Category: Sacramento Kings

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings feeling ready for opening night after coming off successful pre season

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James (6) takes a shot against the Sacramento Kings during the first quarter of Thu Oct 14, 2021’s game at the Golden One Center in Sacramento (AP News photo)

On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 The Sacramento Kings (4-0) are rolling at least in pre season they were they had a perfect record of 4-0 Jeremiah is this an indication of things to come from what you’ve been seeing?

#2 On the other hand their opponent for last night the Los Angeles Lakers (0-6) took their sixth straight pre season loss not winning a single game in the pre season. Was this a matter of trying to find themselves or they just simply have no chemistry?

#3 Amongst the Lakers the veterans just seemed to not have enough throughout this pre season, LeBron, Anthony Davis, Carmelo Anthony, and Russell Westbrook with all that talent it’s got to be surprising the Lakers couldn’t get one win.

#4 The Kings on the other hand are getting some offense help from some of their players De’Aaron Fox, Terence Davis, Harrison Barnes, and Richaun Holmes talk about their contribution and what to look forward to going into the regular season.

#5 Jeremiah talk about the Kings opener on the road in Portland against the Trailblazers the Kings have that good feeling coming off a successful pre season.

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

Kings have a perfect ending to their pre season defeat Lakers 116-112

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

By Jeremiah Salmonson

The Sacramento Kings Davion Mitchell throws down against the Los Angeles Kings in the final pre season game at the Golden One Center in Sacramento on Thu Oct 14, 2021 (photo from sbnation.com)

The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Thursday night playing in their last preseason game of 2021. The Kings were undefeated coming into the game having beat the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, and Portland Trailblazers. Coming into town on Thursday was the Los Angeles Lakers. LeBron James was set to play in the final tuneup before the season. Tip off was set for 7 PM PST. However before we dive into the action let’s bring you up to speed on the last game.

Flashback Monday: On Monday the Kings continued their undefeated preseason by beating the Portland Trailblazers by the final of 107-93. The Kings were led in the game by impressive play from Davion Mitchell who scored 20 points.

Thursday night recap: Tip off was set in Sacramento at 7 PM PST against the Lakers.

In the first quarter, the Kings dominated the Lakers. The Kings out up an offensive outbursts of 35 points against an older Lakers defense. The Lakers, managed to put up only 23 points against the Kings as the Kings improved defense took center stage. Harrison Barnes led the Kings with eight first quarter points.

In the second quarter, the Kings didn’t fare as well. The Lakers managed to outscore the Kings 42-36 in the second quarter. The Kings offense remained in high gear, but the defense slipped as the Lakers put up a massive number. The game would go into halftime with the Kings leading 71-66. LeBron James led the Lakers in the first half with 19 points as Harrison Barnes led the Kings by scoring 15. The Kings would hope to contain the Lakers in the second half to remain undefeated in preseason.

In the third quarter, both teams cooled down. The Lakers outscored the Kings by one point scoring 22 points. The Kings only managed 21 points as the offense slowed. The Kings would maintain a lead going into the fourth quarter 92-87. The question was if they could hold the lead against the Lakers.

In the fourth quarter, both teams traded buckets. The Kings were once again outscored but only 25-24 as the Kings would hold on and go undefeated in the preseason. The Kings played a promising final game however the defense faltered late. The Kings will look to tighten that up in practice before the start of the season. The Kings were led in victory by De’Aaron Fox who scored 21 points. The Lakers were led by none other than LeBron James who scored 30 points.

Up Next: The Kings will begin the regular season on Wednesday, October 20th against the Portland Trailblazers in Portland at 7 PM PST.

Kings win preseason game in Portland 107-93

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) tries to get control of the ball as he’s defended by the Portland Trailblazers center Jusuf Nurkic (27) at Monda Center in Portland on Mon Oct 11, 2021 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum
Monday, October 11, 2021

With Davion Mitchell, Terence Davis and Harrison Barnes providing the offensive firepower, the Sacramento Kings emerged with a 107-93 NBA exhibition victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter.

The Kings (2-0) jumped to a 25-17 lead after one quarter, extending that advantage to 55-48 at halftime. Sacramento scored 26 points in the third and fourth quarters.

Mitchell led the Kings with 20 points and four assists in 32 minutes. Davis netted 17 points off the bench, and Barnes had 16 points in 22 minutes. Chimezie Metu collected seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and nine points.

16 Kings players saw action in the contest; with Marvin Bagley III, Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield and Tristan Thompson all held out by coach’s decision.

Guard Anfernee Simons led the Blazers (0-1) with 24 points, followed by Dennis Smith Jr. with 18 points (and seven assists) and 10 points by Marquese Chriss. Greg Brown III led Portland with nine rebounds off the bench, followed by eight boards from Jusuf Nurkic.

