Category: Sacramento Kings

Sacramento Kings game wrap: Fox leads Kings with 41 points in 132-127 win over Lakers

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The Sacramento Kings center JaVale McGee (00) slam dunks on the Los Angeles Lakers forward LaBron James (23) at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Sun Oct 29, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Sunday night in Sacramento. The Kings last played on Friday night in the home opener against Golden State Warriors. The Warriors came into Golden One Center and spoiled the home opener for the Kings. The Warriors beat the Kings 122-114. On Sunday, the Kings welcomed the LA Lakers to Golden One Center. The Kings (1-1) were set to take on the Lakers (1-1) at 7 PM PST in Sacramento. Sacramento bested the Lakers on Sunday 132-127.

In the first quarter, the Kings got off to a hot start. The Kings played really well in the first quarter en route to building a sizeable 13-point lead by the quarter’s conclusion. The Kings offense, led by De’Aaron Fox, scored 41 points in the first quarter of the game. Fox scored ten points in the quarter as Domas Sobonis added seven points. The Lakers scored 28 points in the quarter. The Kings would look to keep up the intensity in the second quarter.

In the second quarter, the Kings lead slowly evaporated. The Kings shots were not falling at the same rate as the first quarter. The Kings 13 point lead going into the quarter was cut down to five points. However, the Kings were able to build the lead back up to 11 by the end of the quarter thanks to a Fox three-pointer.

You could see as the quarter progressed that Mike Brown was visibly getting more frustrated on the sideline. I’m sure he had words with the team and the inconsistency in the second quarter at halftime. The Kings led at halftime 66-55.

In the third quarter, the Kings again lost their cushion early in the quarter. The Lakers stormed back to come within a point of the lead. How did the Kings respond?

The Kings battled but could not build the lead back up by the end of the quarter. The Kings were outscored by the Lakers 28-21 in the third quarter to cut the lead going into the final 12 minutes to 87-83. The game would come down to the final quarter and if the Kings could bear down on defense.

In the final quarter, the Kings continued to falter. The Lakers kept the pressure on the Kings. The Lakers had built themselves a five-point lead just a few minutes in the fourth quarter. Fox had a scare on a no-call foul while driving to the basket.

Fox was taken to the locker room for a quick evaluation of the ankle and later returned to a standing ovation. The Kings would battle and the game would come down to a last few shots. Unfortunately for the Kings, Keegan Murray missed a game winning three to send the game to overtime at 115-115.

In overtime, the Kings were down Sobonis who fouled out and Fox was playing but hobbling. However, Fox would come out after just a couple plays into overtime. The Kings would come out victorious in overtime winning the game.

The scored 17 points in the period compared to the Lakers 12. Kevin Huerter and Malik Monk both hit big shots down the stretch to seal the deal. Fox finished the game leading the Kings with 37 points. Anthony Davis led the way for the Lakers with 30.

Up Next: The Kings will travel to San Francisco to take on the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday at 7 PM PST.

Sacramento Kings report: Kings can’t shut down Curry’s 41 points in 130-114 loss at Golden 1

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Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) takes a shot against the Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Fri Oct 27, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Friday for the teams home opener in Sacramento. The Kings opened the season officially on Wednesday as they took on the Utah Jazz in Utah. The Kings won the opening game of the season handily by the final of 130-114.

It was a strong way for the Kings to open the season on the road. However on Friday, the Kings welcomed the Golden State Warriors into town. The game was set to tip off at 7 PM PST in Sacramento.

GAME RESULT: In the first quarter, the Kings started off strong. The offense for the Kings managed 29 points to set the tone early in the game. On the defensive end, the Kings showed solid effort only allowing the Warriors to score 24 points in the quarter. The Kings would look to keep up the defensive intensity in the second quarter.

In the second quarter, the Warriors offensive output improved. The Warriors managed to score 36 points in the quarter, which was a marked improvement from the first. On the offensive end for the Kings they only managed 28 points trying to keep pace with the Warriors. In the grand scheme of things it wasn’t bad, but not good enough to maintain the lead going into halftime. The Kings trailed 60-57 going into the third.

