Kings Rally Comes Up Short Losing to Bucks 115-98

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (left) drives on the Sacramento Kings forward Precious Achiuwa (9) in the first half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Sun Jan 4, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

After making an epic comeback, the Sacramento Kings (8-12) came up just short losing to the Milwaukee Bucks (16-20). They had trailed by as much as 26 points getting to within three points in the second half of the fourth quarter only to let the Bucks run away with the game 115-98.

The Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo made life pretty miserable for the Kings finishing with a double double, 37 points and 11 rebounds. Kevin Porter Jr. also played a huge role in the win scoring 25 points . The high for the Kings was Russell Westbrook with 21 points and Zach LaVine finished with 20 points on his return..

Game recap: After the first 12 minutes of play the Kings trailed by a couple of points 28-26. The Kings took a slight lead mid-way through the quarter but the Bucks fired back taking a seven-point lead with two minutes left in the first quarter 26-19. With 48 seconds left on the clock the Kings had fought their way back into the quarter tying up the game at 26. Sacramento was still in this game.

The second quarter turned upside down for the Kings getting outscored 34-18 by Milwaukee. After a competitive first quarter, the team just came apart in the second quarter trailing at the half 62-44.

Antetokounmpo who was able to take the court in the game just wore the Kings down. Sacramento had put the stops on the turnovers which was good news but they were shooting at around 57% from the line and could not hit a three only having two in three quarters of play.

Four Bucks were shooting in double digits with Antetokounmpo leading the way with 24 points and nine rebounds. Myles Turner, Porter Jr., and Ryan Rollins all had double digits through three quarters.

The Kings Westbrook, Keegan Murray and DeMar DeRozan all finished the third quarter with double digits but they could not put the stops on the damage that Antetokounmpo was bringing.

After three quarters the Bucks had taken an 85-69 lead. Sacramento was much more competitive in the third quarter outscoring the Bucks 25-23 but they just had a lot of ground to make up going into the fourth quarter.

After trailing by as much as 26 points, the Kings cut the Bucks lead to 85-75 in the final quarter. With 11:10 left in the game the Kings had a very real chance for a come-back in this game. Sacramento continued to cut the Bucks lead to single digits 88-85 with under nine minutes left in the game.

When it was looking so very positive for the Kings the Bucks pushed their lead back out to 95-85 with a lot of time still left in the game. Porter Jr. and Antetokounmpo had come up huge for Milwaukee in the final minutes of the quarter. After the amazing rally by Sacramento the Bucks hung tough finishing off Sacramento 115-98.

The Kings fought hard in the second half of the game fending off a 26-point deficit pulling to within three points but let the Bucks back in the game. It was yet another heart-breaking loss for the team, their sixth loss in a row.

LaVine had a great game off the bench finishing with 20 points. Westbrook had the team high with 21 points.

Antetokounmpo had a solid game finishing with a double double 37 points and 11 rebounds. Porter Jr. was also terrific scoring 25 points with 4 rebounds. The Bucks had outplayed the Kings on both ends of the court.

Game notes: Sunday night the Kings battled but lost to the Bucks at Golden 1 Center. The Kings suffered a fifth straight loss. It would be fair to say that the season is over with only 46 games left in the season but they may be looking at some improvement in those remaining games.

Sunday night the Kings welcomed Zach LaVine back on the court playing off the bench. For a minute the Kings was concerned with yet another possible blow when Maxime Raynaud came out of their matchup Friday night against the Phoenix Suns. He limped off the court with a leg injury mid-way through the fourth quarter. He went immediately to the locker room.

Thankfully an MRI taken after the game proved to be negative and the Kings had avoided yet another setback. The last thing the Kings could afford would be to lose another center who was playing in the absence of Domantas Sabonis. The Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo was probable going into Sunday night’s game suffering a right calf strain and played 32 minutes. Neither team can boast a stellar season but the Bucks had the real edge since Antetokounmpo took the court.

The Kings will remain at home for their next game taking on the Dallas Mavericks Tue Jan 7th. They will be looking for a second win over Dallas having beaten them on December 27. Tipoff for this game is another late one with an 8:00pm PT start.

