Exum hits 3 pointer and Irving leads with 30 as Mavericks upend Kings 132-96

Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) scores on the Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) in the second half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Fri Mar 29, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Friday night inside Golden One Center in Sacramento. The Kings and Mavs were set to play for the second time this week after the Mavs routed the Kings 132-96 on Tuesday evening. The Mavs and Kings were both coming off two days of rest and ready for a rematch of Tuesday night. The game tipped off at 7 PM PST.

GAME RESULT: In the first quarter, the Kings got off to a quick start offensively. The Kings outscored the Mavs in the first quarter 34-26. Harrison Barnes and Keon Ellis started the game red-hot with 11 points each in the first quarter. The Kings were playing a much more physical style of basketball than they did on Tuesday.

In the second quarter, the Kings kept up the intensity to limit good shots on the Dallas end of the floor. However, Luka and the Mavs kept the game within reach while withstanding the Kings push. The Kings outscored the Mavs by a point in the second quarter, 26-25.

Harrison Barnes continued his hot start, adding six more in the second to finish the half with 17 points. Kyrie Irving led the Mavs in the first half with 14 points. The Kings led going into halftime 60-51.

In the third quarter, the Kings held the edge. The Kings and Mavs traded baskets all quarter to end up in the same place as they started the quarter. The Kings and Mavs both scored 22 points in the quarter for the Kings to maintain the nine point lead. Luka Doncic was leading the way for the Mavs, and De’Aaron and HB both had 17 points to end the third. The Kings would lead 82-73 going into the fourth quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Mavs came storming back. The Mavs came back to take a 99-98 lead with 3:45 left to play. The Kings squandered another lead, hoping to regain momentum and not drop both games to the Mavs at home.

The Kings couldn’t regain the lead and lost to the Mavs 107-103. Fox led the Kings in defeat with 23 points. The Mavs outscored the Kings 34-21 in the fourth. Kyrie Irving led the Mavs with 30 points.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the Jazz at 6 PM PST.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Mavs and Kings match up for a second time at Golden 1 tonight

The Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) looks to pass the ball against the Sacramento Kings (center) Alex Len (25) in the first half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Thu Mar 28, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 How important is it for the Kings to shut down Luka Doncic tonight against the Dallas Mavericks at Golden 1 Center.

#2 The Mavericks Doncic scored a leading 28 points against the Kings last Tuesday at Golden 1 in the Mavericks 132-96 win.

#3 Doncic with the hot hand also added 11 rebounds and six assists and had three steals. Doncic is a difficult player to defend.

#4 The Mavericks have now won five straight games and are looking for a sixth. The Kings have home floor advantage tonight at Golden 1. What is the top game plan or Kings head coach Mike Brown tonight is it shutting down Doncic and trying to keep the Mavericks guessing on defense?

#5 Do you find it advantageous for the Kings to face the Mavericks in back to back games in having seeing last Tuesday or a disadvantage because the Mavericks have an idea how to run the table against the Kings after seeing them this week?

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

Kings blown out by Mavs 132-96

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) is defended by the Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis right and forward Keegan Murray (left) in the first half at American Airlines Arena on Tue Mar 26, 2024

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Tuesday night. The Kings welcomed the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night. The Kings were on the second night of a back-to-back as they defeated the 76ers on Monday. Dallas was also on the second night of a back-to-back after defeating the Utah Jazz on Monday night. The Kings and Mavs tipped off at 7 PM PST. The Kings were blown out at home by the final of 132-96.

In the first quarter, the Kings and Mavs got off to an uneventful start. The Kings and Mavs both started the game looking a bit tired. It made sense, as both teams were coming off a back-to-back. The Kings scored 28 points in the first quarter. The Mavs scored 31 points in the first quarter to take a quick three-point lead in the game. Domantas Sabonis, Keegan Murray, and Keon Ellis had seven points in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Mavs were able to extend the lead over the Kings. Granted, the lead would only grow by two points. The Mavs outscored the Kings 27-25 in the second quarter. The Kings really struggled to contain Luka Doncic in the first half, as he scored 26 first-half points. The Kings got a 14-point first half from De’Aaron Fox as he tried to counter Luka Doncic. The Mavs would lead 58-53 over the Kings going into halftime.

