San Jose Sharks podcast with Mary Lisa: Sharks look to rebound after getting shutout in Arizona; San Jose faces Colorado Sunday night at Ball Arena

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The Arizona Coyotes left wing Matias Maccelli (right) puts the puck in the net for the game’s only goal against the San Jose Sharks goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen (36) in the second period at Mullet Arena in Tempe on Fri Dec 18, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the SJ Sharks podcast with Mary Lisa:

#1 The San Jose Sharks were shutout 1-0 by the Arizona Coyotes Friday. Matias Maccelli scored the only goal in the game and Connor Ingram made 21 saves for the shutout win.

#2 Kaapo Kahkonen made 23 saves for the Sharks. It was the fifth time this season that the Sharks have been shut out. The Coyotes were coming off of a four game losing streak.

#3 The one goal of the game came at 14:45 of the second period. Nick Bjugstad took a shot into some traffic on the right side of the net. Kahkonen stopped that but sent a rebound out to the right, to Matias Maccelli. Kahkonen could not get across in time to stop that one. Bjugstad and J.J. Moser got the assists.

#4 It looked like the game was tied at 7:40 of the third period. William Eklund put the puck in the net off a rebound from a shot by Luke Kunin. However, the Coyotes challenged the goal. On review, contact between Kunin’s leg and Ingram’s stick was seen as goaltender interference and the goal was called back.

#5 The Sharks are in Colorado to face off with the Colorado Avalanche at 5:00pm at the Ball Arena in Denver. The Avalanche have won five of their last ten games and have won two straight. The Avalanche are in first place in the Western Conference. How do you see this match up on Sunday night?

Join Mary Lisa for the Sharks podcasts each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Giants & KNBR FanFest Tour 2024 Hits the Road for an Unforgettable Baseball Odyssey Across Northern California!

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San Francisco Giants pitcher Logan Webb makes an appearance at the Giants FanFest on Feb 4, 2023. This was the first FanFest in two years. 2021 and 2022 was canceled due to the Covid 19 protocols. The Giants will hold FanFests in Sacramento, San Jose, Napa and San Francisco in Jan, Feb, and Mar 2024. (San Francisco Chronicle file photo)

By Mauricio Segura

The San Francisco Giants are set to kick off the new year with a fresh and revamped experience for their fans – introducing the Giants & KNBR FanFest Tour 2024. Departing from the traditional one-day event held in San Francisco, this reimagined series will hit the road, making stops across Northern California, including Sacramento, San Jose, and Napa.

The aim is to bring Giants players, coaches, alumni, and the beloved Lou Seal directly to the fans in their local communities. The tour, slated to start on Saturday, January 20, at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, promises an extended opportunity for fans to connect with their favorite team.

At each stop, attendees can look forward to autograph sessions, engaging Q&A sessions, the chance to snag exclusive merchandise, and much more. The excitement is palpable as the Giants’ ace, Logan Webb, a native of Rocklin, Calif., is scheduled to appear at the Sacramento event, alongside other current teammates and coaches.

Sarah Hebel, the Director of Marketing for the Sacramento River Cats, expressed enthusiasm about hosting the tour’s first stop, stating, “Player and fan interaction is an integral part of the Sutter Health Park fan experience.” This sentiment underscores the Giants’ commitment to bringing fans closer to the action, fostering a sense of community and shared passion for the game.

The tour doesn’t stop at Sacramento; it will also make its way to San Jose on January 24 and Napa on February 3. Fans attending these events will not only get a chance to meet their favorite players but can also secure tickets for the upcoming 2024 baseball season, along with exclusive offers available only at the tour stops.

A significant twist in this year’s FanFest is the Spring Training-inspired Open House at Oracle Park on March 9, concluding the tour. While active players may not be in attendance due to the timing, fans can still revel in the unique experience of accessing usually restricted ballpark locations, including the field, clubhouse, broadcast booth, and dugout.

The event promises an immersive encounter with Giants alumni, with opportunities for autographs, meet-and-greets, and unforgettable photo ops with the cherished World Series Trophies.

For the San Francisco leg of the tour, there’s an intriguing mention of using “new technology” to allow fans to interact with players in Scottsdale during the Spring Training game. This innovative touch adds a modern twist to the FanFest experience, catering to tech-savvy fans eager to engage with their favorite players even from a distance.

