Category: Sacramento Kings

Durant, Westbrook and company too much for Kings

Published on by Michael MartinezLeave a comment

by Michael Martinez

picture credit Google Images

DeMarcus Cousins was once again a dominate force as he’s been all season. The All Star has been just as incredible since the break and score 31 points since the break while scoring more in the paint. But Cousins’ offensive performance was dwelled thanks to All Stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Not to mention, a couple of the Thunder’s bench put big numbers to help lead the Thunder to a victory. For Sacramento who were without Rudy Gay, their loss to Oklahoma City was their third straight and another loss to a top four team in the Western Conference.  The most unfortunate part of the 131-116 loss, was that Utah and eight place  Houston lost as well so no teams fell back or made progress in the Western Conference.

The Kings got off to a good start against the Thunder in the first quarter. The Kings had a 16-9 about half way through the first thanks to Cousins and Quincy Acy giving the team some spark.

Acy picked up a technical foul after getting into it with All Star Durant. After the Kings had a nice lead, OKC fought right back into it. The Thunder would go on 10-2 run, to grab their first lead of the game at 19-18. From then on both teams went back and forth with the lead and the first ended with the Oklahoma City up, 29-25.

In the second quarter, the Thunder kept shooting well from the field. The Kings kept fighting back to try and cut it close but the Westbrook and Durant duo kept the offensive alive. Unfortunately for the Kings, Rajon Rondo picked up two delay of games for technical fouls after Sacramento had one on the first quarter.

After one half, the Kings were down 61-53 to the Thunder. Through the half C0usins showed how amazing he was with 21 points and six rebound while Darren Collison had the next best eight points for the half. Collison played really well of the bench with eight points in the half.

Unsurprisingly Westbrook and Durant had dominant a first half. Durant scored 17 points on 5-11 shooting and Westbrook scored 14 points with nine rebound and eight assists. The OKC point guard got so close to a  triple double at the half, which further showed how incredible he has been all season.

At halftime, OKC was shooting 52.5% while the Kings shot 44.4% from the field. The Thunder were 8-20 from beyond the arc, which helped them hold a leader. With 11 OKC turnovers the Kings were able to score 16 points, which was the Thunder’s only issue.

DMC once again had a great quarter with eight points and Omri Casspi totaled nine points in the third quarter. The Kings kept thing close but in the fourth the Thunder ran away with the score. Durant totaled 27 points totaled 27 points and Westbrook grabbed another triple double with 20 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists through four quarter.

After two quarters, OKC led 61-52.

Out of the half, Cousins kept showing h0w great he was on offense but Westbrook came through big time for the Thunder finishing with a triple double through three quarters. The Kings kept it close but through three quarters found themselves down 94-84. Westbrook finished the quarter with 18 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists while Cousins tallied 29 points through three. Although the Kings did not turn the ball over much, they allowed the Thunder to shoot at an incredibly efficient rate. Cousins finished with 35 points and 12 rebounds while Rondo scored 11 points and added 12 assists and nine rebounds in Gay’s absence. The Thunder busted the fourth quarter wide open and led to their defeat.

Enes Kanter scored 23 points on 11-11 of shooting while Dion Waters went 8-11 for 22 points. Ben McLemore scored 14 and Omri Casspi scored 16 points in the Kings’ 131-116 loss. Sacramento did not capitalize on  OKC’s mistakes and took a tough defeat.

The Kings will take on the Grizzlies in Memphis on Wednesday at 5 p.m.

 

 

Kings Get Lesson at Home

Published on by tonyrenteriaLeave a comment

By Tony Renteria

photo credit: businessinsider–San Antonio head coach Gregg Popovich showed his wares with a huge win over Sacramento on Wednesday night at Sleep Train Arena

The Sacramento Kings (24-31) were riding a mild hot streak as they hosted the red hot San Antonio Spurs (49-9) at Sleep Train Arena on somewhat chilly Wednesday night in the state Capitol.   The Kings tried to keep pace in the first quarter but fell behind early in the second as they fell to the visiting team 108-92.

