Category: Sacramento Kings

Sacarmento Kings game wrap: Kings pick up second win of season defeat Suns 106-103

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The Phoenix Sun Devin Booker (1) tries to drive to the basket on the Sacramento Kings Richaun Holmes (left) in the first quarter of their game at Walking Stick Arena in downtown Phoenix on Sat Dec 26, 2020 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

The Sacramento Kings have started the season off right. They were able to beat the Denver Nuggets last Wednesday on the opening night of the season. On Saturday night, the Kings were set to take on the Phoenix Suns.

The Suns wrapped up the season on a high note last year. After making the bubble, they were able to make all their games going 8-0 in Orlando. In the offseason, they managed to add veteran point guard Chris Paul. The Suns then started the season off right by beating the formidable Dallas Mavericks in their first game. The Suns and Kings matchup was going to be a quality comparison of talent. The Kings out scored the Suns and were able to hold onto a 106-103 three point victory.

In the game the Kings jumped out to an early lead outscoring the Suns 31-25 in the first quarter. For the most part, the Kings were able to hold the lead going into halftime by a score of 59-54. The Kings had been playing a strong game up until this point. The key for them going forward was not giving up a “meltdown” quarter.

In the second half, the Kings did not give up any monster quarters. However, at times in the second half, the Kings did slip into their old ways. The encouraging part for the Kings was the ability to stop the bleeding and get back on track. The Kings and Suns matched pace in the third each scoring 25 points. The Kings weren’t able to replicate the offensive success in the first half in the last quarter but they did just enough to hold on. The Suns out scored the Kings 24-23 but the Kings were able to hold on 106-103 for the win.

The Kings got a tremendous performance from De’Aaron Fox as he scored 24 points and had seven assists. Devin Booker led the way for the Suns with 26 points. Harrison Barnes had 11 rebounds compared to the Suns Deandre Ayton who had 12.

Up next: The Kings will run it back against the Suns on Sunday at 6 PM PST at the Golden One Center.

Sacramento Kings game wrap: Kings pull off overtime win in Denver 124-122

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The Sacramento Kings Buddy Hield (24) drives to the basket against the Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr (left) and center Nikola Jokic (right) in overtime Wed Dec 23, 2020 in Denver (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

The 2021 NBA season has arrived. The Sacramento Kings took on their first opponent of the season on Wednesday night. It is a tough assignment for the Kings as they took on the Denver Nuggets in Denver and pulled off a 124-122 win. However, before we get into the game, let’s chat preseason.

The Kings had many positive signs in this camp. Tyrese Haliburton looks like the real deal. He can shoot, defend and has already been seen dropping dimes to his teammates for easy buckets. The future looks bright for this one.

The Kings core looks to be healthy (Knock on wood) entering the season. De’Aaron Fox, Marvin Bagley III, and Tyrese Haliburton look like they will all contribute major roles this season.

The game was a wild one. The Kings fell to an early deficit against the Nuggets in the first half. The Kings weren’t playing their best in the first half as the Nuggets outscored them 60-53. The Kings needed to make adjustments on defense and get stops if they had any chance of winning the game.

In the second half, the script flipped for the Kings. They managed to outscore the Nuggets 36-24 in the third quarter, thanks largely to ten points from De’Aaron Fox. Fox was clearly leading the team back into the game, where they took the lead 89-84 heading into the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings faltered on defense. Marvin Bagley III fouled out with Rachaun Holmes. This led to some bad matchups on defense that allowed the Nuggets to tie the game and send it to overtime.

In overtime, the Kings miraculously came out with the win. As time was winding down in OT, Nikola Jokic lost control of the ball, and it was gathered up by Harrison Barnes. Barnes then proceeded to drive to the hoop but was blocked from behind. As time was expiring, Buddy Hield got the put back off the rim and got the bucket to win at the buzzer 124-122.

Next Up: The Kings come home to play the Phoenix Suns on Saturday at 7 PM PST.

Kings drop preseason game to Warriors 113-109

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Photo credit: sactownroyalty.com

By Ana Kieu

SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento Kings played their second straight preseason game against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night at the Golden 1 Center. In case you missed it, Sacramento edged Golden State 114-113 on Tuesday night.

The Kings’ starting lineup featured De’Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield, Harrison Barnes, Marvin Bagley III, and Richaun Holmes.

