Category: Sacramento Kings

Sacramento Kings game wrap: Kings snap four game loss streak with win over Knicks 103-94

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Its a battle for the ball between the Sacramento Kings guard Corey Joseph (left) and the New York Knicks center Nerlens Noel (right) Sat Jan 21, 2021 at Golden One Center in Sacramento (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Friday night the Sacramento Kings (6-10) took on the New York Knicks (8-9) followed by a scheduled second game against the Knicks Sunday evening. The Knicks have had a very solid start at 8-8 and much of their success had been attributed to Head Coach Tom Thibodeau.

In six years the Knicks had gone through seven coaches and now it looks like the Knicks have found the fit that they have so desperately looked for. While it is early in the season the Knicks are looking very good.

The Kings on the other hand have had some struggles and snapped a four game losing streak at Golden One Center with a 103-94 win over the Knicks to improve their record to 6-10. This game will present a challenge for the Kings because they struggled against drop schemes, a scheme that the Knicks run more than any other type of defensive scheme.

The good news for Sacramento is that they have one of the best young cores in the league in De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton. This duo is indeed impressive. Fox is coming off a career high 43 point and 13-assist effort while Haliburton is just 13 games into his career and already averaging 11 points and 5 assists per game.

Fox has said that Haliburton is built for this game. The maturity and skill that he plays with belies the fact that this is his rookie year. He, in fact, looked like a second or third year player. These two guys mutually admire each other and they work together with an uncanny ease and skill.

They are the bright spot on this team despite the struggles they are having. A lot was expected from both of them in this game. Another Kings player that has slipped under the radar is Richaun Holmes who is a stand-out. He is averaging 14.0 and shooting 76.9 percent. There are not many players out there that work as hard or efficiently on the offensive glass and he has a great pick-and-roll chemistry with the guards. He is another weapon that the Kings have on their squad.

The Knicks are coming in on a three game winning streak while the Kings are struggling with a four game slide losing a couple to the Clippers, and one to New Orleans and one to Portland. The Matchup predictor has the Kings with a 60.5 % edge over the Knicks at 39.5%.

This was a battle with the Kings leading at one point 23-17 in the first quarter. The Knicks began to pull a small lead as the half came to an end 54-49. The Kings Julius Randle led in scoring points with 14 after two quarters and the Kings had a nice showing from three of their starting players. Tyrese Haliburton had 13 points after a quiet start and De’Aaron Fox and Harrison Barnes both turned in a nice first half showing with 11 points for each of them.

After trailing by 5 points at the half, the Kings took a 76-72 lead to end the third quarter. The King really turned it on in the fourth quarter although the Knicks did pull close on a number of occasions. The Kings finished the Knicks off in the final minutes, in a great nine point win for Sacramento. The Kings got impressive performances from Fox with 22 points, Barnes with 21 and 16 from Haliburton.

The Kings will next take on the Magic Wednesday in a road game. Tipoff is at 4:00 in Orlando.

Sacramento Kings game wrap: Oh why? Can’t anyone stop Kawhi? Clippers run over Kings 115-96

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Sacramento Kings Glenn Robinson III (30) on defense against the Los Angeles Clippers high scorer of the night Kawhi Leonard (2) on Wed Jan 20, 2021 at Staple Center in Los Angeles (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Wednesday night. The Kings season thus far has been very up and down. There has been times of success and times of failure. Lately, it has been mostly failure and failed again they did this time at Staples Center to the Los Angeles Clippers 115-96.

The simplest way to put it is that the Kings are struggling. They have not been able to play any type of meaningful defense throughout the course of the game. The offense has been fine for the most part, but the opponents are scoring too easily and in too great of numbers of numbers for the Kings to overcome. The Kings were looking to get back in the win column on Wednesday night against the Clippers.

However, before we take you to the results of Wednesday’s game, let’s talk about the game on Sunday night. On Sunday, De’Aaron Fox had a sensational day managing to score 43 points to lead the Kings. Unfortunately, the Kings allowed the Pelicans to score 127 points and the Kings lost 127-123.