Rachel Heit, Chief Marketing Officer of the San Francisco Giants, highlights the organization’s commitment to evolving with fan preferences, stating, “With the reimagination of Giants & KNBR FanFest in 2024, we’re giving Giants fans even more opportunities and flexibility to connect with their team, while improving and expanding upon a beloved preseason event.”

Sacramento: Saturday, January 20 (10 a.m. – 1 p.m.)

Featuring Logan Webb with teammates and coaches Sutter Health Park – Home of the Sacramento River Cats Sacramento Saturday, January 20 (10am – 1 pm)

Featuring Kyle Harrison and Pat Burrell with teammates and coaches San Pedro Square Market 87 North San Pedro St San Jose: Saturday, January 27 (4pm – 7 p.m)

Featuring Michael Conforto and Matt Williams with teammates and coaches, Oxbow Gardens 585 First Street Napa: Saturday, February 3 (10 a.m. – 1 p.m.)

Oracle Park San Francisco Saturday, March 9 (10am – 1pm)

Featuring Giants alumni, broadcasters and Lou Seal

Mauricio Segura has been a Bay Area sportswriter & photographer for the past 20 years, covering baseball, soccer, football, and basketball. He’s contributed articles for Area Chica Magazine, The Baseball Analyst Quarterly, and various newspapers. He currently publishes an online sports and entertainment website called Golden Bay Times and is the graphics and art Director for the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame.

Oakland Athletics Settle Coliseum Payment, Paving the Way for Vegas Move

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View of the Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Complex which half the property is owned by John Fisher and the Oakland A’s and the other 50% is owned by Alameda County (KGO ABC 7/ Sky7 file photo)

By Mauricio Segura

In a dramatic turn of events of the continuing soap opera that has become Oakland Athletics baseball, the team has confirmed their commitment to pay the remaining $45 million owed to Alameda County for their 50% stake in the Coliseum site.

The decision comes after a recent notice from the county, demanding payment by May 14, 2024, triggered by the MLB owners’ unanimous vote on November 16, 2023, approving the A’s relocation to Las Vegas.

The A’s, represented by Coliseum Way Partners LLC, acknowledged the accelerated timeline, with chief legal officer D’Lonra C. Ellis stating in a letter to Nate Miley, president of the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, that they would adhere to the terms of the 2019 purchase agreement.

The initial deal, valued at $85 million, allowed for payments in installments until 2026. However, a clause was activated, requiring the A’s to settle the remaining balance within 180 days of announcing their departure from Oakland.

This resolution brings a temporary conclusion to a messy saga surrounding the prominent Bay Area property. The other half of the 155-acre Coliseum site is owned by the City of Oakland, currently engaged in negotiations with the African American Sports and Entertainment Group for a proposed $115 million sale. The group aims to transform the area into a bustling commercial hub with live sports, hotels, and nightlife, though early hurdles have been encountered.

The A’s, secretive about their plans for the Coliseum property, acquired their stake in 2019, initially positioning it as a backup option for a new stadium. However, the narrative quickly shifted, with the team deeming the Coliseum unsuitable for Major League Baseball shortly after the purchase.

As the A’s prepare for their move to Las Vegas in 2028, questions linger about their temporary home for the seasons between 2025 and 2027. Various options, including playing in Reno, extending the Coliseum lease, using the A’s Triple-A home in Las Vegas, or sharing Oracle Park with the San Francisco Giants, have been discussed. Notably, MLB owners unanimously approved the relocation without the A’s disclosing their interim plans.

Intriguingly, the A’s owner, John Fisher, recently made a substantial stock sale, raising $32 million, which aligns with the timing of the Coliseum payment. Speculation suggests this may be a strategic move to demonstrate good faith and potentially secure a lease extension, allowing the city to redevelop the Coliseum without Fisher’s direct involvement. This theory gains traction as tensions between the A’s, Oakland, and MLB remain palpable, and Fisher seeks to secure RSN payments ranging from $180-210 million.

While the Coliseum property dispute is settling, broader uncertainties persist, including ongoing litigation challenging the property sale and the unresolved matter of the A’s interim playing location. As the baseball landscape undergoes significant changes, the A’s journey from the Coliseum to Las Vegas is marked by financial intricacies, legal battles, and a strategic dance with the future of the franchise.

Mauricio Segura has been a Bay Area sportswriter & photographer for the past 20 years, covering baseball, soccer, football, and basketball. He’s contributed articles for Area Chica Magazine, The Baseball Analyst Quarterly, and various newspapers. He currently publishes an online sports and entertainment website called Golden Bay Times and is the graphics and art Director for the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame.