Andrew Wiggins made it rain early with three-pointers, but there was effort on both ends of the court. The game was tied at 29-29 at the end of the first quarter,

Just like the Kings, the Warriors were on the move in the second quarter. Yet, Golden State had a slight advantage. Four Warriors players contributed to a solid rebound that was thrown out to Kelly Oubre, who knew exactly what to do–and that was to tip in a shot for a noteworthy highlight. The Kings trailed by three, 65-62, at the end of the first half.

The Kings were unable to contain Steph Curry in the third quarter. Curry jump started the scoring with a two-pointer. The Kings tried to outscore the Warriors, but ended up trailing 91-82 after three quarters of play.

The Kings’ offense was a little rusty in the fourth quarter. The Kings should’ve made more shots to slow down the new-look Warriors. The Kings lost to the Warriors by a final score of 113-109.

The Kings fall to 2-2, while the Warriors improve to 2-1. Harrison Barnes led the Kings with 30 points. De’Aaron Fox and Buddy Hield combined to go 6-of-30 from the field and 3-of-16 from the three-point range.

Notes: Former Kings coach Jerry Reynolds lost a sister to COVID-19. Reynolds clings to hope as his son Jay battles Stage 4 cancer.

Kings guard Buddy Hield turned 28 on Thursday.

Sports Illustrated listed the Kings’ Harrison Barnes, Buddy Hield, and De’Aaron Fox in its rankings for Top Players of 2021.

Les Schwab and Slamson the Lion teamed up to deliver toys to Volunteers of America as part of the Les Schwab Toy Drive, You can donate a toy to any Les Schwab location by December 24th and enter to win Kings prizes. Check out lesschwab.com/toydrive for more information.

Up Next: The Kings take on the Denver Nuggets in the Pepsi Center on Wednesday, December 23 at 6 pm PT.

Headline Sports podcast with London Marq: Kings improved offense and defense could be the big difference for 2020-21 season

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The new and improved Sacramento Kings led by De’Aaron Fox (5) seen in this Fri Dec 11 photo in Portland have the personnel that could push for post season. From all indications in pre season the Kings look like an improved team (AP News photo)

Headline Sports podcast with London Marq:

#1 It’s only the second exhibition season but after the Sacramento Kings split two games with the Portland Trailblazer in Portland and the Kings dominated for most of Tuesday night’s game against the Golden State Warriors at Golden One in Sacramento is the take away from that the Kings have improved and will be competitive?

#2 Bogdan Bogdanovic was dealt to the Atlanta Hawks after the Kings tried to deal him to the New Orleans Pelicans. Was it in the Kings plans not to hold onto Bogdanovic because he basically walked and the Kings really didn’t get anything for him.

#3 Last Sunday night the Kings after losing the first game of two to the Trailblazers handled the Blazers 121-106 and on Tuesday night the Kings dominated on offense and held the Warriors back on defense it’s exhibition but it could be a sign that they team is on the right path going into the season. The Kings De’Aaron Fox and Buddy Heild but lead the way in scoring.

#4 The Kings play the Warriors again on Thursday night at Golden One for the second game meeting. The Warriors have been focusing on their younger players to see what they can do, Warriors top shooters Kelly Oubre, Stephen Curry, and Andrew Wiggins provided some key offense.

#5 On Fox and Hield they both have a sense on scoring and getting that extra push for a win. They certainly got a drop on the Warriors early in Tuesday’s game.

Join London Marq for Headline Sports each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings post game wrap: Kings just get by Warriors in first of two game exhibition at Golden 1 Center

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The Sacramento Kings defense has improved as they held the Golden State Warriors in check for most of the game and ended up getting a one point win in the end at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Tue Dec 15, 2020 (warriorswire.com photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

The Sacramento Kings had a rough start to the NBA preseason. They lost the first game of two to the Portland Trailblazers in Portland and won the second game on Sunday to start the preseason schedule. The Kings were looking for a better showing as they returned home to Golden One Center on Tuesday night. They did when they had a good leads against the Warriors and in the end wound up with a one point win 114-113.

The Sacramento Kings welcomed their NorCal rival Golden State Warriors for their third preseason game. The Kings showed grit that had been missing in the first game. They managed to play defense when they had to and score when they had to.

The Kings played their best defense in the first two quarters limiting  Golden State to 47 points at halftime. The Kings managed to put up 62 points in the first half and had a nice pace going to enter the middle portion of the game.

