spot in the playoffs and are chasing 50 wins with a possibility of 51 wins when all is said and done heading into the playoffs.

#2 The Mavericks picked up the win against the Kings playing desperately to stay alive for a 123-119. While the main motivation for the Mavericks were to stay in for the post season chase they really leaned on Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic, and Tim Hardaway Jr for offensive help.

#3 Kyrie Irving scored 19 points in the final 12 minutes and willed his team to a 123-119 win keeping them alive although barely. The Kings were hoping to administer the last rites in Dallas but the Mavericks were on fire in the second half and refused to go away.

#4 The Kings did not have the fourth quarter magic that we have seen so often this season. Fox finished with the high score shooting for 28 points. Every starter finished with double digits and Sabonis had yet another triple double with 14 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists.

#5 Friday night the Kings will be back home taking on the Golden State Warriors at Golden One Center. This will be yet another team that is fighting for position in the playoffs. The Warriors do not want to have to end up in a play in game and so this is a critical game for them. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 pm.

Join Jeremiah for the Kings podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Dallas Beats Kings in Final Minutes 123-119 To Stay Alive For Playoff Berth

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Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) drives the ball against Sacramento Kings guard Davion Mitchell (15) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Dallas at American Airlines Arena on Wed Apr 5, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Wednesday night the Sacramento Kings (48-32) took on the Dallas Mavericks (38-42) at American Airlines Center. The Kings have secured their spot in the playoffs and are chasing 50 wins with a possibility of 51 wins when all is said and done heading into the playoffs. The Mavericks picked up the win against the Kings playing desperately to stay alive for a 123-119.

The Mavericks have a distinctly different future. The Mavericks are currently in 11th place in the Western Conference and will be fighting for a play in spot. Dallas does not have any injured players and the Kings are very close to full strength. Bench player Matthew Dellavedova underwent surgery to repair a fractured index finger. There is no timetable right now for him. Two teams with vastly different agendas.

The two teams battled throughout the first quarter. After the first 12 minutes the Mavericks had a slim lead 28-27. Keegan Murray had a quiet opening quarter but he really began to heat up in the second quarter. He had eleven points at the half with two triples.

The teams two power houses De’Aaron Fox and Luca Doncic both finished the half with 17 points. Domantas Sabonis had a terrific first half with seven rebounds, eight assists and 14 points. The Kings outscored the Mavericks in the second quarter 44-32. They led at the half 71-60 with a lot of ball still to play.

After an amazing game against the Hawks on Sunday Kyrie Irving had a quiet first half in this game with 6 points. It was a far cry from the 41 points he scored against the Hawks Sunday but it was only one half of basketball.

The Mavericks came roaring back in the third quarter outscoring the Kings 32-21 taking the lead mid-way through the quarter. The teams traded the lead in the final minutes of the quarter. The game was tied at 92 after three.

Kyrie Irving got hot in the second half and with 6:09 left in the game had shot for 24 points. Tim Hardaway Jr. also had 24 points and Luca Doncic does what he typically does and that is control the game shooting for 29 points. Dallas was fighting for their playoff lives and they were playing like it.

Kyrie Irving scored 19 points in the final twelve minutes and willed his team to a 123-119 win keeping them alive although barely. The Kings were hoping to administer the last rites in Dallas but the Mavericks were on fire in the second half and refused to go away.

The Kings did not have the fourth quarter magic that we have seen so often this season. Fox finished with the high score shooting for 28 points. Every starter finished with double digits and Sabonis had yet another triple double with 14 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists.

Friday night the Kings will be back home taking on the Golden State Warriors at Golden One Center. This will be yet another team that is fighting for position in the playoffs. The Warriors do not want to have to end up in a play in game and so this is a critical game for them. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 pm.

Dallas Beats Kings in Final Minutes To Stay Alive For Playoff Berth

Golden State Warriors podcast with David Zizmor: Kuminga and Lamb make up difference for injured Thompson

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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) drives to the basket against Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) and guard Moses Moody during the first half at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Tue Apr 4, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with David:

#1 The Warriors did not have Klay Thompson available Tuesday night. Thompson was a late scratch due to tightness in his lower back. Steve Kerr had Jonathan Kuminga and Anthony Lamb in the starting lineup and that made the difference for the missing Thompson in the Warriors 136-125 win.

#2 The Warriors had five players in double figures. Curry paced the offense with 34 points, five rebounds, and six assists, and Curry made six threes. Poole had 30 points, two rebounds, and four assists, and Poole made five threes. Green had quite a night.

