Category: Sacramento Kings

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: Will Bagley’s return put a shot in Sacramento’s arm?

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On Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O:

#1 How important is it to have forward Marvin Bagley III to return, after playing 13 games with the Kings before he went out on an injury can Bagley live up to the expectation and be a help for Sacramento in the last eight games of the regular season?

#2 Bagley is noted as being one of the key players on the Kings roster does he need to step up his game and how grateful should he be to return after four months of a general shutdown due to the pandemic?

#3 With Bagley back will head coach Luke Walton have to do some line up scrambling, he does have Richaun Holmes, Nemanja Bjelica, Harry Giles III and Alex Len.

#4 This season the Kings were a team in transition and they can clean the glass and Charlie talk about the Kings half court defense which has been blamed for some loses and falls.

#5 Charlie talk about the Kings and the NBA’s chances to really get this thing off the ground and getting this season finished with the US having a king size spike?

Charlie O does Headline Sports every other Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Tony Renteria: Kings new schedule out; Kings Parker playing tennis in Chicago after Covid-19 diagnosis

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The Sacramento Kings De’Aaron Fox billboards the new Kings regular season schedule the last eight games starting July 31st though August 13th (NBC Sports image)

On Headlines podcast with Tony R:

#1 Tony with Covid 19 spiking and no end in sight of flattening the curve how long do you see professional and college sports starting and then having to call it off.

#2 Tony it was just reported today that last Saturday the Sacramento Kings Jabari Parker was filmed playing tennis without a mask in Chicago after testing positive for Coronavirus last week Wednesday.

#3 Additionally Parker was seen at a restaurant but told the press that he fulfilled the shut in protocols for isolation but might have been in violation of the NBA shut in which is 14 days

#4 Taking a look at the Kings remaining eight regular season games just before post season starting July 31st through Aug 13th can the Kings do it? They’ve got some very tough opponents including Mavericks, Rockets, and Lakers.

#5 Tony talk about what this does for the fans watching at home, the players and the employees who work Kings games to finally be back.

Join Tony every other Thursday for Headline Sports podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

Headline Sports podcast with David Zizmor: Kings Hield, Parker, and Len test positive for Covid-19; Gerould interim TV play by play announcer for Kings

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Sacramento Kings forward Jabari Parker who tested positive for Coronavirus with teammates Buddy Hield and Alex Len puts the breaks on the Kings practices for now. (yahoo!sports.com file photo)

On Headlines pod with David:

#1 The Sacramento King’s guard Buddy Hield, forward Jabari Parker, and center Alex Len all have tested positive for Coronavirus. After the discovery it was suggested by a number of media outlets that the NBA should shut it down.

#2 The Sacramento Kings announced on Thursday that longtime radio play by play announcer Gary Gerould will be the team’s television interim play by play announcer while the team tries to find a replacement for former television play by play announcer Grant Napier who resigned after tweeting “All Lives Matter” which the Kings organization was under pressure to do something about Napier at the time.

David is filling in for London Marq Fridays for Headline Sports at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: Napear resigns as Kings play by play announcer over Black Lives Matter remarks

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NBC Sports California Grant Napear, right, shown with Doug Christie, has been placed on administrative leave by radio station KHTK 1140 Sacramento (photo from mercurynews.com)

Charlie O on Headline Sports:

#1 Charlie O your a full time beat reporter for print and radio covering the Sacramento Kings how surprised were you that 1140 KHTK talk show host Grant Napear tweeted to former Sacramento King DeMarcus Cousins “All lives matter” that has been interpreted as a racist retort said by racist people regarding #BLM.

#2  Napear under heavy criticism from the players and public at large resigned did this come as any surprise?

#3 Former Sacramento King Matt Barnes tweeted that Napear is a closet racist. Cousins asked the question to Napear what he thought about Black Lives Matter and it seemed like Cousins wasn’t surprised about Napear’s answer?

#4 Some of the reporters knew Napear can be standoffish, wouldn’t engage in too many conversations with those covering Kings basketball can you confirm these descriptions from various reporters.

#5 Do you think the fans at large had any inkling about Napear and what Barnes meant when he said Napear was a closet racist?

Charlie O covers Sacramento Kings basketball for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: Kings will return to practice facility on Monday with strict guidelines

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The Sacramento Kings D’Aaron Fox will he be one of the four players who will attend the practice session for the Kings on Monday at the practice facility? (forbes.com file photo)

On Headlines pod with Charlie O:

#1 Sacramento’s ABC 10 reports that the Sacramento Kings are opening up their practice facility on Monday but under stringent orders from the Sacramento Public Health Order. Lots of temperature taking, social distancing and no fans in the building.

#2 With the Kings opening up their practice facility to players on a voluntary basis does this open a light at the end of the tunnel and that the Kings and NBA Basketball could very well be back very soon?

#3 This will be the first time since March 11th when the Utah Jazz Rudy Gobert tested positive for Covid-19 triggering a shutdown for the Kings and the NBA to get the green light to start practicing again.