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

Stanford Cardinal podcast Daniel Dullum: How Stanford sizes up against Virginia Tech Wednesday

Stanford Cardinal bench erupts as the Cardinal defeated the visiting Louisville Cardinals at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Fri Jan 2, 2026 (Stanford Cardinal X photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Daniel Dullum:

#1 Stanford Cardinal (12-3) freshman guard Ebuka Okorie leads the Cardinal in scoring (over 21 points per game) and will be a key offensive focal point against Virginia Tech Hokies (12-3) defense.

#2 With his size and rebounding ability, Chisom Okpara presence in the paint could be crucial in deciding whether Stanford controls the boards.

#3 Which backcourt combo — Okorie and Ryan Agarwal — will have more success penetrating Virginia Tech’s defense?

#4 Can Okpara’s experience help Stanford sustain consistency across four quarters?

#5 Will Stanford’s perimeter shooting under pressure be enough to offset Virginia Tech’s athletic defenders?

Join Daniel Dullum for the Stanford Cardinal podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: The Warriors and Draymond – A Soap Opera

Draymond Green Golden State Warriors guard (23) voices his opinion with officials just another day at the office for Green (AP file photo)

The Warriors and Draymond – A Soap Opera

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

In the United States, Soap Operas have been a staple on television for decades. Guiding Light, General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young and the Restless, As the World Turns, and others. Guiding Light (which ran for a combined 72 years on radio and television) is almost as long as the NBA, which was founded in 1946.

We can also include Spanish-language TV soaps, some of which are international and generational. The Warriors and Draymond are currently the longest-running NBA Soap Opera. From the 2016-17 season, when he called the Warriors “the greatest team the NBA has ever seen,” to a couple of weeks ago, he spoke about his heated exchange with coach Steve Kerr.

Some other comments are on his podcast, like when he called out Nicki Minaj for repeatedly mentioning LeBron James in her songs; ‘Is Nicki going to say ‘Bron in every song? At some point, it just becomes too repetitive,” Post-game comments about his team from: ‘we s…tonight’ to others of his greatest hits. And many other “episodes” on and off the court that are always interesting.

The forward and power forward, sometimes center, is a very talented player. Not only does he show you his 4 NBA Championship rings, accolades, including the 2017 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and his 4-time NBA All-Star status, but he can also talk to you about the two Olympic Medals he won with Team USA. Draymond is the Warriors’ defensive anchor and emotional leader, but it is his defensive skills that set him apart; he sees the court very well and has the talent to guard all five positions.

As of today, I consider Draymond Green a good bet for the NBA Hall of Fame. His stats are there; he reminds me of Dennis Rodman (NBA Hall of Fame), who was a great rebounder and defender in NBA history. He was a key player on the Chicago Bulls’ 5 World Championships, always controversial, but a great shot blocker.

I covered those teams when I was broadcasting Warriors games, home and away, in the 1990s, as I also remember a guy named Steve Kerr a brilliant guard-point guard and excellent shooter, who played with those great Michael Jordan-era championship teams.

Enjoy Draymond and the Warriors Sopa Opera. I like Draymond. He is fun, and it makes it a good show, and that is what the fans want, of course, as long as you can win, ‘it’s all good’. I can see Draymond on television with his own show; his personality reminds me of Charles Barkley, never, ever lost for words!

Quote: ‘Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships- Michael Jordan.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

Las Vegas Raiders podcast Rich Perez: Raiders Carlson boots game winning field goal with 8 seconds left in 14-12 squeaker to beat Chiefs

Las Vegas defensive end Charles Snowden (49) sacks Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Chris Oladokun (19) at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sun Jan 4, 2026 (Las Vegas Raiders photo)

Las Vegas Raiders podcast Rich Perez:

#1 It was all about the back ups, the second stringers and up and comers in Sunday’s game at Allegiant Stadium between the Kansas City Chiefs (6-11) and Las Vegas Raiders (3-14).

#2 The Raiders who led for most of the game couldn’t even hold onto the lead falling behind with 1:01 left in the game 12-11 after the Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker hit a 41 yard field goal. The Raiders on the kickoff ended up getting good field position with eight seconds left and kicker Daniel Carlson booted a 60 yard field goal as the Raiders beat the Chiefs 14-12.

#3 Rich, both starting quarterbacks sat out this contest the Chiefs Pat Mahommes with an injury and Raiders Geno Smith getting ready for the off season.

#4 Starting quarterback for the Raiders Aidan O’Connell had some small offensive numbers throwing 10-22 for 102 yards. O’Connell did not convert a touchdown.

