Category: Sacramento Kings

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings defeat first place Timberwolves at Target Center

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The Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (left) dishes off the basketball past Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (right) in the first half at Ball Arena in Denver on Wed Feb 28, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 After the Sacramento Kings defeated the Denver Nuggets in three previous meetings you had to wonder if the Kings would be able to pull it off a fourth time and doing it at Ball Arena in Denver would be a tall order. The Kings got beat by 11 points as the Nuggets prevented losing to them a fourth time.

#2 The Nuggets got scoring help from Jamal Murray who led with 32 points and Nikola Jokic followed up with 14 points and 14 rebounds.

#3 Jokic is rolling he scored his 19th triple double of the season and Murray hit 13 of 15 shots and made five out six 3 pointers.

#4 The Kings did their homework on the Nuggets in the previous three games including their win at Ball Arena on Feb 14th. This fourth game Murray and Jokic kept the Kings off balance all game long.

#5 The Kings turned things around on Friday night at Ball Arena in Denver when they shutdown the Western Conference first place Minnesota Timberwolves 124-120. The Kings Malik Monk led with 39 points and Domantas Sabonis followed up with 21 points. The Kings head back to Golden 1 Arena in Sacramento to host the Chicago Bulls on Mon Mar 4th for a 7:00pm PT tip.

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

Kings Get Blown Out By Denver 117-96

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The Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) looks for someone to pass to against the Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) in the first half at Ball Arena in Denver on Wed Feb 28, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (33-25) came out on fire as they took on the defending champion Denver Nuggets (40-19). After the first quarter they led 35-28. They took a fifteen point lead in the second quarter and then it all fell apart. The Nuggets blew them out of the arena winning 117-96.

The opening quarter was a perfect first 12 minutes of play for the Kings. They had seven triples in the opening quarter and were doing a great job on the offensive glass. The Kings were faced with a huge loss, having to play without De’Aaron Fox missing the game with a left knee contusion.

Domantas Sabonis had the unenviable task of containing Nikola Jokic and was doing a solid job. The Kings led 35-28 after one quarter.

The Kings took as much as a 15 point lead in the second quarter but the Nuggets went on a 12-0 run to pull to within three points 49-46 with 4:57 left in the half. The team was playing against all odds battling Denver without Fox as well as playing on the road.

They needed to go on a run before the half. With 3:15 left in the half, the Nuggets took a four point lead 55-51 and Denver had a real reversal of fortune. Momentum had shifted in this game and the Kings would have to fight to get it back.

After the great start, the Kings began to miss a lot of shots from downtown and the Nuggets led 65-55 at halftime. Denver won the second quarter in a huge turnaround 37-20.

The slow start that Denver had had accelerated in the second quarter as momentum shifted in their favor. Jokic was eyeing another triple double. In the first half he had 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 10 points.

Jamal Murray had 18 points the high for the half and Aaron Gordon had 13. Keegan Murray had 15 points for Sacramento and Malik Monk had 11 points off the bench. After hitting seven triples in the first quarter, the Kings came up empty in the second quarter. They had a lot of work to do in the second half.

Eight minutes into the third quarter the Nuggets took their largest lead of the game 75-57. The Nuggets were on a 43-10 run since 8:08 in the second quarter as the Kings went ice cold.

The ugliness continued as the Kings fell further and further behind trailing 85-62 with 4:50 left in the quarter. Sacramento couldn’t buy a bucket looking at a 72-100 deficit after three quarters. Keegan Murray did not score at all in the third quarter.

The Kings put out a nice effort in the fourth quarter despite being faced with the certainty of a loss. Sacramento wanted to finish this game on a bit of a strong note. Denver’s Jokic did achieve another triple double, his fourth straight, in the quarter.

The Kings did cut into the Nuggets lead but it was close to a done deal going into the final quarter. Chris Duarte had a great effort off the bench with 16 points. Sabonis had his 41st consecutive double double.

The high for the Kings was Murray with 21 points and off the bench Duarte finished with 18. Sacramento did cut the 31 point Nugget lead to 21 points in the losing effort.

Game notes: The Kings came into the second leg of this season with a nice win over the Los Angeles Clippers 123-107 on Sunday and the Spurs 127-122 on Thursday but it has cooled since then. They lost on Monday to the Miami Heat 121-110 on Monday after erasing a 19 point deficit in the fourth quarter.