#4 The NBA set very strict guidelines for the practice, no coaches whatsoever watching or participating in the practice, only four players can be at the facility at the same time, players can not shoot at the same basket, and everyone must wear a mask.

#5 There are a awful lot of precautions for this practice drill but looking past all of that what are some of the things the Kings hope to gain from the players showing up for drills and what benefits will there be?

Charlie O is a Sacramento Kings beat writer for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Pelicans-Kings match postponed due to Coronavirus pandemic

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photo from lonzowire.com: Golden One Center was the site of the New Orleans Pelicans rushing to get out of the building like it was on fire after finding out that NBA official Courtney Kirkland had contact with Coronavirus positive player from the Utah Jazz Rudy Gobert which forced the cancellation of the game

By Jeremiah Salmonson (SRS Staff writer)

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were slated to take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night on ESPN. However, the game was scrapped due to Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz testing positive for the virus formally know as COVID-19.

NBA referee Courtney Kirkland was the main reason for the cancellation in Sacramento because she also worked a game with the Jazz earlier this week. Due to her possible exposure the NBA called off the match up out of an abundance of caution.

No one knows when the NBA may resume the season if at all this year. It will greatly depends on how the virus continues to spread throughout the NBA and the communities of its teams.

For the foreseeable future, we will not have NBA action.

Sports Radio Service will keep you up to date on all the developments.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Charlie O: Kings try to regroup face Zion and the Pelicans Wednesday

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New Orleans Pelicans’ Zion Williamson (1) shoots over Minnesota Timberwolves’ James Johnson in the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 8, 2020, in Minneapolis. (ap photo)

On the Kings podcast with Charlie O:

#1 The Toronto Raptors (45-18) on Sunday a big win for them defeating the Sacramento Kings (28-36) 118-113 at Golden One Center.

#2 The Raptors Norman Powell and Ken Lowry led the way with 31 and 30 points respectivley the Kings had a tough time keeping them at bay all night.

#3 The Kings lost by just five points so they kept it interesting with De’Aaron Fox leading with 28 points.

#4 When the Raptors came in Kings head coach Luke Walton knew that this was not going to be any routine game to try and win.

#5 The New Orleans Pelicans come to Golden One on Wednesday night Zion Williamson will be the one to watch he’s been having a career season so far.

Join Charlie on the Kings podcasts each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

Falling shots cost Kings in loss to Raptors 118-113

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The Toronto Raptors Norman Powell (24) attempts to score on the Sacramento Kings Harry Giles III (20) on Sunday night at Golden One Center in Sacramento (ap photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–Grant Napier put it perfectly on the Kings broadcast after the win on Saturday night in Portland, “The Kings may have saved their season.” The Kings are playing well but would have a big test on Sunday night. The Toronto Raptors were coming to town. The 2019 NBA Champs would be a tough task for the Kings on the second night of a back to back. Would the Kings be up to the task? TIp off was set for 6 PM PST at Golden 1 Center.

In the first quarter, the Kings didn’t appear up to the task. The Raptors defense and Kings missing open looks led to a double-digit lead early. However, the Kings would turn that tide. The Kings went on a 9-0 run to end the quarter tied at 22. Buddy Hield was able to come in off the bench and score eight points which greatly helped the Kings.

In the second, the Kings looked to keep that momentum going. The Kings managed to sustain that momentum into half. The Kings played toe to toe with the Raptors in the second to go into halftime only down one point at 51-50.

The Kings faltered slightly in the end of the half or they could have taken a slim lead into the half. Leading the way for the Kings was two players off the bench. Buddy Hield and Alex Len both had 11 points to lead the Kings in the first half. For the Raptors, they got a 14 point half from Norman Powell as Serge Ibaka chipped in 13. The Kings looked to keep their composure going into the second half.

In the third, the Kings faded slightly. The Raptors outscored the Kings 27-24 in the third to take a 78-74 lead into the final 12 minutes. The Kings weren’t able to hit shots in the third as they did in the first half but were able to stay close. Harrison Barnes and Kent Bazemore each had seven points in the third.

In the final frame, the Kings would battle. As the game was winding down to the final minutes, the Kings had tied the game with 5:00 left in the game. From there, it was anyone’s game. The rest of the way each team continued to trade baskets.

Until with 34.3 left on the clock, De’Aaron Fox hit an and-one layup. He made the free throw and the game was tied at 111. Nick Nurse drew up a great play in the timeout for Pascal Siakam to take the lead at 113-11 with 27.7 left. The Kings then missed a three-pointer and fouled the raptors in the rebound. Pascal Siakam made both and the Kings were down 115-11.

Richaun Holmes on the next play got downhill for the and-one layup. Holmes missed the free throw and the Raptors were up 115-113. The rest of the way, the Kings weren’t able to hit shots and they ultimately fell 118-113 to the Raptors. It was a hard played loss for the Kings and nothing to hang their heads on. The Kings now turn their attention to the next home game.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night at 7 PM PST.