In the third quarter, the Warriors began to expand the lead. It was the worst quarter for the Kings defense in the game as they allowed 39 points to the Warriors in the quarter. On the other hand, the Kings were only able to score 27 points. The Kings would trail 99-84 going into the final quarter of action. The Kings needed an intense offensive output in the fourth quarter to come back against the Warriors.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings put up a fight but ultimately succumbed to the injuries sustained in the third quarter. The Kings lost by the final of 122-114. In the final quarter the Kings outscored the Warriors 30-23. Yet, the Kings were unable to complete the comeback needed to secure the win. De’Aaron Fox did everything he could in the game scoring 39 points.

Fox led the Kings in scoring in a tremendous individual performance. The Warriors were led by a classic 41 point game from Curry. Kings fans in the building no doubt suffered some deja vu as the last time Curry was in the building he put up a similar performance in the final Kings game of last season. Kings fans hope it was a good learning experience in which they can bear down and keep powerful offensive teams at bay in key moments.

Up Next: The Kings stay home for o take on the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday at 7PM PST in Sacramento

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings host Warriors Friday night in home opener at Golden 1

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Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes (40) takes a jump shot over the Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) in first half action at Delta Center in Salt Lake Center on Wed Oct 25, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 The Sacramento Kings Harrison Barnes impressed on opening night in Salt Lake City with a leading 33 points to help defeat the Utah Jazz on Wednesday evening.

#2 The game wasn’t even close as the Kings crushed the Jazz 130-114. The Kings got scoring help from Domantas Sabonis with 22 points and 12 rebounds and De’Aaron Fox scored 12 points.

#3 The Kings Malik Monk was impressive coming off the bench with seven assists. The Kings were firing on all pistons hitting amazing 46% on three pointers going 19-51.

#4 The Kings Keegan Murray said that the team did a close study on the Jazz and game preparation was key in the win. Murray hit four three pointers and and had 15 points for his offensive contribution.

#5 The Kings now face the Golden State Warriors Friday night at the Golden 1 Center for the Kings home opener. The Warrior are coming off a 108-104 loss to the Phoenix Suns last Wednesday night. How do you see this match up?

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

Kings defeat Jazz 130-114 in Salt Lake City

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Photo credit: @SacramentoKings

By Mary Anne

The Sacramento Kings took on the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night. The Kings defeated the Jazz 130-114 at Delta Center. Sacramento improved to 1-0, while Utah fell to 1-0 to open the 2023-24 NBA season.

Harrison Barnes led the Kings with 33 points and four rebounds and was 11-for-16 from the field goal line. Domantas Sabonis recorded 22 points and 12 rebounds. De’Aaron Fox scored 18 points and six assists. Mailk Monk added ten points and seven assists.

The Kings’ starting lineup featured De’Aaron Fox, Kevin Huerter, Harrison Barnes, Keegan Murray, and Domantas Sabonis. Fox got his first bucket of the season early in the first quarter. In addition, Sabonis capitalized on a three-pointer opportunity in the first. The Kings ended the first on a 12-4 run and led 32-24 over the Jazz.

The Kings continued to succeed in the second quarter. Chris Duarte made his first regular season bucket, Harrison Barnes poured in the points, and Sacramento went back-to-back from three-point land.

The Kings led the Jazz 72-58 at the end of the first half. Harrison Barnes had 27 points and four rebounds and 10-for-11 from the field goal line and 5-for-5 from the three-point line — the most points in a first half in the opening game of the season by a Kings player since the 1996-97 NBA season, passing Kevin Martin, who had 24 at the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 28, 2009.

The Kings reached the 100-point plateau in the third quarter. Malik Monk’s noteworthy dunk helped the Kings to a 20-point lead, 102-82, with 40 seconds left in the third. The Kings led the Jazz 105-87 after three quarters.

The Kings maintained composure in the fourth quarter. Domantas Sabonis waited patiently around three Jazz defenders to shoot his shot, which hit the rim, late in the fourth. The Kings beat the Jazz 130-114.

Notes
Kings’ injury update
Chris Duarte (left knee) is available, while Trey Lyles (left calf strain) and Jalen Slawson (illness) are out.