In the third quarter, the Mavs ballooned the lead over the Kings. The Mavs outscored the Kings 38-23 in the third quarter. Doncic had a relatively quiet quarter, but it was Kyrie Irving who did the bulk of the damage. Kyrie had 12 points in the third quarter. The Kings would go into the final quarter of action trailing 96-76.

In the fourth quarter, it was all but finished for the Kings. The lead continued to get out of hand as the game came to a conclusion. The Kings would lose the game 132-96. The Kings were outscored in the fourth quarter 36-20. The Kings leading scorer in defeat was De’Aaron Fox, who had 18 points. The Mavs got their best performance from Luka Doncic, who scored 28 points. The Mavs outscored the Kings 74-43 in the second half of the game.

Up Next: More Mavericks. The Kings stay home to take on the Dallas Mavericks on Friday at 7 PM PST inside Golden One Center.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony Renteria: Sabonis’ 25th triple double joins elite club of NBA players

The Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) is doubled teamed by the Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul Reed (44) and guard Buddy Hield (17) in the second half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Mon Mar 25, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony Renteria:

#1 Tyrese Maxey had a game-leading 21 points in the first quarter. Not far behind Maxey was Keegan Murray, who scored 17 points. 

#2 Domantas Sabonis scored his 25th triple double of the season, Sabonis also had 11 points, 13 rebounds, with 10 assists.

#3 Sabonis’ accomplishments makes him the fifth player all time for NBA players who have scored 25 triple doubles or more in a season joining Nikola Jokic, Russell Westbrook, Wilt Chamberlain and Oscar Robertson.

#4 Kings head coach Mike Brown said that Sabonis is having a phenomenal. Coach Brown said that Sabonis should have been first, second or third NBA All Star or have earned the MVP. Despite all his work he gets very little national attention.

#5 The Kings host the Dallas Mavericks on tonight at Golden 1. It’s back to back nights for the Kings they have the home court advantage. Mavericks (42-29) have won four in a row coming into tonight’s game and have won seven of their last ten games. The Kings (42-29) have the same identical record as the Mavericks and have won two in a row coming into tonight’s game.

Join Tony for the Kings podcasts each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sabonis leads Kings with 25th triple double in 109-107 victory over Magic at Golden 1

The Orlando Magic guard Tyrese Maxey (left) drives to the basket against the Sacramento Kings Domantas Sabonis (right) in the first half at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Mon Mar 25, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Monday. The Kings were back on the court after an off day on Sunday. The Kings had last played against the Orlando Magic on Saturday in Orlando.

The Kings beat the Magic 109-107. On the other hand, the Kings welcomed the Philadelphia 76ers, who had last played on Sunday in Los Angeles against the Clippers. The 76ers defeated the Clippers 121-107. The Kings and 76ers tipped off at 7 PM PST at Golden One Center. The Kings defeated the 76ers on Monday by the final of 108-96.

In the first quarter, it was the Tyrese Maxey and Keegan Murray show. Tyrese had a game-leading 21 points in the first quarter. Not far behind Maxey was Keegan Murray, who scored 17 points. The Kings outscored the 76ers in the first quarter 31-25. The Kings would look to maintain Maxey in the second quarter.

In the second quarter, the Kings did a solid job on Tyrese. Maxey only managed five points in the second quarter as the Kings ballooned the lead on the 76ers. The Kings outscored the 76ers 29-23 in the second quarter. The Kings went into halftime leading 60-48. Keegan Murray led the Kings in the first half with 19 points. Tyrese Maxey led all scorers with 26 points in the first half.

