Photo credit: sports.yahoo.com
By Jeremiah Salmonson
The Sacramento Kings came into Thursday night’s game against the Miami Heat on a four-game losing streak. The Kings have been struggling, and ended up losing their fifth straight game 118-110 at Golden 1 Center. It sounded like a familiar theme that they went through early on in the season and aren’t back dealing with. The Kings showed signs of life a few weeks back, but have since fallen back into their losing ways. Their last game was against the Brooklyn Nets.
In the Nets game, the Kings didn’t play any defense. The Nets scored a large 136 points against the Kings defense. The Kings managed to score 125 points against the Nets, but the high-powered offense was too much to overcome. On Thursday, the Kings were set to take on the Miami Heat in Sacramento at 7 PM PST.
In the first half, the Kings fell behind early. In the first quarter, the Heat were able to outscore the Kings 31-21. In the second quarter, it was largely more of the same. The Kings weren’t able to get into an offensive rhythm and they weren’t able to get defensive stops either. The Kings were again outscored by the Heat in the second quarter 26-22 to dig themselves a 57-43 heading into halftime. The Kings would need to right the ship in a hurry to come back in the second half.
In the second half, the Kings weren’t much better. However, they started on the right foot. In the third quarter, the Kings outscored the Heat 36-32. It appeared the Kings were on the right track for a comeback, but the fourth quarter would go as planned. The Kings did outscore the Heat 31-29 in the final quarter, but it nearly enough to overcome the deficit. The Kings ended up losing 118-110 as they continue to search for answers to end their five-game losing streak. The Kings left this game still searching for answers. They’ll have to wait until they play on Saturday. Tyler Herro led the Heat with 27 points in the win. In the losing effort, the Kings were led by Nemanja Bjelica, who scored 25 points.
The Kings head to Chicago to take on the Bulls on Saturday night at 6 PM PST.
Category: Sacramento Kings
Sacramento Kings game wrap: Nets Dominate in a Route of the Kings 136-125
The Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) leads the way with a drive on Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) in first half action at Golden One Center in Sacramento on Mon Feb 15, 2021 (AP News photo)
Nets Dominate in a Route of the Kings 136-125
By Barbara Mason
Monday night the Sacramento Kings took on the Brooklyn Nets at Golden 1 Arena. The Nets came into this game playing red hot ball while the Kings have lost three games in a row. Prior to their losing streak the Kings were the red hot team winning seven of eight games. The one game they lost during those eight games came at the hands of the Miami Heat and it was by a single point. The Kings played well during that stretch and they hope to find that winning formula tonight against the Nets.
The Nets came into this game with both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant being the difference maker for the team along with James Harden. Irving and Durant were responsible for 43 points in their last game but the bad news for the Nets was that Durant was out for this game with a hamstring injury. He will also miss tomorrow’s game which is bad news for the Nets since they have struggled without Durant on the floor but without Durant the Nets handled the Kings for a 136-125 victory at Golden One Center.
When the first half came to an end the Nets were leading by the score of 74-68. The Kings lead by a single point after one quarter 37-36 and were keeping pace with the Nets. They began to slip through the second quarter falling behind by six points at the half. They would have some ground to make up in the second half.
The third quarter was a great one for the Nets as Sacramento failed to keep up with Brooklyn at all. The Nets Kyrie Irving came unhinged in the third quarter scoring 37 points and James Harden also playing some great ball and contributing 26 points.
At the end of the third quarter the score was 107-88 in favor of the Nets. A fourth straight loss for the Kings was looking more and more inevitable. Buddy Hield was leading Sacramento scoring with 21 points and was 6 of 8 outside the arc. Fox and company could only muster 2 three pointers outside of Hield’s. Fox had a disappointing 13 points after three quarters. Off the bench for Sacramento Hassan Whiteside had a nice 16 point effort.
Trailing by 20 plus became the trend through the fourth quarter for the Kings although they surged in the latter minutes of the quarter. Sacramento had cut what had once been a 25 point Net lead to 11 but it was to little to late. The Kings Hassan Whiteside was great off the bench with 26 points scoring more points than any of their starters.
The Kings continue their struggles with outside shooting and defensive effort losing their fourth game in a row. This game was a close one in the first half but it was all Nets in the second. The Kings now drop to 12-15, three games under .500.
The Kings will be back on the court Thursday at Golden One to take on the Heat. Tipoff is 7:00.
Headline Sports podcast with Barbara Mason: Linsanity in the G league; Kings lose their third straight
Jeremey Lin prepares to pass against the Westchester Knicks Myles Powell on Sat Feb 13, 2021 at Kaiser Permanente Arena in Santa Cruz (photo from nypost.com)
On Headline Sports with Barbara:
#1 Will Jeremy Lin 32, make a return to the NBA? Lin had a great game against the New York Knicks G league team shooting for seven three pointers for the Santa Cruz Warriors on Saturday night.