In the first half of Wednesday’s game, the Kings kept pace with the Clippers. They managed to  outscored the Clippers 29-25 in the first quarter. It was a positive sign for the Kings who had been destroyed by the Clippers last week when they played 138-100. In the second quarter the Kings were outscored 36-27.

It was a downward trend for the Kings headed into halftime but they could still right the ship. De’Aaron Fox had 17 points in the first half continuing his dominating performance from Sunday.
In the second half, the Kings offense completely disappeared. The only managed to score 40 points in the second half with 19 of those coming in the third and 21 in the fourth.

Meanwhile, the Clippers scored 34 points in the third and 20 in the fourth. The Kings once again melted down in the second half and couldn’t stop the bleeding. De’Aaron Fox scored 25 points in the game just behind Kawhi Leonard who had 32.

The Kings will look to Friday to turn the tide on the season.

Up next: The Kings will take on the New York Knicks on Friday night at 7 PM PST in Sacramento.

 

Kings fall to Pelicans 128-123 behind Fox’s 43 points

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: @clutchsources

By Ana Kieu

SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento Kings ended their seven-game homestand by seeing a close game go up in smoke as they ended up losing 128-123 to the New Orleans Pelicans at Golden 1 Center on Sunday night.

The Kings used the same starting lineup in their seventh straight home game. De’Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield, Harrison Barnes, Marvin Bagley III, and Richaun Holmes took the court. Also, the Kings honored the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The Kings wasted no time getting on the board. In a span of 42 seconds, De’Aaron Fox made a pullup jump shot and Buddy Hield hit a 3-pointer for an early 5-0 lead. The Pelicans responded with a dunk by Steven Adams to pull within three, 5-2, at 10:45. The Pelicans continued to pour in the points, JJ Redick hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer, and the Kings trailed 34-25 at the end of the first quarter.

The Pelicans continued their strong play, but the Kings kept it a close game in the second half. The Kings made it a 10-point game, 37-27, when Cory Joseph hit a 2-pointer at 11:05. De’Aaron Fox hit a 2-pointer to make it a 9-point game, 67-58, with 1:37 left. The Kings trailed 67-58 at halftime.

The Kings came out to play in the second half. De’Aaron Fox opened the third quarter with a pullup jump shot and a 3-pointer in a span of 40 seconds. Fox added a step back jump shot with 28,3 seconds left. Harrison Barnes hit a 3-pointer to pull within three, 97-94, with 1.2 seconds left. The Kings trailed 97-94 through three quarters.

Despite a back-and-forth fourth quarter, the Kings kept the lead in single digits. After JJ Reddick hit an early 3-pointer, but Richaun Holmes made a pair of free throws to pull within four, 100-96, at 11:13. Buddy Hield hit a 3-pointer to pull within five, 115-110, with 5:43 left. De’Aaron Fox made a driving dunk to make it a 1-point game, 116-115, with 3:18 left.

Unfortunately, the Pelicans continued their scoring surge at the Kings’ expense. Zion Williamson went on a tear with 30 points at one point. Steven Adams made a pair of free throws to give the Pelicans a 124-119 lead with 17.9 seconds left. De’Aaron Fox hit a 2-pointer to pull within three, 126-123, with 6.6 seconds left. Nickeil Alexander-Walker added a pair of free throws to seal the 128-123 victory.

The Kings fell to 5-9. De’Aaron Fox led all scorers with 43 points, 13 assists, and 4 rebounds.

The Pelicans improved to 5-7. Zion Williamson led all scorers with 31 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists.

The Kings head to Los Angeles to take on the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, January 20 at 7 pm PT.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings loses mounting drop seventh in nine games

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Los Angeles Clippers Paul George drives on the Sacramento Kings De’Aaron Fox on Fri Jan 15, 2021 at Golden One Center in Sacraemento (AP News photo)

On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 Jeremiah the Clippers showed off their offensive prowess but it was the lack of offensive in the third and fourth quarters from the Kings that hurt the most in this most recent loss for Sacramento 138-100.

#2 When a team is getting crushed in the third and fourth quarters like that does head coach Luke Walton have to go into changing up the defensive strategy?