#3 Andrew Wiggins won’t return on the floor soon coach Kerr said that Wiggins will get into practice shape and he’ll most likely be saved for the post season to avoid injuries during the closing days of the regular season.

#4 The Warriors have two games left in the regular season. Both games are on the road. The Warriors meet the Sacramento Kings Friday night in Sacramento for a 7:00 pm PDT tip. 

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

Warrior thriller shuts down OKC offense in second half win 136-125

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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, top left, reaches for the ball against Golden State Warriors forward Kevon Looney (5) and guard Moses Moody, bottom, during the first half at Chase Center in San Francisco on Tue Apr 4, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Golden State Warriors (42-38) played their final home game of the regular season Tuesday night at the Chase Center. Their opponent were the Oklahoma City Thunder (38-42).

OKC beat the Warriors in Oklahoma City the last time the teams played. The young Thunder players love to drive to the rim and get opportunities to make three-point plays.

The Warriors did not have Klay Thompson available Tuesday night. Thompson was a late scratch due to tightness in his lower back. Steve Kerr had Jonathan Kuminga and Anthony Lamb in the starting lineup and that made the difference for the missing Thompson in the Warriors 136-125 win.

The game turned out to be a high-scoring affair. The Thunder shot a blistering 59.6% from the floor in the first half. The Thunder won the first quarter 39-36. The Thunder scored 40 points in the second period. The Warriors scored 33 in the period but found themselves down 79-69 at the end of two periods of play.

Curry led the Warriors with 24. No other Warrior was in double figures. The Thunder had four players in double figures. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 21. Jalen Williams had 14, Isaiah Joe 14, and Lu Dort added 11. 

The Warriors have had several comebacks from double-digit deficits this season. The Warriors would need better defense if they hoped to win. The Warriors needed Jordan Poole, Donte DiVincenzo, Draymond Green, and Moses Moody to get going on offense. All those players came through for golden state.

The Warriors won the third quarter 33-27 to cut the deficit to four, 106-102 at the end of the third period. Stephen Curry started the fourth quarter on the bench. Poole met the challenge by making a three to tie the game 108-108. Poole made another bucket to make 110-108.

The Thunder made a three to regain the lead 111-110. Poole made a three and a two-point basket to give the Warriors the advantage 115-113. The Thunder tied the game at 115-115. Curry entered the game and made a three. The Warriors led 118-115. The Thunder didn’t know it then, but they were toast.

The Warriors defense stiffened as they held the Thunder to 19 points in the fourth quarter. The Warriors scored 33. Green, Gary Payton II, and Kevon Looney played well on defense. Curry and Poole led the comeback to give the Warriors the win.

Game Notes: With the win, the Warriors are 42-38. The Warriors are 33-8 at the Chase Center this year. The Warriors are currently in fifth place in the Western Conference. They will drop to sixth as the winner of the Clipper-Laker game will take the fifth spot. The Thunder lost their third in a row and fourth in the last five. The Thunder are now 38-42.

In the second half, the Warrior defense held the Thunder to 39% from the floor. The Warriors won the second half 67-46. 

The Warriors had five players in double figures. Curry paced the offense with 34 points, five rebounds, and six assists, and Curry made six threes. Poole had 30 points, two rebounds, and four assists, and Poole made five threes. Green had quite a night.

Green had 17 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, blocked two shots, and made two steals. DiVincenzo kicked in with 16 points, six boards, and five assists. DiVincezo made four threes. Moody added 13 points. Moody made three threes. Looney recorded 11 boards.

Gilgeous-Alexander paced the Thunder attack with 32 points. Jalen William had 19, Josh Giddey 16, Aaron Wiggins 11, and Isiaah Joe 14.

The Warriors have two games left in the regular season. Both games are on the road. The Warriors meet the Sacramento Kings Friday night in Sacramento for a 7:00 pm PDT tip. 

Kings handle Pelican defense 121-103

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Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes (40) dunks against New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III (25) during the first half at Smoothie King Arena in New Orleans on Tue Apr 4, 2023 (AP News photo)

Kings Handle Pelican Defense 121-103

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (48-31) took on the New Orleans Pelicans (40-39) Tuesday night at Smoothie King Center in the “Big Easy”. The Kings have already secured their spot in the playoffs so now it’s all about preparing for mid-April and remaining healthy.

The Kings have had an amazingly injury-free season which accounts, in part, to much of their success. All the credit goes to the training staff that is onboard in Sacramento. Case in point the Kings offense lit up the Pelicans for a 121-103, 18 point win.