Sharks Fall 1-0 to Coyotes, Two Goals Called Back

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Arizona Coyotes goaltender Connor Ingram (39) makes a stopping save against the San Jose Sharks left winger Fabian Zetterlund (20) in the second period at Mullet Arena in Tempe AZ on Fri Dec 15, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Mary Walsh

The San Jose Sharks were shutout 1-0 by the Arizona Coyotes Friday. Matias Maccelli scored the only goal in the game and Connor Ingram made 21 saves for the shutout win. Kaapo Kahkonen made 23 saves for the Sharks. It was the fifth time this season that the Sharks have been shut out. The Coyotes were coming off of a four game losing streak.

After the game, Sharks forward Anthony Duclair said: “I thought we just needed some more energy. I think we could have had a better start, I think we just played an okay game. That’s what happens. Obviously they were a desperate hockey team on the other side, losing four in a row.”

Sharks Head Coach David Quinn also commented on the team’s lack of energy:

“To manage just to kind of hang around I think it’s another example of our progress. I think a month ago if we had this type of energy we wouldn’t have been in the situation we were in by the end of the game. So, disappointing we lost, our PK was good, we didn’t draw a penalty which was disappointing but, again, you know, we hung around, had a chance to tie it.”

The one goal of the game came at 14:45 of the second period. Nick Bjugstad took a shot into some traffic on the right side of the net. Kahkonen stopped that but sent a rebound out to the right, to Matias Maccelli. Kahkonen could not get across in time to stop that one. Bjugstad and J.J. Moser got the assists.

It looked like the game was tied at 7:40 of the third period. William Eklund put the puck in the net off a rebound from a shot by Luke Kunin. However, the Coyotes challenged the goal. On review, contact between Kunin’s leg and Ingram’s stick was seen as goaltender interference and the goal was called back.

The game seemed to be tied again at 16:01 of the third period, when Mikael Granlund put the puck in the net. It was a beautiful goal, with Granlund skating through several Coyotes before scoring. But the Coyotes challenged again. The review found that Anthony Duclair was offside and the goal was called back.

The Sharks took four penalties and killed them all but they had no power plays. The shot count was close, 24-21 Coyotes. In the face-off circle, the Sharks struggled, winning just 37.5% of the draws. This was due in part to the absence of Nico Sturm, who was placed on injured reserved Friday.

The Sharks next play on Sunday at 5:00 PM PT in Colorado against the Avalanche.

Barracuda power past Wranglers in 3-0 shutout win

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San Jose Barracuda players Shakir Mukhamadullin (#85), Leon Gawanke (#26) and Danil Gushchin (#75) celebrate their second period goal against the Calgary Wranglers at Tech CU Arena on Friday DEC 15, 2023. (San Jose Barracuda)

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE — The San Jose Barracuda took advantage of a five-minute power play as they defeated the Calgary Wranglers in 3-0 shutout victory on Friday evening at Tech CU Arena.

San Jose has won two games in a row. Calgary is 5-2-1 over its past eight games.

“I think the group did a good job recognizing we got more (to our game). We had a pretty hard week of practice to get ready for tonight and I thought the guys responded pretty well,” ‘Cuda head coach John McCarthy said.

The opening frame featured a scoreless 20 minutes as the Wranglers edged the Barracuda in shots 10-9 in a first period that didn’t feature many stoppages of play. Each team had a short power play opportunity to no avail.

San Jose (7-11-4-0) goalie Eetu Makiniemi made two point-blank saves near the end of the first period to keep the deadlock intact. Calgary (16-5-2-0) goalie Oscar Dansk made a point-blank chance from Brandon Coe as the highlight for the Wranglers.

The ‘Cuda broke the deadlock late in the second period with an even strength goal. Danil Gushchin led a rush into the Wranglers zone. He found Leon Gawanke along the right boards. Gawanke then found Shakir Mukhamadullin in the center of the ice and the rookie defenseman sent a seeing-eyed wrist through a sea of traffic for his third goal of the season at the 14:35 mark.

“He (Mukhamadullin) has made a lot of strides. I think his breakout skills have improved. Using his net, skating using his retrievals. He’s been able to beat his forecheckers, which is something we’ve been working on with him and it’s starting to show up in his game,” McCarthy said.

A scary situation happened with three seconds left in the middle frame. Dryden Hunt ran into Cole Cassels at center ice that resulted in a five-minute major penalty on Hunt for interference and an automatic ejection. Cassels, who was visibly upset on the play, did not sustain an injury.

