Category: NBA

Warriors Get A Great Start On the Road Beating San Antonio 144-113; Game set NBA attendance record at the Alamodome

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Fans move about in the Alamodome before an NBA basketball game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Golden State Warriors in San Antonio, Friday, Jan. 13, 2023 (AP News photo)

Warriors Get A Great Start On the Road Beating San Antonio 144-113

By Barbara Mason

Friday night the Golden State Warriors (21-21) took on the San Antonio Spurs (13-30) in the first of a five game road trip. Alamodome was packed with nearly 65,000 fans at the start of the game. At the end of the third quarter we got the exact attendance which was an NBA record breaker with 68,323. The Warriors were not intimidated by the sell out record setting crowd and defeated the Spurs 144-113.

On top of this it was the 50th anniversary of the storied San Antonio franchise. The Warriors had a great first quarter leading 33-25 after the first 12 minutes. The Spurs had a slow start but started to challenge Golden State as the quarter wore on. The Warriors were shooting from beyond the arc as expected but they were winning the battle in the paint.

Golden State did not slow down in the second quarter. At the half they had won the quarter 41-32 and led 74-60. The Warriors were shooting at 58% and had only five turnovers in the half. The Warriors had shot nine from downtown while the Spurs were struggling from long with only two baskets.

The Warriors won the battle of the benches and the Spurs were having a rough time keeping up with the Warriors ball movement,. The Warriors were 18 of 23 from the paint and it was an ideal first half of basketball for Golden State.

The Spurs got a quick start in the third quarter and started to trim the Warriors lead and with 9:20 San Antonio trailed by 78-72. Golden State turned it around and got back on track to extend their lead back out to 91-75 with 6:43 left in the third. Klay Thompson was having a great game going seven of eight with 16 points.

The Warriors tonight looked like the defending champions, a great thing to see on the road for these guys considering their issues away from Chase. As the clock ran out on the third quarter the Warriors had a significant lead 114-89.

Through three quarters, this was the best that the Warriors had played all season on the road and they did it in front of the largest crowd in NBA history. Golden State held onto the lead; they kept their foot on the pedal and won the first game on this road trip.

30 assists will win a lot of games and the Warriors played a complete game especially on the defensive end. They dominated the boards, made shots from downtown and their play in the paint was brilliant with eight players in double digits and 77 points from the bench. Jordan Poole had the point high with 25 and Donte DiVincenzo with 22. Four starters finished in double digits in this unique atmosphere.

The Warriors continue their road trip traveling to Chicago for an afternoon game on Sunday with the Bulls. Tipoff is scheduled for 12:30 PM.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings go for the sweep concluding two game set with Rockets tonight in Sac

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Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes is defended by Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (1) during the second half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Wed Jan 11, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1The Kings would turn up the heat on the Rockets and score 31 points in the first quarter. Granted, that was only good for a four-point lead as the Rockets scored 27 themselves.

#2 The Kings built on the lead early in the second quarter and then lost it. The Kings scored 36 points in the second quarter. That was a good number, but the defense suffered. The Kings Kryptonite all year has been defense.

#3 Wednesday was no exception to this rule. The Rockets scored 35 points in the second quarter to keep pace with the Kings. However, the Kings would take a five-point 67-62 lead into halftime.

#4 De’Aaron Fox led the way in the first half with 12 points, as Jalen Green led the way for the Rockets with 18.

#5 The Kings stay home to take on the Houston Rockets in the second game of the series on Friday at 7 PM PST at Golden 1 Center in downtown Sacramento.

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

Kings take out Rockets in 20 point win in first of two game series

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By Jeremiah Salmonson

Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason, center, and forward Bruno Fernando (20) defend against Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk during the first half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Wed Jan 11, 2023 (AP News photo)

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings (22-18) were back in action on Wednesday at home. The Kings last game was Monday, where they took on the Orlando Magic. The Kings were able to handle the Magic with ease in the blowout win 136-111.

On Wednesday, the Kings welcomed the Houston Rockets (18-31) to Sacramento. The Rockets were in town for a two-game series with games to be played on Wednesday and Friday nights. The Rockets came in 10-30 on the season, as the Kings were 21-18. The tip-off was set for 7 PM PST in Sacramento. GAME RESULT The Kings took the first of the two game set with a 20 point win 135-115 at Golden 1 Center.