#2 Lin created the G league version of Linsanity scoring 29 points with nine assists. Some even said that when he left the NBA he still had game and there was no reason for him to have been cut from the league.
#3 After the Sacramento Kings dropped two straight games to the Philadelphia 76ers and the Orlando Magic the Kings hosted the Memphis Grizzlies at Golden One Center but struggled for their third straight loss Sunday night 112-98. The Kings had struggled with defense against the Grizzlies and couldn’t find the hoop on offense.
#4 The Kings are still competitive but could lose ground fast if they start compiling loses the Kings are ninth in the Western Conference and face Kyle Irving and James Harden, and the Brooklyn Nets tonight at Golden One. Kevin Durant will not play tonight out with a hamstring pull.
#5 One thing the Kings can say their getting offensive production out of guard De’Aaron Fox who has led Sacramento in scoring.
Join Barbara for Headline Sports Monday mornings at http://www.sportsradioservice.com
Sacramento Kings game wrap: Kings can’t keep up with Grizzlies lose third straight 124-110
The Sacramento Kings center Richaun Holmes (22) gets a hand on the Memphis Grizzlies center Jonas Valanciunas (17) shot in the first half at Golden One Center in Sacramento on Sat Feb 13, 2021 (AP News photo)
By Jeremiah Salmonson
The Sacramento Kings came into their game on Sunday night licking their wounds. The Kings previous game they took on the Orlando Magic.
In Friday’s game, the Kings couldn’t really manage to contain the Magic. Nikola Vucevic ran all over the Kings defense by scoring 42 points. Ultimately, the absence of De’Aaron Fox and Marvin Bagley proved too costly for the Kings to overcome losing 124-110.
On Sunday night, the Kings were set to take on the Memphis Grizzlies. The Kings and Grizzlies had to postpone their previous two game due to COVID-19 protocols. The game was set for 7 PM PST in Sacramento. The Kings were behind for much of the game but got some scoring but never could catch up and lost by 14 points as the Grizzlies come away with a 124-110 victory.
In the first half, the Kings struggled on both sides of the ball. In the first quarter, the Kings were our scored by the Grizzlies 30-22 as neither the offense of defense was able to get a player to do well on either side of the ball.
The second quarter was more of the same. The Grizzlies out scored the Kings again in the second 32-24. If the Kings were looking to win the game they would need to improve play on both ends of the court. The Kings entered halftime down 62-46.
In the second half, the Kings offense improved but the defense wasn’t able to get stops. The Grizzlies outscored the Kings in the third quarter 37-33 to really put the game out of reach for the Kings.
In the fourth, the Kings managed to outscore the Grizzlies for the first time in the game 31-25 but it wasn’t nearly enough. The Kings have looked poorly on the defense end the last few games and it will be crucial for them to get that side of the ball back on track in order to snap the now three game losing streak. De’Aaron Fox led the Kings with 23 points as Jonas Valanciunas scored 25 points for the Grizzlies.
Up Next: The Kings will prepare to take on the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night in Sacramento a 7:00pm
Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings host Grizzlies on Sunday night after Fri loss to Magic
The Sacramento Kings forward Glenn Robinson III (right) takes the ball to the hoop against the Orlando Magic’s center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the first half on Fri Feb 12, 2021 at Golden One Center (AP News photo)
On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah:
#1 The Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings play tonight at Golden One Center after the Kings came off a 123-112 loss on Friday night to the Orlando Magic.
#2 The Kings who had a four game win streak but ran into the Philadelphia 76ers Tuesday night and lost 119-111 and again suffered another loss on Friday night to the Magic. They really miss Marvin Bagley and De’Aaron Fox in the line up.
#3 Against the Magic the Kings defense just couldn’t do anything with Magic center Nikola Vucevic who dominated in scoring with 42 points, nine rebounds and four assists the Kings simply couldn’t shut Vucevic down.
#4 On the Kings offensive side of the ball the top scorer Buddy Hield finished with 19 points, followed by Nemanja Bjelica who had 15 points but it wasn’t enough as the Kings were without their key player De’Aaron Fox whose been their meal ticket on offensive scoring.
#5 Jeremiah the Kings host the Memphis Grizzlies Sunday night for a one game match at Golden One Center will they get Marvin Bagley and Fox for this one?