#3 The Clippers were just loaded with talent coming into the game with that usual tandem of Kahwi Leonard and Paul George.

#4 It seemed that no matter what the Kings did on offense the Clippers would consistently pull away with a 20 point lead after losing seven of their last nine games how frustrating has that got to be for the Kings.

#5 The Kings give it another try this time they’ll face the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night at Golden One. The Pelicans bring a five game loss streak into Sacramento. The Pelicans lost in LA on Friday to the Lakers and the last time they won a game was against the Toronto Raptors on Sat Jan 2.

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

Sacramento Kings game wrap: Clippers Kawhi and George get the jump on Kings 138-100

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Los Angeles Clippers Kawhi Leonard (2) goes in for the lay up as the Sacramento Kings Richaun Holmes (22) and Buddy Hield (24) can only watch Fri Jan 15, 2021 at Golden One Sacramento (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

The Sacramento Kings are coming off their most recent game against the Portland Trailblazers on Wednesday night at Golden One Center. It was a competitive game, but in the end the Kings fell in defeat. Ultimately, the Kings backcourt was just out matched by the likes of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. The Kings were looking to get back on track on Friday night.

Friday night it was a tough matchup for the Kings. The Los Angeles Clippers were coming to town. The Clippers have been playing much better this year than they finished last year. Paul George seems to be back on track after a rough season. He and Kawhi Leonard appear to have a chemistry that was lacking last year. Tip-off was set for 7 PM PST in Sacramento. The Kings dropped their seventh in nine games 138-100 with the loss to the Clippers.

In the first half, the Kings and Clippers played very competitively. The Kings scored 31 points in the first quarter compared to the Clippers who scored 34. In the second, the Kings scored 30 more points but it wasn’t enough to keep pace with the Clippers who added 35 points. Richaun Holmes led the Kings in the first half with 13, and early MVP candidate Paul George led the Clippers thus far with 20 points. Going into halftime the Clippers led the Kings 69-61.

In the second half, the Kings fell apart. In the third, they allowed the Clippers to score 37 compared to a dismal 16 from the Kings. It was a bit of a flashback for Kings fans who grew accustomed to third quarter meltdowns last year.

In the fourth, it wasn’t much better. The Kings were outscored 32-23 in the final session. The Kings will need to look to their next game to get back on track. Things could get out of hand for them really quickly if they don’t right the ship. Marvin Bagley led the Kings with 20 points and Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 27 points.

Up Next: The Kings welcome in the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night at 6 PM PST in Sacramento.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony Renteria: Kings have now lost five of last seven; Host Clippers Friday night in Sac

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Portland Trailblazers Damian Lillard (0) sidesteps the Sacramento Kings De’Aaron Fox (5) on a dribble in the second quarter of Wed Jan 13, 2021’s game at Golden One Center in Sacramento (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony R:

#1 If you like the Portland Trailblazer (7-4) Damian Lillard and what he brings to the game then Wednesday night was your night. Lillard didn’t hold back finishing the night with 40 points.

#2 Tony taking a look at the six point loss for the Sacramento Kings (5-7) they kept up with the Blazers in the third quarter 37-35 but the Blazers defense shut the Kings down in the crucial fourth 32-21.

#3 The Kings put every effort into this one with five scorers finishing in double figures with De’Aaron Fox 29 points and Buddy Hield 26 points.

#4 It was not just Lillard who lit it up for the Blazers too the Blazers five players in double figures finishing behind Lillard in scoring CJ McCollum with 28.

#5 The Kings host the Los Angeles Clippers (8-4) on Friday night at Golden One Center. The Clippers have been playing .500 winning four of their last four games. Their last win comes from Wednesday night in a 111-106 win against the New Orleans Pelicans. Tell us how you see Friday’s match up with the Kings and Clippers.

Join Tony R for the Kings podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony Renteria Thu Jan 14, 2021 by Sports Radio Service | Free Listening on SoundCloud

Sacramento Kings game wrap: Lilliard is lights out with 40 pt game defeats Kings 132-126

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Sacramento Kings De’Aaron Fox (5) goes up against the Portland Trailblazers Damian Lilliard (0) at Golden One Center in Sacramento on Wed Jan 13, 2021 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

The Sacramento Kings are having an interesting season. Yes, I know the word “interesting” is about as descriptive as it sounds. However, I’m not sure how else to chalk it up. They have played great games, and they have played terrible games. They have looked like a group of all-stars, and they have looked like a group of misfits.