In the first quarter, the Rockets started strong. They scored the first eight points of the game to put the Kings on notice. However, that would be short-lived. The Kings would turn up the heat on the Rockets and score 31 points in the first quarter. Granted, that was only good for a four-point lead as the Rockets scored 27 themselves. The Kings would have a first-quarter lead and look to expand that in the second quarter.

The Kings built on the lead early in the second quarter and then lost it. The Kings scored 36 points in the second quarter. That was a good number, but the defense suffered. The Kings Kryptonite all year has been defense; Wednesday was no exception to this rule. The Rockets scored 35 points in the second quarter to keep pace with the Kings. However, the Kings would take a five-point 67-62 lead into halftime. De’Aaron Fox led the way in the first half with 12 points, as Jalen Green led the way for the Rockets with 18.

In the third quarter, the Kings did not play well. Not only did the Kings defense not show up the offense wasn’t able to pick them up. The Rockets outscored the Kings 33-27 in the third quarter to come back and take the lead from the Kings. The Rockets would head into the final quarter with a one-point lead over the Kings. The Kings would need someone to step up in the fourth quarter if they wanted to win the game.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings do what good teams do against a poor opponent; the Kings took over. The Kings offense and defense simultaneously exploded in the fourth quarter as the Kings outscored the Rockets 41-20. It was a massive quarter for the Kings and a welcome sight, given so many close games late this season.

Trey Lyles was the hero of the quarter, scoring 15 of his 20 points in the fourth to lead the Kings to a 20 point win over the Rockets. Leading the way for the Kings was Domantas Sabonis, who was an assist shy of a triple-double. The Rockets best performance came from Alperen Sengun, who had a 10, 10, and 10 triple-double in the loss. The Kings improved to 22-18 as the Rockets fell to 10-31.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the Houston Rockets in the second game of the series on Friday at 7 PM PST.

Warriors Lose Third Straight At Chase To Suns 125-113

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Phoenix Suns forward Torrey Craig dunks against the Golden State Warriors in the first half at Chase Center in San Francisco on Tue Jan 10, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Tuesday night the Golden State Warriors (20-21) took on the Phoenix Suns (22-21) in the final game of this eight game home stand. Things were really looking up for Golden State welcoming back Stephen Curry. Andrew Wiggins was back for his first game after a long 15 game stretch on Saturday losing to the Orlando Magic. The Welcoming didn’t last long as the Warriors wound up losing their third straight game to the Suns at Chase Center in San Francisco 125-113.

Klay Thompson who sat out the Orlando game on Sunday was back on the court. The starting roster hasn’t looked this way for awhile now. Draymond Green, Curry, Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and Kevon Looney started the game.

The Phoenix squad were not at all intimidated by the Warriors leading 31-26 after the first quarter going on a 10-0 run to finish the first twelve minutes.

The Suns starters Devon Booker, Deandre Ayton and Chris Paul did not play but despite that the team did not miss a beat. Damian Lee was the spark for the Suns in the first quarter going two of three from downtown. He had 11 points in the opening quarter.

Phoenix created a sizable lead in the second quarter 53-36 with 5:07 left in the half. The Warriors had zero free throws while the Suns were ten of ten at the line. The Warriors offense was in disarray shooting 24% in the second quarter. At 3:27 left in the second quarter the Warriors went to the line for the first time in the game.

The Warriors had 11 turnovers in the first half and trailed at halftime 59-45. Golden State had to create some sort of offensive rhythm in the second half. The Warriors finished the half shooting at 34%. The Suns were shooting 38% but it was shots from beyond the arc (44%) that had given them the 14 point lead after two quarters.

The Suns continued to pour it on while the Warriors could not get a thing going with the exception of Thompson. Phoenix had taken a 86-62 lead with 3:53 left in the third quarter. Thompson was the only Warrior with double digits.

The Suns totally outplayed the Warriors through the first three quarters leading 98-79 going into the fourth quarter. Phoenix could not miss and with the exception of Thompson the Warriors were struggling on offense. Poole started hitting shots in the closing minutes of the third finishing with 14 points.

The Suns offense began to unravel in the fourth quarter. Golden State cut the Phoenix lead to thirteen with 5:40 left in the game. Golden State had opportunity after opportunity. The Warriors were getting stops and cashing in on some of them but also missing some wide open shots.