In the third quarter, the Kings continued to put pressure on the 76ers. The Kings expanded the lead on the 76ers by outscoring them 23-20. The Kings would go up 83-68 entering the final quarter. The Kings leading scorer through three quarters was Keegan Murray with 21 points. Tyrese Maxey was still the leading scorer for Philly with 26 points. In the third quarter Domas Sabonis recorded his 54th striahgt double-double a league leading record the last 50 years.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings managed to hold on and seal the deal. The Kings held on to defeat the 76ers by the final of 108-96. The Kings were outscored in the final quarter 28-25. The Kings leading scorers in the game were De’Aaron Fox and Keegan Murray who each had 23 points. Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers in defeat with 29 points. The Kings got a much needed win against an opponent they should have beaten on paper without start Joel Embid.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the Dallas Mavs on Tuesday at 7 PM PST.

Kings Win Cliff-Hanger Beating Orlando 109-107

The Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0) takes the ball against the Orlando Magic center Mortiz Wagner (21) in the first half at the Kia Center in Orlando on Sat Mar 23, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

After losing a game to the worst team in the NBA Thursday night, the Sacramento Kings (40-29) went on to beat one of the best Saturday night. The Kings beat the Orlando Magic (42-28) in a crazy game where there were insane lead changes numbers-wise. The game went right down to the wire with the Kings coming out on top 109-107. This was not a game for the faint of heart. It was a great and badly needed win for the team.

Saturday evening the Kings traveled to Orlando for a matchup with the Magic. The Kings lost a shocker to the Washington Wizards Thursday night 109-102. Whether they took the Wizards lightly which hardly seems the case or they were just off their game, they cannot afford losses this late in the season. These two teams are evenly matched so fans were in store for a real barn burner.

The first half was close from start to finish. As the two teams headed to the locker room after the first two quarters the Magic had a slim lead 56-54. After the first 12 minutes, the Kings had a 27-26 lead. The Magic went on to win the second quarter 30-27 and thus the halftime lead 56-54. This game had proven to be as close as expected.

The Kings fought for the third quarter winning it 27-25 and this game was knotted at 81. The Kings made a move in the fourth quarter. Keegan Murray was having a monster game making 6 of 7 from beyond the arc.

De’Aaron Fox was needed to provide his fourth quarter magic as the clock wound down to under four minutes with Sacramento leading 99-94. The Kings had hit 15 triples so far in this game.

The Magic had pulled to within three points several times during the final minutes of this game with Sacramento fighting to hang onto the lead. With 21.2 seconds left on the clock, the Magic had taken the lead 107-106.

Orlando’s Jalen Suggs fouled Fox who hit both free throws and Sacramento took back the lead 108-107 with two seconds left in the game. Orlando went on to foul Keon Ellis who hit one of two free throw and that was the game. The Kings had won a nail-biter 109-107 against one of the best in the NBA.

Fox had the high for the Kings with 31 points and Domantas Sabonis had yet another double double, his 66th this season. This one was his 53rd in a row tying Kevin Love for the longest streak. Sabonis finished with 21 points. Murray had a terrific game with 22 points going 6 of 7 from downtown. Ellis continues to play lights out with 19 points improving with every game.

“Heck of a win for our guys. They put pressure on the rim and they had a huge size advantage. I thought our group showed resilience and we rebounded well,” said Head Coach Mike Brown after the game. “When you are not shooting well, you have to defend. We won the possession game in a tough environment,” he said.

Monday night the Kings return home to Golden 1 Center to take on the Philadelphia 76ers. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings battle 4th place Magic Saturday night

Sacramento Kings center Alex Len (25) defends the Washington Wizards forward Anthony Gill (right) in the first half at the Capital One Center in Washington on Thu Mar 21, 2024 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah:
#1 You know what they say in the NBA anything could happen on any given night and at the Capital One Center the Washington Wizards who have one of the worst records in the NBA defeated the Sacramento Kings 109-102.

#2 The win ended the Wizards five game losing streak and Kyle Kuzma led Washington with 31 points. Kuzma hit 13 of 22 shots and had six rebounds this after missing the last two games.

