Category: Sacramento Kings

Kings clobber Magic 136-111 at Golden 1 Center

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Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk, top, pulls down a rebound between forward Domantas Sabonis (10) and forward Keegan Murray (13) in the first quarter of action at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Mon Jan 9, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Monday night in Sacramento. The Kings last played on Saturday against LeBron James and the Lakers at home. The Kings lost to the Lakers in that matchup 136-134. On Monday, the Kings were looking to get back in the win column against a mediocre team. The Kings were set to welcome the Orlando Magic at 7 PM on Monday. The Kings cruised to an easy victory on Monday 136-111 against the Magic.

In the first quarter, the Kings started hot on the offensive end. The Kings started the game with a massive 41-point outburst in the first quarter to jump to an early lead. The Kings defense didn’t start as quickly. The Kings allowed the Magic to score 31 points in the first quarter to hang around in the game early. The Kings pace and shot-making early were proving too much for the Magic.

In the second quarter, the Kings followed up the first quarter with another solid quarter. In the second, the Kings scored 31 points to build the lead more against the Magic. What stood out in the second was the Kings defense. The Kings defense limited the Magic to only 21 points in the quarter.

That was a much-needed and welcome sight for Kings fans, as the Kings defense has recently been bad. The Kings would head into halftime leading the game 72-52. Harrison Barnes started quickly for the Kings with 17 points in the first half to lead the Kings.

In the third quarter, the Kings continued to build the lead. The Magic could not figure out the Kings on the offensive end of the floor to this point all night. The Kings outscored the Magic 35-32 in the third quarter. Harrison Barnes continued his hot night, leading the Kings in scoring after three quarters with 23 points. Franz Wagner was leading the Magic with 16 points through three quarters. The Kings would take a 107-84 lead into the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings cruised to victory. The Kings, led by veteran Harrison Barnes to victory 136-111. Barnes had 30 points in the game as he started the Kings on the right foot and significantly impacted the victory. The Kings finished the game by outsourcing the Magic 29-27 in the final quarter.

The Magic were led in defeat by Paolo Banchero who had 17 points. The Kings improved to 21-18 on the season as the Magic fell to 15-26. This was a game the Kings should win and they took care of business at home.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the Houston Rockets on Wednesday at 7 PM PST.

LeBron’s 37 points helps Lakers put away Kings 136-134

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By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Saturday night. The Kings last played on Wednesday night when they took on the Atlanta Hawks at home. The Kings fell to the Hawks 120-117 on  Wednesday on the second night of a back-to-back. On Saturday, the Kings welcomed in LeBron James and the LA Lakers on a stormy night in Sacramento. LeBron led with 37 points and the Lakers defeated the Kings 136-134.

In the first quarter, both teams got off to a hot start on offense. The Kings scored 38 points in the quarter, as the Lakers started the game with 37 points. Neither team was putting much effort in on the defensive end of the floor. The Lakers built an early lead in the quarter, but the Kings managed to wipe that out and outscore the Lakers in the first quarter. Davion Mitchell started the game with nine quick points as Patrick Beverly matched him. 

In the second quarter, the Lakers and Kings went back and forth. The Kings went on a run early in the quarter, but the Lakers returned with one of their own. Overall, the Kings scored 35 points in the quarter as the Lakers outscored them with 36 points. All the Kings starters except Keegan Murray were in double figures as the game went to halftime. For the Lakers, LeBron James led the way with 16 points in the first half. The Kings and Lakers would go into halftime tied at 73 points a piece. 

In the third quarter, the Kings and Lakers both scored 36 points. Neither team could get any stops on the defensive end of the floor. Through three-quarters of the game, both teams had scored at least 35 points in every quarter. LeBron was doing everyday Lebron things scoring 27 points through the first three quarters. Every Kings starter was in double figures after three quarters, and they would look to bring the game home in the final 12 minutes. The Kings and Lakers were tied at 109 after three quarters. 

In the fourth quarter, the game remained as close as possible. It seemed that with every shot the Lakers made, the Kings would match and vice versa. One big blow to the Kings was when Domantas Sabonis fouled out with just over 45 seconds remaining.

It came down to the wire, but the Kings were outscored in the fourth quarter 27-25. It was a tough loss for the Kings, that could not get any defensive momentum. In the game, LeBron led the Lakers with 37 points. Thomas Bryant also put on a show for the Lakers, scoring 29 points with 14 rebounds.