The Kings make it rain in Portland to get a big 123-111 win on Saturday night

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Photo: Richaun Holmes returned to the Kings lineup on Saturday night @NBCS

by Charlie O. Mallonee

Where were you on December 8, 2012? The Sacramento Kings were in Portland and that was the last time they won a basketball game in “Rip City” until Saturday night. After suffering 12 consecutive losses over seven-plus years in Portland, the Sacramento Kings broke the curse and beat the Trail Blazers on their homecourt 123-111.

Playoff implications

The Trail Blazers (28-37) and Kings (28-35) are both fighting to jump into the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. That slot is currently held by the Memphis Grizzlies who have not been able to distance themselves from the Kings, Trail Blazers, Pelicans, Spurs and even the Suns who have a real chance to qualify for the playoffs.

This was the final meeting of the season between the Kings and the Blazers. The teams split the series 2-2.

The Kings started fast

The Kings started the game like a “Top Fuel” dragster. Harrison Barnes led the way scoring 11 points in the first quarter that saw Sacramento outscore Portland 40-24.

The Kings shot 55.2-percent (16-for-29) overall in the period and went 5-for-9 (55.6%) from behind the 3-point line. They dished out 11 assists in the first 12 minutes while making five steals. SAC was simply overwhelming.

The train kept rolling in the second quarter

The Kings did not cool off in the second period. Buddy Hield and Bogdan Bogdanovic decided it was time “to make it rain” 3-pointers. The two shooting guards combined to hit 7-of-8 shots from downtown. As a team, Sacramento shot 9-for-12 (75%) from behind the arc.

The Kings outscored the Blazers 37-30 in the quarter.

Hield put up 14 points while Bogdanovic added 11.

At halftime, Sacramento held a 77-54 lead over Portland.

The Trail Blazers did just roll over and quit

When you have CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard on your team, you are never out of contention as long as there is time on the clock. Portland did not get hot, but they did play better than the Kings in the third quarter.

Sacramento cooled off in the third stanza as might have been expected. They shot 6-for-21 (28.6%) from the field; however, five of those baskets came from 3-point land.

Portland won the quarter 26-23, but the Kings still held a 100-80 lead after 36 minutes of play.

Wave the white flag

The Kings opened the final quarter by going on an 8-2 run that broke the Trail Blazers back. Portland tried to get back into the game, but it was too late.

Terry Stotts emptied his bench and the reserves played with vigor, but it was a futile effort.

The Kings won the game 123-111.

Top Performers

Leading scorers

  • Bogdan Bogdanovic was the game’s leading scorer with 27 points
  • Hassan Whiteside and CJ McCollum led the Blazers with 19 points each

Glass cleaners

  • Whiteside was the top rebounder with 11 grabs to give him a double-double
  • Richaun Holmes – who supplied some much-needed energy to the Kings – hauled in eight rebounds

Dropping dimes

  • De’Aaron Fox made it a double-double game by dishing out 11 assists in the contest
  • Lillard and McCollum led Portland with six assists each

Up next

The Kings jumped on their plane and flew back to Sacramento where they will host the defending NBA Toronto Raptors on Sunday night.

Portland will be off until Tuesday when they will host the Phoenix Suns.

 

 

 

Kings fall to Sixers 125-108; Kings have lost two of last five games

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By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings have been playing great since the All-Star break. The Kings are only 3.5 games behind the Memphis Grizzlies for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Kings looked to continue that success at home against a banged up Philadelphia 76ers team. Tip-off was set for 7PM PST at Golden 1 Center.

In the first half, the Kings really struggled to find their shot. The Kings spent most of the first half down double digits as the 76ers made the majority of their three point shots. For a traditionally poor three point shooting team, the 76ers managed to shoot 47.4% (9-19) from downtown in the first half. In contrast, the Kings only managed a 25% (2-8) clip from deep.

That discrepancy alone was enough to put the Kings behind the eight ball going into the second half down 53-63. Leading the way for the 76ers was Tobias Harris who had 19 first half points. De’Aaron Fox led the Kings in the first half with 13 points.

In the second half, the Kings continued to struggle. The 76ers outscored the Kings 33-27 in the third while the Kings couldn’t get stops. The Kings went on a few runs but ultimately couldn’t make up any ground. The Kings would start the 4th down double digits at 96-80.

In the fourth, it was more of the same for most of the quarter. The Sixers were hitting shots while the Kings weren’t and not getting stops. The Kings went on a 16-2 run in the middle of the quarter to get within six points but in the end it wouldn’t matter.

The Kings would fall to the Philadelphia 76ers by a final 125-108. It was a disappointing game for the Kings who had been playing so well of late. They would look to Saturday in Portland to get back on track.

The leading scorer for the 76ers was Tobias Harris who had 28 points. For the Kings, De’Aaron Fox led the way with 23 points and Buddy Hield was right behind with 22 points in the game.

Up Next: The Kings head to Portland to take on the Trailblazers on Saturday night.