Admirals make Barracuda pay for sinbin carousel in 6-2 win

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Milwaukee Admirals forward Oasiz Wiesblatt (#88) celebrates his second period goal with his teammates along the boards against the San Jose Barracuda at Tech CU Arena on Friday OCT 25, 2025. (San Jose Barracuda)

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE — The Milwaukee Admirals scored four goals on the man advantage in the second period to power past the San Jose Barracuda in a 6-2 victory on Friday evening at Tech CU Arena.

San Jose has lost three games in a row. Milwaukee has won two of its first three games to start the season.

San Jose (1-3-0) had three power play opportunities in the first period but weren’t able to capitalize on them thanks to the Admirals penalty kill led by goalie Matthew Murray who stopped all 15 shots.

Milwaukee (2-1-0) drew first blood at the end of the opening frame despite only registering 4 shots on goal in the first 15 minutes of the game. Ryan Ufko’s shot from the point clanked off of the back of Cuda goalie Gabriel Carriere and then off of the post. Former San Jose Sharks prospect David Edstrom poked home the rebound for his first goal of the season at the 19:56 mark.

The Admirals doubled its lead with a 5-on-3 power play goal to open up the second period. Ufko’s shot from the point was initially saved by Carriere. Cole O’Hara partially fanned on the rebound that trickled back into the middle and tapped home by Zach L’Heureux for his second goal of the season at the 2:02 mark.

Milwaukee scored its second power play goal of the game and third unanswered goal just over a minute later. Jake Lucchini received a puck from behind the net and centered the puck over to Daniel Carr open in the slot. Carr’s quick wrist shot falling down beat Carriere top shelf for his second goal of the season at the 3:24 mark.

Oasiz Wiesblatt scored Milwaukee’s third straight power play goal when he finished a tic-tac-toe play after getting behind Jake Furlong to beat Carriere with a point-blank shot for his first goal of the season at the 5:52 mark. Reid Schaefer and L’Heureux were credited with the assists.

San Jose had a 1:50 worth of a 5-on-3 power play opportunity with nine minutes remaining in the middle frame but Filip Bystedt’s tripping penalty at the 12:44 mark wiped away the chance for the Cuda to get back into the game.

The Barracuda finally got off the schneid with an even strength goal exactly two minutes later at the 7:52 mark. Samuel Laberge found a trailing Mattias Havelid who sniped a wrist shot past Murray for his first goal of the season.

Milwaukee scored its fourth power play goal of the period when Ufko’s shot from the left point deflected off of Cole Clayton and past Carriere for Ufko’s first goal of the season at the 14:10 mark. O’Hara and Joey Willis picked up helpers on the play.

Kasper Halttunen scored a power play goal for the Barracuda at the 18:02 mark when he blasted a shot past Murray for his second goal of the season. Cam Lund and Filip Bystedt recorded assists.

Ryder Rolston concluded the game’s scoring with an empty netter, his second of the season, with 2:16 remaining in the contest.

Murray finished the game stopping 37 of the 39 shots he faced to earn his second win of the season. Carriere made 18 saves on 23 shots in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished 1-for-8 on the power play. Milwaukee was 4-for-4.

UP NEXT: San Jose and Milwaukee conclude their two-game weekend series on Saturday October 25 at 6:00pm at Tech CU Arena.

San Jose Sharks podcast Lincoln Juarez: New Jersey’s Hamilton two goals put Sharks away 3-1

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New Jersey Devils Jack Hughes (86) and the San Jose Sharks Collin Graf (51) battle for the puck in the second period at the Prudential Center in Newark NJ on Fri Oct 24, 2025 (AP News photo)

San Jose Sharks podcast Lincoln Juarez:

#1 The New Jersey Devils Dougie Hamilton got two goals against the San Jose Sharks and they were key goals enough to get by the San Jose Sharks 3-1 on Friday night at the Prudential Center in New Jersey.

#2 New Jersey came in hot with the win they pick up their seventh win in a row going into this one the Sharks knew they would have their hands full against the Devils?