The Kings got a slow start in the opening quarter and the Pelicans Brandon Ingram tore up the court in the first quarter scoring 14 points. The Kings may have started poorly but they came on strong in the later minutes of the quarter outscoring the Pelicans 25-22.

Sacramento got fully on board in the second quarter outscoring New Orleans 40-32 and led at the half 65-54. The Kings had successfully taken Ingram out of the game after his hot start.

Sacramento maintained a double digit lead throughout the third quarter. Keegan Murray continued his amazing play shooting 7 of 9 from downtown. After three quarters the Kings had extended their lead to 96-80.

With 3:01 left in the fourth quarter the Kings had a 116-95 lead. They had handled one of the best defenses in the NBA. The Kings clinched the Pacific Division title in yet another milestone in this 2022-’23 season.

Every starter in this game had double digits with De’Aaron Fox leading the pack shooting 23 points. Malik Monk was back in action and finished with 17 points.

This season not only Keegan Murray but also Kevin Huerter were on the most 3-Pt field goals in a season list. In 2022-’23 Murray shot 201 and Huerter was right behind him with 200. Just another measure of the success that the Kings have had this season.

Wednesday night the Kings travel to Dallas to take on the Mavericks looking for win #49. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 PM.

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Wiggins back in Bay girlfriend instagrams he’ll be back soon

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Golden State Warriors Andrew Wiggins girlfriend Mychal Johnson instagrammed that Wiggins will be back soon. Head coach Steve Kerr has shutdown all rumors that Wiggins will be out for the rest of the season. There has been talk Wiggins could be back for the post season. (photo from clutchpoints.com)

On the Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1 Barbara, the Golden State Warriors came out of the gates in the first quarter with a ten point lead 36-26 and held the Denver Nuggets in check to start off the game.

#2 The Warriors continued on the same path in the second quarter and two minutes into the quarter led 44-31. The Warriors led by as much as 15 points in the quarter but at 2:44 the Nuggets had trimmed the Golden State lead to five 56-51. 

#3 The best two-point shooting team in the league started to show their muscle in the fourth quarter. The Nuggets took a 105-96 lead with 5:40 left in the game and came out a two point winner in the end.

#4 Andrew Wiggins whose been out of action is reportedly back in the Bay Area and his girlfriend Mychal Johnson says Wiggins will be back soon. Wiggins has been out due to a mysterious and undisclosed reason. Rumors had Wiggins not returning for the rest of the season but Mychal’s communique sounds like Wiggins is about to make an appearance.

#5 Tuesday night the Warriors will be back home at Chase taking on the OKC Thunder. Tipoff is scheduled 7:00 PM. How do you see this match up?

Join Barbara Mason each Monday for the Warriors podcast at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Warriors Unable to Finish Against Western Conference Leader Denver 112-110 

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The Denver Nuggets Jeff Green (32) and the Golden State Warriors Jonathan Kuminga (00) jump for the basketball at Ball Arena in Denver on Sun Apr 2, 2023 (@warriors photo)

     By Barbara Mason

Sunday evening the Golden State Warriors (41-38) took on the Denver Nuggets (52-26) at Ball Arena. The Nuggets sit on top of the Western Conference and the Warriors could not bring their A-game against the Nuggets in a road game in Denver losing 112-110.

The Warriors have struggled mightily on the road this season and couldn’t find a way to handle this game. Nikola Jokic did not play in this game out with a calf issue missing a third game.

The Warriors handled the first quarter very well leading after the first twelve minutes 36-26. Golden State had a solid start, they were attacking the basket and put out some very good defense. The Warriors have won their last two road games and were looking to make it three. If the first 12 minutes were any indication, the Warriors play in this game was very promising.

The Warriors continued on the same path in the second quarter and two minutes into the quarter led 44-31. The Warriors led by as much as fifteen points in the quarter but at 2:44 the Nuggets had trimmed the Golden State lead to five 56-51. Denver had been cold from beyond the arc but started to heat up as the first half came to an end. The Warriors had the lead at the half 61-58 but the Nuggets owned the later part of the second quarter.

Golden State started adding to their lead in the third quarter 71-63 only to see it dissolve at 7:21. Denver tied up the game 71-71. For the first time since the start of the game the Nuggets took the lead 73-71. Both teams were having a miserable night shooting three’s. Denver was seven of 27 and the Warriors were 7 of 30. After the first three quarters the Nuggets ha a 89-87 lead. This game was still up for grabs.