It got ugly in the final minutes of the game with Andre Iguodala being ejected. Golden State went on an 8-0 run with three minutes left in the game. The Suns had 25 offensive rebounds and cashed in with 21 points. The Warriors really picked it up in the final minutes of the game trailing by six points 117-111. They just ran out of clock. Trailing at one time by 27 the Warriors made a real bid to take this game but ended up losing.

This was a morale building for the Suns after losing six straight games. Mikal Bridges finished with 26 games, followed by Duane Washington Jr. with 21 points. Former Warrior Lee came off the bench for 22 points.

The return of Curry, Thompson and Andrew Wiggins all playing together didn’t bring the anticipated excitement until the fourth quarter. Thompson had 29 points and Curry finished with 24.

Off the bench Poole had 27 points. Golden State cannot wait until the fourth quarter to turn on their defense and start sinking shots at the end. It’s just not winning basketball and they better get over it by next Friday when they take on the San Antonio Spurs. That game will kickoff a five game road trip.

Friday night the Warriors will head out on the road to take on the San Antonio Spurs. Golden State will be looking to get some wins on the road where they have struggled mightily this season. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:30.

Kings clobber Magic 136-111 at Golden 1 Center

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Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk, top, pulls down a rebound between forward Domantas Sabonis (10) and forward Keegan Murray (13) in the first quarter of action at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Mon Jan 9, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Monday night in Sacramento. The Kings last played on Saturday against LeBron James and the Lakers at home. The Kings lost to the Lakers in that matchup 136-134. On Monday, the Kings were looking to get back in the win column against a mediocre team. The Kings were set to welcome the Orlando Magic at 7 PM on Monday. The Kings cruised to an easy victory on Monday 136-111 against the Magic.

In the first quarter, the Kings started hot on the offensive end. The Kings started the game with a massive 41-point outburst in the first quarter to jump to an early lead. The Kings defense didn’t start as quickly. The Kings allowed the Magic to score 31 points in the first quarter to hang around in the game early. The Kings pace and shot-making early were proving too much for the Magic.

In the second quarter, the Kings followed up the first quarter with another solid quarter. In the second, the Kings scored 31 points to build the lead more against the Magic. What stood out in the second was the Kings defense. The Kings defense limited the Magic to only 21 points in the quarter.

That was a much-needed and welcome sight for Kings fans, as the Kings defense has recently been bad. The Kings would head into halftime leading the game 72-52. Harrison Barnes started quickly for the Kings with 17 points in the first half to lead the Kings.

In the third quarter, the Kings continued to build the lead. The Magic could not figure out the Kings on the offensive end of the floor to this point all night. The Kings outscored the Magic 35-32 in the third quarter. Harrison Barnes continued his hot night, leading the Kings in scoring after three quarters with 23 points. Franz Wagner was leading the Magic with 16 points through three quarters. The Kings would take a 107-84 lead into the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings cruised to victory. The Kings, led by veteran Harrison Barnes to victory 136-111. Barnes had 30 points in the game as he started the Kings on the right foot and significantly impacted the victory. The Kings finished the game by outsourcing the Magic 29-27 in the final quarter.

The Magic were led in defeat by Paolo Banchero who had 17 points. The Kings improved to 21-18 on the season as the Magic fell to 15-26. This was a game the Kings should win and they took care of business at home.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the Houston Rockets on Wednesday at 7 PM PST.

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Wiggins and Iguodala back on the floor for Golden State

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Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) dunks over Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins, left, and forward Draymond Green, right, during the first half at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sat Jan 7, 2023 (AP News photo)

  1. Andrew Wiggins was back on the court as was Andre Iguodala. How did that go for Golden State.

2. The Magic’s Pablo Banchero and Franz Wagner both played a huge roll in this upset win over the Warriors.

3. The absence of Klay Thompson really hurt the Warrior effort and Jonathan Kuminga was also hurt.

  1. Anthony Lamb scored a career high but it was just not enough to win this game. Jordan Poole and Donte DiVincenzo got slow starts but the Warriors just did not have the fire power they needed.

5. Next up for the Warriors on Tuesday night will be the Phoenix Suns who have been struggling despite the talent on their team.