#3 New Jersey’s Connor Brown added a goal and Nico Hischier picked up two assists and the Devils have not lost a game since opening night when the bowed to the Carolina Hurricanes.

#4 Tough luck for San Jose who have now lost their seventh game out of their last eight dropping their record to 1-5-2.

#5 The Sharks conclude this five game road trip against the Minnesota Wild Sun Oct 26th. The Wild have been struggling losing four of their last five games. The Wild lost their last game to New Jersey 4-1 last Wed Oct 22nd at the Prudential Center.

Join Lincoln Juarez for the Sharks podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: NBA Gambling Scandal, Operation Royal Flush and Greed

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This combo of images shows charged NBA personnel, from left, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former Cleveland Cavaliers’ Damon Jones. (AP Photo/File)

NBA Gambling Scandal, Operation Royal Flush and Greed

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi Gonzalez

Prosecutors say the suspects in Thursday’s NBA-Mafia-linked gambling bust used a wide range of sophisticated technology to cheat victims out of millions of dollars. At Thursday’s news conference, it was revealed that Operation Royal Flush began as early as 2019, with rigged games played in major markets like New York City.

In essence, this FBI investigation has been ongoing for five years. But now, everything is starting to come to the surface, with every day that goes by, more and more information is disclosed. This drip-drip story creates a nightmare scenario for a very lucrative sports league with a worldwide audience.

The NBA is both extremely popular and lucrative in China, where it is the country’s most popular sport with an estimated half a billion fans and a business value of around $5 billion. This story has worldwide repercussions.

Federal indictments filed in October 2025 allege that at least two NBA players faked injuries as part of an illegal gambling and game-manipulation scheme, and there is more. Some made bets based on information about a certain player who would not be available, thus encouraging someone “on the outside ” to bet against a particular team without their star player.

It is ugly, folks. From X-ray tables to hidden cameras and even per-marketed cards, prosecutors say the suspects in this NBA-Mafia-linked gambling bust used a wide range of very sophisticated technology in order to cheat victims out of millions of dollars.

At Thursday’s news conference, officials said the poker scheme, dubbed ‘Operation Royal Flush, started with an ” Expect domino effect ” after gambling allegations involving NBA” Said famous attorney Mark Geragos.

US Congress sent a letter to NBA commissioner Adam Silver requesting a briefing and expressing concern over “allegations of illegal gambling and sports rigging”. Looks like this NBA Gambling scandal has opened a can of worms.

The NCAA said Thursday it is investigating 13 Division I men’s basketball players at six schools — including Temple and Arizona State — for alleged violations of gambling rules and failing to cooperate with investigators.

The NBA has the highest average player earnings per year. In the 2024-25 season, the average NBA player salary was about $11.91 million, surpassing other major leagues like the National Football League (NFL) and Major League Baseball Politicians talk all the time about the “privilege class” in the United States, usually they do not go into sports, it becomes a talking point among political people, but the fact remains that professional sports in the United States is a very lucrative business for all involved, including players.

While the average salary of an American is around $63.000 per year, the average salary of an NBA player is around $11 million per year. $11 million per year would be more than enough for you and me and the majority of people, but there is one word that plays a big role here that nobody has mentioned.

Greed, one of the seven deadly sins, is a desire for more and more and more, like wealth, power, or possessions. We cannot forget that Greed is also part of this, even among those who are already millionaires.

Notes: Numerous regulated sports gambling websites are available in the U.S., but they are only accessible in states where sports betting is legal . Draft Kings and Fan Duel lead the market, with Bet MGM, Caesars Sportsbook, Fanatics Sportsbook, and bet365 also being popular choices.

Quote: “Eat your betting money but don’t bet your eating money.”—Horse Racing Proverb.

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.

While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com

Sacramento Kings podcast Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings try to figure out how to hold the lead

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Sacramento Kings guard Zach Lavine (8) throws one down against the Phoenix Suns forward Oso Ighodaro (left) in the first half at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Fri Oct 24, 2025 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 What was the largest lead the Kings held during the first half of the game, and how did the Suns respond in the second half?