The Trail Blazers used 11 players, with Robert Covington and Damian Lillard held out for rest. Portland had six players inactive for the game due to injury or illness.

Sacramento plays one more exhibition game in Portland on Wednesday, Oct. 20, before returning home on Friday, Oct. 22, for its regular season home opener at Golden 1 Center against the Utah Jazz.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings looking real good in pre season

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Expect the Sacramento Kings De’Aaron Fox to contend as one of the top scorers each night for the Kings. The Kings head to Portland for more pre season basketball against the Trailblazers on Mon Oct 11, 2021 (file photo CBS)

On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 The Sacramento Kings (2-0) are looking pretty good so far with pre season wins over the Phoenix Suns (1-1) and the Los Angeles Clippers (1-1). They handled the Suns on Oct 4th with a 117-106 win and they defeated the Clippers in LA on Wednesday night 113-98. You had a chance to attend how do they look on each side of the ball?

#2 Once again the Kings don’t have to go as far as relying on De’Aaron Fox who led with 23 points on Wednesday night against the Clippers. He’s no doubt going to be the difference maker this season.

#3 The Kings Terence Davis scored 15 points finishing second in scoring tell us from what you saw of him in exhibition action how he’ll impact the offense?

#4 Talk about head coach Luke Walton whose gone through the grinder to try and win games and his own personal experiences. It’s early, it’s only pre season but there is a different feeling this season that the Kings could be competitive and certainly can be much better.

#5 The Kings head to Portland to face the Trailblazers (0-1) on Mon Oct 11th. The Blazers took a beating from the Golden State Warriors 121-107 on Wednesday night. The Blazers Damion Lillard scored 19 points and he could be a force, Jeremiah tell us how you see this match with the Blazers on Monday night?

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

Kings beat down on Clippers in 113-98 win

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Sacramento Kings Matt Barnes (40) takes a shot against the Los Angeles Clippers power forward Nicolas Batum (33) during pre season action at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wed Oct 6, 2021 (photo from sbnation.com)

by Marko Ukalovic

It’s only the preseason but so far so good for the Capital city.

The Sacramento Kings used a big run in the third quarter en route to a blowout 113-98 victory over the Los Angeles in their second preseason game on Wednesday evening at Staples Center.

The Kings jumped out to 20-9 lead in the first quarter. De’Aaron Fox led the Kings with eight points including two three pointers on two of three shooting beyond the arc.

Ivica Zubac and Paul George each had five points to pace in the first 12 minutes to pace the Clippers as they closed the first quarter on 13-10 run at 28-22.

Sacramento (2-0) shot 44% (11-26) from the field as they held Los Angeles (1-1) to just 42.9% from the floor.

Los Angeles went on 7-0 run to gain their first lead of the game to go up 37-36 led by Terrance Mann as he came off the bench and scored nine of his 11 points in the second quarter.

The Clippers closed out the second quarter on 8-2 run as the Kings went 0-6 with a turnover in the final four minutes of the half as LA climbed back to tie the game at 51 going into halftime.

Fox scored the final eight points of the half for Sacramento. Buddy Hield had an abysmal first half shooting 1-9 and only two points.

Both teams opened up the third quarter trading baskets with each other for the first half of the second half.

Sacramento closed out the final 6:21 of the third quarter on a 26-4 run to pull away from Los Angeles as they went to the fourth quarter with a 89-68 lead as they outscored the Clippers 38-17.

Hield rebounded as led the way in the third quarter with three-3 pointers and Fox chipped in with seven points.

Terence Davis scored all 15 of his points in the fourth quarter as the King extended their lead over a Clippers team that was playing with out star forward Kawhi Leonard who is recovering from an torn ACL he suffered during last season’s playoffs.

Fox finished with 23 points to lead the Kings in scoring on 7-10 from the field, including 3-5 from beyond the arc. Davian Mitchell chipped in with 13 points and Marvin Bagley III had nine points off the bench. Harrison Barnes contributed with 11 points.

Brandon Boston Jr. led the Clippers in scoring with 20 points off the bench shooting 6-19. None of the Clippers starting five scored in double digits. Reggie Jackson led the starters with just nine points.

UP NEXT: Sacramento continues their preseason on the road as they take on the Portland Trailblazers on Monday 10/11 at 7:00pm at the Moda Center.

Kings open pre season with 117-106 win over Suns; Barnes leads with 18 points

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Sacramento Kings forward Marvin Bagley (35) and Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) scramble for the ball during pre season home opener for the Kings at the Chase Center in Sacramento on Mon Oct 4, 2021 (USA Today photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action at the Golden One Center on Monday night. It was the first preseason game for the Kings since last season. A lot had taken place since the Kings last took the court.