Join Jeremiah for Kings basketball podcasts Friday mornings at http://www.sportsradioservice.com
Sacramento Kings game wrap: Magic put an end to their three game loss streak beat Kings 123-112
The Orlando Magic’s center Nikola Vucevic (9) led the Magic in scoring with 42 points and looking to pass the ball past Sacramento Kings center Richaun Holmes (22) at Golden One Center in Sacramento on Fri Feb 12, 2021 (AP News photo)
By Jeremiah Salmonson
The Sacramento Kings were coming off a loss on Friday night. On Tuesday, the Kings fell to the Philadelphia 76ers. Friday the Kings were set to take on the ailing Orlando Magic at 7 PM PST in Sacramento. However, before we get into that game let’s visits what happened on Tuesday.
The game against the 76ers was very up and down. The Kings ultimately failed to produce enough offense to match the 76ers and fell 119-111.
Going into Friday nights game, the Kings were without De’Aaron Fox and Marvin Bagley who were out with injuries. With their loses the Kings picked up a loss and were defeated by the visiting Orlando Magic 123-112 at Golden One Center.
In the first half of the game against the Magic, the Kings didn’t play well. The Kings allowed 33 points in the first quarter as they also scored 33 points. In the second quarter it was much the same. The Kings defense wasn’t able to get stops as the Magic scored 31 points in the second quarter to take a 64-59 lead into half time.
In the second half, The Kings weren’t able to battle back. In the third quarter the Kings were outscored 33-28 as the lead for the Magic continued to grow. The Kings defense continued to falter as the Magic were getting easy looks.
In the fourth quarter, the Magic again outscored the Kings by a score of 26-25. You could chalk up what happened to the Kings as an off night. However, if you’re the Kings you look to right the ship before the losing streak gets out of hand.
Leading the Kings in defeat was Buddy Hield who had 19 points. The Magic were led in victory by Nikola Vucevic who had 42 points. After winning four straight the Kings now have lost two in a row.
Up Next: The King stay home to take on the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday night at 7 PM PST.
Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony Renteria: Fox, Barnes, Hield, some of the keys to the Kings offense
Philadelphia 76er guard Ben Simmons (right) tests out the defensive skills of the Sacramento Kings guard Buddy Hield (left) in the first half at Golden One Center in Sacramento on Tue Feb 9, 2021 (AP News photo)
Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony R:
#1 After winning four straight games the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night cooled off a bit when the Philadelphia 76ers came calling to Golden One Center and shut down the Kings offense in the fourth quarter to score only 20 points and the Sixers picked up a five point win 119-111.
#2 The 76ers Joel Embiid led the way with 25 points, 17 rebounds and six assists the Kings just couldn’t do anything with him on Tuesday night.
#3 The 76ers also got scoring help from Tobias Harris and Seth curry both with 22 points. Four 76ers finishing in double figures to off set the Kings on Tuesday night.
#4 Tony the Kings despite the loss on Tuesday had some offensive help with five scorers in double figures that included with De’Aaron Fox 34 points and Buddy Hield with 21 points two of the key players during the Kings four game win steak.
#5 The Orlando Magic come to Sacramento on Friday night. The Magic have been struggling of late 9-16 and have won only one game in their last six tries they lost to the Portland Trail Blazers in their last game Tuesday night 106-97. The Kings had a four game win streak going until they lost Tuesday night to the 76ers. How do you see this match up on Friday night at Golden One?
Join Tony Renteria for the Sacramento Kings podcasts every other Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com
Sacramento Kings game wrap: Too much 76ers defense in 4th quarter; Kings can’t hold on lose 119-111
The Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid gets a basket over the heads of the Sacramento Kings Marvin Bagley III (left) and Richaun Holmes (right) at Golden One Center on Tue Feb 9, 2021 (AP News photo)
By Jeremiah Salmonson
The Sacramento Kings passed a big test on Sunday in Los Angeles. The Kings defeated the Clippers by a final of 113-110. It was a big way to cap off an amazing weekend of winning for the Kings. They also beat the Denver Nuggets on Saturday on the first night of the back to back.
On Tuesday, the Kings were preparing to take on the West leading Philadelphia 76ers. The 76ers were heading into Tuesday’s game at 17-7 on the year. The Kings stood at 12-11 after winning their previous four games. Tip-off was set for 7 PM PST in Sacramento. The Kings ran out of time and room to catch up to the 76ers in the four quarter falling behind in a 119-111 loss at Golden One Center.
In the first half, it was a tale of two quarters. The first quarter was one of the worst played by the Kings this year. They were out scored 42-32 in the opening frame and neither team played any defense. In the second quarter, the Kings roared back. The Kings offense continued to put up numbers as they out scored the 76ers 39-24 to take a 71-66 lead into halftime. The Kings would look to continue a stretch of closing out games and take the victory from the 76ers.