They needed this win because their schedule gets even tougher this week after defeating the Nuggets in their previous to meetings. They faced a daunting task Wednesday night taking on the defending champion Nuggets at Ball Arena in Denver. They have played well on the road and they went all out against the Nuggets. It doesn’t get any easier for Sacramento playing the Minnesota Timberwolves this Friday in Minnesota. The Kings will be heavily tested this week.

After this blow-out the Kings are faced with another giant in the Minnesota Timberwolves this Friday night in another road game at Target Center. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 5:00 PM. as the Kings try to bounce back from this loss.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony Renteria: Heat beat Kings one handed; Suspensions and injuries couldn’t stop Miami

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The Miami Heat’s forward Jamie Jaquez Jr (11) tries to defend against the Sacramento Kings Harrison Barnes (right) in the first quarter at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Mon Feb 26, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony Renteria:

#1 The Miami Heat’s (32-26) Jimmy Butler, Nikola Jovic and Thomas Bryant sat out the game in Sacramento on Monday night after being suspended for fighting on Friday with the New Orleans Pelicans. Meanwhile the Heat had four players out due to injuries Tyler Herro (left knee), Terry Rozier (right knee), Josh Richardson (right shoulder) and Orlando Robinson (back) and they still were able to beat the Sacramento Kings (33-24) 121-110.

#2 Try as hard as they did the Kings Domantas Sabonis once again scored another triple double with 14 points, 14 assists, and 10 rebounds leading the NBA with 21 triple doubles.

#3 Sabonis is something of a Superman becoming the tenth player in NBA history to have 40 straight double doubles.

#4 The Kings Keegan Murray had 28 points and De’Aaron Fox had 27 points despite their hard effort and working the Heat they needed more points and help than that.

#5 The Kings will try their luck again they’ll take on the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night at Ball Arena in Denver. The Kings have defeated the Nuggets in their last two meetings Feb 9 135-106 and Feb 14 102-98. Can the Kings take a third game from the NBA Champion Nuggets tonight?

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

Sacramento Kings game wrap: With 3 players suspended, 4 out with an injury the Heat still beat Kings 121-110

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The Sacramento Kings De’Aaron Fox (left) and Domantas Sabonis (right) chest bump after being fired up during pre game introductions at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Mon Feb 26, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Monday night. The Kings were fresh off the first night of a back-to-back that saw them defeat the LA Clippers. The Kings beat the Clippers on Sunday night 123-107 at the Crypto.com arena.

The real test for the Kings would be on the second night of the back-to-back. Monday night, the Kings were set to welcome in the Miami Heat. The Heat came into the game winners of three straight games. The Kings had won their previous two games. On Monday night, the Heat defeated the Kings 121-110.

In the first quarter, the Kings got off to a quick start. The Kings outscored the Heat in the first quarter 33-32. The Kings would look to tighten up the defensive side of the ball in the second quarter to increase the advantage. Keegan Murray got started early with 12 points in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Kings faltered a bit. The Heat were able to erase the Kings one-point lead in the first quarter to take their own lead. The Heat would outscore the Kings 33-29 in the second quarter to go into halftime with a three-point lead.

You could feel the momentum shift to the Heat to end the half as the Kings were looking for defensive answers. It was a very up-and-down half. At one point, the Kings led by double figures. However, they would go into halftime trailing 65-62.

In the third quarter, the Heat exploded for 36 points. On the other hand, the Kings could only score 19 points of their own. The Kings dug themselves a big hole heading into the fourth quarter, trailing 101-81. The game looked all but over as the Heat outscored the Kings by 17 points in the quarter. However, the Kings still had some run left in them.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings made a big push to win the game, going on a run that saw them cut the lead to four points. However, the Heat bounced back to stop the bleeding and ultimately win the game 121-110. The Kings did outscore the heat 29-20 in the fourth, but it was too little too late. It was a tough loss for the Kings playing a Heat team with many of its key players down.

Post game notes: The Heat’s Jimmy Butler, Nikola Jovic, and Thomas Bryant were out with suspensions for their fight with the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday and four Miami players were out with injuries Tyler Herro (left knee), Terry Rozier (right knee), Josh Richardson (right shoulder) and Orlando Robinson (back).