Unfortunately for the Kings and their third-quarter woes, which had been well documented in past seasons came back to bite them just a little bit. Golden State outscored the Kings 34 to 26 in the third quarter. The Kings were able to hold on through in the final quarter, even being out paced by Golden State again. They were outscored 32 to 26 in the fourth quarter but still manage to win the game miraculously. The Kings Kyle Guy hit a game-winning buzzer-beater to give the Kings the win.

Guy finished the night leading the Kings in scoring with 20 points. It was an excellent showing for a second-year player who had been flying under the radar for Sacramento. The Kings hope he can continue this good play into the regular season.

Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 29 points.

Up next: the Kings take on the same Warriors on Thursday night at Golden One Center.

Sacramento Kings game wrap: Kings turn it around for 121-106 win in Portland

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The Sacramento Kings and Portland Trailblazers played their second pre season game in Portland on Sun Dec 13, 2020 (live over lay photo from nba.com)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

The Sacramento Kings embarked on their tune-up games on Friday night. Things did not go as planned. The Kings defense let them down big time in a loss to the Trail Blazers in Portland 127-102.

The Kings remained in Portland to rematch the Blazers on Sunday.

In the game, the Kings showed much more resilience on the defensive end of the floor. The Kings allowed the Trail Blazers to score 106 points while holding the Blazers to 22 points or less in two quarters.

The Kings didn’t allow a “meltdown quarter” like Friday night when they gave up 40 points in the first. On the offensive side of the ball, the Kings were able to score 121 points. For a 121-106 victory tally on Sunday. Richaun Holmes led the Kings in scoring by putting up 14 points. Buddy Hield led the game in assists with seven. That was an unusual sight for the Kings but something that undoubtedly helped win the game.

The Kings overall looked much better in the second game in Portland than the first. They are looking to get some sort of rhythm down before starting the regular season on December 23rd in Denver.

Keys to success for the Kings this year appear simple in my eyes. The Kings must play with pace and play good defense on the other end. The Kings have the players to knock down shots in the open court; they just need to get themselves the looks.

Next Up: The Kings will travel home to take on the NorCal rival Golden State Warriors at Golden One Center on Tuesday night. The game is set for 7 PM PST.

NBA is back Kings get clobbered by Blazers in Portland 127-102

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Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) and Portland Trailblazers Damian Lillard (0) watch the play fold in front of them in Portland on Fri Dec 11, 2020 (nba.com photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

The NBA is back! Most of the teams in the league came back into action for pre season play. The Sacramento Kings would be one of those teams. The Kings on a two game visit to Portland lost the first of the two on Friday night 127-102.

Kings fans come into this season trepidatious at best. The Kings had an off-season that could be described as turbulent. They fired their General Manager Vlade Divac, signed De’Aaron Fox to a max extension, lost Bogdan Bogdanovic to free agency, and tried to repair a shattered Buddy Hield relationship. All of this had taken place since the bubble in Orlando saw the Kings fly home.

The expectations for this year are tempered. The Kings didn’t do much to get better in the offseason. They are hoping that a young core including a healthy Marvin Bagley who can make a splash in a crowded conference.

The Kings took on the Portland Trail Blazers in their first matchup of the preseason. The results weren’t great. The Kings didn’t play well on defense. They allowed Blazers to score 127 points. Carmelo Anthony led the way in scoring for the Blazers with 21 points while recently departed King Harry Giles led the way in rebounds with 14.

For the Kings, who managed to put up only 102 points received 23 of those from Buddy Hield. Nemanja Bjelica led the way with seven rebounds for the Kings. The Kings allowed the Blazers to score 41 points in the first quarter to dig themselves an early hole. The Kings look to have a better performance in their next game on Sunday night.

Next up: The Kings will take on the same Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday at 6PM PST.

 

 

Sacramento Kings had a big draft night

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Photo credit: cbssports.com

By Ana Kieu

The NBA Draft started on Wednesday night, and the Sacramento Kings had a big night. The Kings had their first and second round draft picks as well as the 35th pick and the 52nd pick, thanks to a three-team trade between the Kings, Houston Rockets, and Cleveland Cavaliers by the 2019 trade deadline,

With the 12th pick, Sacramento selected Tyrese Haliburton. Haliburton is a point guard who played at Iowa State University from 2018 to 2020. He was most recently named to the Second Team All-Big 12.

Haliburton told ESPN: “I’m in the perfect spot.”