The best two-point shooting team in the league started to show their muscle in the fourth quarter. The Nuggets took a 105-96 lead with 5:40 left in the game. Denver was in control outplaying the Warriors in the second half and leading 109-98 with under four minutes left in the game. This was the Nuggets largest lead of the game and they showed no signs of slowing down. The Nuggets got a two point win.

The bottom line is that the Warriors just didn’t shoot well enough to win this game. Stephen Curry finished with 21 points but was two of 13 from downtown. Off the bench Jordan Poole had 17 points. The Warriors were able to hang in this game for three quarters but fell short in the fourth quarter unable to finish. The promise that the Warriors showed in the first half vanished in the fourth quarter when the game was on the line.

The Warriors did make a valiant effort in the final two minutes of this game. The Nuggets had an 11 point lead 112-101 but Golden State pulled to within two points. Klay Thompson had a great look with 4.1 left on the clock to win the game. He missed and the Warriors came up a bucket short. It was a wild finish and Golden State fought hard to the very end.

Tuesday night the Warriors will be back home at Chase taking on the OKC Thunder. Tipoff is scheduled 7:00 PM.

        

San Antonio Pulls Upset Over Kings 142-134

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San Antonio Spurs forward Doug McDermott shoots over Sacramento Kings forward Kessler Edwards (17) during the first quarter at Chase Center in Sacramento on Sun Apr 2, 2023 (AP News photo)

San Antonio Pulls Upset Over Kings 142-134

By Barbara Mason

Sunday afternoon the Sacramento Kings (47-31) took on the San Antonio Spurs (20-58) at Golden One Center in search of win #48 but failed to get it as the Spurs came away with a 142-134 in an offensive shootout. A win Sunday would have locked down third place in the Western Conference for the Kings.

Sunday the Grizzlies got beat down by the Chicago Bulls and Sacramento is hot on their heels in the standings. There is still more for Sacramento to aim for before they head into the playoffs, one of those taking over second place in the conference.

Game recap: The Kings had some trouble guarding the perimeter to start the game. San Antonio is a team that does not excel in shooting from beyond the arc, but despite that, the Spurs shot six triples in the opening quarter. The Kings had numerous stops in the late minutes of the first quarter but could not connect with baskets of their own.

With 2:30 left in the quarter the Spurs had a 28-19 lead. The Kings looked a little disjointed in the first quarter of this very physical game and trailed after the first 12 minutes 32-30. Sacramento began to turn things around going on an 11-4 run in the closing minutes.

The second quarter was not one of the Kings finest hours. They were struggling with ball protection finishing the first half with 11 turnovers. They were five of 22 from downtown and Domantas Sabonis had to sit with three fouls. The Kings trailed at the half 63-58.

After three quarters the King continued to play catch up trailing 96-92. Every time the Kings made a move, the Spurs had the answer.

The fourth quarter was a tight one with the teams trading the lead. With under four minutes left in the game the King trailed 117-114. Despite some great defense Sacramento continued to trail and with under two minutes left in the game it was a one point game 119-118 in favor of San Antonio.

With 16.5 left on the clock San Antonio stepped out of bounds and the Kings had a golden opportunity to break the 123 tie and ice this game. The Kings were unable to break the tie and this game went into overtime.

The Spurs might have a 19-58 record but they did not play this game like they did. They were excellent on both ends of the court and pulled the upset over the Kings. San Antonio was near perfect in the five minutes with bench player Doug McDermott finishing with 30 points.

Every King starter finished with double digits. De’Aaron Fox had 28 points closely followed by Domantas Sabonis with 26. Off the bench Terence Davis finished with 15 points. These guys have all the markers that could result in a very successful run in the playoffs however there are a few issues that Head Coach Mike Brown will no doubt address heading into the Big Easy.

There is still some work to do for Sacramento and this was a great wake-up call. The Kings did not establish home court advantage and that’s something that they will have to do going forward. Sacramento gave up 142 points in this game, something else to take a look at.

Tuesday night the Kings will travel to New Orleans to take on the Pelicans. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM.

Warriors beat back challenge from lowly Spurs 130-115

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Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots against San Antonio Spurs guard Malaki Branham, right, during the first half at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Fri Mar 31, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Golden State Warriors welcomed the San Antonio Spurs to the Chase Center Friday night. The Spurs, coached by Greg Popovich, came to town with a record of 19-57. The Spurs are in rebuild mode, but several players are NBA caliber.

The Spurs’ mission Friday night was to upset the Warriors’ applecart. The young Spurs played with passion. San Antonio’s defense kept making stops on the Warriors. In the first period, the Spurs forced the Warriors into five turnovers in the game’s first five minutes.