In the second half, the Kings didn’t fare as well. The third quarter was first mundane. Neither team performed well on the offensive end as the 76ers scored 21 points compared to the Kings 20 points. It was the fourth quarter that doomed the Kings. The Kings defense evaporated as the 76ers scored 32 points in the last quarter. The Kings only managed 20 points which wasn’t enough to make the game close.
De’Aaron Fox led the Kings in defeat scoring 34 points. Joel Embiid led the victorious 76ers by scoring 25 points.
Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the Orlando Magic on Friday at 7 PM in Sacramento.
Sacramento Kings game wrap: Fox helps Kings in fourth quarter come back in 113-110 win
The Sacramento Kings De’Aaron Fox struggles to hold onto the ball while on his back as the Los Angeles Clippers guard Terrence Mann looks to get the ball in the first half (AP News photo)
By Jeremiah Salmonson
The Sacramento Kings are flying high. The Kings entered Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers winners of six out of their last seven games. The Kings most recent game came against the Denver Nuggets yesterday. The Kings came back in the fourth quarter for the win on Sunday 113-111 at Staples Center it’s the Kings fourth straight win.
Yesterday, the first game of a back to back for the Kings, the Kings defeated the Denver Nuggets 119-114. This Kings were able to defeat the Nuggets despite a 50 point night from Nikola Jokic. Harrison Barnes added 28 points for the Kings. However, at the end of the day, it all comes down to defense. The Kings were able to hold the Nuggets to under 115 points and that usually means good things for the Kings.
The Kings looked to do the same against the Clippers on Sunday after. Tip-off was set for 12 PM PST in Los Angeles.
In the first half, the Kings played well against the Clippers. The first quarter set a slower pace to the game for both teams on offense. The Kings only managed 22 points compared to only 24 for the Clippers. Neither team seemed to really be in an offensive rhythm. In the second, the Kings took the lead. They outscored the Clippers 32-27 in the second quarter on improved shooting from the Kings. The Kings would take a 54-51 lead into halftime looking to make a statement in LA in the second half.
In the second half, it was more of a high powered offense. The Kings managed to put up 25 points in the third quarter compared to the Clippers 29. It was a win for the Kings as the didn’t collapse and put themselves in a hole too large to overcome. In the fourth, it was once again the De’Aaron Fox show. The Kings out scored the Clippers 34-30 in the final quarter to win. De’Aaron Fox continues to be the best player for the Kings as he finished with 36 points in the game. Lou Williams led the Clippers in defeat with 23 points.
Up Next: The Kings go home to take on the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday at 7 PM PST in
Sacramento Kings game wrap: Kings Beat Denver 119-114 Proving That Playoff Contention A Possibility
The Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) tries to distract the Sacramento Kings center Richaun Holmes who takes a shot during Sat Feb 6, 2021’s game at Golden One Center in Sacramento (AP News photo)
By Barbara Mason
Friday night the Sacramento Kings took on the Denver Nuggets in a game that proved a lot more than previously thought about this team. The Kings were able to sneak one past the sixth place Nuggets 119-114 in a game that was hard fought from beginning to end.
Denver’s Nikola Jokic had a career high 50 points but it was not enough to deter the Kings as Sacramento celebrated a season sweep. Nikola had help from team mates Barton (11 points), Millsap (14 points), and Morris (11 points) but the Kings stubbornly hung in this game from the tipoff.
While the Nuggets starters were able to muster some real energy the Kings outplayed them with some great’ play by Harrison Barnes who scored 28 points and 7 rebounds which overshadowed the 50 point game that Jokic turned in. Barnes had a great supporting cast thanks to the play of De’Aaron Fox who had 24 points and Richaun Holmes with 21 points.
Coming off the bench Tyrese Haliburton had 23 points proving that the Iowa State phenomenon is going to be one of the strengths of this team. He really came up clutch in the fourth quarter of this game. We have seen this from day one and he is just getting started. We will be seeing a lot from this guy who looked so promising as the season got underway and he has not disappointed. At every turn Haliburton is getting high praise some of that praise coming from former Kings coach Michael Malone. In fact he did say that Haliburton “kicked our ass every time we’ve played him.”
The Kings have an 11-11 record at the present and with more games like the one we saw tonight they will no doubt make their presence knows as the season moves forward. They are on their way to proving that they could possibly be playoff contenders.
Tomorrow the Kings will be playing the Clippers. The Clippers Paul George will remain out in this game which is disappointing news for Los Angeles. Tipoff is at 12:00 as LA will try to hold off the surging Kings.