The Kings were led by a fantastic performance from De’Aaron Fox, who scored 34 points in the game. Sabonis added 25 points and 12 rebounds in the game. It was a tough loss for the Kings, who will look to improve on the defensive end of the floor in their next game. 

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the Orlando Magic on Monday at 7 PM PST.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Tough home loss to Hawks, Kings hope to make it up vs. Lakers on Saturday

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Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins (20) fouls Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis, center, as Hawks guard Bogdan Bogdanovic (13) watches during the second half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Wed Jan 4, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 The Kings welcomed the Atlanta Hawks to town on Wednesday at 7 PM PST. Trae Young and former Kings guard Bogdan Bogdanovic. The Kings fell at home to the Hawks 120-117.

#2 The Kings and Hawks both scored 30 points in the first quarter. The Kings and the Hawks couldn’t get into any sort of rhythm on the offensive end. Domas Sabonis and De’Aaron Aaron supplied most of the Kings offense, starting with six points each.

#3  If the Kings wanted to win the game, the offense would need to improve. Sabonis led the Kings in the first half with 14 points as John Collins did the same for the Hawks with 12 points

#4 In the fourth quarter sloppy defense and some kissed free throws were the kiss of death for the Kings at they dropped the game 120-117.

#5 The Kings will welcome “The King” Lebron James and the Lakers to the Golden 1 Center Saturday at 7 PM PST.

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

Collins and Hunter lead Hawks with 22 pts in 120-117 win over Kings

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Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) is fouled by Sacramento Kings guard Kevin Huerte in second half action at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Wed Jan 4, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Wednesday night. The Kings were on the second night of a back-to-back. On Tuesday, the Kings narrowly defeated the Utah Jazz in Utah. Directly after the game, they returned to Sacramento for the game on Wednesday.

The Kings welcomed the Atlanta Hawks to town on Wednesday at 7 PM PST. Trae Young and former Kings guard Bogdan Bogdanovic. The Kings fell at home to the Hawks 120-117.

The first quarter was an underwhelming performance for the Kings on the offensive end. The Kings defense was playing well and forcing many errors on the Hawks. The Kings and Hawks both scored 30 points in the first quarter. The Kings and the Hawks couldn’t get into any sort of rhythm on the offensive end. Domas and De’Aaron supplied most of the Kings offense, starting with six points each.

The second quarter was more of the same for the Kings. The defense kept up, but the offense needed help finding a rhythm. The Kings shots seemed to be missing at the worst possible times, and were lagging behind Atlanta. The Hawks outscored the Kings in the second quarter 31-28. The Kings would take a 61-58 deficit into halftime. If they wanted to win the game, the offense would need to improve. Domas led the Kings in the first half with 14 points as John Collins did the same for the Hawks with 12 points.

In the third quarter, the Kings hung in the game. They didn’t make up any ground on the Atlanta Hawks but they also didn’t fall any furhter behind. On a night where the kings shooting seemed to be letting them down they hung in.

The Kings scored 30 points in the third quarter as they kept pace with the Hawks who also scored 30. The score going into the final quarter was the Kings down 91-88. Kevin Huerter led the Kings through three quarters with 18 points. De’Andre Hunter and John Collins were leading the Hawks in scoring; both players had 18 points. The Kings would need an offensive explosion on the final quarter to take down the Hawks.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings just couldn’t get it done. They battled but were unable to stop the Hawks offense. That doesn’t tell the whole story. The Kings did come back and take the lead late in the fourth quarter. In fact, they were up four points with just over a minute left. However, sloppy defense and some kissed free throws were the kiss of death for the Kings at they dropped the game.

The Kings and Hawks both scored 29 points in the final quarter. It was a disappointing game for the Kings after taking the lead but that is the way it goes in the NBA. It is a game of runs and clutch shots and the Hawks had one more than the Kings on Wednesday. De’Aaron Fox led the way for the Kings with 25 points. Hunter and Collins led the way for the Hawks in victory both scoring 22 points.

Up Next: The Kings will welcome “The King” Lebron James and the Lakers to the Golden 1 Center Saturday at 7 PM PST.

Fox & Company Win Thriller Over Utah 117-115

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Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) dunks against Utah Jazz forward Jarred Vanderbilt (8) during the second half at the Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City on Tue Jan 3, 2023 (AP News photo)

Fox & Company Win Thriller Over Utah 117-115

By Barbara Mason

After losing to the Grizzlies in Memphis Sunday, the Sacramento Kings (20-16) traveled to Utah to take on the Jazz (19-21) at Vivint Arena and just got by with a 117-115 win in Salt Lake City. The Jazz have now lost five games in a row and were looking to get back on track at home. They were aiming to level the score after losing to the Kings in late December by a single point 126-125.