Up Next
The Kings will return home to host the Golden State Warriors on Friday night at 7:00 p.m. Pacific.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings open season in Utah Wednesday night against Jazz

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Sacramento Kings rookie Colby Jones (20) scored 19 against the Utah Jazz at the Golden One Center in Sacramento on Thu Oct 18, 2023 (@SacramentoKings photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 Jeremiah, in last night’s final pre season game against the Utah Jazz the Sacramento Kings had a sloppy first quarter. They were missing pivots, the defense wasn’t effective, and they were grateful to Malik Monk who scored seven points in the quarter.

#2 In the second quarter of the game the Kings held onto the ball and made better decisions on passing the ball. The Kings picked up 27 points to the Jazz’ 23. The Kings JaVale McGee led with 12 points to the Jazz’ Colin Sexton who had 14 points.

#3 The Kings in the third quarter went back to playing sloppy basketball, they got out of sink and regrouped later in the quarter by scoring 25 points but let down on defense as the Jazz came away with 36 points.

#4 The Kings in the fourth quarter had to make a comeback and later traded baskets to keep pace with the Jazz. If it weren’t for Monk leading with 23 points total for the game and the Kings scoring 37 points for the fourth quarter. it would have been difficult to stay ahead of the Jazz. The Kings win the final exhibition game 116-113.

#5 Kings face the Jazz again, this time in Utah for opening night Wed Oct 25th for a 6:00pm PT tip. How ready to do you see the Kings going into opening night?

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

Sacramento Kings game wrap: Kings Monk leads with 23 pts in 116-113 win over Jazz; Sac picks up first pre season win

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Sacramento Kings small forward Kessler Edwards (17) throws down against the Utah Jazz at Golden One Center in Sacramento on Thu Oct 19, 2023 (@SacramentoKings photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action for their final preseason tune-up on Thursday night in Sacramento. The Kings preseason hadn’t gone so smoothly as of Thursday. The Kings entered the matchup having gone 0-4 in the preseason after facing the Raptors, Lakers, and the Warriors twice.

On Thursday, the Kings welcomed in the Utah Jazz at Golden One Center for the 7 PM PST matchup. It’s worth noting that the Kings will face the Jazz in their first regular season game next week. In the final preseason game of 2023 the Kings defeated the Jazz 116-113.

In the first quarter, the game was unwatchably sloppy. The Kings were throwing the ball around, missing cuts, losing defensive assignments, and playing careless basketball. The Kings scored 27 points in the quarter, partly thanks to Malik Monk scoring seven points. The Jazz scored 26 points in the first quarter, with Collin Sexton scoring seven. The Kings would look to clean things up before halftime. 

In the second quarter, the Kings played much better. The pace and urgency on offense were much better for the Kings. The Kings held onto the ball and made better decisions on passing front. The Kings scored 27 points in the second quarter, the same as in the first.

Conversely, the Jazz scored 23 points in the second quarter. The Kings would go into halftime with the lead 54-49. The leading scorer for the Kings in the first half was JaVale McGee, who scored 12 points. The Jazz’s leading scorer in the first half was Collin Sexton, who had 14 points. 

In the third quarter, the Kings really struggled. The offense for the Kings couldn’t find much of any rhythm, on top of that the Kings reverted to their sloppy ways as in the first quarter. However, the Kings did show some late life in the quarter. Overall, the Kings scored 25 points in the quarter. The caveat is that the Jazz put up 36 points in the quarter to build an 85-79 lead going into the final quarter.  

In the fourth quarter, the Kings returned to take the lead, but it would be short-lived. The game would come down to trading buckets down the stretch. However, the Kings would manage to score 37 points in the quarter compared to only 28 for the Jazz.

The Kings would win the game 116-113. It was the first win for the Kings in preseason and it had to feel good for the team. While preseason is mostly just for getting back into rhythm and playing with new teammates, you like to get a few wins under your belt going into the season.

The Kings were led in scoring by Monk who had 23 points in the game. The Jazz’s best performance came from Talen Horten-Tucker who had 26 points.  

Up Next: The Kings will travel to Utah to open the season against the Jazz on October 25th at 6 PM PST. 