#5 Rich the Raiders season is concluded another season without going to the post season?

#6 What do you see for the future of Raider head coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Geno Smith?

Rich Perez did the Las Vegas Raiders podcast for the 2025-26 season at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Barracuda fall to Condors in shootout 2-1

San Jose Barracuda vs Bakersfield Condors on Saturday January 3rd at Dignity Health Arena (via Madison Montez)

By Madison Montez

BAKERSFIELD–San Jose Baracuda couldn’t hold on losing in a shootout 2-1 in Bakersfield on Saturday. Coming down the right side, Colin White scored to give San Jose a first period 1-0 lead. His first goal since coming back from injury.

On a shot from the blue line, Josh Brown tied the game at 1-1 with four minutes left in the game. Game went into overtime but it wasn’t enough as it went to a shootout. Josh Brown was the winner, scoring the only goal in the shootout.

After the first period, San Jose who had the lead, outscored Bakersfield twelve to seven. After the second period, Bakersfield outshot San Jose thirteen to six. And after the third period, to end the game, Bakersfield outshot San Jose fifteen to thirteen.

Coming into tonight’s game, the visiting San Jose Barracuda had a 25.2% on the powerplay and a 74.5% on the penalty kill. For the home Bakersfield Condors, they had a 26.2% on the powerplay and a 80.0% on the penalty kill. In tonight’s game, neither team was able to capitalize on their opportunities. San Jose had three chances while Bakersfield had four.

Gabriel Carriere and Connor Ungar got the start in tonight’s game. Carriere came into the game with a 0-1 record against this Condors team. Recording the win/loss and making 37 saves on 38 shots, his record now moves to 0-2 against the Condors. Ungar came into the game with a 0-0 record against this Barracuda team, making his first start against San Jose. Recording the win and making 33 saves on 34 shots, his record now moves to 1-0 against the Barracuda.

THREE STARS OF THE GAME:

  1. Josh Brown
  2. Connor Ungar
  3. Gabriel Carriere

The Barracuda will be back in action on Wednesday January 7th, where they will visit San Diego to take on the San Diego Gulls. The last time these two teams faced off was on Wednesday December 10th at home when they fell 3-1, Cam Lund scoring the lone goal.

San Francisco 49ers podcast Jeremy Harness: Seahawks shut down 49ers offense in 13-3 season finale

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy walks off the field after a tough loss in the season finale against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara on Sat Jan 3, 2026 (AP News photo)

San Francisco 49ers podcast Jeremy Harness:

#1 Jeremy how surprising is it consideirng the San Francisco 49ers just last week had quarterback Brock Purdy throw five touchdown passes on Sunday NIght Football against the Chciago Bears this week the 49ers could only muster a field goal in a 13-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on their home field in Santa Clara.

#2 If you had to put a finger on it why the Seahawks were so successful in shutting down the 49ers offense and Purdy?

#3 For Purdy he was scrambling and couldn’t get any daylight and had trouble connecting with his receivers.

#4 Purdy’s numbers for Saturday night 19-25 for 125 yards no touchdowns and one interception watching he couldn’t get even one touchdown after getting five last week had to be a shocking trasformation.

#5 Going into the post season do you see a loss like this a huge set back for the 49ers or is this a game that they can regroup from and plan for a better goal for the post season?

Jeremy Harness filled in for David Zizmor who does the 49ers home and away post game podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast Charanbir Mahal: Was 49er loss a one off or are there concerns for postseason?

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy at the bottom is sacked by the Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Jarren Reed (middle) in the second half at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara on Sat Jan 3, 2025 (AP News photo)

San Francisco 49ers podcast Charanbir Mahal:

#1 Charanbir how surprising is it consideirng the San Francisco 49ers just last week had quarterback Brock Purdy throw five touchdown passes on Sunday NIght Football against the Chciago Bears this week the 49ers could only muster a field goal in a 13-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on their home field in Santa Clara.

#2 If you had to put a finger on it why the Seahawks were so successful in shutting down the 49ers offense and Purdy?

#3 For Purdy he was scrambling and couldn’t get any daylight and had trouble connecting with his receivers.

#4 Purdy’s numbers for Saturday night 19-25 for 125 yards no touchdowns and one interception watching he couldn’t get even one touchdown after getting five last week had to be a shocking trasformation.