The Kings are normally paced by All Star DeMarcus Cousins who is averaging over 27 points per game, but Cousins was a cold 1 for 10 from the field in the first half with only 1 point on the stat sheet. Cousins struggles doomed the Kings as went in the second half down by 11 points.

The Kings who usually struggle in the third quarter fought back to get with six points as the fourth quarter started but the experience of a Gregg Popovich led team pushed the lead up in the fourth by ten points to seal the win.

While everyone on the planet is looking at the Golden State Warriors quest for 73 wins this season the Spurs are putting together an amazing season.  Their current record of 50-9 is second best in a tough Western Conference.

The Spurs were led by point guard Tony Parker who not only had a solid 23 points but six assists as well.  Tim Duncan was scoreless in just over eleven minutes on play on 0-2 shooting.

The Kings leading scorer was Cousins who came back in the second half with 21 points to finish with 22 points and ten rebounds for a double double.

The Spurs who are now on a three game winning streak head to Utah tomorrow to face the Jazz while the Kings try to rebound against the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday at Sleep Train.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Charlie O: Kings leaf got turned after Karl was a lock on coaching gig

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On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Charlie O the Kings are in the middle of a three game win streak with three tough teams coming to Sleep Train Arena starting tonight San Antonio, LA Clippers, and OKC Thunder. Things got turned around for the Kings when it was announced from Kings team president Vlade Divak that the team was not going to fire head coach George Karl as rumored and the team felt a little more stability after that.

The Kings beat the Philadelphia 76ers to start things off in Philadelphia and then came home and beat Denver in a home at home and in Denver they won that game too. The Kings are feeling the momentum and the adrenaline as they head into these three big games. When Kings assistant coach Vance Walberg was fired it didn’t sit too well with Karl as Walberg was a great help to Karl and a good friend. But despite that the Kings fought on and are expected to give it their all in these next three home games.

Charlie O is a beat writer covering the Sacramento Kings and does the podcast each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

photo credit: foxsports.com Sacramento Kings head coach George Karl

 

 

Cousins goes for 39 as Kings escape with win in Denver

Published on by Eric HeLeave a comment

By: Eric He

NBAE photo: Sacramento’s DeMarcus Cousins finished with 39 points in Denver Tuesday night

A monster night for DeMarcus Cousins was enough to propel the Kings over the Nuggets on the road on Tuesday night, 114-110.

Cousins finished with 39 points and 10 rebounds, including a putback to extend the Kings’ lead to four 14 seconds to play. Nikola Jokic narrowed the margin to one with a 3-pointer, and the Nuggets had a chance down by two in the final seconds, but Cousins stripped the ball away from Darrell Arthur to seal the victory.

The big man made another big play in the clutch, recording a steal and drawing a foul on the other end to give the Kings a 109-107 lead with under a minute left.

The Kings led 61-50 at halftime and stretch the lead to as high as 17 in the third quarter, but the Nuggets rallied in the fourth, where they outscored the Kings by 10 to make it a close game.

Eight players finished in double figures for the Nuggets, who were led by Will Barton’s 18 points off the bench.

The Kings are back at it Wednesday when they kick off a three-game homestand against the Spurs at Sleep Train Pavilion.

Sportstalk podcast at Chops Steakhouse downtown Sacramento Mon Feb 22, 2016

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Cast: Michael Duca (host), Charlie O Mallonee, Tony Renteria, Morris Phillips, Jerry Feitelberg, Amaury Pi Gonzalez, and Lee Leonard (producer). Sportstalk enjoyed the remote podcast from Chops Steakhouse at 1117 11th Street in downtown Sacramento where you can enjoy a great line up of fine steaks like the Grilled Top Sirloin, New York Steak, and also try the Grilled Blackened King Salmon. There are many more selections for lunch sandwiches and salads. For dinner try a Grilled New York Steak, Filet Mignon, or the Grilled Top Sirloin.