Thomas Bordeleau made the Wranglers pay during the extended power play early in the third period with a 4-on-3 goal. Gawanke sent a rink wide pass over to Bordeleau who blasted a one-timer past Dansk for his seventh goal of the season at the 1:01 mark.

Nathan Todd scored the ‘Cuda’s third unanswered goal and second on the extended power play when he came into the Wranglers goals unattended and beat Dansk to the short side with a wrist shot for his fifth goal of the season at the 3:14 mark.

Todd has a point in six consecutive games with eight points during the streak.

Makiniemi (3-2-0) stopped all 22 shots he faced to earn his first shutout and third win of the season. Dansk (6-2-2) made 34 saves on 37 shots in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished 2-for-7 on the power play. Calgary went 0-for-2.

The Three Stars of the Game were: 1) Mukhamadullin 2) Gawanke 3) Makiniemi.

UP NEXT: San Jose and Calgary conclude their two-game series on Saturday 12/16 at 6:00pm at Tech CU Arena.

Oakland A’s relocation podcast with Daniel Dullum: 49ers and Thunder get Public money to facilitate stadiums; Can Schools over Stadiums beat those odds in Vegas?

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Jed York Chief Executive of the San Francisco 49ers and the 49ers will get a tax cut worth $180 million from Santa Clara County. The tax cut will run for 30 years. Another example of public money supporting professional sports stadiums (photo by Sports Illustrated)

On the Oakland A’s Relocation podcast with Daniel:

#1 Daniel, this week the San Francisco 49ers got a tax cut worth $180 million in a ruling from a Santa Clara County Judge. The 49ers have over 30 years remaining on their lease at Levis Stadium. The ruling by Superior Court Judge Helen Williams reject a lawsuit brought on by Santa Clara Assessor Lawrence Stone. The lawsuit challenged the taxable value of Levi Stadium that was set by an appeals board back in 2019.

#2 Like what Schools over Stadiums are saying about the public money that is going to fund the Tropicana ballpark in Las Vegas to the tune of $380 million. Santa Clara Unified School District will be hit with a $2.4 million in revenue because of the 49ers tax relief. Santa Clara will lose out on $32 million and this will be over the life of the Levi 30 year lease. The city of Santa Clara takes a $24 million loss in tax revenue during the 30 year lease. So Schools and education again gets pushed to the bottom of the list.

#3 Oklahoma City voter approved public funding for the Oklahoma City Thunder for a new $900 million downtown arena. The approval keeps the Thunder in Oklahoma City through 2050. 71% of all precincts reported that the funding has been approved. There will be a one cent sales tax for the next additional years. The tax won’t start until 2028. Universities in the state of Oklahoma were against the use of public money to fund the arena with some Oklahoma professors all with PhD’s who were against the public funding, but could not beat back the public support for the new downtown arena.

#4 Daniel taking a look at some these passages for public monies for the 49ers and the Thunder it would look like it will be an uphill battle for the Schools over Stadiums to beat back public funding from the state of Nevada if they could get the signatures to get it on the ballot it’s getting the voters to vote down the public money for the Tropicana ballpark. Not that easy.

#5 The A’s so far have not come up with rendering, they still have to get approval from the FAA to build at the corner of Las Vegas Blvd and Tropicana because of the lights of the ballpark could interfere with landing and take offs as home plate fronts the airport strip, also A’s owner John Fisher needs to come up with his share of the $1.1 billion for the construction of the Tropicana, Fisher owes $48 million for the Oakland Coliseum property for his half that comes due to Alameda County in Jun 2024.

Join Daniel Dullum for the Oakland A’s Relocation podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Giants get their man; sign Jung-Hoo Lee to six-year deal

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Newly signed San Francisco Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee tried on his cap and uniform jersey at his press conference. Lee signed a six year deal and met with the media on Fri Dec 15, 2023 at Oracle Park (AP News photo)

By Stephen Ruderman

The Giants made the signing of Korean outfielder Jung-hoo Lee official today at a press conference at Oracle Park.

The Giants signed Lee to a six-year, $132-million deal, with an opt-out option for Lee after four years. The move came after the Giants came short of signing Shohei Ohtani, and lost him to their archrival Dodgers.

Lee played for the Nexen/Kiwoom heroes in the KBO in South Korea for seven seasons, from 2017 to 2023. He was posted on Dec, 4, and the Giants came to an agreement with him on Tuesday. After Lee passed his physical yesterday, the deal was made official.