Sacramento Kings report: Kings lose to Warriors 116-115 in preseason thriller

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Photo credit: @SacramentoKings

By Mary Anne

The Sacramento Kings took on the Golden Warriors in the second game of the home-and-home preseason series. The Kings lost to the Warriors 116-115 at Chase Center on Wednesday night. Sacramento fell to 0-4, while Golden State improved to 4-0 and remained undefeated.

De’Aaron Fox led all scorers with 25 points and seven rebounds. Keegan Murray scored 24 points and eight rebounds. Davion Mitchell added 14 points.

The Kings’ starting lineup featured De’Andre Fox, Kevin Huerter, Harrison Barnes, Keegan Murray, and Domantas Sabonis. Murray hit a fast three-pointer to help the Kings get on the board first, and Murray led all scorers early on, shooting 3-5 from the field, in the first quarter. The Kings merely led 23-22 at the end of the first.

The Kings continued to pour in the points in the second quarter, but the Warriors hit quite a few three-pointers, such as Andrew Wiggins’ three-pointer, to avoid falling behind by double-digits. The Kings carried a 56-49 lead to the locker room at the end of the first half.

The Warriors initially trailed by more than a dozen, but they picked up the pace and made it a four-point game, 68-64, with 6:08 left in the third quarter before a TV timeout. The Kings, however, made it rain with three-pointers, including Keegan Murray’s three-pointer. The Kings led 91-76 after three quarters.

Kings rookies Malik Monk and Colby Jones showed some range in the fourth quarter. Warriors veteran point guard Chris Paul hit a three-pointer late in the fourth. The game went down to the wire. Warriors star Stephen Curry hit a late three-pointer to make it a two-point game, 115-113, but Warriors power forward Dario Šarić missed a pair of free throws. The Kings’ challenge was tossed out, and the Warriors had the ball for the remaining 10.7 seconds. The Warriors sealed the scoring with a three-pointer for a 116-115 win.

Notes
Kings shooting guard Chris Duarte was out with a left knee injury.

Kings rookie Malik Monk recently talked about his fashion choices in a new episode of the show “NBA Style” on the NBA App. Watch Monk’s recent appearance here.

The Kings will hold their NBA 2K24 3v3 Tournament at Fan Fest on Saturday, October 21. Sign up here.

Up Next
The Kings will return home to host the Utah Jazz on Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. Pacific.

Sacramento Kings report: Kings drop third straight pre season game; Coach Brown wants to take a look at his bench and free agents

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Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis (10) is non too thrilled about another pre season loss this time to the Golden State Warriors at Golden One Arena in Sacramento on Sun Oct 15, 2023 (@SacramentoKings photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action for one of the last preseason tune-ups of the year. Golden State traveled to Sacramento Sunday evening to take on the Kings at Golden One Center. The two teams squared off for the first time since game 7 of the 2023 playoffs.

That series was the first round of the playoffs, where the Kings and Warriors went head-to-head. Only to lose on Sunday, the Warriors and Kings game started at 6:30 PM PST. The Kings lost in overtime 121-115.

In the first quarter, the Kings came out looking strong. The Kings offense scored an impressive 38 points in the first quarter as the offense was producing right where they left off last season. On the defensive end, the Kings held the Warriors to 25 points in the quarter. The Warriors were struggling to gain a rhythm on offense. Granted, they played this game without Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Chris Paul.

In the second quarter, the Kings offense slowed as the shots were not falling. The Kings lacked rhythm on the offensive end, scoring 21 points in the quarter. The Warriors offense scored 31 points in the second quarter. The Kings offense looked solid most of the first half, even if some shots weren’t falling. De’Aaron Fox and Domas Sabonis were firing in the offense Kings fans have come to love. The Kings and Warriors went into halftime, with the Kings leading 59-56.

The Kings and Warriors played a pretty even quarter in the third quarter. The Kings managed to score 24 points as the Warriors put up 27. The Kings and Warriors would be tied at 83 going into the fourth quarter.

In the final quarter, the Kings almost exclusively played second and third-string players. It showed in the box score. However, it was good to see some of the talent the Kings have that won’t get much playing time in essential minutes this season. Keon Ellis and Colby Jones both played well in the minutes they got. The end of the fourth quarter would not be the end of the game on Sunday night as the game was tied at 111.