Our thanks go to the Chops Steak, Seafood, and Bar owners Trisha Flynn and Denise, Special Events Coordinator Michelli Heber, servers Manny, Candice, and Nick. Their hospitality was top notch and if you ever needed something they’re always around to help accommodate you with drinks, appetizers, main courses, soups, salads, deserts.

Join Sportstalk as we cover the Sacramento Kings their latest games and struggles and if head coach George Karl will stay with the club. Team president Vlade Divak says that Karl is a keeper for now but the team will more than likely evaluate Karl’s future in the off  season. If Karl is let go the team will have to pay him the remainder of his contract. Also join us for more talk from spring training in Arizona.

photo credit: chopssteakhouses.com Chops Steak, Seafood, and Bar in downtown Sacramento

 

 

Careless with the ball, Kings still nab victory

Published on by Michael MartinezLeave a comment

by Michael Martinez

picture credit: Associated Press

SACRAMENTO- Flashback Friday took place at Sleep Train Arena with the old school court on display. The Kings took the fans back in time as well by playing a lot more competitive basketball and picking up a victory. The win came in big part to tremendous play from DeMarcus Cousins, Rajon Rondo and Rudy Gay. Darren Collison was a huge spark off the bench. After a ton of talks of firings and trades prior and during the All Star break, the Kings pulled out an important win.

In the first quarter of play, the Kings and Nuggets went back and forth for the majority of the quarter. Sacramento played better defensively, but both teams were very careless with the ball. Sacramento’s five first quarter turnovers hurt them as they lead to nine points for Denver.

Luckily, the Kings played some better defense and their All Star center DeMarcus Cousins picked up right where he left off. Cousins got to the line six times in the quarter and nailed all six shots from the charity stripe. Rudy Gay showed some confidence in his game by totaling eight first quarter points, 2-3 from the field, with both coming from beyond the arc.

Rajon Rondo also sunk two three pointers. The Kings shot uncharacteristically well beyond the three-point line, 5-7, in the first quarter.

Rondo and Denver center Jusuf Nurkic each picked up a technical after a little shoving match and trash talk coming off a Ben McLemore offensive foul.

Sacramento capped off the quarter with a three-point buzzer beater from Darren Collison off a Rondo assist. Through one quarter, the Kings led Denver, 31-24. The Kings held the Nuggets to less than 30 points, for the first time in Sacramento’s last ten games.

After a nice first quarter, the Kings scored five points in the first minute of the second quarter to go up, 36-24. But soon after, the Nuggets found some offense of there own for a 10-2 run in a minute and 20 seconds.

 

The Kings took a timeout to slow down the Nuggets. Out of the timeout, the Kings went out scored Denver 17-8 with 5:54, which put them up 55-42 with 5:54 left in the half. The run was capped off by a monstrous slam by Cousins who was fouled. Cousins was fouled on the dunk and made the free throw for a three-point play.

Collison made a technical free throw after Nuggets’ head coach Michael Malone picked up a technical. Malone chirped at the refs and his frustration led to the tech.

The Kings were careless with the ball yet again with eight turnovers leading to 11 Denver points, but they did capitalize off Denver’s six turnovers. The Kings scored 11 points as well and their hot shooting kept them up on the Nuggets. Sacramento shot 59.5% from the field and went 10-13 from behind the arc in the first half. Although they kept shooting well from three-point range, the Kings got back into the paint, adding 20 points in the paint in the second quarter and a total of 26 in the first half. The Kings led the Nuggets 70-57 through the first half of play.

A dominant offensive performance came from Cousins, who scored 24 points, 8-11, and grabbed eight boards in the half. Gay also shot the ball well, 5-9 from the field, 4-4 from beyond the three-point line, for 16 points. Rondo and Collison, who came off the bench, each totaled 12 points, while Rondo added 6 assists. Denver’s Danillo Gallinari had the team high for the Nuggets with 17 points in the half and Joffrey Lauvergne had 13.