The addition of Lee is a big upgrade for the Giants, both on the field and in the clubhouse. Lee has personality to him, which not only lacked in the Giants’ clubhouse in recent seasons, but has lacked amongst players in general in recent years.

Lee jokingly asked if he looked handsome, while putting on his Giants uniform, which had the number 51, that of his idol, and one of the greatest players of all-time, Ichiro Suzuki. Despite being Korean, Lee was born in Japan, because his father, Lee Jong-beom was playing for the Chunichi Dragons of the NPB in Japan.

He was the MVP of the KBO League in 2022, and has a career-.340 average. He is also a contact hitter, who puts the ball in play. Lee’s style of hitting is contrary to that of the power-hitting superstars in high demand today, and it also is a style of hitting that is perfectly suited for Oracle Park.

Oracle Park, which in its 24 years, has been one of the most pitcher-friendly parks in Baseball, where pitching, defense and contact hitting are crucial. It is a philosophy that has been mostly cast aside by the analytics people who run baseball front offices today.

However, it was that philosophy of Baseball that won the Giants three world championships in five years in 2010, 2012 and 2014, and it has been making a slow comeback amongst a few teams over the last two seasons.

The 2022 Cleveland Guardians, the youngest team in Baseball that season, got to Game 5 of the American League Division Series with small-ball hitting; and the 2023 Arizona Diamondbacks improbably won the National League Pennant and got to the World Series using that very style of baseball.

The Giants continue to look to add, as they could be seen as a landing spot for 2023 National League Cy Young Winner Blake Snell, and other free agents.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Viva Las Vegas Raiders! 63 points – Ay Caramba!

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Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) is walking on air after scoring a first half touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Thu Dec 14, 2023 (AP News photo)

Viva Las Vegas Raiders! 63 points – Ay Caramba!

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Las Vegas Raiders made history this Thursday night as they beat the Los Angeles Chargers 63 to 21. This is a new franchise record in total points for the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders.

Antonio Pierce, the Raiders head coach ( the HC role is general oversight, making calls on things like timeouts and challenges, and overall strategic adjustment) says he told the team that they should “press the gas pedal even harder” when they were up 42-0 in the second quarter.

The highest-ever scoring in one NFL game was on November 27, 1966, when the Washington Redskins scored 72 points and beat the New York Giants by a 72-41 score.

The Raiders made news, although their record the morning after was still a disappointing 6-8. Nonetheless, it was something to see.

Kings Soar as Thunder Falls: A Basketball Overture in Sacramento 128-123

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The Sacramento Kings De’Aaron Fox (5) goes for the layup against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Thu Dec 14, 2023 (photo by Mauricio Segura/Sports Radio Service & Golden Bay Times)

By Mauricio Segura

SACRAMENTO–The second place Oklahoma City Thunder (15-8), entered the Golden One Center Arena in Sacramento with an unyielding determination to depart in their chartered plane with a triumphant “W” etched into the stat book. After all, they had already lost eight in a row to the Sacramento Kings (14-9), another loss would be unacceptable.

Little did they know that as their plane soared over the downtown area later that night, all they would witness out of their windows would be a vibrant purple beam piercing through the star-filled sky, a radiant reminder that the “W” fell from their grasps once again to the mighty Kings with a score of 128-123.

The court served as the dramatic stage for a clash of titans of sorts, featuring the league’s standout point guards – Sac Town’s De’Aaron Fox and the Thunders Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The duo delivered performances that merited a standing ovation, leaving an indelible mark on the hardwood.

Fox notched an impressive 41 points (marking the third occasion this season with 40+ points), seven assists, three rebounds, and a flurry of five 3-pointers. On the opposing end, Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his own brand of brilliance, culminating in 43 points, nine assists, six rebounds, and a near-perfect 16 for 18 at the free-throw line.

The Thunder thundered into action right from the tip-off, with Gilgeous-Alexander unleashing a torrent of 14 points in the opening quarter, affording his team a slender one-point lead. Yet, the Kings, orchestrating unparalleled teamwork with the likes of Domantas Sabonis, Keon Ellis, and Malik Monk in the second quarter, surged past the 50% shooting mark, claiming a 59-53 lead as halftime buzzer radiated throughout the G1 Center.

This momentum seamlessly continued into the second half, where the Kings maintained their steady flow while Gilgeous-Alexander valiantly attempted to shoulder his team’s fortunes. Jalen Williams struggled, converting only 2 of his 14 attempts, and Chet Holmgren, finding his rhythm with three successful shots in the fourth quarter, added a layer of hope that proved too late in coming.