However, in overtime the Warriors would seal the deal. The Kings only scored four points in the overtime period as the Warriors put up ten points.

The best performance from the Kings came from Sabonis who had 19 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists to lead the Kings. The Warriors best performance came from Kuminga who had 28 points to go along with six rebounds.

One matchup to watch as the preseason continues is between Chris Duarte and Kevin Huerter. Kevin has been inconsistent going back to the end of last season and will be fighting for the starting role with the addition of Duarte.

Up Next: The Kings will travel to San Francisco on Wednesday to take on the Warriors at 7 PM PST at the Chase Center.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Comanche and Burton demoted to G League Stockton; plus a look inside the Kings

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The Sacramento Kings Chris Duarte (3) drives on the Los Angeles Kings at the Honda Center in Anaheim on Wed Oct 11, 2023 (USA Today photo)

On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 The Sacramento Kings waved Chance Comanche and Deonte Burton. Once they clear wavers they will head to the G League Stockton Kings. After waving Comanche and Burton the Kings roster is cut to 18 players.

#2 Burton played for Iowa State in college he is a three year NBA player averaging 12 points, four rebounds and three assists and played just two games with the Kings last season. It was originally announced that Burton was released but has a chance to stay with the organization if he goes to the G League Stockton Kings.

#3 Keegan Murray and Davion Mitchell were key players in last season’s success for the Kings how do you see them as returning players and how much help will they contribute this season?

#4 Chris Duarte had to get warmed up just a bit during pre season games against the Los Angeles Lakers and Toronto Raptors. Once he did he performed well while playing with the starters.

#5  Sasha Vezenkov has been a good shooter, and works the ball getting in the paint and working on defense. Head coach Mike Brown is trying to see what role Vezenkov will play as Trey Lyles is strong on defense.

Join Jeremiah does the Kings podcast each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kings lose to Lakers 109-101 in second preseason game

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Photo credit: @LakersNation

By Mary Anne

The Sacramento Kings faced the Los Angeles Lakers for their preseason game No. 2, the battle of NorCal vs. SoCal, on Wednesday night. The Kings lost to the Lakers 109-101 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. Sacramento fell to 0-2, while Los Angeles improved to 2-1.

De’Aaron Fox led the Kings in scoring with 18 points, six assists, and three rebounds. Domantas Sabonis added ten points, 15 rebounds, and five assists.

The Kings’ starting lineup featured De’Aaron Fox, Kevin Huerter, Harrison Barnes, Sasha Vezenkov, and Domantas Sabonis. Vezenkov’s pregame buckets were spectacular, to say the least.

The Kings trailed the Lakers 30-28 at the end of the first quarter. As a result, Sacramento had some work to do, despite their money plays, such as De’Aaron Fox’s mid-range floater, Trey Lyles’ triple, etc.

The Kings took a 51-50 lead at the end of the first half. The highlight of the second quarter was the Kings’ eight three-pointers — the eighth scored by Kevin Huerter late in the quarter.

The Kings picked up where they left off, but the Lakers’ offense sizzled and star point guard D’Angelo Russell was on fire. Harrison Barnes scored another triple to open the second half and Domantas Sabonis recorded a double-double with ten points and 15 rebounds, but the Kings fell behind and trailed the Lakers 90-79 at the end of three quarters.

The Kings made it rain with triples in the fourth quarter. The Lakers’ bench, however, was excited for Alex Fudge’s hustle Wednesday night. Fudge, a small forward and power forward, is a two-way player for the Los Angeles Lakers and the South Bay Lakers. Despite last-minute efforts, the Kings ultimately lost 109-101 to the Lakers.

Notes
When asked about the Kings’ upcoming game against the Lakers, shooting guard Malik Monk told the media: “We got to keep building the chemistry in the second unit, and…keep encouraging each other.”

When talking to the media, head coach Mike Brown said: “What you guys are watching isn’t necessarily how it’s going to play out in the regular season.”

Up Next
The Kings will host the Golden State Warriors at the Golden 1 Center on Sunday at 6:00 p.m. Pacific.