#2 Which Kings player led the team in points, and what was his shooting performance?

#3 How many points did veteran guard Russell Westbrook score for the Kings in his debut with the team in this game?

#4 Which key Kings starters were unavailable for this game due to injury, and how might their absence how was their absence impacted this game.

#5 Kings host the Utah Jazz talk about how you see this match at Golden One Center tonight

Sacramento Kings podcasts with Jeremiah Salmonson Thursdays 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. 

That’s Amaury News and Commentary–Illegal Gambling Bust Rocks NBA World 

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Portland Trailblazers head coach Chauncey Billups was one of 32 arrested on Illegal gambling charges in Portland on Wed Oct 23, 2025 (AP News photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Illegal gambling bust rocks NBA World

Illegal Gambling Bust Rocks NBA World

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

An FBI probe into mafia-linked gambling and sports rigging schemes led to the arrests of Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, as well as former NBA player Damon Jones.

According to the NBA, the current players have been placed on leave. An arrest and investigation like this takes months to put together; stuff like this doesn’t happen and come out in a few days.

It would be interesting to see what further revelations from all parties, including players, attorneys, and NBA representatives, emerge in the near future.

Among the many sources reporting early on this story, originally reported by the FBI, which is conducting the investigation, is NBC Sports, which reported that the betting scandal could involve NBA megastar LeBron James. The FBI secured more than 30 indictments tied to alleged illegal gambling scandals, including three former and current prominent NBA figures.

This is not good for the NBA, which just began its 2025-26 season on October 21, as NBC and Peacock televised a doubleheader broadcast featuring the Houston Rockets and the Oklahoma Thunder, followed by the Golden State Warriors at the Los Angeles Lakers.

More news on this should be coming soon.

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.

While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com

Sharks 6 game skid comes to an end with 6-5 win over Rangers at MSG

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The New York Rangers Will Cullye (left) and the San Jose Sharks Macklin Celebrini (right) jockey for position in first period action at Madison Square Garden in New York on Thu Oct 23, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Jessica Kwong

NEW YORK, NY. — The San Jose Sharks (1-4-2) captured their first victory of the season, 6-5 in overtime, against the New York Rangers (3-4-2) on a thrilling Thursday night at “The World’s Most Famous Arena”.

It was an especially special night at Madison Square Garden for Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, who got a hat trick.

“MSG, it’s a pretty cool rink, we only get to come here once a year and it was great to get the first one,” he said.

The Sharks entered the famed arena with great expectations and pressure to earn their first win, and it was a relief for the team to get the job done.

“Obviously it’s nice to get the result and that’s the biggest thing,” said Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky.

“Again we’re playing some pretty good hockey, you know, we were going toe-to-toe with one of the better teams in the league and cred to the group. You know, we just kept playing an d even the last week here with the losses, the guys show up with great attitudes, they’re coachable, they’re working hard to get better individually and collectively.”

Sharks right wing Adam Gaudette made a snap shot assisted by right wing Collin Graf and center Michael Misa at 1:58 into the first period, putting San Jose up 1-0. Then Celebrini made a power play goal at 6:17 assisted by left wing William Eklund and defenseman Dmitry Orlov to boost the lead to 2-0.

The Rangers fought back and right wing Taylor Raddysh made a wrist shot at 14:19 assisted by right wing Sam Carrick and defenseman Carson Soucy to cut the Sharks’ lead to 2-1.

But Celebrini struck again with nine seconds left in the period, making a wrist shot assisted by center Will Smith and Eklund to expand San Jose’s lead to 3-1.

In the second period, center Mika Zibanejad made a power play goal assisted by left wing Alexis Lafrenière and center J.T. Miller at 4:04 to put the Rangers within one. Center Juuso Parssinen made a wrist shot assisted by left wing Conor Sheary at 6:47 to tie the game at 3-3. Then Raddysh made an unassisted shorthanded goal at 12:10 to give the Rangers their first lead of the game.