As the clock dwindled to 2:03 remaining, the Thunder found themselves trailing by a mere four points. Despite Holmgren’s final desperate shot when the outcome was already decided.

On the Kings’ side of the court, the triumph featured Sabonis, contributing 18 points and an impressive 16 rebounds, Monk adding another 18 to his name, and Ellis capping off the night with a career-high and smile-inducing 17 points.

Thursday’s game was the first of six in this current homestand. The Utah Jazz will be in town this Saturday, tip-off will be at 7:00 pm.

Mauricio Segura has been a Bay Area sportswriter & photographer for the past 20 years, covering baseball, soccer, football, and basketball. He’s contributed articles for Area Chica Magazine, The Baseball Analyst Quarterly, and various newspapers. He currently publishes an online sports and entertainment website called Golden Bay Times and is the graphics and art Director for the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame.

Sizzling Clippers Too Hot Too Handle for Golden State 121-113

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Los Angeles Clippers guard Terrace Mann (14) goes up to take a shot against the Golden State Warriors Jonathan Kuminga (front right) at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Thu Dec 14, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Golden State Warriors (10-14) got close in this game, in fact it was a one-point game in the fourth quarter 103-102. The Los Angeles Clippers (14-10) hung tough in a very close match-up winning their sixth in a row. The final was 121-113.

Thursday night the Warriors (10-14) traveled to Los Angeles to take on the Clippers (14-10). The starting roster for this game had been changed up due to the indefinite suspension of Draymond Green. Andrew Wiggins started the game on the bench and Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski started the game. 

Kuminga has been playing lights out basketball and got a great chance to continue to prove himself with 15 points. The Warriors will be missing Draymond Green and Gary Payton II especially on the defensive end. The Clippers are really clicking right now and have won five in a row and will be looking for number six. These guys are playing outstanding basketball and it will be a tough call.

Game recap: This game was a close one as it got underway with the Clippers leading after the first 12 minutes 29-28. Los Angeles began to get some separation leading at the half 69-56. The Clippers had really turned it on winning the second quarter 40-28. 

The Warriors were struggling trying to keep James Harden from penetrating their defense and those pesky turnovers began to rear their ugly heads as well as misses from the line. Kawhi Leonard was also giving the Warriors a run for their money. At the half Harden had 18 points and Leonard had 17. Golden State needed to find some rhythm in the second half of this game.

The Warriors trimmed a 16 point Clipper lead to nine in the third quarter. At 7:00 in the third the Clippers had hung onto a 86-73 lead. Klay Thompson was keeping the Warriors in the game hitting 7 of 9 three’s with 27 points so far in this game. 

The Clippers refused to cool off putting a lot of pressure on the Warrior offense. Every time the Warriors threatened, the Clippers had the answer. Golden State would inch closer and Los Angeles would shut it down. 

With 2.5 left on the clock in the quarter Chris Paul hit a three to cut the Clipper lead to six 99-93. After trailing by 16, the Warriors had now pulled to within six points. They had cut down on the turnovers protecting the ball well and had won the quarter 37-30.

As the fourth quarter got underway the Warriors began to put on a lot of pressure in the paint and Golden State took over as the aggressor against one of the best teams in the league. With 8:51 left on the clock it was a one-point game 103-102 in favor of the Clippers. 

The Warriors had gone on a 16 to 4 run in a real battle. With under seven minutes left in the game the Clippers began to push back leading 108-102. The Warriors needed to make some buckets down the stretch because the Clippers were doing some great defensive things. 

Los Angeles is the third best defensive team in the league and they were putting on quite a show in this game. Thompson hit his eighth three with under six minutes and it was a fourth point game 111-107. 

Misses in the final three minutes by Golden State was the difference in this game, one of the reason that they came up short. Stephen Curry was 0-3 in the fourth quarter as Los Angeles closed out this game 121-113.

Thompson was the high for the Warriors with 30 points. The Warriors had a tough time with the extensive weapons that the Clippers possess. Golden State dropped to a 10-14 record.

The Clippers James Harden finished with 28 points followed by Leonard scoring 27. Amir Coffey had 18 and off the bench Norman Powell with 21. The team was also not at full strength with Paul George out due to left hip soreness in this game. They will be chasing number seven Saturday as they take on the Knicks.

Saturday night the Golden State Warriors return home to host the Brooklyn Nets at Chase Center with a 5:30pm PT tip off.