NBA G League action: Kings end five game win streak in 115-98 loss to Grand Rapids

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Stockton Kings guard Colby Jones (20) takes a finger roll shot at the hoop against the visiting Grand Rapids Gold at Adventist Health Arena on Tue Jan 28, 2025 (Stockton Kings X photo)

By William Espy

STOCKTON–The Stockton Kings (11-3) ended their five-game winning streak against long-time NBA veteran Andre Miller’s Grand Rapids Gold (7-7) 115-98 at Adventist Health in Stockton on Tuesday night. Kings forward Isaac Jones was named as the G-League Player of the Week on Tuesday and looked to continue his strong run of form.

The contest started off with both teams seeming evenly matched. Both teams were struggling to hit their shots, shooting under 30% to start the game. Back-to-back threes by Terry Taylor put momentum firmly in Stockton’s favor for the first time on the night halfway through the first quarter.

Two consecutive fouls quickly allowed the Gold to tie it up, though, after they converted on their free throws. The Gold would then go on a run, taking a 21-14 lead with a couple of minutes remaining in the quarter and forcing the Kings to call a timeout.

Grand Rapids would keep their momentum running through the end of the quarter, though, taking a 27-14 lead into the break. After 12 minutes, the Kings were shooting just 20% from the field.

The Gold continued growing their lead, but Skal Labissiere tried to get his team energized with two dunks in quick succession. Unfortunately for Stockton, they weren’t able to build off of it, as Grand Rapids would go down and score on both of their ensuing possessions.

Grand Rapids would continue dominating for the remainder of the first half, and ultimately, their lead would be up to 61-38 by the end of the second quarter. While the Kings undoubtedly hit more shorts in the second frame, they were much weaker defensively and allowed the Gold to score almost at will.

The Kings just weren’t able to get things going right out of the half as the Gold continued to extend their lead. After six minutes of the third quarter, it was 74-45 in favor of the visiting team.

Over the course of the night, the Kings looked uncharacteristically sloppy. They were missing shots at a higher rate, running into each other, and allowing the Gold to get chances they typically wouldn’t allow.

Jaylin Williams left the game with an injury late in the third quarter following a collision with two Kings players below the basket. The Gold would continue to extend their lead for the remainder of the third, eventually leading 91-66 heading into the final period.

The Kings’ offense was playing better in the fourth, but ultimately it would be too little, too late as they’d ultimately lose their third game of the season and fall 115-98 to the Gold.

The two teams will meet again on Thu Jan 30, as the Kings look to start a new winning streak and get some revenge all at the same time at 7:00pm PST.

Super Bowl LIX podcast with David Zizmor: Saquon is key to the Eagles success; Mahomes feeling like his old self for Chiefs

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Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) takes off for one of his three touchdowns against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Sun Jan 26, 2025 (AP News photo)

On Super Bowl LIX podcast with David Zizmor:

#1 Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley had himself an afternoon against the Washington Commanders running for a 60 yard touchdown on the Eagles first play and had a total of 118 yards and three touchdowns.

#2 Quite an afternoon for the Kansas City Chiefs defeating the Buffalo Bills. The Chiefs were favored by a 1.5 and that prediction was pretty close as the Chiefs advance to the Super Bowl defeating the Buffalo Bills at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday 32-29.

#3 Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes went 18-26, 245 yards, and threw for one touchdown and this was not an easy one but Mahomes kept the Chiefs in a close game. Philadelphia’s Jaylen Hurts 20-28, 246 yards, and one touchdown for the win against the Washington Commanders. How do you see this Super Bowl match up?

Join David Zizmor for the Super Bowl podcasts Wednesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sharks Take on Crosby and Win 2-1 it on Monday Action; Victory snaps San Jose’s six game skid

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Sharks Players celebrate their first win against the Penguins at SAP Center in San Jose on Monday, Jan 27, 2025 (Sharks Media)

By Fernando Abarca

This Monday night, the San Jose Sharks pulled off a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins, keeping fans on the edge of their seats at the SAP Center. Not only was this matchup crucial in the fight for points in the season, but it also highlighted both teams’ tenacity and competitive spirit as both teams have struggled throughout the season

From the start of the match, the Sharks showed renewed energy after the dreadful loss against the Stanley Cup Champions, Florida Panthers, fueled by the unconditional support of their home crowd. In the second period, the home team took the lead with an early goal that fired up the crowd from Mikael Granlund assisted by Will Smith. A precise turnover from the blue line found its way to the net, thanks to an excellent job to fight for the puck. This first goal not only set the tone for the game, but also gave the Sharks confidence.