Game recap: Sacramento got off to a solid start winning the first quarter 35-23. The Jazz started to heat up in the second, winning it 28-25 but still trailing at the half 60-51. The Kings finished the first half shooting at 50% while the Jazz were close to 41%. Sacramento had seven turnovers. The King’s Kevin Huerter had the high score in the first two quarters with 14 points and Domantas Sabonis, Harrison Barnes and De’Aaron Fox all had double digits in the first half.

The Jazz only had two starters in double digits at the half. Jarred Vanderbilt had the high with 12 points and Lauri Markkanen had ten for Utah.

After leading by 12 points in the third quarter the Kings let the Jazz back into the game. Utah got to within two points 73-71 with 5:47 left in the third. The Jazz had challenged the Kings a number of times throughout the game but Sacramento roared back every time. Mounting turnovers and fouls started to hurt the Kings and gave Utah a real edge. With 35 seconds left on the clock the Jazz had tied up this game at 86. After three quarters, the Jazz had taken the lead 89-88.

This game would go to the team that was able to finish; it would go down to the wire. With 41.3 left in the game the Kings called a timeout. The score was 113-112 in favor of Sacramento. With 0.4 left in the game Fox made a driving layup giving the Kings the lead 117-115 which was the final.

Fox had a monster night with 37 points. Every starter on the roster had double digits in this collaborative effort. They were challenged over and over by the Jazz and fought to the very end of this intense game.

The Jazz’s high score was Lauri Markkanen with 28 points.

Wednesday night the Kings will take on the Atlanta Hawks back home at Golden One in downtown Sacramento. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Kings Fall To Morant and the Grizzlies 118-108

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Memphis Grizzlies center Steven Adams (4) drives to the basket defended by Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) in the first half at FedEx Forum in Memphis on Sun Jan 1, 2023 (AP News photo)

Kings Fall To Morant and the Grizzlies 118-108

By Barbara Mason

Sunday evening the Sacramento Kings (19-16) started off 2023 taking on the Memphis Grizzlies (23-13) at FedExForum. Memphis is in third place in the Western Conference one game out of first place. The Kings currently sit in fifth place in the Conference.

The Grizzlies won their last two games putting a beat-down on the New Orleans Pelicans Saturday night 116-101. The Kings beat the Jazz by a single point Friday night 126-125. Last Wednesday night they had another one-point victory against the Nuggets 127-126. On New Years night the Kings took a hard fall to the Grizzlies 118-108.

The Kings remained close throughout the first quarter and trailed 27-26 after the first 12 minutes. The Grizzlies began to extend their lead and led after the first two minutes of the second quarter 34-26. At 9:59 Mike Brown called a timeout and at 8:18 the Kings had turned things around leading 35-34. Both teams scored 32 points in the second quarter and the Grizzlies continued to hold a slim lead 59-58 at halftime.

At the end of the third quarter the Grizzlies led 91-86 but the Kings continued to remain in striking distance. Unlike last season, Sacramento has proven that they can finish games and this game was by no means over or out of reach.

The Grizzlies were of a different mindset and really turned up the heat in the fourth quarter. Ja Morant was burning up the boards and Steven Adams already had 20 rebounds with five minutes of play left. (He would finish with 23 rebounds.) The Kings were falling further and further behind trailing 113-99 with four minutes left in the game.

Sacramento made a push with just under three minutes left on the clock. They had pulled to within seven points 113-106 after trailing by fourteen. With 2:18 left Memphis was burning up time while continuing to score. The Grizzlies finished Memphis off 118-108.

Every one of the Sacramento Kings scored in double digits, De’Aaron Fox the high with 19 points. Domantas Sabonis had 14 rebounds and 18 points. The King bench was quiet in this game.

Memphis’ Ja Morant finished with 35 points and the rest of the starting roster also had double digits and that was the difference in this game.

Tuesday night the Kings will travel to Utah to take on the Jazz. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 PM.