The Kings drafted elite defender Davion Mitchell to try and jumpstart a defense that is way behind NBA level. The Kings main focus in training camp this year was defense. With the likes of De’Aaron Fox, Tyrese Halliburton, Harrison Barnes, and Buddy Hield the Kings should be able to score plenty of points.

The issue has been defense and that’s what the Kings were looking to address. The Kings would take on the Phoenix Suns on Monday night at 7 PM PST.

The Suns came into Sacramento as the defending Western conference champions. Of course, since it is preseason the Suns wouldn’t have all their starters on the court. However, all the Kings starters did play. The Kings came away with a pre season home opener victory over the Suns 117-106.

In the first half, Harrison Barnes shined for the Kings. The first quarter saw the Kings outscore the Suns 30-23 as the Kings offense got off to a hot start. In the second quarter, it was more of the same.

The Kings offense put up 31 points compared to the Suns 24 as the Kings would pull out in front to a commanding 61-47 halftime lead. In the first half, the Kings got a great performance from the aforementioned Harrison Barnes who scored 16 points.

Barnes hit 4-6 threes in an impressive half for the Kings playing 16:20 minutes. The Suns were led in the first half by Landry Shamet who scored ten points. The Kings would hope to finish off a solid game to start the preseason but would need to avoid a second-half hangover in order to do so.

In the second half, the Kings continued to play solid basketball. The third quarter saw the Kings score 29 points compared to the Suns 24 points. The Kings had outscored the Suns in each of the first three quarters as the Kings regulars continued to get minutes.

The Kings would take a 90-71 lead into the fourth quarter as they looked to seal the deal. In the fourth quarter, the Kings were outscored by the Suns 35-27 but the Kings still won the game 117-106. The Kings were led in victory by Harrison Barens (18 points), Marvin Bagley (15 points), and Buddy Hield who added 14 points. In defeat, the Suns were led by Landry Shamet who scored 13 points.

Up Next: The Kings will take on the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night in Los Angeles. The tip is scheduled for 7:30 PM PST.

Warriors get Kuminga 7th pick; Kings select Queta 39th overall pick

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Jonathan Kuminga the Golden State Warriors 7th overall pick in the NBA draft receives congratulations from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn on Thu Jul 29, 2021 (AP News photo)

By Jessica Kwong

Golden State Warriors: The 2021 NBA Draft took place Thursday night at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The Golden State Warriors drafted two young players: forward Jonathan Kuminga with the seventh overall pick and guard Moses Moody with the 14th overall pick.

Kuminga, from Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, moved to the US in 2016 and graduated from high school at The Patrick School in New Jersey. Last season, he averaged 15.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.00 steals in 32.8 minutes in 13 games for the NBA G League Ignite. Kuminga will wear No. 00.

Moody, from Little Rock, Arkansas, as a freshman at the University of Arkansas averaged 16.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.03 steals in 33.7 minutes. He won 2020-21 AP All-America Honorable Mention honors, All-SEC First Team and SEC Freshman of the Year. Moody will wear No. 4.

The 2021 Draft was the first time in Warriors franchise history that they had two Lottery picks since the Draft Lottery started in 1985. Golden State selected two players in the top 14 picks for the first time since 2001.

Sacramento Kings: Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings selected Neemias Queta from Utah State with the 39th overall pick. As a junior at Utah State during the 2020-21 season, Queta averaged 14.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 3.3 blocks, 1.1 steals and 30.0 minutes per game in 29 games.

Queta was the Mountain West Conference defensive player of the year in 2021 and 2019. He “brings a defensive prowess to the Kings after holding records of most career blocks (219) and blocks per game (2.5) during his three-year stint at Utah State,” the Kings stated in a press release.

The first three draft picks went as planned: the Detroit Pistons selected Cade Cunningham, the Houston Rockets took Jalen Green and the Cleveland Cavaliers nabbed Evan Mobley.

Utah Jazz Crush the Kings In Season Finale 121-99

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) throws down on the Sacramento Kings at Golden One Center in Sacramento on Sun May 16, 2021 (AP News photo)

Utah Jazz Crush the Kings In Season Finale 121-99

By Barbara Mason

Sunday evening the Sacramento Kings took on the first place Utah Jazz. It has been a very long season for the team and now they find themselves playing in their last game of the 2020-21. They will be playing for pride and the chance to knock the Jazz out of top seed position.

Sacramento will take the court in this final game of the season without De’Aaron Fox, Harrison Barnes and Tyrese Haliburton. Taking on the Jazz without these guys was a huge challenge.

The Kings played a good first quarter and led at the end of it 28-25. The Jazz were just getting warmed up and at the half led 64-49. Utah was just getting warmed up.