#3 For the Sacramento Kings De’Aaron Fox had 25 points and Malik Monk had 20 points and the Kings now are 16-8 when playing back to back games.

#4 Domantas Sabonis is still on a hot streak with 52 straight double double games. Sabonis had 14 points and 14 rebounds.

#5 The Kings tip off against the Orlando Magic on Saturday at 4:00pm PDT in Orlando. The Magic are 42-28 and are fourth in the Eastern Conference. The Magic are going well with a five game winning streak.

Join Jeremiah Salmonson for the Kings podcasts on Fridays at wwww.sportsradioservice.com

Kings Lose Critical Game To The Wizards 109-102

The Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (left) is on a mission driving on the Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis to score at the Capital One Center in Washington DC on Thu Mar 21, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

On Thursday night Sacramento Kings (40-29) suffered a stunning loss to the Washington Wizards (12-58) who are currently the worst team in the NBA 109-102 at the Capital One Center. The Kings had a miserable first and third quarter. Their offense was sadly lacking in those quarters.

De’Aaron Fox finished with 25 points, 13 of those points coming in the fourth quarter but it was just not enough to get past the Wizards. Sacramento had squandered a golden opportunity with the Pelicans losing to the Magic.

Game recap: The rest did not do much for the Sacramento starters coming out stale in the opening quarter. They did not hit a single three in the first quarter. The Wizards led after the first twelve minutes 35-27.

Sacramento was unable to hit a three until 8:33 in the second quarter and the Wizards continued to build their lead. With under six minutes left in the half, the Wizards had a 54-36 lead.

The Kings needed some offense and they were not getting very much continually turning the ball over. Sacramento was missing Trey Lyles, and Kevin Huerter. In the late minutes of the second quarter the Kings were on the move with 4:20 left in the half.

They cut the Washington lead from 20 to 14. A single digit lead at halftime were in the Kings sights making this game manageable. Sacramento was missing short the entire first half and they also unable to make very many stops.

The Kings began to get those stops and they also got some great offense storming back on a 18-0 run tying up the game at 54. At the half the Wizards led 56-54. Sacramento had turned a 20 point deficit to two points and we had a brand new game.

The Kings had stopped the bleeding in the later minutes of the second quarter. De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk each had 10 points in the half. Domantas Sabonis, Keegan Murray and Harrison Barnes were on the verge of double digits and Sacramento had gotten this game under control.

Sacramento had a rough start in the third quarter falling behind by 15 points. The Wizards are the worst third quarter team in the league but the Kings were not taking advantage of this deficiency and Head Coach Mike Brown was forced to take an early timeout.

The Kings struggled throughout the third quarter and continued to search for answers in this nightmarish quarter trailing 84-76. The Wizards won the third quarter 28-22 but the Kings had cut the 15 point lead, in an 8-0 run, to 8 points. They were finally looking like they were back on track going into the fourth quarter.

As in the second quarter, the Kings got going in the fourth quarter going on a 15-0 sprint now trailing by a single point 84-83. In the fourth quarter Fox who is third in the league in scoring would do his best to carry his team on his back and the Kings would need him to finish off Washington.

With 7:00 left in the game Fox had already hit three three’s and two shots inside the paint. The Kings just could not get enough stops and their offense fell short in a stunning 109-102 loss to the Washington Wizards.

The Wizards had won their 12th game this season. The Kings had squandered a golden opportunity with the Pelicans losing to the Magic. Sacramento had the opportunity to pull to within one game of fifth place.

Fox finished with 25 points and off the bench Monk had 20 points. Sacramento shot 28% from beyond the arc and when the Kings are struggling from downtown they have a rough time winning.

Post game notes: The Kings traveled to Washington Thursday night to take on the Wizards after trouncing the Toronto Raptors Wednesday night to the tune of 123-89. How would they come out in this game after the amazing effort last night? The Kings starters were able to rest in the fourth quarter of that game looking ahead to Wednesday’s game.