Join Barbara for the Warriors podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

LeBron’s 37 points helps Lakers put away Kings 136-134

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By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Saturday night. The Kings last played on Wednesday night when they took on the Atlanta Hawks at home. The Kings fell to the Hawks 120-117 on  Wednesday on the second night of a back-to-back. On Saturday, the Kings welcomed in LeBron James and the LA Lakers on a stormy night in Sacramento. LeBron led with 37 points and the Lakers defeated the Kings 136-134.

In the first quarter, both teams got off to a hot start on offense. The Kings scored 38 points in the quarter, as the Lakers started the game with 37 points. Neither team was putting much effort in on the defensive end of the floor. The Lakers built an early lead in the quarter, but the Kings managed to wipe that out and outscore the Lakers in the first quarter. Davion Mitchell started the game with nine quick points as Patrick Beverly matched him. 

In the second quarter, the Lakers and Kings went back and forth. The Kings went on a run early in the quarter, but the Lakers returned with one of their own. Overall, the Kings scored 35 points in the quarter as the Lakers outscored them with 36 points. All the Kings starters except Keegan Murray were in double figures as the game went to halftime. For the Lakers, LeBron James led the way with 16 points in the first half. The Kings and Lakers would go into halftime tied at 73 points a piece. 

In the third quarter, the Kings and Lakers both scored 36 points. Neither team could get any stops on the defensive end of the floor. Through three-quarters of the game, both teams had scored at least 35 points in every quarter. LeBron was doing everyday Lebron things scoring 27 points through the first three quarters. Every Kings starter was in double figures after three quarters, and they would look to bring the game home in the final 12 minutes. The Kings and Lakers were tied at 109 after three quarters. 

In the fourth quarter, the game remained as close as possible. It seemed that with every shot the Lakers made, the Kings would match and vice versa. One big blow to the Kings was when Domantas Sabonis fouled out with just over 45 seconds remaining.

It came down to the wire, but the Kings were outscored in the fourth quarter 27-25. It was a tough loss for the Kings, that could not get any defensive momentum. In the game, LeBron led the Lakers with 37 points. Thomas Bryant also put on a show for the Lakers, scoring 29 points with 14 rebounds.

The Kings were led by a fantastic performance from De’Aaron Fox, who scored 34 points in the game. Sabonis added 25 points and 12 rebounds in the game. It was a tough loss for the Kings, who will look to improve on the defensive end of the floor in their next game. 

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the Orlando Magic on Monday at 7 PM PST.

Warriors Outplayed Against Magic 115-101

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Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) celebrates with center Wendell Carter Jr. during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco at Chase Center on Fri Jan 7, 2023 (AP News photo)

Warriors Outplayed Against Magic 115-101

By Barbara Mason

After a disappointing loss to the Pistons Wednesday night the Golden State Warriors (20-20) took on a very young Orlando Magic (15-25) team. The Magic have been stringing wins together including back to back wins over the Boston Celtics. The Magic are a dangerous tenacious team despite their youth and they came away with a win over the Warriors 115-101.

Andrew Wiggins and Andre Iguodala were back with the team tonight but Klay Thompson did not take the court out with left knee soreness.

The Warriors won the first quarter 29-28. The Orlando Magic came out strong shooting 55%. The Magic won the second quarter 34-30 and at the half led 62-59. Anthony Lamb carried the team in the first half finishing the first two quarters with 22 points. No other Warrior had double digits in fact the next closest player for Golden State had nine points.

The Magic’s Paolo Banchero had 19 points and Franz Wagner had 12. Both of these players stand at 6’10” and create some tough defense. Orlando had 30 points in the paint and the Warriors turnovers became problematic. The Magic had 11 points off turnovers.

Orlando led, while not by much, for most of the first half. The Magic got their largest lead of the night in the early minutes of the third quarter 71-62. Draymond Green already had four fouls with a lot of game still to be played. The Warriors got incredibly careless with the turnovers and the Magic now had 18 points off turnovers.

The third quarter had started out in a very sloppy manner. The Warriors were getting outplayed and trailed by 13 points with 6:06 left in the quarter. Golden State was relying on the shots beyond the arc rather than driving the basket getting into the paint.

The Warriors already had 14 turnovers with three minutes left in the third and were only shooting at 42%. Golden State needed better execution on both ends of the floor offensively and defensively. The Heat won the third quarter 30-23 and led by ten points 92-82 in some really stagnant play by Golden State.