Domantas Sabonis did what has become normal this season, scoring his league-leading 20th triple-double. Sabonis has 40 consecutive double-doubles, the longest streak since 2011 Kevin Love. De’Aaron Fox led the way for the Kings in scoring with 27 points. Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 28 points.

Up Next: The Kings will travel to Denver to take on the Nuggets at 6 PM PST on Wednesday night.

Kings Outlast Red-Hot Clippers 123-107

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Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron (5) drives the ball against Los Angeles Clippers forward PJ Tucker during the first half at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles Sun Feb 25, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (33-22) took on the red-hot Los Angeles Clippers (37-19) Sunday night. They led for most of the game and did not back down when the Clippers threatened in the second half. This game got uncomfortably close in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter but some timely shots from downtown nailed down the win for Sacramento 123-107. De’Aaron Fox had the high for the team with 33 points.

The Kings took on the Clippers at Crypto.com Arena Sunday night. The Kings are coming off a win over the San Antonio Spurs Thursday night 127-122 and the Clippers are also coming off a win over the Memphis Grizzlies 101-95.

The Kings are barely hanging onto seventh place tied with the Mavericks while the Clippers are holding down third place in the Western Conference. Every team around the Kings in the standings are playing very well so in order to keep pace they have to get their defense going as well as their offense. Sacramento has to get hot as well.

At the end of the opening quarter the Clippers held a 28-25 lead over Sacramento in a close contest. Sacramento was only shooting at 40% while the Clippers were solid at 50%. The Kings did have 18 rebounds to the Clippers 11 but were unable to cash in. Both teams struggled from downtown, the Kings with two and the Clippers with only one.

The Kings led mid-way through the second quarter but this game was a close one. Sacramento had a real challenge trying to defend the veteran James Harden. With 4:38 left in the first half the Kings had a seven point advantage 46-39.

Domantas Sabonis was not shooting particularly well but he did have nine rebounds setting up shots for his offense. At the half, the Sacramento Kings had a 58-51 lead. Domantas Sabonis had begun to heat up with 11 points and 9 rebounds.

De’Aaron Fox had the high for the Kings in the half with 16 points and Harrison Barnes finished the first two quarters with 10 points. They would have to dig deep to get past Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Ivica Zubac and this Clipper team. The Kings were protecting the ball well with only 5 turnovers.

The Kings came out hot in the third quarter taking an 18 point lead mid-way through the quarter but the Clippers cut that lead in half as the third came to an end 89-80. Sacramento took some ill-advised three’s that missed and coupled with some ugly turnovers they opened the door for a Clipper comeback.

Sacramento stubbornly hung onto a double digit lead for most of the first four minutes of the fourth quarter but the Clippers fought back getting to within five points. With under six minutes left in the game the Kings pushed their lead back to 108-98 in a dogfight. The Kings began to extend their lead with under four minutes left on the clock 114-100.

With under two minutes Sacramento still had a double digit lead 118-105. De’Aaron Fox nailed the coffin shut with a two-point shot giving the Kings a 120-105 lead with 1:25 left in the game closing it out for Sacramento. The final was 123-107.

This was an amazing night for the Sacramento Kings. They played a solid game offensively and defensively. The ever reliable Domantas Sabonis clocked his 20th triple double of the season with 17 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assist punishing the Clippers from inside over and over.

De’Aaron Fox had the team high with 33 points. Harrison Barnes finished with 22 points. The team only had ten turnovers in the game and this win moved them into fifth place in the Western Conference.

Sacramento will now head back home to Golden 1 Center to take on Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat Monday night in an Eastern Western Conference showdown. The game is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings get five point win over Spurs 127-122; Sabonis scores 19th triple double

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San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) is guarded by the Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (1) first half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Thu Feb 22, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 The Sacramento Kings Domantas Sabonis picked up his 19th triple double with 22 points, 11 assists, and 11 rebounds. He can do it all the Kings win over the San Antonio Spurs at Golden 1 on Thursday night.

#2 Sabonis almost sat this one out he was put in as a game time decision and was not feeling well but you would have never known it he wound up picking up his fourth triple double in five games.

#3 Sabonis has a double double in 38 consecutive games. Kings teammate De’Aaron Fox said that you don’t want to become numb of what Sabonis is doing that what he’s doing has been done just a few times in basketball.