Saturday night the Kings continue on the road traveling to Orlando taking on the Magic in a very tough matchup. They have to put this unexpected loss behind them and get back on track. This game is scheduled for 4:00 PM.

Kings Demolish Raptors 123-89; Sabonis chalks up his 24th triple-double

On defense the Sacramento Kings Domantas Sabonis (10) and forward Keegan Murray (13) puts the squeeze on the Toronto Raptors forward Bruce Brown (11) in the first half at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Wed Mar 20, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (40-28) lost to the Toronto Raptors (23-46) back in January but they were not having any of that in their game Wednesday night. They came in with a purpose and they played the Raptors off the court. This game was finished after the third quarter with the Kings finishing off Toronto in the fourth the final 123-89.

Game recap: The first quarter was a close one with the Kings leading after the first 12 minutes 32-27. Sacramento busted this game wide open in the second quarter leading at the half 68-45. They won the second quarter by a landslide 36-18. De’Aaron Fox already had 15 points and the incomparable Domantas Sabonis already had 12 rebounds.

Sacramento took their first half energy into the third quarter winning the quarter 31-20 and the Kings had a 99-65 lead going into the fourth quarter. Sabonis had his 24th triple double and another double double his 63rd this season.

The Raptors had their best quarter of the game but it was over after the third quarter. Toronto tied the Kings in the fourth quarter 24-24 and a lot of credit to the Raptors for continuing to fight.

The Kings did let their foot off the pedal mid-way through the quarter but pulled it back together to finish off the Raptors. Sacramento had tied up their series at one apiece. Whether it was the memory of the game back in January or where the season is right now, the Kings came into this game with a real agenda and they never backed down.

This was a monster game for the Kings. Fox had the team high of 20 points. Sabonis had 17 rebounds, 10 assists and 13 points for another triple double. Malik Monk and Chris Duarte had a terrific game off the bench. Monk with 17 and Duarte with 14. This was their second win in a row and it was an important win as this season approaches the finish line. Every game is critical right now.

Post game notes: Wednesday night the Kings took on the Raptors on the road at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. The Kings came into this game after beating the Memphis Grizzlies in Sacramento on Monday night. They sit in sixth place tied with the Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns are a half a game behind both of them. The Raptors beat the Kings back in January in their only meeting this season. Toronto is really struggling this season and couldn’t break their seven game losing streak extending to eight games with the loss to the Kings.

The Kings continue on the road taking on the Washington Wizards Thursday night. This team right now is committed to winning and that is what the Kings are seeing right now. Hopefully they will take this energy into their next game in Washington. The good news for the Kings is that they were able to rest their starters in the fourth quarter of this game. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM at the Capital One Center.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony Renteria: Kings and Raptors tip off tonight at Scotiabank in Toronto

Sacramento Kings Domantas Sabonis forward (center) catches himself in double coverage with the Memphis Grizzlies Jarren Jackson Jr forward (left) and guard DeJon Jearreau (right) at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Mon Mar 18, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony R:

#1 Malik Monk was the leading scorer with 28 points on Monday night at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento in the Sacramento Kings overtime contest against the visiting Memphis Grizzlies in the ten point 121-111 win.

#2 In the overtime stanza Monk as hot again scoring 12 of 28 points. Monk just had a rhythm going and was hitting his shot.

#3 What can you say about Domantas Sabonis he’s having a Hall of Fame season he chalked up his league leading 50th double double. Sabonas no doubt a key player in the Kings offensive scheme of things.

#4 Head coach Mike Brown was proud of the job that Sabonis did against the Grizzlies saying all you have to do is put the ball in his hands and Sabonis will do the rest.

#5 Wednesday night the Kings are in Toronto facing the Raptors. The Raptors are 23-45, 12th place in the Eastern Conference, they have struggled severely they are on a seven game losing streak. How do you see this match up between the Kings and Raptors tip at 4:30pm PT.

Join Tony for the Kings podcasts Tuesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com