Kings just get by Jazz 126-125; Huerter supplies offense scores 30

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Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) is defended by Sacramento Kings guard Kevin Huerter (9) in the first quarter at Golden 1 Arena Sacramento on Fri Dec 30, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Friday night after a day off on Thursday. The Kings were coming off a split in a two-game series with the Denver Nuggets, where the Kings won the second game of the back-to-back. On Friday, the Kings welcomed in the Utah Jazz for a 7 PM PST matchup. The Kings managed to squeak by the Jazz 126-125 at home. 

In the first quarter, the Kings came out with good energy. However, they were a little sloppy on the defensive end. The Kings received several ticky-tac fouls that hurt them in the first quarter. One of those fouls was a flagrant penalty one foul against KZ Okpala. Yet, the Kings still managed to outscore the Jazz 30-27 in the first quarter. Domantas Sabonis started the Kings early with nine points.

In the second quarter, not much changed. Neither team went on any big runs. The Kings three point advantage they entered the quarter with would remain the same headed into halftime. The Kings and Jazz each scored 30 points in the second quarter to send the game to halftime, with the Kings leading 60-57.

It was a disappointing quarter for the Kings; just a minute before the conclusion, they had as much as an eight-point lead. Domantas Sabonis led the Kings in the first half with 13 points. Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 13 points.

In the third quarter, the game remained tight. The Kings and Jazz couldn’t figure each other out enough to go on a large run. The Kings scored 31 points, while the Jazz could only score 30. It wasn’t much of a lead increase, but the Kings would take it. The Kings would go into the final quarter leading the game 91-87. Could they finish what they started and wrap up the win? 

In the fourth quarter, the Kings managed to finish off the win against the Jazz. Granted, it was by the thinnest of margins, as the final was 126-125. In the final quarter, the Jazz outscored the Kings 38-35. The Sacramento faithful got what they wanted, as it was a playoff atmosphere in Golden 1 Center.

In defeat, Lauri Markkanen was on fire scoring 36 points and nearly leading the Jazz to victory. For the Kings, Kevin Huerter led the way with 30 points and a clutch three-pointer which would be the difference. De’Aaron Fox also came up big with 11 points in the fourth.

All that to say, Domantas Sabonis continues to be the MVP of the Kings. Domas, while injured, put up 28 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. It was an excellent win for the Kings, who improved to 19-15 on the season. 

Up Next: The Kings head to Memphis to take on the Grizzlies at 5 PM on Sunday, Jan 1st.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings hope to make it two straight with a win over Jazz Friday night

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Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic is guarded by Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis and Harrison Barnes during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Thu Dec 29, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 It is rare to have a team to play for back-to-back games, but that is what happened this past week with the Denver Nuggets (22-12) on Tuesday and Wednesday where the Nuggets took the first game 113-106 on Tuesday. The Nuggets Michael Porter Jr led with 30 points for the Nuggets how challenging was it for the Sacramento Kings (18-15) in this one?

#2 On Wednesday night lots to talk about Jeremiah in a one point razor close game that the Kings won and came away with a split in the two game series with the Nuggets 127-126.

#3 In the second quarter, it was a tough road for the Kings. They started the quarter down 16 points and ended the quarter down 13 points. Injured Domantas Sabonis was playing well, all things considered. The Kings just couldn’t seem to contain the Nuggets offensive outburst.

#4 The Kings managed to defeat the Nuggets 127-126 in a thriller. The Nuggets got an MVP level performance from Nikola Jokic who scored 40 points. For the Kings, De’Aaron Fox and Domas had 31 points,

#5 The Kings host the Utah Jazz (19-18) on Friday night. The Jazz are coming off a 112-107 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night. The Jazz have lost six of their last ten games the Kings hope to make it two straight wins on Friday night at the Golden 1 Center.

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

Kings take second game on back to back nights 127-126 over Nuggets

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Denver Nuggets guard Bones Hyland (3) guards Sacramento Kings guard Kevin Huerter during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Wed Dec 28, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Wednesday night in Sacramento. It was the second night of a back-to-back in which they played the Denver Nuggets both times. It is rare to have a team in your building for back-to-back games, but that is what happened this year with the Nuggets.

The Kings left a lot to be wished for in the first game. The Kings had a solid first quarter, but it was all downhill after that point. The Kings ended up losing the game 113-106. On Wednesday, the Kings looked to get revenge at 7 PM PST inside Golden One Center. The Kings edged out a close one on Wednesday night 127-126.

In the first quarter, things went right for the Kings. The Nuggets offense came out in full force as the Kings defense had no answer. The Nuggets dropped 40 points in the first quarter to start the game right where they left off on Tuesday. On the other hand, the Kings were only able to score 24 points to dig themselves an early lead. Michael Porter Jr. and Nikola were hurting the Kings early in the game.