The Warriors would need a furious fourth quarter if they expected to win this game. They did not and the best home team in the league bit the dust. It was so disappointing on so many levels, offensively and defensively, in the paint and especially beyond the arc.

The Magic played a superior game. Banchero had 25 points and Wagner with 24. Orlando had their way with Golden State from start to finish and with each quarter the Warriors fell further behind.

Anthony Lamb had 26 points off the bench and Jordan Poole finished with 21 points.

The Warriors will play their last home game on Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns. Two teams with identical records at 20-20. The Suns have been really struggling these past few weeks so this is a game Golden State really wants to win before they head out on the road. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Tough home loss to Hawks, Kings hope to make it up vs. Lakers on Saturday

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Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins (20) fouls Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis, center, as Hawks guard Bogdan Bogdanovic (13) watches during the second half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Wed Jan 4, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 The Kings welcomed the Atlanta Hawks to town on Wednesday at 7 PM PST. Trae Young and former Kings guard Bogdan Bogdanovic. The Kings fell at home to the Hawks 120-117.

#2 The Kings and Hawks both scored 30 points in the first quarter. The Kings and the Hawks couldn’t get into any sort of rhythm on the offensive end. Domas Sabonis and De’Aaron Aaron supplied most of the Kings offense, starting with six points each.

#3  If the Kings wanted to win the game, the offense would need to improve. Sabonis led the Kings in the first half with 14 points as John Collins did the same for the Hawks with 12 points

#4 In the fourth quarter sloppy defense and some kissed free throws were the kiss of death for the Kings at they dropped the game 120-117.

#5 The Kings will welcome “The King” Lebron James and the Lakers to the Golden 1 Center Saturday at 7 PM PST.

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

Collins and Hunter lead Hawks with 22 pts in 120-117 win over Kings

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Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) is fouled by Sacramento Kings guard Kevin Huerte in second half action at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Wed Jan 4, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Wednesday night. The Kings were on the second night of a back-to-back. On Tuesday, the Kings narrowly defeated the Utah Jazz in Utah. Directly after the game, they returned to Sacramento for the game on Wednesday.

The Kings welcomed the Atlanta Hawks to town on Wednesday at 7 PM PST. Trae Young and former Kings guard Bogdan Bogdanovic. The Kings fell at home to the Hawks 120-117.

The first quarter was an underwhelming performance for the Kings on the offensive end. The Kings defense was playing well and forcing many errors on the Hawks. The Kings and Hawks both scored 30 points in the first quarter. The Kings and the Hawks couldn’t get into any sort of rhythm on the offensive end. Domas and De’Aaron supplied most of the Kings offense, starting with six points each.

The second quarter was more of the same for the Kings. The defense kept up, but the offense needed help finding a rhythm. The Kings shots seemed to be missing at the worst possible times, and were lagging behind Atlanta. The Hawks outscored the Kings in the second quarter 31-28. The Kings would take a 61-58 deficit into halftime. If they wanted to win the game, the offense would need to improve. Domas led the Kings in the first half with 14 points as John Collins did the same for the Hawks with 12 points.

In the third quarter, the Kings hung in the game. They didn’t make up any ground on the Atlanta Hawks but they also didn’t fall any furhter behind. On a night where the kings shooting seemed to be letting them down they hung in.

The Kings scored 30 points in the third quarter as they kept pace with the Hawks who also scored 30. The score going into the final quarter was the Kings down 91-88. Kevin Huerter led the Kings through three quarters with 18 points. De’Andre Hunter and John Collins were leading the Hawks in scoring; both players had 18 points. The Kings would need an offensive explosion on the final quarter to take down the Hawks.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings just couldn’t get it done. They battled but were unable to stop the Hawks offense. That doesn’t tell the whole story. The Kings did come back and take the lead late in the fourth quarter. In fact, they were up four points with just over a minute left. However, sloppy defense and some kissed free throws were the kiss of death for the Kings at they dropped the game.

The Kings and Hawks both scored 29 points in the final quarter. It was a disappointing game for the Kings after taking the lead but that is the way it goes in the NBA. It is a game of runs and clutch shots and the Hawks had one more than the Kings on Wednesday. De’Aaron Fox led the way for the Kings with 25 points. Hunter and Collins led the way for the Hawks in victory both scoring 22 points.

Up Next: The Kings will welcome “The King” Lebron James and the Lakers to the Golden 1 Center Saturday at 7 PM PST.