The Penguins, known for their responsiveness, were quick to react. They began to press harder throughout the second period, creating several scoring opportunities. However, the Sharks’ defense held firm, with their goalie making some key saves that maintained the lead. Despite Pittsburgh’s best efforts, the score remained 1-0 at the end of the second period.

The third period brought with it even greater intensity. The Penguins finally managed to equalize the score with a goal that came after a series of quick and precise passes. The visiting fans erupted in jubilation, and the match became even more exciting. However, the Sharks did not let themselves be discouraged. With time running out, they stepped up their game and began to go for the win.

The Sharks found their opportunity. With a well-crafted play, they managed to regain the lead with a second goal that left the Penguins with no answer. The combination of speed and precision in attack was key to sealing the fate of the match. Maklin Celebrini and Sidney Crosby got their points.

With the final score at 2-1, the Sharks celebrated a much-needed victory, while the Penguins walked away with their heads held high, but with an unpleasant flavor. This game was not only a testament to the talent of both teams but also to the passion that ice hockey inspires in its fans, especially when you have the caliber of players of the likes of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin,

The San Jose Sharks add up their first win since January 18, and fans are looking forward to seeing more standout performances in the upcoming games after a disappointing month of January, concluding the first month of the year in Seattle against the Kraken on January 30th.

Nets can’t shutdown Sabonis with 22 rebounds and a triple double Kings win 110-96 at Barclays Center

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Sacramento Kings Domantas Sabonis (11) is thrilled after scoring against the Brooklyn Nets in the second half at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Mon Jan 27, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Jessica Kwong

BROOKLYN, NY. — The Sacramento Kings snapped a two-game losing streak on Monday night with a 110-96 win over the Brooklyn Nets in the annual Chinese New Year celebration game at Barclays Center.

Kings guard De’Aaron Fox scored a team-leading 30 points and Kings center Domantas Sabonis scored 21 points and had 22 rebounds and 10 assists, notching his seventh triple-double this season.

The game was close throughout most of the first half but Sacramento trailed at halftime by seven points. When the Kings were down nine points with just over 10 minutes to go in the third quarter, Fox scored eight points and led his team on a 12-0 run.

“I think more than anything, when you get that aggressive Fox, it’s a special sight to behold. He can get down heel when he wants, he’s got the floater. All of a sudden the three ball starts to fall, he gets to the free throw line,” said Kings interim head coach Doug Christie.

“All those things, they add up. And even defensively when he’s engaged, like that physical presence, he’s a load to deal with and I was really happy to see it.”

After the break, Sacramento outscored Brooklyn 33-24 in the third and ended the quarter up 80-78. The Kings went on a 13-2 run and reached peak momentum when Keegan Murray made a triple to put them up 97-85 with just over six minutes to go in the fourth.

The Kings outscored the Nets 63-42 in the second half.

“There’s a lot for us to be happy with and there’s some things that we’ve still got to clean up with our consistency. But overall, we got out of here with a W and we continue to build and solidify our identity and that’s the most important thing,” Christie said.

“Winning is everything, but us solidifying who we are on a night-to-night basis so we know what we’re going to our arena with is paramount for us.”

Sabonis became the fifth player in Kings franchise history with 20 or more games with 20 rebounds.

“I’m just going out there trying to do my job,” said Sabonis. “As a big, you got to rebound you know, and then try to be involved on the offensive end, help my teammates.”

Brooklyn (14-33) had their losing streak extended to seven games – their worst since losing 11 straight in January to February 2022. They were without star Ben Simmons who has lower back soreness and has missed five games

The Kings (24-22) continue their road trip visiting the Philadelphia 76ers (17-27). Tip-off is at 4:30 p.m. PT.