The Sharks avoided a scoreless period as Celebrini made a wrist shot assisted by Smith and Orlov with six seconds left to tie it at 4-4, and earned his third goal of the game.

Celebrini said of the pass from Smith: “I mean, I think that’s what he does best, he’s a pretty special player and I think you’ve seen him before the kind of plays he’s able to make. I was just on the receiving end on a couple of those.”

In the third period, Smith made a wrist shot assisted by Eklund and Celebrini at 6:31 to allow the Sharks to retake a 5-4 lead.

Raddysh answered back with a slap shot assisted by Miller and defenseman Adam Fox at 11:50 to tie it at 5-5.

The game went into overtime – and crunch time for the Sharks. Smith made a slap shot assisted by Celebrini and goalie Alex Nedeljkovic at 1:38 to lead San Jose to their much-needed first win.

Smith said of the goal: “Yeah it was all back I think, made a great play there around the corner and stripped again and found the slot.”

He added that it “feels good”.

“It has been a tough six games where we could have had a couple of W’s,” he said, “But everything happens for a reason.”

The Sharks (1-4-2) continue their road trip against the New Jersey Devils who are on a six-game winning streak (6-1-0) at Prudential Center on Friday. The puck drops at 4 p.m. PT.

Cal Bears podcast Morris Phillips: Can Cal take advantage of a struggling Hokies team Friday?

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Cal Bears running back Kendrick Raphael takes the ball over the goal line for a touchdown against the UNC Tar Heels on Fri Oct 17, 2025 at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley (East Bay Times photo)

Cal Bears podcast Morris Phillips:

#1 How will Cal’s (5-2) offense — led by Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele — fare against Virginia Tech’s (2-6) defense, especially given his freshman status and the expectation on him?

#2 Will Kendrick Raphael’s rushing attack be able to make a difference and relieve pressure from the passing game?

#3 How significant will the role of Jacob De Jesus, Mason Mini and Trond Grizzell be in Cal’s passing/receiving game plan?

#4 Can Cal’s defense hold up against Virginia Tech’s offense — especially in key situations like third downs or the red zone?

#5 What impact might turnovers or special teams play have on the outcome of the game (for example, Cal’s return game via De Jesus, or Cal’s ability to force/exploit turnovers)?

Morris Phillips does the Cal Bears podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: Cardinal looking to get past Miami’s defense Saturday

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Stanford Cardinal safety Scotty Edwards (21) shares congratulations with teammate inside linebacker Jahsiah Galvan (0) against Florida State at Stanford Stadium on Sat Oct 18, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 How will Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ben Gulbranson and wide receivers CJ Williams and Bryce Farrell try to breakthrough Miami’s tough defense that’s one of the FBS’ best?

#2 Stanford running back Micah Ford is their best running back this season will Ford’s ability and the Cardinal ground will be able to keep up with Miami’s high-powered defense?

#3 Miami’s defense is holding their opponents to 15.3 points per game and has been able to defend the run—Can Stanford counter the Miami defense and find any weaknesses against them?

#4 Offensively the Cardinal are averaging 326.3 yards per game 115 in the FBS. The Hurricanes defense had given up an average of 291.5 yards per game 15th in the FBS. Can you see any changes that Stanford needs to make to stay competitive.

#5 The Cardinal have had troubles trying to convert third downs to first downs with a low 33.7% and Miami has been able to get red zone and third down defensive success will head coach Frank Reich be able to counter that?

Stanford Cardinal podcasts are heard with Michael Roberson weekly at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Keon Ellis’ Limited Minutes Raise Questions in Kings’ Loss to Suns

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Keon Ellis #23 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Phoenix Suns on October 22, 2025 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

DOWNTOWN PHOENIX — The Sacramento Kings shocked the city of Sacramento on Wednesday night in the Valley of the Sun as they led 71-54 at halftime. However, it was short-lived, as a disastrous third quarter proved costly, and the Kings fell to the Phoenix Suns 120-116.

