Category: Sacramento Kings

Kings Extend Winning Streak Beating OKC 118-113

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Sacramento Kings forward Chimezie Metu, left, and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort collide under the basket during the first half at Golden 1 in Sacramento on Fri Jan 20, 2023 (AP News photo)

Kings Extend Winning Streak Beating OKC 118-113

By Barbara Mason

Friday night the Sacramento Kings (26-18) took on the OKC Thunder (22-24) at Golden 1 Center. The Thunder have been rolling winning their last four games most recently against the Pacers 126-106. The Kings are coming off a win over the Los Angeles Lakers Wednesday night 116- 111. The Kings picked up their sixth straight win against the Thunder 118-113.

The Kings got a slow start in the first quarter unable to score in the first three minutes. The Thunder had led by as much as nine points in the opening quarter but the Kings fought back and won the first 12 minutes by the slimmest of margins 33-32.

The Thunder finished the first half leading 66-59 after winning the second quarter 34-26. Domantas Sabonis, Keegan Murray, Kevin Huerter and De’Aaron Fox all had double digits with Fox leading the starters with 13 points. Harrison Barnes had a slow start with only two points and would need to heat up in the second half.

The Kings only had seven turnovers and were shooting at 50% from the field and 54% from downtown. The Thunder were struggling from beyond the arc shooting 21% and the Kings needed to force OKC to shoot long balls.

The Kings came out in the third quarter erasing the deficit to tie up the game at 76 with 5:05 left and led after three quarters 91-88.

Sacramento continued to maintain a minimal lead through the first half of the fourth quarter. With 2:37 left in the game the Kings extended their lead and the entire starting roster had shot in double digits. They had a ten point lead 112-102 with two minutes left in the game. Sacramento held on to finish the game winning it.

Murray finished with the high score 29 points followed by team leader Fox with 23 points. Sacramento had a great defensive effort: Murray had 14 rebounds and Sabonis finished with 13. After the slow start in this game, the Kings kept the pressure on for the remainder of the game.

Sacramento (26-18) will host the Philadelphia 76ers (29-16) on Saturday night in another home game. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings host Thunder Friday night at Golden 1; Sac coming off win in LA

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Sacramento Kings center Richaun Holmes (22) dunks against Los Angeles Lakers center Thomas Bryant (31) and LeBron James (6) left during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 Jeremiah, the Sacramento Kings (25-18) got a big road win over the Los Angeles Lakers (20-25) on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles 116-111 and they pulled it off without Domantas Sabonis in the line up.

#2 Kings head coach Mike Brown had been talking about the Kings depth and drive all season long and they really showed it keeping the Lakers contained towards the final minutes of Wednesday’s contest to come away with a five point win.

#3 Brown commented that the Kings have guys to step up if someone like Sabonis is out of the line up and DeAaron Fox was that guy leading with 32 points.

#4 LeBron scored 32 points but the Kings held off much of the Lakers offense and the Kings had five starters finish the game in double figures. The Kings Richaun Harris scored 16 points subbing for Sabonis and that made a difference for Sacramento.

#5 The Kings return to Sacramento take on the Oklahoma City Thunder (22-23) Friday night. The Thunder are coming off a 126-106 win over the Indiana Pacers (23-23) in OKC. The Thunder take a four game win steak into Sacramento. Jeremiah let me know your thoughts on how you see this contest.

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

Sweet Revenge for Kings Beat Lakers 116-111

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Sacramento Kings forward Trey Lyles (41) dunks against Los Angeles Lakers forward Wenyen Gabriel (35) and guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Wed Jan 18, 2023 (AP News photo)

Sweet Revenge for Kings Beat Lakers 116-111

By Barbara Mason

Wednesday night LeBron James and the Lakers (19-25) hosted the Sacramento Kings (25-18) in a Western Conference matchup. The Kings in fourth in the conference and the Lakers sit in 13th place. The Kings came in on a three game win streak.

The last time they lost was at the hands of the Lakers in a two point game 136-134. Sacramento got a little revenge with a 116-111 win to extend their winning streak to four Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The Lakers won their last game against the last place Rockets.

The Lakers got off to a quick start leading at one time by 14 points winning the first 12 minutes 39-28. The Kings bounced back in the second quarter winning it 33-21 and leading at halftime 61-60. De’Aaron Fox had 20 points in the first half, the only King in double digits.