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: Cardinal host the Orange Wednesday night at Maples

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Stanford Cardinal guard Oziyah Sellers (4) takes a jump shot over the Florida State Seminoles guard Bostyn Holt (3) at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Sat Jan 25, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal X photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 It was a hard fought effort by the Stanford Cardinal (14-6) against the Florida State Seminoles (13-7) as the Cardinal came away with a seven point win over the Seminoles 78-71.

# 2 The Cardinal have now won 11 of their last 12 games at home and this season is the first time the Cardinal have gone 11-1 in their first 12 games since the 2020 season. Against the ACC teams the Cardinal are 4-0 for a perfect home record.

#3 Stanford’s Oziyah Sellers led with 27 points and shot 10-16 from the field and was four for six outside the three point line. Benny Gealer and Jaylen Blakes both in double figures and scored 13 points each. Maxime Raynaud had eight point and grabbed a season high of 14 rebounds.

#4 Stanford’s Ryan Agarwal scored the first five points of Saturday. Stanford led early in the game 18-10 and Agarwal had a 7-0 run from Sellers in the middle of the first quarter. Sellers also was hitting the three pointers with three 3 pointers in the first 20 minutes. Chisom Okpara hit a shot from behind the arc with 20 seconds half heading into the half.

#5 The Cardinal face the Syracuse Orange (9-11) on Wed Jan 29th. The Orange lost their last game 77-73 to Pittsburgh Panthers (13-6) 77-73. The Orange are 12th in the ACC. The Orange have lost their last two games. The Cardinal have the home floor and a three game win streak going into this game against the Orange on Wed Jan 29 at 8:00pm.

Michael Roberson does the Stanford Cardinal podcast each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Super Bowl LIX podcast with Tony Renteria: Chiefs and Eagles meet again in New Orleans

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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is thrilled with victory as the Chiefs defeat the Buffalo Bills at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City in the AFC Championship game on Sun Jan 26, 2025

On Super Bowl LIX podcast with Tony Renteria:

#1 Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley had himself an afternoon against the Washington Commanders running for a 60 yard touchdown on the Eagles first play and had a total of 118 yards and three touchdowns.

#2 For Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts for him and his teammates it’s their second trip to the Super Bowl in three seasons and for Barkley it’s his first with the Eagles.

#3 The 55 points in Sunday’s game in Philadelphia is the most that any team had scored in a NFL Championship game since the merging of the NFL and AFL in 1970.

#4 Quite an afternoon for the Kansas City Chiefs defeating the Buffalo Bills. The Chiefs were favored by a 1.5 and that prediction was pretty close as the Chiefs advance to the Super Bowl defeating the Buffalo Bills at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday 32-29.

#5 Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes went 18-26, 245 yards, and threw for one touchdown and this was not an easy one but Mahomes kept the Chiefs in a close game.

Join Tony for the Super Bowl podcasts Tuesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic: Cuca split with Marlies; SJ faces off with Silver Knights Friday at Tech CU

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Toronto Marlies line up center Roni Hirovonen (33), left wing Alex Steeves (46), left wing Josiah Slavin (36) and San Jose Barracuda forward Donavon Houle (83) at Tech CU in San Jose on Sun Jan 26, 2025 (photo by San Jose Barracuda)

San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic:

#1 Marko, the San Jose Barracuda and the Toronto Marlies didn’t score in the first period so both team got to show off some good defense with Toronto goaltender Artur Akhtyamov and the Barracuda goalie Gabriel Carriere in net.

#2 Second period Barracuda Anthony Vincent scored the game’s first goal at 8:40 for his sixth goal of the season and Ethan Cardwell scored his fifth goal of the season at 15:05 to give San Jose a 2-0 lead.

#3 In the third period the Marlies and Barracuda traded goals. The Marlies first with Robert Mastrosimone scoring an unassisted goal his fifth of the season at 2:11, the Barracuda Danil Gushchin scored his ninth goal of the season at 3:48 it was 3-1 Barracuda. The Marlies Joseph Blandsi scored his eighth goal of the season at 6:53 to cut the lead to 3-2. The Barracuda’s Collin Graf scored his seven goal of the season at 19:24 for all the scoring in the game Barracuda 4 Marlies 2.