#5 Going into the post season do you see a loss like this a huge set back for the 49ers or is this a game that they can regroup from and plan for a better goal for the post season?

Charanbir Mahal from INDTV USA filled in for David Zizmor who does the 49ers home and away post game podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Brutal Loss Against Bolts at Home: Sharks Lose 7-3 on Home Ice

Tampa Bay at San Jose Sharks as both teams battled in center ice for the opening period at SAP Center on Jan 3rd, 2026 (Sharks Media)

By Fernando Abarca

SAN JOSE, Calif– The San Jose Sharks (20-18-3) were ready to start the new year as the team hit the mid-point of the season, hosting the Tampa Bay Lightning (25-13-3). The Teal is trying to start off the first game of the year on a good note, but the visitors gave them a friendly reminder that they are top contenders in the Eastern Conference, and that reminder was not a friendly one crushing San Jose 7-3 Saturday.

From way before the start of the period, the Bolts came with superiority as they are on a 6-game streak, and made it to seven tonight. While for the Teal, they are on 3 3-game in a row winning streak, not bad for a team that is progressively improving.

During the first Period, the game was absolutely dominated by Tampa Bay. Brayden Point (10). Darren Raddysh (10) and Brandon Hagel (19) all contributed to a 3-0 lead within the first seven minutes of the period. The Sharks tried to get a sign of relief, scoring the lone powerr play goal of the period by the Sharks Pavol Regenda.

In the second period, the game was drawn by fights, penalties, intensity, and physicality. A total of nine penalties were given to each team for roughing and misconduct. The fight certainly set the tone of the game, but it also played a side effect role. The scoring remained in favor of Tampa Bay, with four more goals scored which two of which were those during a power play advantage.

Regenda helped the Sharks with another goal during the second period.

In the third, the Sharks were not able to bounce back, and the game remained. San Jose’s Regenda managed one goal in the third period but trailed by a comfortable margin, unable to mount a full comeback against a Lightning squad that dominated possession and capitalized on its scoring chances throughout the afternoon. Tampa Bay’s depth and execution stood out throughout the 60 minutes of Hockey.

The loss drops the Sharks in the second Wild Card spot momentarily, and marks an end to their three-game winning streak, a run that had briefly given San Jose momentum in the tightly contested Pacific Division.

The action returns Tuesday night at SAP Center against the Columbus Blue Jackets for a 7:00pm PT puck drop.

Sacramento Kings podcast Tony Harvey: Kings host Bucks Sunday night at Golden 1

Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) drives on the Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (13) in the first half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Thu Jan 1, 2026 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Tony Harvey:

#1 How will the Milwaukee Bucks who have been struggling and the Kings likewise handle Sunday’s game?

#2 Which Sacramento Kings player(s) will take on the scoring load without Domantas Sabonis or other injured starters?

#3 Can Sacramento’s backcourt, including Russell Westbrook and Dennis Schröder, control the tempo against Bucks’ guards?

#4 Talk about how the Kings will they will handle the Bucks Giannis Antetokoumpo?

#5 How important will bench production be for both teams in deciding this game?

Join Tony Harvey each Saturday for Sacramento Kings basketball at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

San Jose Sharks podcast Mary Lisa: Sharks face Bolts Saturday; Tampa Bay on 6 game win streak; SJ on 3 game win streak

San Jose Sharks left wing William Eklund (72) is jubilant after scoring the winning goal in the second round of the shootout against the Minnesota Wild at SAP Center in San Jose on Wed Dec 31, 2025 (AP News photo)

San Jose Sharks podcast Mary Lisa:

#1 Can Macklin Celebrini continue his recent high-octane offense and challenge the Tampa Bay Lightning (24-13-3) defense right from the opening puck drop?

#2 How will Tyler Toffoli’s scoring touch impact the San Jose Sharks (20-17-3) in Saturday’s matchup, especially considering his clutch goal in the last season against Tampa Bay with the Sharks win over the Lightning?

#3 Will Yaroslav Askarov’s netminding be a key factor, particularly if the Lightning come out firing early?

#4 Can Collin Graf make noise offensively again and continue to grow chemistry with Celebrini and Will Smith on that forward line?

#5 What defensive adjustments will Mario Ferraro and the Sharks blueline need to contain Tampa Bay’s transition game?

Mary Lisa is a San Jose Sharks beat writer and does Sharks podcasts Saturdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com