After an incredible offensive first half, the Kings slowed down at an incredible rate in the third quarter. The team totaled a measly 18 points with Cousins scoring nine of those 18. Cousins continued to get to the line, 5-5 from the charity stripe in the quarter. The quarter was slow and the Kings managed to turn the ball over five more times. With the score 79-72, the Kings pulled out a 7-0 run to go up 86-72. The Nuggets only totaled 20 points with eight of those from Gallinari.

With a quiet third quarter from both teams, the Kings led 88-77 through three.

The fourth quarter showed more offense especially for the Nuggets who found their stride. Denver was able to keep things close by putting up 33 in the quarter, but Rondo came up big for the Kings. Rondo hustled really hard, added eight points and six assists in the fourth quarter. Rondo was clutch going 4-6 from the free throw line late in the ball game. The Kings were able to come out with a win after the break over the Nuggets. The final score was 116-110.

Cousins finished with 37 points,12-20 from the field and a career high 20 rebounds. Cousins also went 12-15 from the line as he got into the paint a lot and Denver’s bigs played him tough. The Kings totaled 56 points in the paint.

“[Cousins] was flat out amazing.” Collison said “They couldn’t stop him.”

Rondo had a big game and was especially important down the stretch. He finished with 24 points, 8-16 from the field, 10 assists and 9 rebounds.

“Rajon had great control of the game down the stretch” said head coach George Karl. “And understanding who were playing and what we had to do to be successful.”

Gay matched Rondo with 24 points and off the bench Collison totaled 17 points.

The Kings offensive was once again very good, except for the third quarter. The team made no three pointers in the second half, which slowed their scoring down quite a bit. The only real flaw of the game was the team’s 22 turnovers that turned into 34 points for Denver. The defense was much better and the Nugget’s high points total mostly came from carelessness as they scored 26 fast break points.

“We really didn’t go over much offense [during practice]. We basically just [practiced] a lot of defense.” Gay said “Our offense is going to be a little sloppy.”

On Tuesday, the Kings will face the Nuggets in Denver. They will need to stop Lauvergne who scored 22 and Gallinari who scored 27 points. These next stretch of games are incredibly crucial as Sacramento faces playoff caliber opponents. The next few weeks will say a lot about this team and it looks like they are ready to make a statement.

Kings Update: No trades and one assistant fired

Published on by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment
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Former Kings assistant coach Vance Walberg

by Charlie O. Mallonee

The NBA trade deadline was Thursday at 12:00 PM (PST). The deadline came and went without the Kings being able to make a move.

There had been multiple reports that the team had made Rudy Gay, Kosta Koufos, Marco Belinelli and Ben McLemore available on the trade market. Cleveland and Chicago had been rumored to be interested in one or more of those players.

One scenario had the Bulls Pau Gasol and his expiring contract coming to Sacramento in exchange for Koufos and McLemore. The deal would have also altered the draft pick provisions of the selection the Kings owe the Bulls.

There had also been rumors that Cleveland was interested in a trade for Koufos.

Ultimately, the Kings were unable to make any trade so the current roster will stay intact. That does not mean the playoff push is over but it does mean that the current players will have to make the adjustments on defense in order to make the team more competitive.

Walberg terminated

In a surprise move, the Kings fired assistant coach Vance Walberg on Wednesday. The move was reportedly made despite a protest from head coach George Karl. Karl and Walberg have been colleagues and friends for years. Walberg was a member of Karl’s coaching staff in Denver.

Walberg is known as the father of the “dribble-drive motion offense” also known as the “Memphis Attack”. The dribble-drive motion offense has been used successfully in the NBA by Denver and at the college level by Kentucky. Walberg has taught the offense in clinics around the world.