The Warriors offense was cold. The Spurs led by nine, 19-10. The Warriors defense allowed the team to tie the game 23-23. The Spurs finished the quarter leading 26-23. The Spurs kept the Warriors at bay for most of the second period. Things changed when Jordan Poole entered the game midway through the period.

The Spurs were leading 44-40 when Poole hit a three. Poole made 12 of the W’s last 14 points in the period to give the Warriors a three-point lead 54-51 at the end of the first half. Poole led the Warriors with 15. Stephen Curry had 14. Poole and Curry each connected on three threes. Klay Thompson was cold. He finished the half with four points. Malakio Branham led the Spurs with 14.

The Warriors played better in the third period. Unfortunately for them, the Spurs outscored the Warriors 37-33. Klay Thompson made four threes to pace the Warrior offense. The Warriors led by eight at one point, but San Antonio found its offense, and they finished the third quarter leading, 88-87.

The Spurs felt they had a chance to get a victory. They had played well for three quarters. The fans were getting nervous. Could San Antonio do it? The Warriors answered the question. The Spurs could not get the win. They fought hard, but the Warriors big guns came to life in the fourth quarter as they overwhelmed the Spurs 43-27 to win the game 130-115.

Game Notes- with the win, the Warriors are 41-37. The Warriors are 32-8 at the Chase Center. Golden State has four games left in the regular season. Three are on the road. The Spurs dropped to 19-58.

The Warriors outscored the Spurs 76-64 in the second half. One of the key players in the fourth quarter was Gary Payton II. Gary played 17 minutes and had seven points, eight rebounds, and one assist. Payton made several defensive plays. He stole the ball twice and was a force on the floor.

Curry led the Warriors with 33 points. Curry made seven threes. Thompson scored 27 points in the second half to finish with 31. Thompson also made seven threes, all in the second half. Poole had 27 points, two boards, and six assists, and he made six threes.

Jonathan Kuminga played well on both ends of the court. Kuminga finished with 17 points and eight rebounds. As a team, the Warriors made 21 threes in 49 tries. The Warriors weakness was turnovers.

They turned the ball over 14 times, leading to 23 points for the Spurs. The Spurs had six players in double figures. Keldon Johnson had 22. Malaki Branham 19. Gorgui Dieng, averaging 3 points a game, knocked four threes and finished with 14.

The Warriors meet the Denver Nuggets Sunday night in the Mile-High City. The game will start at 5:30 pm.

Another Blowout for Sacramento Over Portland 138-114

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Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe, left, passes the ball around Sacramento Kings guard Davion Mitchell, center, and forward Domantas Sabonis, right, during the first half in Portland on Thu Mar 31, 2023 (AP News photo)

Another Blowout for Sacramento Over Portland 138-114

By Barbara Mason

Friday night the Sacramento Kings (47-30) took on the Portland Trail Blazers (32-45) at Moda Center amid rainy skies. Portland came away losing their fifth straight game as the Kings took two games from the Kings 138-114. The Kings came into this game after having secured a playoff berth ending the horrible post season slump they have endured since 2006.

Sacramento entered the game with a full strength starting roster. They will need to defend the three but should be playing pretty loose with their playoff future determined. The Kings were getting some great looks in the first quarter but were not coming away with a lot of baskets from beyond the arc. They did lead with under two minutes left in the quarter by a handful of points but finished the first 12 minutes with a 36-27 advantage.

Portland hung around for most of the second quarter until the final minutes. By halftime the Kings led 71-59 and Kevin Huerter really began to heat up with 14 points after the first two quarters. He was four of five from downtown and five of six from the field. Four starters for the Kings had double digits and Malik Monk had ten off the bench. The Kings had 21 points off the bench in total. This was the largest lead of the game for Sacramento.

The Kings continued to extend their lead in the third quarter pushing the lead to 92-74 with four minutes left in the quarter. Despite the youth on the Portland team they were having a great deal of success from beyond the arc but could not handle the experience and ball movement that the Kings excel in. After three quarters that Kings had a confortable 104-89 lead.

The Kings got some high powered offense in the fourth quarter, With two minutes left in the game Sacramento had a 132-108 lead closing out this game.

The Kings exploded offensively with Domantas Sabonis, Keegan Murray, De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk all finishing with 20 points apiece. Every starter in this game had double digits and the bench had 53 points collectively which will be vitally important in the playoffs.

Sunday afternoon the Kings will play the San Antonio Spurs at home. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM.