Category: Sacramento Kings

Kings lose 112-99 to Raptors in first preseason game

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Photo credit: @SacramentoKings

By Mary Anne

The defending NBA Pacific Division champion Sacramento Kings took on the Toronto Raptors in their first preseason game on Sunday. The Kings lost 112-99 to the Raptors at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Sacramento fell to 0-1, while Toronto improved to 1-0.

Sasha Vezenkov led the Kings with 12 points and two rebounds. Harrison Barnes and Keegan Murray scored 11 points apiece.

Kings head coach Mike Brown talked to the media ahead of the team’s preseason game No. 1. Brown said: “Whoever is out on the floor, we expect them to play our basketball at the highest of high levels.”

The Kings took an early 2-0 lead thanks to Keegan Murray’s flawless finish at the rim. Murray, a power forward, was part of the 2023 NBA All-Rookie First Team. The Kings poured in the points, such as a tough pick and roll between Malik Monk and JaVale McGee, but the Raptors had an offensive boost late in the first quarter. The Kings and Raptors were tied 35-35 at the end of the first.

The Raptors went on a 6-2 run for a 41-37 lead to open the second quarter. The Kings picked up the pace. Domantas Sabonis fought through contact for a three-pointer but settled for a two-pointer to cut the Raptors’ lead to 58-52 late in the second. The Kings trailed the Raptors 69-55 at halftime.

The 2023 EuroLeague MVP, Sasha Vezenkov, entered the game late in the third quarter and scored his first NBA bucket, but the Kings fell behind. The Raptors led 90-67 with a little over two minutes left in the third. The Kings scored eight points to make it a 20-point game with 59 seconds remaining in a back-and-forth game but trailed the Raptors 95-74 at the end of the third.

The Raptors reached the 100-point mark early in the fourth quarter. The Kings trailed 102-77 with 8:06 left in the fourth, pulled within 15 with 2:54 left in regulation, and Jalen Slawson hustled to chase down a block. But the Kings’ comeback attempt ultimately failed and resulted in a 112-99 loss.

The Kings will take on the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Pacific.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: GM McNair says Kings have that playoff caliber team coming into 2023-24

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Floor of the Sacramento Kings training facility. The Kings open up their pre season with the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto at Sun Oct 8, 2023 (photo by the Sacramento Kings)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 Kings general manager Monte McNair said the Kings have a tangible success they can rely on coming off last season’s post season run.

#2 McNair was saying that head coach Mike Brown played a huge part in why the Kings had gone as far as they did and gave the Golden State Warriors a run for their money in the playoffs.

#3 McNair said the Kings fruits of their hard labor over the last three years is coming close to bare as they are getting close to being a Championship caliber team.

#4 Jeremiah how much credit does Mike Brown get for what he’s done to shape and build this team and how they showed the success and development that they became a playoff team.

#5 The Kings open the pre season in Toronto on Sunday for a 5:00pm tip off. Talk about some of the things that coach Brown will be looking for from his players as the Kings start pre season?

Join Jeremiah Salmonson does the Sacramento Kings podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings game wrap: Warriors trap Kings on 4th quarter defense for 120-100 win; End of Kings amazing season

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Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) and forward Domantas Sabonis (10) defend against Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) who looks to pass during the second half of Game 7 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Sunday afternoon. The Kings and the Warriors series was guaranteed to wrap up on Sunday in a game seven matchup in Sacramento. The Kings were down 3-2 in the series to the Warriors entering game six.

The Kings blew out the Warriors in San Francisco to force a game seven at home on Sunday. The game was set to start at 12:30 PM PST on ABC. The Kings lost game seven to the Warriors by the final of 120-100.

In the first quarter, Warrior guard Stephen Curry started the game off hot for the Warriors as he dropped 10 points in the first quarter. The Kings didn’t lead much of the quarter. However, at the end of the quarter, the Kings went ahead in the game.

Domantas Sabonis led the Kings in scoring in the first quarter as he scored seven points. It was an amazing sight, as Sabonis had struggled the entire series. It was clear neither team was going to go away without a fight. The Kings led the Warriors 31-30 after the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the dogfight continued. The Kings and Warriors were in an all-out war in the second quarter as both teams tried to create some separation. In the second quarter, Curry continued to play great basketball. Curry scored a total of 20 points in the first half on just over 50% from the field.

On the other hand, Thompson really struggled. Thompson only scored seven points in the half, with five of those coming from the free-throw line. The Warriors scored 26 points in the second quarter.

The Kings scored 27 points in the second quarter to take a 58-56 lead into halftime. The Kings received a great performance in the first half from Sabonis, who scored 16 points. Terence Davis and Malik Monk came up big for the Kings in the first half, scoring nine points.

In the third quarter, Curry and Thompson came out firing. The Kings small lead quickly turned to dust as the Warriors went up by seven with 7:38 in the third. The question would be if the Kings could respond with a run of their own. The Kings were not able to go on the run they needed to close out the third quarter. In fact, the Warriors were able to extend the lead with a big bucket from Thompson.

The Warriors outscored the Kings 35-23 in the third quarter to take a commanding ten point lead into the final quarter. It was vintage Golden State during the splash brother era. Curry had 34 points through three quarters. It would take a miracle fourth quarter from the Kings offense to keep the season alive.

In the final quarter, the Kings weren’t able to mount the comeback they needed to win the game. The Kings lost game seven to the Warriors 120-100. It was a tough loss for the Kings, who looked good in the first half but could never get it going in the second half of the game.

Sabonis was very effective in the first half but was nearly shut down by Looney in the second half of play. The Warriors outscored the Kings 29-19 in the final quarter of play.The only reason the Warriors win this game is because Curry is the best shooter of all time.

Curry absolutely torched the Kings for 50 points. It was the most points scored in a game seven in NBA history. Curry had one of the best postseason games ever while willing his team to victory.

It was a great season for the Kings, and the loss to the Warriors is nothing to hang their heads on. The Kings will be back in the playoffs for years to come.

Sacramento Kings game wrap: Kings Force a Game Seven Beating Warriors 118-99

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Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk, left, looks to shoot over Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green during the first half of Game 6 at Chase Center in San Francisco on Fri Apr 28, 2023 (AP News photo)

Kings Force a Game Seven Beating Warriors 118-99

By Barbara Mason

Friday night the Sacramento Kings (49-34) played their most important game of the season defeating the NBA champion Golden State Warriors (44-39) 118-99 to even the series 3-3 at Chase Center in San Francisco. Trailing 3-2 in the series the Kings were faced with a win or go home scenario.

Sacramento had all hands on deck especially from Kevin Huerter who scored 12 points, who frankly had not been good at all in this series. Harrison Barnes had not been the same since the critical miss from downtown in game four. The Kings protected the ball and stopped the crazy turnovers that are not at all the norm for Sacramento; their average around 12-13 per game.

Game 6 recap: The first quarter was a close one with the Warriors leading 25-23. The game was a physical one from the tipoff. The Kings had nine offensive rebounds to the Warriors one and yet they still trailed.

At the half the Kings had taken the lead 58-51 but were still struggling with ball protection. Sabonis was in foul trouble but despite their woes the Kings were getting some great work from Keegan Murray, De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk.

Sacramento began to extend their lead in the third quarter and going into the fourth quarter the Kings led 90-80. Sacramento was 12 minutes away from forcing a game seven. Monk had elevated his game to new heights finishing the third quarter with 20 points, the team high so far. The Kings Domantas Sabonis had five fouls and was forced to sit and Sacramento would have to step up defensively.

Domantas Sabonis entered the fourth quarter with the five fouls and 8:15 left in the game. It was crunch time for the Kings. The Warriors had begun to pick up offensively and Sacramento had to keep pace. The Kings were forcing Warriors turnovers and had to keep the defensive pressure on.

Through three quarters Sacramento had played a beautiful defensive game. With 3:45 left in the game, the Kings had a nineteen point lead 116-97. This was the largest Sacramento lead in the series.

After a deflating loss in game five for Sacramento the Kings came back with a vengeance to win game six. They put a real beat down on the Warriors in the fourth quarter. Monk had a terrific game finishing with 28 points the team high. Fox had 26 points despite the fractured finger he was dealing with. The Kings out rebounded the Warriors and hit more shots from downtown; they simply outplayed the Warriors in the second half offensively and defensively.

The Warriors Stephen Curry led the Golden State with 29 points. Klay Thompson finished with 22 points.

Game seven will be played at Golden One Center Sunday, the time TBD at the time of this posting.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings avoid elimination take game 6 from Warriors 118-99; Series tied 3-3

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Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) drives against Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) during the second half of Game 5 at Golden One Center in Sacramento on Wed Apr 26, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown said on Thursday that he was grateful for the quick turnaround from game 5 on Wednesday night to Friday night. Brown said he is glad to get the team ready to face off with Golden State right away.

#2 Malik Monk says the Kings have been in this situation before they’d be down a couple of games but get right back into it again. Monk said “you see tomorrow” when asked what desperation looks like for game 6 at Golden State.

#3 Sacramento Kings Harrison Barnes said that there are lot of the little things realizing how close the Kings are but it was important to lock on to the mental errors.

#4 Jeremiah, Barnes was asked what he sees the Kings needing to lock on to and who on the Warriors do they need to key on. They lost by one point in game 4 and lost by seven on Wednesday night. They’ve lost three straight after winning the first two games what are their chances of getting back into this one in game 6?

#5 Jeremiah, how difficult could this game 6 be going back to Golden State with the Warriors having momentum and that Chase Center crowd behind them. The Kings really need to need to study film on how they succeeded in the first two games and apply it to game 6.

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

Sacramento Kings game wrap: Kings Fox Injured Finger Allows Warriors to Break 2-2 Tie 123-116; Warriors in drivers seat with 3-2 series lead

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By Michael Roberson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings lost control and home-court advantage of the NBA Western Conference Quarterfinals with a 123-116 loss to the Golden State Warriors.

Sacramento got off to a 6-0 start and seemed in total control, leading by as much as 10 points the first 12 minutes of the game.

The Warriors used the second quarter to flex their muscles and flipped the 10-point deficit to an advantage of six on their behalf, leading by four at recess, 60-56.

De’ Aaron Fox led the Kings with 17 points, five rebounds and five assists, apparently not adversely affected by the broken finger. Two of his teammates also eclipsed double-figures: Center Domantis Sabonis (11) and forward Keegan Murray (10).

The Bay Area Boys had four hoopers over ten points: Forward Klay Thompson (16) , guard Stephen Curry (12), forward Andrew Wiggins (11) and forward Draymond Green (11).

The Kings opened the third quarter on a 5-0 run, temporarily taking the lead back, 61-60, but the Warriors didn’t want to relinquish their margin and earned their largest lead of nine points, 99-90 after 36 minutes.

The Warriors increased the gap to 12 points in the final stanza, and held on to a seven-point victory, 123-116, and captured the Golden1 Castle, while seizing the momentum in the Northern California Series, 3-2.

The Warriors got over their Road Futility Woes at the perfect time, and Kings’ guard De’ Aaron Fox credits their defense for the away win.

Sacramento Head Coach, Mike Brown praises the Warriors great play, but is confident the Kings will bring it in San Francisco Friday Night.

Fox led the Kings with 24 points, 9 assists and 7 assists. Domantas Sabonis contributed 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds and Malik Monk also tallied 21 points.

The Warriors had four players with at least 20 points. Curry hit 31 points and gave eight assists, Thompson (25), Green (21) and Wiggins (20).

The Kings have to go to Chase Center and wrestle back home court advantage from the defending champs, then regain control of their Kingdom in the California State Capital city on Sunday, April 30, to advance to the second round against either the Los Angeles Lakers or the Memphis Grizzlies.

The series has officially begun, because a road team won on the opposing team’s court. NBA Action is FANTASTIC!

Golden State Warriors podcast with David Zizmor: Can Fox maintain with injured finger?; Fox says he’s 90-100% ready for game 5

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De’Aaron Fox (5) Sacramento Kings guard can tell you how many fingers he’s holding up and they’re just fine including his left index finger that had a fracture on the tip. Fox during practice said that he was 90-100% ready to participate in game 5 against the Golden State Warriors at Golden 1 Center on Wed Apr 26, 2023 (AP photo file)

On the Golden State Warriors podcast with David:

#1 Dave, the Sacramento Kings De’Aaron Fox saying this afternoon he’s good to go for game 5 on Wednesday night and that his left index finger is 90–100% after taking practice shots at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.

#2 Despite Fox’s confidence Kings head coach Mike Brown is getting multiple players ready to step up in the event Fox has issues with the finger on Wednesday night, back up point guard Davion Mitchell, Domantas Sabonis, and Malik Monk.

#3 With the knowledge of Fox’s finger injury how much confidence do the Golden State Warriors have going into this game in shutting down Fox and defending the Kings offense?

#4 The Warriors have won only 11 games on the road in the regular season and have lost the first two games of this first round, does that all kind of go away in this juncture of the post season after taking games three and four from Sacramento although those games were played at Golden State?

Join David Zizmor for Golden State Warriors podcast through the NBA playoffs at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings report: Fox up for the challenge will be in the line up for game 5

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Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) reacts after making a 3-point basket in the third quarter during Game 1 against the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the NBA playoffs on Sat Apr 15, 2023 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. Fox injured his left index finger during game 4 Sun Apr 23, 2023 at Chase Center in San Francisco and is expected back in the line up for game 5 Wed Apr 26, 2023 at Golden 1 (AP News photo)

DeAaron Fox – Up For the Challenge

By Barbara Mason

After Monday’s update, Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox was doubtful for game five vs the Golden State Warriors Wednesday night at Golden One Center. After fracturing his left index finger in game four, it was looking rather grim for the Kings. Losing Fox for the remainder of the playoffs was a nightmarish prospect.

What a difference a day makes as we awoke to the news that Fox is 99-100% playing in game five despite the injury. This game is pivotal and nothing is going to stop this guy from taking the court Wednesday night.

His injury is described as severe but Fox himself said that he would be fine. He can still shoot and dribble the ball. Had this occurred during the regular season he would have probably been out 1 to 2 weeks but this is the playoffs and Sacramento needs him for this critical game five.

This news really gave the Kings a confidence boost but there is also a caveat that goes along with this news. The entire team will have to step up and increase production. That is the tradeoff. Players like Malik Monk and Davion Mitchell off the bench will be needed along with Domantas Sabonis.

Keegan Murray will have to continue to up his game as well as Harrison Barnes and Kevin Huerter. It will be all hands on deck for this one. This will not be an easy task for either Fox or the team but this is a gutsy, determined bunch.

Fox is really putting himself out there and he will need the support and help from all of his teammates. It will be no secret that the Warriors will be gunning for that left hand. I fully expect the entire team will step up in the same manner that Fox himself has stepped up. He is putting it all on the line and the team will have to do the same. This has been a crazy turn of events for the Kings. Why not add just one more thing to the crazy and not only win game five but the series.

Sacramento Kings Fox doubtful for game 5 Wednesday night

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Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) will most likely sit out game 5 with a left hand finger injury he sustained in the fourth quarter in game 4 against the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center in San Francisco (AP News photo)

Kings Dealt Devastating Blow

By Barbara Mason

As if the loss to the Warriors Sunday afternoon was not bad enough, the Kings were dealt a huge blow after the game. It was learned that De’Aaron Fox had apparently suffered a fractured fingertip on his left index finger. He is doubtful for game five in Sacramento.

Fox is considering playing through the pain with some sort of protective covering on his finger. The Kings will just have to wait and see what the team and Fox will determine. Had the Kings won Sunday night’s game they could have held Fox out for two games although an additional week of rest would not change much of anything.

He may have had time to practice shooting with the protective covering but the bottom line is they did not win and they will just have to deal with what fate has placed in their path. Fractured fingers typically take three to four weeks to heal. We will see what the Kings trainers come up with. They have kept these guys for the most part healthy this season and so the team can only hope that they have just the right solution for this injury.

It will be a no-brainer that the Warriors will take full advantage of the injury and do all they can to exacerbate the injury. Unfortunately it’s all about winning and nothing more enters into the equation. Sacramento will have to work hard to get past this one. It is a tall order and from what we have seen in these playoffs, the Kings play hard and with a lot of heart and they will take this in stride and give game five all they’ve got.

Sacramento Kings game wrap: Heartbreak For Sacramento Edged Out By Warriors 126-125

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Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray, middle, holds onto the ball between Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, left, and guard Klay Thompson during the first half of Game 4 at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sun Apr 23, 2023 (AP News photo)

Heartbreak For Sacramento Edged Out By Warriors 126-125

By Barbara Mason

Sunday afternoon the Sacramento Kings (48-35) were looking to take a 3-1 lead back to Golden One Arena. There was a monumental challenge that they would have to conquer to take that lead back home in the defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors (45-38).

The Warriors have peaked at the near perfect time which is great for them but creates a myriad of problems for opposing teams. The Kings had a second crack at Golden State after losing game three at Chase Thursday night 114-97. Sacramento was just plain awful in that game although much of it had to do with the adjustments that the Warriors had made after losing the first two games of this series. The Warriors was in a foot race till the end with the Kings edging them out 126-125 to even the series at 2-2.

The good news for the Kings was the start in this game. It was a very good start and there was more good news with Keegan Murray looking like he had shaken off the nerves (or whatever he was dealing with) scoring a couple of baskets in the early minutes. Mid-way through the first quarter the Kings had a slim lead 18-17. Even though the Warriors took a seven points lead in the first 12 minutes, the Kings went on an 11-3 run leading after the opening quarter 32-31.

The three’s that had been MIA for Sacramento in the first three games made an appearance in this fourth game going seven of 13. After the first three minutes of the second quarter threes were dropping and Keegan Murray was having a much improved game which was great news for Sacramento. The Kings did have a nine point lead that dissolved mid-way through the quarter and with 6:37 left in the half this game was tied 45-45.

The Kings 8-0 run was erased with a Warrior 9-0 run. With under five minutes left in the half the Kings regained the lead 54-49 when Murray hit a three. Murray had finally arrived. Sacramento again took a nine point lead with under three minutes left in the half.

It was a crazy first 24 minutes of play. At the half the Kings led 69-65. It was a far cry from the game they lost Thursday night. Murray was three of four from downtown and De’Aaron Fox finished the first half with 21 points. Sacramento had shot over 50% from the floor and 45% from beyond the arc in the first half. Another bonus for the Kings; only three turnovers in the half.

After three quarters the Warriors had built a ten point lead 102-92 and the Kings had a lot of work to do.

The fourth quarter was a spectacular finish that did not go in favor of the Kings. With 10.1 left in the game, Sacramento trailed by a single point and with possession had the chance to win this game and go home 3-1. Harrison Barnes took the last shot, a three point attempt and came up short. It was a heartbreaker for Sacramento as they head back home to Golden One.

The resurrection of Murray finally came to light as we knew it would. He had 23 points and was five of seven from downtown. He will invaluable to the Kings going forward. Fox had the high for both teams with 38 points. Malik Monk had the high off the bench with 16 points. The Kings also finished with 14 shots from downtown.

Now the work for the Sacramento Kings begins as they head home to Golden One to play game five at Golden 1 Center. Now this becomes a must win for Sacramento after having led 2-0 in this series. Game five will be played Wednesday night with tipoff scheduled for 7:00 PM.