By the end of the third quarter the Jazz had complete control of this game leading 97-73 Utah was cruising and it was easy to see why this team is the number one seed in the Western Conference.

The Jazz finished off the Kings in the fourth quarter sailing to a 121-99 win. The Jazz will head off into the playoffs and the Kings will focus on where the team is headed next season.

Damian Jones had the high score for the Kings finishing with 19 points. Buddy Hield had 13. Terence Davis had 20 points off the bench playing 32 minutes.

The season may be over for the Sacramento Kings but the future of so many of their players remains bright. I really see an improved Kings in the 2021-2022 season. I predict more than 31 wins, a whole lot more, as well as a breakthrough into next year’s playoffs.

Barbara Mason, Jeremiah Salmonson, Charlie O, Ana Kieu, Marko Ukalovic, and Tony Renteria covered, podcasted, or analyzed the Sacramento Kings for the 2021 season for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Grizzlies hang on late to upend Kings 107-106

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

by Marko Ukalovic

MEMPHIS, Tenn–Terence Davis had a chance at the end of the game to play the hero but his deperation three-point attempt at the buzzer rimmed out as the Memphis Grizzlies held on by the skin of its teeth to defeat the Sacaramento Kings 107-106 on Saturday evening at FedEx Forum.

Memphis have won five games in a row, including the two-game sweep over the Kings, and head into Sunday’s finale showdown with the Golden State Warriors with eight place in the Western Conference on the line. Sacramento has lost two in a row and three out of its last five games.

The Kings (31-40) entered the game tying a NBA record for futility. This is the 15th consecutive year they will miss the post-season, a record they now share with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Memphis (38-33) looked to have wrapped up the game with 46.5 seconds remaining in the game when Killian Tillie made a three-pointer to put the Griz up 105-99. However, their poor free throw shooting down the stretch (missing seven of its final ten) kept the Kings in it to set up Davis’ chance at the buzzer.

Louis King came off the bench and was the Kings leading scorer with 27 points on 10-16 shooting, including 2-5 from beyond the arc. Center Damian Jones led the starters with 17 points on six of seven shooting and 10 rebounds.

Justise Winslow led the Grizzlies in scoring with 25 points on 9-19 shooting, including 4-6 from three point land. Tillie and Xavier Tillman each chipped in with 16 points.

Memphis jumped out to a 29-25 lead after the first quarter as Winslow got off to a good start with 10 points in the first quarter. Jones kept the Kings afloat with his 10 points in the opening 12 minutes.

Sacramento went on a 13-0 run in a two-minute stretch starting at the 7:58 mark of the second quarter to go up 49-42. They closed out the half with a four-point lead 57-53.

Memphis started the third quarter cold and the Kings took advantage outscoring the Grizzlies 5-0 in the first 2:10 to extend its lead to nine, their biggest lead of the game at 62-53.

Down by nine points, the Griz finished the final 6:49 of the third quarter on a 16-6 run to go up 79-76 heading into the fourth quarter.

The fourth quarter went back and forth with four lead changes and the biggest lead for either team was just five points by Memphis.

The game featured more of a G-League lineup than an NBA lineup. Memphis were without seven of its players including Jonas Valanciunas, Grayson Allen, and Sean McDermott. While Sacramento, who have been hit hard by the injury bug, were without stars Harrison Barnes, De’Aaron Fox, Tyrese Haliburton and Marvin Bagley III.

GAME NOTES: Sacramento finished 15-21 on the road this season.

Buddy Heald, who has been dealing with ankle injury, was in the starting lineup and finished with 11 points and five assists.

UP NEXT: The Kings finish the regular season at home as they host the Utah Jazz on Sunday 5/16 at 6:00pm at Golden 1 Center.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Barbara Mason: Kings to play out the string two games left in the season

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks (24) shoots against Sacramento Kings center Richaun Holmes (22) in the first half of action in Memphis on Thu May 13, 2021 (AP News photo)

On the Kings podcast with Barbara:

#1 The Memphis Grizzlies (37-33) eliminated the Sacramento Kings (31-39) on Thursday night to put the final touches on any chance for the Kings to get post season.

#2 The Kings put together a effort in the home stretch winning five out of their last six games before losing the Grizzlies on Thursday night the effort was there but they fell short in the standings.

#3 Barbara, It seems like a different player every other night to lead the team in scoring for Thursday it was Justin James who lead with 31 points.

#4 For Kings head coach Luke Walton it was an on and off campaign which included a nine game losing streak and this recent five out of six game wins to just miss the post season for the head coach.

#5 Kings vs. Grizzlies go at it again tonight at Memphis for game two of the series the Kings certainly will play for pride now and try to move into the win column tonight.

Barbara filled in for Jeremiah Salmonson for the Kings podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com