In the Kings last game, they faced the Indiana Pacers. It was a tough test for the Kings that they were able to pass. The Kings were able to beat the Pacers by a final of 127-122. Domantas Sabonis tried his best to keep his team in the game but was outpaced by Harrison Barnes of the Kings. This was one game the Kings looked like a team that could go places.

On Wednesday, the Kings were set to welcome the Portland Trailblazers. Portland has also had an up and down season. They entered the game on Wednesday with a record of 6-4. The Blazers would look to improve against the Kings getting a 132-126 victory on Wednesday night.

The Kings were looking to continue their upward trend after beating the Pacers two days prior. Then disappointment for Kings head coach Luke Walton and company would set in.

In the first half, the Kings played great! They had flashes of greatness and flashes of weakness. However, all in all, they were able to outscore the Trailblazers 68-65 in the first half. Damian Lillard had 23 points in the first half and De’Aaron Fox had 16 points. The Kings were looking to channel the good parts of the first half to put together a win against a formidable opponent.

In the second half, things started out strong for the Kings. They outscored the Blazers 37-35 in the third quarter to remain in control 105-100 heading into the final 12 minutes. In the fourth, the Kings weren’t able to keep the offensive pace up. The Kings were only able to score 21 points in the quarter compared to the Blazers 32 points.

It was an underwhelming final quarter in an otherwise solid game for the Kings. They had moments in the game to put the Blazers away but weren’t able to do it. Damian Lillard finished the game with 40 points to lead the Blazers in scoring. De’Aaron Fox led the Kings in defeat with 29 points. The Kings will look to Friday’s game to get their next win.

Up Next: The Kings stay home at Golden One Center and welcome in the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night at 7 PM PST.

 

Kings snap 2-game losing streak with 127-122 win over Pacers

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: @NBCSKings

By Ana Kieu

SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento Kings continued their homestand by playing host to the Indiana Pacers on Monday night. Monday’s matchup at the Golden 1 Center featured two teams trending in two different directions, but it was the Kings who defeated the Pacers 127-122 in an action-packed game.

The Kings started off on the wrong foot as Victor Oladipo threw down a dunk for an early 2-0 lead, but they poured in the points, tying the game at 12 and taking a 28-22 lead late in the first quarter. The Kings’ lead didn’t last long, but they finished the first on a better note as De’Aaron Fox made a pair of free throws, and the two teams were tied at 30 after the first quarter.

Edmond Summer made a free throw to put the Pacers up 32-30 just 14 seconds into the second quarter. Sacramento, however, outscored Indiana 35-34 in the second quarter. De’Aaron Fox hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to wrap up the first half with a bang. The Kings led 65-64, heading into the locker room at the half.

The Pacers came out to play in the second half. Victor Oladipo made a pass to Domantas Sabonis for a layup that put the Pacers up 66-65 at 10:40 of the third quarter. Malcolm Brogden made a late driving layup, but the Kings were protected by a small safety as Hassan Whiteside hit a 2-pointer 31.4 seconds beforehand. The Kings had a 97-93 lead after three quarters.

Richaun Holmes opened the fourth quarter with a 3-pointer to make it 100-93 Kings at 11:32. Tyrese Haliburton followed up with a 3-pointer of his own, and the Kings took a 10-point lead, 103-93, just 23 seconds later. Harrison Barnes’ scoring outburst led to a game-high 28 points at a media timeout.

The Pacers tied the game at 113 on a Victor Oladipo free throw with 4:09 left in the fourth quarter. Richaun Holmes was called for goaltending, but the Kings challenged the call, which was overturned after further review. As a result, it was Sacramento’s ball and 23 seconds were added to the shot clock.