Sacramento continued to extend the slim one point lead they had at the half finishing the third quarter leading 90-82. The entire Kings starting roster finished the third quarter in double digits.

The Lakers began to challenge the Kings lead cutting the deficit to four points trailing 90-86 in the early minutes of the fourth quarter. With 7:30 left in the game, the Kings held a one point lead 98-97. The lead that Sacramento had in the third quarter had vanished and the Lakers had taken the lead 101-100 with 6:45 left on the clock.

The two teams began to trade baskets and this would be a close one to the finish. The game was tied with 4:11 left on the clock at 103. With 30 ticks left on the clock the Kings had a 111-108 lead and possession. Sacramento was able to hold on for the win.

Fox finished the game with 31 points the team high and Harrison Barnes had 20 points. LeBron James had 32 points for the Lakers and Los Angeles had some nice work from their bench scoring 59 total points. Friday night, the Kings will take on the Thunder at Golden 1 Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Sacramento upends Spurs 132-119 for fourth straight win

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Sacramento Kings’ Harrison Barnes (40) drives against San Antonio Spurs’ Josh Richardson, right, at the AT&T Center in San Antonio on Sun Jan 15, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum
Sunday, January 15, 2023

Harrison Barnes scored 29 points, Domantas Sabonis came within a couple of assists of reaching a triple-double, and the Sacramento Kings defeated the San Antonio Spurs 132-119 Sunday at AT&T Center.

It was the fourth consecutive win for the Kings (24-15). It was the second straight double-digit loss for the Spurs (13-31) after falling to Golden State Friday in a game played before 68,323 at the Alamodome to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Spurs moving to San Antonio from Dallas in their ABA days. It was the largest regular season crowd in NBA history.

Following Barnes was De’Aaron Fox with 23 points, and Sabonis with 18 points, 18 rebounds and eight assists. Davion Mitchell and Trey Lyles scored 19 and 12 points, respectively, off the Kings’ bench, and Keegan Murray added 12 points.

Jakob Poeltl was the top scorer for San Antonio with 23 points, followed by Josh Richardson with 21 and 20 from Keldon Johnson. Tre Jones scored 16 points to go with eight assists and seven rebounds, and Jeremy Sochan added 15 points and eight boards for the Spurs.

Sacramento shot 55 percent from the field as they maintain their lead in the NBA Pacific Division after winning seven of its last 10 games. The Spurs, who are 8-28 since opening the season 5-2, are in fourth place in the Southwest Division.

San Antonio lost despite scoring 44 points in the paint in the first half.

The Kings travel to Los Angeles to face the Lakers on Wednesday before returning home on Friday to host Oklahoma City,

Kings send Rockets into orbit sweep two game set 139-114 at Golden 1

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Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green knocks the ball away from Sacramento Kings guard Terence Davis (3) during the first quarter at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Fri Jan 13, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings (23-18) were back in action on Friday night in Sacramento. The Kings last played Wednesday night in Sacramento against the Houston Rockets (10-32) as the Kings handled the Rockets by the final 135-115. However, the Rockets didn’t leave town. The Rockets stayed in Sacramento with an off day on Thursday. The Rockets and Kings were set to play again on Friday at 7 PM PST, the second of a two-game series. The Kings handled the Rockets on Friday night 139-114.

In the first quarter, neither team shined. The Rockets and Kings were trading baskets all quarter, with neither of the teams going on much of a run. However, Malik Monk hit three consecutive three-pointers near the end of the quarter to propel the Kings into the lead. The Kings outscored the Rockets in the first quarter 36-32. Malik Monk led the way in the first quarter with nine points. The Kings would look to have a more consistent quarter in the second to build the lead. 

In the second quarter, the game stayed tight. The Kings and Rockets played little defense as the offenses had their way. When it was all said and done, the Rockets would outscore the Kings in the second quarter 34-31. The Kings defense continued to struggle to put up stops.

It is no secret the Kings weakness is getting stops and that was on full display on Friday night. Leading the way for the Kings in the first half was Malik Monk, who had 15 points. Jalen Green was doing the damage early for the Rockets with a 25-point first half. The Kings led at halftime 69-66.

In the third quarter, the Kings went off. The Kings offense led to defense as they held the Rockets to only 26 points in the third quarter. On the other hand, the Kings offense exploded for 43 points to break the game wide open. The Kings offense was firing on all cylinders.