ESPN Front Office Insider Bobby Marks shared his praise for the Kings’ 12th pick. Marks said: “In my 25 years working in the NBA, [Haliburton’s] the best interview I’ve ever gone through.”

The Kings traded their 35th pick to the Memphis Grizzlies for the 40th pick and a future second round pick.

With the 40th pick, Sacramento selected Robert Woodard II. Woodard is a guard and forward who played at Mississippi State University from 2018 to 2020.

With the 43rd pick, Sacramento selected Jahmi’us Ramsey. Ramsey is a guard who played at Texas Tech University from 2019 to 2020.

Nobody is sure that the Kings will get out of dysfunction this coming season, but these three picks are promising. Also, Sacramento has to consider changing their team’s culture.

Sacramento Kings report: Reynolds retired, Jones hired

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Photo credit: sacbee.com

By: Ana Kieu

After 35 years, Jerry Reynolds called it a career and subsequently retired from the Sacramento Kings. The 76-year-old executive and head coach came a long way from his humble beginnings in French Lick, Indiana, the same hometown as NBA legend Larry Bird.

Reynolds told KCRA: “It’s a dream I never would have thought it could have happened to someone from French Lick, Indiana.”

Aside from head coach, Reynolds also served as an interim head coach, assistant head coach, general manager, and director of player personnel.

“The 96 playoffs with Mitch Richmond and that bunch of Kings,” Reynolds told KCRA. “I was director of player personnel at that time. That crowd was the best and most enthusiastic ever, anywhere on Earth.”

Reynolds described his job as the Kings’ color commentator as the most fun job he has had in the past. He survived four ownership groups, five general managers, and 17 head coaches in his 35-year tenure. He added that it has been a blast and he wouldn’t change a thing.

In other news, Sacramento named Mark Jones as the team’s new television play-by-play announcer.

Jones will bring over 30 years of experience to Sacramento. He has been recognized for his nationally televised work on ABC and ESPN. He’ll work alongside the Kings’ color analyst Doug Christie on NBC Sports California.

Previously, Grant Napear served as the Kings’ play-by-play announcer from 1988 to 2020. Napear resigned from the Kings in June following his comments on the Black Lives Matter movement.

Former Kings player DeMarcus Cousins asked Napear: “What’s your take on BLM?” Napear responded: “Hey!!!! How are you? Thought you forgot about me. Haven’t heard from you in years. ALL LIVES MATTER…EVERY SINGLE ONE!!!”

The tweet exchange sparked backlash from players and fans alike. It was tweeted in the midst of nationwide protests of the death of George Floyd, a black man in Minneapolis who was killed by a police officer who kneeled on his neck. Floyd was a longtime friend of former NBA player Stephen Jackson.

Napear’s comments didn’t reflect the Kings’ views and values.

Sacramento Kings report: Kings hire McNair from Houston as Head of basketball Operations

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Sacramento Kings logo on player’s trunks and the team’s new basketball home for the Kings most recent hire of Head of Basketball Operations Monte McNair (CBS TV file photo)

By Charlie O

SACRAMENTO–After the Sacramento Kings had fired long time general manager Vlade Divac and assistant general manager Peja Stojakovic who resigned after Divac’s firing. The search is over as the Kings hired Monte McNair who was an assistant general manager for the Houston Rockets and now joins the Kings as head of basketball operations.

McNair was in the running for the Kings job with Minnesota Timberwolves executive vice president of operations Sachin Gupta and former Atlanta Hawks general manager Wes Wilco. What made McNair the pick was the assembly of players that McNair had in Houston, how he drafted and how the Rockets were a consistent success in reaching the post season.

McNair and the Rockets have developed the three point success in their high caliber weight of high percentage in the three point shot which was the Rockets bread and butter that help not only drive the Rockets to win during the regular season but also launched them to be a consistent presence in the NBA playoffs.

McNair had a roster full of players who may not have got to the NBA Finals per say but were talented enough to push the team to go get in two or three rounds of the playoffs almost yearly. McNair joined the Rockets as senior analyst in 2007 and was hired by the Rockets general manager Daryl Morey who is still with the Rockets.

After six years as the Rockets senior analyst in 2013 McNair was promoted to Director of Basketball Operations. In 2015 McNair was promoted to vice president of basketball operations, and in 2018 McNair was promoted to assistant general manger of the Rockets before departing on Wednesday to join the Kings as their head of Basketball Operations.

Charlie O covers Sacramento Kings basketball and is a contributor to http://www.sportsradioservice.com