In the second quarter, it was a tough road for the Kings. They started the quarter down 16 points and ended the quarter down 13 points. Injured Domantas Sabonis was playing well, all things considered. The Kings just couldn’t seem to contain the Nuggets offensive outburst.

The Kings kept it close in the second quarter and gave themselves a shot at a comeback in the second half. For the Kings to come back, they would need to get a big performance from Fox in the second half and contain the Nuggets on offense. Could the Kings pull it off on the second night of a back-to-back?

The Kings needed a quick start in the third quarter to tighten the gap with the Nuggets. They got just that. The Kings needed and got solid minutes to cut down the Nuggets deficit to only seven points. Would that hold? No.

The Kings would falter a bit more in the ending minutes of the third and would only outscore the Nuggets 32-30 in the third. The Kings had cut the deficit to 11 points through three quarters, but they would need a miracle fourth quarter to win the game.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings would have just that, a miracle fourth quarter. The Kings came all the way back from double digit deficits all game long to outscore the Nuggets 33-21 in the final 12 minutes. It was an incredible comeback to defy the odds against one of the best teams in the Western Conference.

The Kings managed to defeat the Nuggets 127-126 in a thriller. The Nuggets got an MVP level performance from Nikola Jokic who scored 40 points. For the Kings, De’Aaron Fox and Domas had 31 points behind leader Malik Monk who had 33 points.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the Utah Jazz on Friday at 7 PM PST.

Nuggets come from behind to defeat Kings 113-106; First of back to back games

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Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) scores a basket while defended by Sacramento Kings guard Kevin Huerter (9) in the first quarter at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Tue Dec 27, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Tuesday night. The Kings hadn’t played since Friday, when they took on the Washington Wizards in Sacramento. The Kings did not play well in their last game and looked to bounce back against one of the premier teams in the NBA. The Kings welcomed the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday.

The Nuggets were set to take on the Kings at 7 PM PST. However, the Kings were without star center Domantas Sabonis. Domas would miss the game on Tuesday and be listed as questionable moving forward with his hand issues. The injury is a big deal for the upstart Kings, as Domas has been playing at an All-Star level this year.

The Nuggets would be in town for two games with the back-to-back on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Tuesday, the Kings would lose the first game of the back-to-back 113-106 to Denver.

In the first quarter, it was all Kings. The Kings, even without star center Domas Sabonis, managed to score 32 points. On the other hand, the Nuggets couldn’t buy a basket.

The Kings solid good defense, coupled with the Nuggets poor shooting, amounted to an uninspiring 20 points for the Nuggets in the first. Harrison Barens led the way for the Kings with eight points as Michael Porter Jr. matched him for the Nuggets. The Kings would look to keep the pressure on in the second quarter.

In the second quarter, the Kings could have played better. The offense wasn’t flowing the same as in the first quarter. The defense also wasn’t as tight as in the first quarter. One thing the Kings did well in the first half was they contained Nikola Jokic. He ended the half with only two points.

On the other hand, MPJ picked up the slack on the offense. He torched the Kings in the first half with 19 points. Harrison Barnes led the Kings in the first half with 13 points. The Kings would have the first-half lead 56-47. The Nuggets outscored the Kings 27-24 in the second quarter.

In the third quarter, both teams were jarring for position. Neither team really got on a big run. In the end, the Nuggets would outscore the Kings 32-27 in the third quarter to continue to shrink the Kings lead.

The game was headed into the final quarter with the Kings leading 83-79. The Kings had been losing their lead slowly in the game and would need to stop the bleeding in the fourth to win the game.

In the fourth quarter, the Nuggets continued to pressure the Kings. The Nuggets completed the comeback early in the fourth and from there it was a question of who could play better the rest of the game. Unfortunately for the Kings, the bleeding never stopped and they would lose the game 113-106.

The Nuggets pressure amounted to outscoring the Kings again in the fourth quarter 34-23. Sacramento battled but could never regain the momentum and control they had in the first quarter. The Nuggets were led in victory by MPJ who scored 30 points. Nikola Jokic was a rebound short of a triple double and scored 20 points. De’Aaron Fox had 26 points to lead the Kings in defeat.

Up Next: The Kings will remain home for the second night of a back-to-back on Wednesday against the Denver Nuggets at 7 PM PST.