The outburst would lead the Kings to a 112-92 advantage heading into the final quarter. Also worth noting was an altercation between Malik Monk and Garrison Mathews. Matthews and Monk were both ejected along with two other players for escalation. 

In the fourth quarter, the minutes were purely procedure. The Kings continued to play well until the bench was emptied for the end of the game minutes.  Leading the way for the Kings in the game was Harrison Barnes, who scored 27 points.

However, not to be overshadowed by Domantas Sabonis, who had a 19-point, 16 rebounds, and 16-assist game. Domas was incredible. Jalen Green led the way for the Rockets, scoring 27 points in the game. The Kings outscored the Rockets 27-22 in the final quarter; the Kings won the game.

Up Next: The Kings go on the road and travel to Texas as they take on the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday at 4 PM PST.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings go for the sweep concluding two game set with Rockets tonight in Sac

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Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes is defended by Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (1) during the second half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Wed Jan 11, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1The Kings would turn up the heat on the Rockets and score 31 points in the first quarter. Granted, that was only good for a four-point lead as the Rockets scored 27 themselves.

#2 The Kings built on the lead early in the second quarter and then lost it. The Kings scored 36 points in the second quarter. That was a good number, but the defense suffered. The Kings Kryptonite all year has been defense.

#3 Wednesday was no exception to this rule. The Rockets scored 35 points in the second quarter to keep pace with the Kings. However, the Kings would take a five-point 67-62 lead into halftime.

#4 De’Aaron Fox led the way in the first half with 12 points, as Jalen Green led the way for the Rockets with 18.

#5 The Kings stay home to take on the Houston Rockets in the second game of the series on Friday at 7 PM PST at Golden 1 Center in downtown Sacramento.

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

Kings take out Rockets in 20 point win in first of two game series

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By Jeremiah Salmonson

Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason, center, and forward Bruno Fernando (20) defend against Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk during the first half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Wed Jan 11, 2023 (AP News photo)

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings (22-18) were back in action on Wednesday at home. The Kings last game was Monday, where they took on the Orlando Magic. The Kings were able to handle the Magic with ease in the blowout win 136-111.

On Wednesday, the Kings welcomed the Houston Rockets (18-31) to Sacramento. The Rockets were in town for a two-game series with games to be played on Wednesday and Friday nights. The Rockets came in 10-30 on the season, as the Kings were 21-18. The tip-off was set for 7 PM PST in Sacramento. GAME RESULT The Kings took the first of the two game set with a 20 point win 135-115 at Golden 1 Center.

In the first quarter, the Rockets started strong. They scored the first eight points of the game to put the Kings on notice. However, that would be short-lived. The Kings would turn up the heat on the Rockets and score 31 points in the first quarter. Granted, that was only good for a four-point lead as the Rockets scored 27 themselves. The Kings would have a first-quarter lead and look to expand that in the second quarter.

The Kings built on the lead early in the second quarter and then lost it. The Kings scored 36 points in the second quarter. That was a good number, but the defense suffered. The Kings Kryptonite all year has been defense; Wednesday was no exception to this rule. The Rockets scored 35 points in the second quarter to keep pace with the Kings. However, the Kings would take a five-point 67-62 lead into halftime. De’Aaron Fox led the way in the first half with 12 points, as Jalen Green led the way for the Rockets with 18.

In the third quarter, the Kings did not play well. Not only did the Kings defense not show up the offense wasn’t able to pick them up. The Rockets outscored the Kings 33-27 in the third quarter to come back and take the lead from the Kings. The Rockets would head into the final quarter with a one-point lead over the Kings. The Kings would need someone to step up in the fourth quarter if they wanted to win the game.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings do what good teams do against a poor opponent; the Kings took over. The Kings offense and defense simultaneously exploded in the fourth quarter as the Kings outscored the Rockets 41-20. It was a massive quarter for the Kings and a welcome sight, given so many close games late this season.

Trey Lyles was the hero of the quarter, scoring 15 of his 20 points in the fourth to lead the Kings to a 20 point win over the Rockets. Leading the way for the Kings was Domantas Sabonis, who was an assist shy of a triple-double. The Rockets best performance came from Alperen Sengun, who had a 10, 10, and 10 triple-double in the loss. The Kings improved to 22-18 as the Rockets fell to 10-31.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the Houston Rockets in the second game of the series on Friday at 7 PM PST.

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