#4 Fox said that at this point of the season you want wins and to get them any way you can and the Kings were able to execute down the stretch and it was a big win for Sacramento.

#5 The Kings are in Los Angeles to tip off against the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena Sun Feb 25th at 6:30pm PT. The Clippers are third in the Western Conference and have won six of their last ten games. They can be a handful.

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

Kings Reign Supreme: Sabonis’ Heroics Propel Sacramento Past Spurs 127-122

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The Sacramento Kings Domantas Sabonis dunks on the San Antonio Spurs at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Thu Feb 22, 2024 (photo by Mauricio Segura Sports Radio Service)

Kings Reign Supreme: Sabonis’ Heroics Propel Sacramento Past Spurs 127-122

By Mauricio Segura

SACRAMENTO–In a showdown that resulted in a“ Light The Beam” winning chant, The Sacramento Kings defeated the San Antonio Spurs 127-122 with an electrifying final seconds surge. Despite grappling with illness and missing practice, Domantas Sabonis, defied the odds by clinching his 19th triple-double, cementing his stature as a dominant force on the court.

Sabonis’ tenacity, combined with De’Aaron Fox’s explosive 28-point performance, propelled the Kings to a hard-earned home victory.

This marked Sabonis’ fourth triple-double in five games, showcasing his unwavering determination and exceptional skills. Additionally, Sabonis extended his streak of double-doubles to an impressive 38 consecutive games, further highlighting his pivotal role in the Kings’ success.

Contributions from Kevin Huerter and Malik Monk, who each added 21 points, bolstered Sacramento’s momentum, leaving the Spurs struggling to keep pace.

Nevertheless, the Spurs had their standout performers too. Devin Vassell led San Antonio with a 32-point performance and six assists.

Despite Vassell’s remarkable display, Victor Wembanyama’s valiant effort, registering 19 points, 13 rebounds, five steals, and four blocks, fell short in the winding seconds of the game. Keldon Johnson also made a significant impact with 18 points, 12 of which came during a spirited fourth-quarter surge.

The game was characterized by momentum swings, with the Kings taking control in the second quarter, outscoring the Spurs 35-25 to establish a halftime lead. Though the Spurs briefly seized the lead in the third quarter, the Kings displayed dominance, embarking on a decisive 9-0 run to seal the win.

Despite shooting an impressive 56% from the field, the Kings recognized the importance of executing crucial plays during clutch moments, a sentiment echoed by Fox, who stressed the significance during his post-game talk, of securing victories as the season progresses.

The most exciting time of the NBA season is shortly approaching, where each game assumes greater significance, with teams vying for playoff contention. For the Kings, their triumph over the Spurs underscores their determination and sets the stage for an enthralling run toward the postseason.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony Renteria: Kings open second half of season against Spurs Thursday at Golden 1

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The Denver Nuggets forward Justin Holiday (9) holds the ball above his head and away from the Sacramento Kings guard Kevin Huerter (9) in the second half at Ball Arena on Wed Feb 14, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony Renteria:

#1 When the Sacramento Kings made their visit to Denver last Wednesday Feb 14th the Denver Nuggets were three short in their line up with guards Jamal Murray (tibia inflammation) and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (hamstring tendinosis). That gave the Kings a leg up going into that game.

#2 With Jamal Murray who is the Nuggets second leading scorer the Kings De’Aaron Fox had free reign leading the Kings with 30 points and eight rebounds. Domantas Sabonis’ contribution was valuable as well scoring 20 points with 13 rebounds.

#3 It wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Kings in that game they had to come back to win it down 16 points in the second half and doing it against the Nuggets is none too easy but the Kings came away with a 102-98 win.

#4 The win by the Kings was their second against the Nuggets in five days they defeated the Nuggets at Golden 1 on Fri Feb 9th 135-106.

#5 The San Antonio Spurs are up next for the Kings on Thursday night at Golden 1 Center. The Spurs are dead last in the Western Conference 15th place. They have lost eight of their last ten games. It’s been a long season for their head coach Gregg Poppovich. Who to his credit has been very patient with his players and the media in post game interviews.