#4 Goaltending for Sunday for Akhtyamov stopped stopped 23 out of 26 shots for the Marlies and Carriere stopped 23 out of 25. It was a busy and tough job for both goaltenders on Sunday.

#5 Marko, next game for the Barracuda the Henderson Silver Knights (14-25-2-0) who are in ninth in the Pacific Division. The Knights have won six of their last ten games somewhat of improvement. Do you see the Barracuda having their hands full next Fri Jan 31st a 7:30pm PST at Tech CU?

Marko Ukalovic does the San Jose Barracuda podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings podcast with Barbara Mason: Kings-Nets tip off at Barclay Center tonight in Brooklyn

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Sacramento Kings small forward DeMar DeRozan (10) attempts to take it to the net being defended by the New York Knicks small forward OG Anunoby (8) in the second half at Madison Square Garden in New York on Sat Jan 25, 2025 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1 The New York Knicks OG Anunoby led with 33 points, Josh Hart followed up with 20 points and had 18 rebounds and 11 assists it was Hart’s sixth triple double for the 2024-25 season and the effort was good enough to beat the Sacramento Kings 143-120 at Madison Square Garden on Saturday.

#2 Adding to the Knicks scoring total Mikal Bridges with 27 points and Jalen Brunson with 25 points, 11 assists. Brunson needed two more points to reach his season high. Karl-Anthony Towns scored 16 points and had 15 rebounds.

#3 Despite the hard effort and the loss by the Kings DeMar DeRozan led the Kings with 31 points and Domantas Sabonis followed up with 25 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists.

#4 So this season no player on the Kings roster has played in all 45 games this season. Keon Ellis is the closest with 44 games played. The Kings still continue to struggle against the Knicks at MSG having not won there since Nov 3, 2019.

#5 The Kings take on the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn for a 4:30pm PST tip. The Nets are 12th in the Eastern Conference at 14-32 and are struggling big time having lost six straight games. The Kings have lost two straight and are hoping to get back in the win column. The Kings are tenth in the Western Conference at 23-22 and are .500 on the road at 15-15.

Join Barbara for the Kings podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NBA G League Action: Kings squeeze by Legends in nail biter 108-104

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Every basket counted in this one as the Stockton Kings put away the visiting Texas Legends at Adventist Health in Stockton on Sun Jan 26, 2025 (Stockton Kings X)

By William Espy

STOCKTON–The 10-2 Stockton Kings hosted the 4-7 Texas Legends on Sunday afternoon, as Stockton swept a back-to-back series 108-104 against Texas following a win on Friday.

The Kings struggled with protecting the ball early on, having five turnovers, four of which were Legends’ steals, in the first six minutes. Ultimately, that would be one of many factors that caused Stockton to trail by 11 points after the first quarter. Texas entered the second quarter with a 30-19 lead.

Texas carried their momentum into the second, with a couple energizing dunks in the first couple of minutes. Dexter Dennis was hitting some shots as well though, which was helping lessen Texas’s lead. The Kings made a dent in the lead, cutting it down to eight points before halftime, and the Legends led 58-50.

The Kings would cut that lead to just two points in the opening minutes of the third. Stockton would go on to score a total of 26 in the third quarter, and led 76-75 after 36 minutes. Obviously at that point, it was anyone’s game heading into the final quarter of the game.

The Legends came out fighting in the fourth quarter, but weren’t able to keep up when all was said and done. Led by Colby Jones’ 24 points, the Kings walked away with a narrow, 108-104 victory. Sweeping the back-to-back is the latest in a considerable number of great accomplishments the Kings have had so far this season. While Isaac Jones didn’t drop the same amount of points we’ve grown accustomed to seeing from him over the past few games, he finished with 13 points, and more importantly a team-leading 14 rebounds.