The Kings showed growing pains early in the game as they committed five turnovers in the first five minutes. Yet, they still managed to take a 29-19 lead in the first quarter of action. The Kings played with high energy, and the Suns weren’t shooting the ball well as Sacramento built a double-digit lead.

In the second quarter, the Kings continued to put pressure on the Suns as they extended their lead to 71-54. The Kings outscored the Suns 42-35 in the second quarter as they shot the lights out and got contributions up and down the lineup. Zach LaVine led Sacramento in the first half with 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting. DeMar DeRozan and Malik Monk added 14 and 13 points, respectively. The Kings held the Suns to just 39% shooting in the first half, which was the primary contributor to their early success.

It was the third quarter—similar to years past—that proved costly for the Kings. Sacramento was outscored 36-21 in the period and let its nearly 20-point lead slip away. The Kings’ most glaring disadvantage in the third was the 24-8 discrepancy on points in the paint. By the end of the quarter, their lead had all but vanished, as they were up just 92-90 heading into the final frame.

In the fourth, the Kings battled but ultimately couldn’t overcome their poor rebounding as the Suns hammered the glass. Sacramento was outrebounded 51-37 as they struggled with some lineups to match Phoenix’s size. Dylan Cardwell, Drew Eubanks, and Maxime Raynaud combined for only nine total rebounds in the game. The Suns outscored the Kings 30-24 in the fourth quarter to seize the 120-116 victory at Mortgage Matchup Center. LaVine led the Kings with 30 points, while DeRozan finished with 29 points and nine assists. The Kings shot 50% (47-for-94) from the field but turned the ball over 13 times, leading to 19 Phoenix points.

“We’ve got to find a way to box out, make sure that we’re rebounding the basketball—just the fundamental, simple things that we talk about,” Kings head coach Doug Christie said after the game. “Scoring the basketball, we can obviously do that, but defense is where everything is going to happen.”

Malik Monk shared similar sentiments after the game.

“The second half, we just did what we did last year, started off sloppy in the third quarter and let them back in it and had to fight back,” Monk said. “So yeah, it’s easy fixes though. It’s all on us.”

The offense for the Kings seemed to stagnate in the second half, something that has been common in recent years. Monk attributed that to the Suns having their way with the tempo on the court.

“They just sped us up a little bit more in the second half, and we can’t fall into that,” Monk said. “When they sped us up, I think we started settling a little too much instead of moving the ball like we did in the first half.”

Aside from the issues on the offensive side, Christie made some interesting decisions on who played heavier minutes at the end of the game. Keon Ellis only played three minutes in the fourth quarter, and Dylan Cardwell logged significant minutes while the Kings were struggling to stay in it.

On Ellis, I asked Doug how he felt Keon played and about the situation he found himself in.

“Keon is the ultimate professional, and he is always ready to play,” Doug said after the game. “In these situations, we have a logjam, so it’s going to come down to who’s playing. But with his aggressiveness, his ability to knock down shots, and his defensive ability, he’s going to be on the floor.”

I’m not sure the fan base will be happy with that answer when Russell Westbrook and Dylan Cardwell both had more minutes than Ellis. However, it will have to do for now.

On the Cardwell front, Doug was hoping to get rebounding from the rookie, but in his NBA debut, Cardwell secured just one board.

“One of his things is that he can go get rebounds,” Doug said to me after the game. “He didn’t do it tonight as he normally does, but he was in there fighting, and his physicality and things like that are what we absolutely love.”

Doug Christie has a nearly impossible job. He has to make this roster of rookies, established vets, and future Hall of Famers all work together while undersized and injured. I don’t envy his position, and it behooves the fan base to give him a few weeks to figure it out until Domas comes back. However, the lack of Keon Ellis minutes is a tale as old as the Mike Brown era. I’m not sure what to make of that at this point.

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. 

Suns Crazy Turnaround In Second Half Beats Kings In Season Opener 120-116

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Phoenix Suns Devin Booker was hit in the face but scored 31 points to help lead the Suns to a opening night win over the Sacramento Kings at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Wed Oct 22, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

After an amazing first half for the Sacramento Kings in their first game of the season, they just could not sustain that effort falling apart in the second half losing to the Phoenix Suns 120-116. Despite the loss the Kings showed a mountain of promise in this game.