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

Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony Renteria: Kings playing .500 ball look to moving up in second half of season

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The Sacramento Kings forward Trey Lyles (top) and the Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson (bottom) are both not giving up the basketball that easy in the second half Wed Feb 14, 2024 at Ball Arena in Denver (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony Renteria:

#1 The Sacramento Kings (31-23) had a tough task going into Ball Arena in Denver on Wednesday night and they came away winners in surprising fashion after losing five of their last six games before the game against the Denver Nuggets (36-19) they opened up the offense on the Nuggets.

#2 Talking about the offense for the Kings in the third quarter they outscored Denver 30-21 it was an impact quarter that helped the outcome of the game.

#3 The Kings guard De’Aaron Fox led with 30 points and Harrison Baines and Domantas Sabonis both finished second in scoring with 20 points.

#4 One of the key players that the Kings kept his numbers was center Nikola Jokic who scored 15 points and the Kings defended him well and sometimes double teaming him.

#5 The Kings return home next Thu Feb 22nd at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento they’ll face the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs have suffered under head coach Gregg Poppovich this season. The Spurs are in dead last (15th place) in the NBA Western Conference and have lost eight of the last ten games. In spite of this do you see this being a battle or a landslide for the Kings.

Tony Renteria filled in Jeremiah Salmonson for the Kings podcasts heard Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kevin and Devin show has Kings fall to Suns 130-125; Durant 28 pts, Booker 25 pts offense gets Phoenix win

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The Phoenix Suns Kevin Durant (35) is stoked after after hitting a three point first half shot against the Sacramento Kings at Footprint Arena in Phoenix on Tue Feb 13, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

PHOENIX–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Tuesday night in Phoenix, Arizona. The Kings last played on Sunday when they took on Oklahoma City Thunder. The Kings, who had played the Thunder well so far into the season, had high hopes for that game.

Unfortunately, the Kings lost a relatively uncompetitive game by the final of 127-113 on Sunday. The Kings have been a woefully inconsistent team in the 2023-2024 season. They are desperately looking for consistency on the defensive side of the ball and from the urgency department. The Kings would take on the Suns on Tuesday at 8 PM MST. The Kings fell to the Suns 130-125.

In the first quarter, the offense was the name of the game. The Kings and the Suns started hot from the scoring end of the floor. The Kings outscored the Suns 39-38 in the first quarter of action. Domantas Sobonis and De’Aaron Fox got going early, with 13 and 12 points, respectively. It seemed the entire Suns team got in on the scoring in the first quarter, as seven players had scored for them. Obviously, both these teams are offensively gifted. Could either team tighten things up on the defensive side of the ball?

In the second quarter, the intensity level from both teams went to max. The Kings and Suns were caught in a heavy-weight battle in the Valley. As both teams increased the intensity, the offensive output took a dip. The Kings outscored the Suns again in the second quarter by two points, 28-26. It was a thriller of a first half on TNT as both teams were looking to move to the sixth seed in the Western Conference. It would also be the deciding game for the season head-to-head record for the two teams. The Kings would be leading heading into halftime, 67-64.

In the third quarter, the Suns finally broke through and would take the lead on the Kings. Granted, the lead would only be two points as the Suns led 94-92 heading into the fourth quarter. The Kings were outscored by the Suns 30-25 in the third. Fox had 27 points, and Sabonis 25 through three quarters. Eric Gordon was leading the way for the Suns with 20 points. You could feel the energy building as the Suns fans were gearing up for a fourth-quarter run.

In the fourth quarter, the Suns couldn’t miss early. The Suns went on a 9-2 run to open the quarter and force Mike Brown to take a timeout with 10:13 left in the game. An animated Brown, Kevin Huerter, and Harrison Barnes could be seen on the sidelines, obviously frustrated with defensive miscues.

After the timeout, the Kings did their best to withstand the Suns onslaught. The Suns were shooting out of their minds. The Kings would be down 108-100 with 7:00 to go in the game. Could the Kings make a run to win the game? The Kings went on a run to bring the game within a shot.

The game would go back and forth up until the final whistle, but the Kings would fall to the Suns 130-25. The Kings best performance in the loss was from Sabonis, who had 35 points, 18 rebounds, and 12 assists. Fox recorded a 40-piece in the loss. Kevin Durant led the Suns to victory with a 28-point and 10-rebound game.

Sabonis is the first player since Larry Bird to have at least 30 points, 15 rebounds, 12 assists, and five blocks in a game.

Up Next: The Kings travel to Denver to take on the Nuggets on Wednesday.