George Karl instituted the offensive scheme in order to meet the expectations of Kings majority owner Vivek Ranadive. Ranadive wanted his team to play uptempo basketball more in the style of the Golden State Warriors.

The Kings offense has not been the problem. The team ranks number three in points scored at 107.1 per game. The defense has been the problem.

Sacramento gives up more points per game than any other team in the association at 109.1. The team has not been able to transition from the uptempo offense to defense all season.

The firing of Walberg would indicate that Vlade Divac feels that the offense needs to change in order for the team to play better defense.

The Vertical.com has reported that former Cavaliers and Lakers head coach Mike Brown is being considered to replace Walberg. Brown is known for his defensive expertise.

 

Sacramento Kings podcast with Charlie O: Work overload for Divak has Kings headhunting for new GM

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On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Charlie O the Kings are searching for a new general manager as team vice president Vlade Divak is overwhelmed by the day to day operation and also has to handle player salaries. With all that hat wearing combined Divak went to team owner Vivek Ranadive for a lifeline and asked to search for a new general manager who can at least handle the payroll aspect one of many things for the new Kings GM.

Divak had to handle the George Karl rumors that he was going to be fired just before the NBA All-Star break and got that settled as he said in a team statement that Karl will be staying with the team. The rumors persisted after the Kings took a beating in Brooklyn and team management were angry and pointing the finger at Karl at the time. Since the dust has settled Divak wants to shop for a new GM for the team to handle some of these internal issues for the Kings.

Charlie O does the Sacramento Kings podcasts for http://www.sportsradioservice.com click to listen below

AP photo: Kings vice president Vlade Divak contemplates hiring a new team general manager

 

Late Push Puts Kings Over 76ers

Published on by Matthew HarringtonLeave a comment

by Matt Harrington

photo credit: USA Today–Sacramento Kings Ben McLemore who is being shopped and the Cleveland Cavaliers are showing some interest we’ll have the latest if a trade comes down

Coach George Karl still has his job. At least for now. On the same night when it was announced that the Sacramento Kings coach would retain his position with the team, his squad narrowly avoid defeat at the hands of one of the league’s worst teams.

The Kings (22-31) narrowly topped the Philadelphia 76ers 114-110 Wednesday night, riding an explosive 4th quarter to erase a 87-73 deficit after 36 minutes of play.

DeMarcus Cousins led the way with 28 points. The Western Conference All-Star also chipped in 12 rebounds for the double-double. Point guard Rajon Rondo added a double-double of his own, scoring 14 while dropping 15 dimes. Darren Collison chipped in 25 points off the bench while starting forward Rudy Gay added 22.

For the 76ers (8-45), Robert Covington netted a game-high 29 points. Rookie Jahlil Okafor added 26 with 10 boards. Point guard Ish Smith dished out 10 assists.

The win snapped a 4-game losing streak for the Kings, who were also 0-3 entering the night in the midst of a 4-game road trip. Following the All-Star break, the Kings will face the Denver Nuggets in a home-and-home set starting February 19th.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Charlie O: Brass to keep Karl was expected to get pink slip before Wed’s game in Philadelphia

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by Charlie O Mallonee

photo credit: rumorsandrants.com–Kings general manager Vlade Divac called Kings coach George Karl today to say he’s staying

SACRAMENTO–The last thing that we would be talking about on this podcast was Kings head coach George Karl keeping his job. The number of sources that were reporting that Karl was done were multiple, very credible, very high level sources the kind of sources that the media gets inside information.

You never want to say guys are banned from inside information but that kind of good information. It looked like for all practical purposes that Karl was going to get fired at lunchtime today. The Kings were going to have him done because there was no sense in coaching the team in Philadelphia because it was going to add insult to injury.

Charlie O has lots more on the Sacramento Kings podcast regarding head coach George Karl staying on with the Kings listen below on the podcast right here at http://www.sportsradioservice.com