Zach LaVine had the high for the Kings with 30 points. DeMar DeRozan was right behind him with 29 points. Malik Monk had 19 off the bench. Shooting 57% from the line was the difference in this game.

The 2025-26 NBA season got underway for the Sacramento Kings Wednesday night. They traveled to Phoenix for a date with the Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. The Kings will get a look at their newest acquisition Russell Westbrook and his amazing quickness and speed which defies his age and welcome Monk and DeRozan back on the court. Domantas Sabonis is projected to return to play on October 26th.

The strong start in this game that the Kings were looking for came to be when the Kings came from behind in the first quarter going on a 7-0 run to take a 25-18 lead with 1:20 left in the opening quarter.

The quarter came to an end with the Kings leading 29-19 and Sacramento had some great momentum on their side.DeRozan and Zach LaVine were doing much of the heaving lifting in the opening quarter and Monk already had seven points off the bench.

The Kings took the energy they had in the first quarter into the second quarter with shots from DeRozan and a three from Keon Ellis pushing the Kings lead to 37-21 a couple of minutes into the quarter.

The perfect start was amazing but there was still a lot of game still left in this season opener. So far in the game the Kings were shooting at over 58% to the Suns 32%. The Suns were 0 for 9 so far in the game from beyond the arc.

Sacramento already had seven turnovers in the game one of the areas they continue to struggle in. As the quarter wore on the Suns threatened, erasing the Kings 18 point lead pulling to within eleven points 51-40.

The Kings refused to cave pushing their lead back out to 59-40. As the first half came to an end, the Kings had a 71-54 lead outscoring the Sun 42-35 in the second quarter.

Sacramento’s Zach LaVine was on fire in the first half finishing with 22 points in an explosive display. DeRozan had 14 points and Monk had 13 off the bench. The Sun’s Devin Booker had 14 points and Dillon Brooks with 11 points.

Sacramento had to keep the pressure on in the second half knowing that the Sun’s would come out in the second half with a new purpose. Phoenix would be looking to turn their long game on only hitting three in the first half, and not a single three in the first quarter.

The Sun’s made a move in the third quarter cutting the Kings lead to 12 points 82-70 with 6:51 left in the quarter. The Kings could not afford to take their foot off the gas and let the Sun into this game. With five minutes left on the clock in the quarter, the Suns had pulled to within seven points 84-77 prompting a Sacramento time-out.

With the Suns coming back, the crowd got crazy loud and the Kings were finding themselves in some real trouble. The Suns were taking this game to the next level making some adjustments over their first half play.

Phoenix was outplaying the Kings in the quarter crushing them 36-21. The 20 point lead that the Kings had taken had dwindled to two points 92-90 going into the fourth quarter. It was a new ball game and it was the Phoenix Suns with all the momentum.

At 10:27 in the fourth quarter the Suns took the lead 96-94 and they never looked back. The Kings offense was coming apart at the seams as the Suns continued to push their lead 101-94. Phoenix was ice cold in the first half but they turned it completely around in the second.

The Kings were struggling to make baskets in the second half in a total collapse. With three minutes left in this game it was a one possession game with the Sun leading 108-106. WIth 1:03 left on the clock this game was tied at 110. The final was 120-116.

The promising start in this game for the Kings ended in a brutal loss due to a real let-down in the second half. They let the Suns back in the game and along with it the fans who had Footprint Center rocking.

The Kings had proven their capability in this game but they needed consistency to go along with it. It was a disappointing loss but at the same time the Kings showed a lot of promise and with the return of Sabonis on the horizon this team will be ok going forward.

The Kings only shot 57 % from the line and that was the difference in this game along with the rebounding. This was a huge disappointment for Sacramento unable to sustain their first half effort.

Friday night the Kings will take on the Utah Jazz at Golden 1 Center. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

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.