Tyson Walker dropped 28 for the Legends in their losing effort, but was pretty inefficient in doing so. He went 13-29 from the field and 2-9 from beyond the arc, had he hit a couple more of his shots then the outcome would have easily been very different. Jamarion Sharp made an impact defensively for the Legends though, getting five blocks over the course of the night.

The Kings will be back at home for the remainder of the week, with their next two outings being against the Grand Rapids Gold on Tuesday and Thursday night. Stockton will be looking to extend their five game winning streak, and continue separating themselves in the standings, against the struggling affiliate of the Denver Nuggets.

Barracuda fight off Marlies with 4-2 win split weekend series

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San Jose Barracuda forward Lucas Vanroboys (#67) and goalie Gabriel Carriere (#35) celebrate their team’s 4-2 victory over the Toronto Marlies on the ice after the final whistle at Tech CU Arena on Sunday JAN 26, 2025. (San Jose Barracuda)

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE — The San Jose Barracuda learned a lesson from yesterday’s defeat. They held down the fort at the end of the game for a 4-2 victory over the Toronto Marlies on Sunday afternoon at Tech CU Arena.

San Jose split the weekend series and have won two of its past three games. Toronto had its four-game winning streak snapped with the series split.

The opening 20 minutes featured a scoreless period. San Jose (22-13-2-2-48 points) had three power play opportunities but weren’t able to cash in on them as the Marlies penalty kill led by goalie Artur Akhtyamov kept the Barracuda off the board.

Toronto (22-11-2-3-49 points) only registered nine shots on goal as they were busy killing penalties. A couple of giveaways inside San Jose’s zone on the same led to two quality chances by Toronto, but ‘Cuda goalie Gabriel Carriere held his ground and made stops on both opportunities.

San Jose drew first blood near the halfway point of the second period with an even strength goal. Lucas Vanroboys intercepted a clearing attempt out of the Marlies zone by Nicolas Mattinen. Vanroboys found Anthony Vincent in the slot and Vincent’s shot deflected off of a stick and floated over the shoulder of Akhtyamov for his sixth goal of the season at the 8:40 mark.

The Barracuda doubled its lead late in the middle frame. Ethan Cardwell led an odd man rush up the ice with newly acquired Pavol Regenda. Cardwell’s intended pass caromed off of Regenda and then off of Cardwell’s skate as the puck went underneath Akhtyamov into the back of the net. After video review it was determined a good goal, Cardwell’s fifth of the season at the 15:05 mark. Regenda was credited with the primary assist, his first point in a Cuda uniform.

Toronto cut San Jose’s lead in half two minutes into the third period. Robert Mastrosimone picked off the puck off of Shakir Mukhamudullin’s stick and raced down the ice. Mastrosimone blasted a slapshot past Carriere for his fifth goal, unassisted, of the season at the 2:11 mark.

San Jose regained its two-goal lead just over a minute later. Danil Gushchin’s breakaway attempt was stoned aside by Akhtyamov. Thomas Bordeleau intercepted a pass off a Marlie’s defender. Bordeleau quickly passed it back to Tristen Robins creating a two-on-one with Gushchin. Robins made the cross ice pass over to Gushchin who buried a one-timer past Akhtyamov for his eighth goal of the season at the 3:48 mark.

Once again, the Marlies made it a one-goal game with an even strength goal just under three minutes later. A shot from the point by Matt Benning was redirected by Joseph Blandisi for his eighth goal of the season at the 6:53 mark. Blandisi scored two goals in the weekend series against San Jose.

Collin Graf ended any chance of a second straight comeback for Toronto when he scored an empty net goal on a two-on-zeor with Robins for his seventh goal of the season with 36 seconds remaining in the contest.

Carriere (3-1-0) finished the game stopping 23 of the 25 shots he faced to earn his third win of the season. Akhtyamov made 23 saves on 26 shots in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished 0-for-5 on the power play. Toronto went 0-for-3.

The Three Stars of the Game: 1) Gushchin (1G,OA) 2) Poturalski (0G, 2A) 3) Cardwell (1G, 0A).

UP NEXT: San Jose continues its five-game homestand with a weekend series with the Henderson Silver Knights on Friday 1/31 at 7:30pm at Tech CU Arena.