The final seconds of the game were interesting to say the least. Cory Joseph made a free throw to put the Kings up 127-119 with 8.8 seconds left. Malcolm Brogden hit a 3-pointer to pull the Pacers within five, but it was too little, too late. The Kings won 127-122 and snapped a two-game losing streak.

Sacramento improved to 5-6. Harrison Barnes led all scorers with 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists. De’Aaron Fox scored 21 points, 9 assists, and 5 rebounds. Buddy Hield scored 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. Richaun Holmes added 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Indiana fell to 6-4. Domantas Sabonis led all scorers with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists.

The Kings host the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday, January 13 at 7 pm PT.

Sacramento Kings game wrap: Blazers put game out of reach with 26 point win 125-99 over Kings

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Sacramento Kings power forward Nemanja Bjelicia (8) and center Hassan Whiteside (20) look helpless watching the Portland Trailblazers Damian Lillard (0) dunk on them Sat Jan 9, 2021 at Golden One Center in Sacramento (theintelligencer.com photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

The Sacramento Kings were coming into Saturday nights game looking to change the trajectory of their season. The Kings have been struggling lately. They have been on a stretch of games that one part of the team has faltered late in games. The Kings were set to welcome in the Portland Trailblazers on Saturday night at 7 PM PST. That warm welcome was upended by the Trailblazers getting a 24 point win over the Kings 125-99 at Golden One Center in Sacramento.

In the Kings previous game on Friday night in Sacramento, they were trampled in the second half by the Toronto Raptors in the second half. The Kings were leading at halftime, but the defense and offense fell apart in the latter half. De’Aaron Fox and Harrison Barnes led the way for the Kings but it wasn’t enough as the Raptors registered a convincing 144-123 win.

In the first half of Saturday’s game, it wasn’t pretty for the Kings. They were out scored 38-24 in the first quarter as CJ McCollum put the Blazers on his back scoring 12 points. In the second quarter, it was more of the same. The Blazers continued to torch the Kings as they outscored them 28-23 in the second quarter to take a 66-49 lead. CJ McCollum finished the half with 16 points and Harrison Barnes had eight points leading the Kings.

In the second half, the Kings continues to falter. The point spread after the third quarter had grown to 27 points. The Kings at this point had a very small chance of winning. CJ McCollum put up 16 points in the third quarter to take over the game.

That propelled the Blazers to a 93-69 point lead heading into the final quarter. I’m the fourth, the Kings were outscored again 33-30. That put the Blazers in front for good with a final of 125-99. It was a good old fashioned blowout. The Kings top scorer was Marvin Bagley at 15 points. CJ McCollum led the Blazers with 37 points.

The Kings will need to go back to the drawing board and evaluate what they need to do in order to start winning. The Indiana Pacers pay the Kings a visit on Monday Dec 11th at Golden One for a 7:00pm tip. The Kings have lost five of their last six games and the Pacers have won five of their last eight games.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings need to play all four quarters; Couldn’t hold lead on Raptors in second half

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Sacramento Kings including guard Buddy Hield (24) tried to keep the pressure on the Toronto Raptors Fred VanVleet (23) but VanVleet and the Raptors poured it on in the second half of the game on Fri Jan 8, 2021 at Golden One Center in Sacramento for the win (AP News photo)

On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 The Sacramento Kings held their own at the start of Friday night’s game at Golden One Center with a 74-71 lead and it looked like the Kings had a shot to get a win against a struggling Toronto Raptors team.

#2 The Raptors came out in the second half and held the Kings to just 29 points in the third quarter and 20 points in the fourth quarter as the Raptors came away with a 144-123 victory.

#3 The Raptors had six players in double figures with Fred VanVleet who led Toronto with 34 points.

#4 The Kings De’Aaron Fox led with 23 points also had six players in double figures but that second half defense by the Raptors didn’t allow enough offense for the Kings to try and keep up with the Raptors who just simply pulled away.

#5 The Kings go back to the drawing board again tonight at Golden One this time against the Portland Trailblazers tonight who have lost seven of their last ten games. The last time the Kings and Trailblazers met the Kings won it 121-106 on Sun Dec 13th in Portland.

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

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson Sat Jan 9, 2021 by Sports Radio Service | Free Listening on SoundCloud