Warriors Lose Second Home Game To Pacers 112-104

Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard shoots while defended by Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney (5) during the first half at Chase Center in San Francisco on Mon Dec 5, 2022 (AP News photo)

Warriors Lose Second Home Game To Pacers 112-104

By Barbara Mason

Monday night the Golden State Warriors (13-12) took on the Indiana Pacers (13-11) looking to extend their winning streak at Chase Center. With some strong offense and holding the Pacers back on great defense the Warriors defeated the Pacers 112-104.

The Warriors had a cool start in the opening quarter and trailed after the first 12 minutes 34-21. The Warriors won the second quarter 29-25 but continued to trail at the half 59-50 playing from behind for most of the first two quarters.

After three quarters the Pacers continued to lead 89-81. Golden State did get to within five points but the lead had eluded them so far. Stephen Curry who had a very quiet first half hit his first two three’s in the quarter. The team would need Curry, Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole in the fourth quarter to pull this game out. The Warriors were only shooting at 39%. Golden State shot 31 points in the quarter to the Pacers 30.

Indiana called a quick time-out in the fourth quarter after one minute of play. The Warriors had pulled to within four points 89-85 looking to take the lead. The Pacers have been a fourth quarter team this season, the best in the league, but with 9:13 left in the game the Warriors took their second lead of the game 93-92.

The Pacers had done a great job guarding Curry all night and took a 109-102 lead with under three minutes left in the game. The Warriors just didn’t have the legs to finish the game and the Warriors lost their second home game of the season.

The Pacers played a great game. They came out on fire shooting 55% and never let down. The high score for Indiana was Andrew Nembhard the rookie out of Gonzaga. He finished with a career high 31 points.

The Warriors couldn’t get anything going in the game trailing for most of it. The three’s were not falling going 11 of 44. Thompson had 28 points in this game and Poole finished with 23. It was just an off night for the Warriors rarely shooting as poorly as they did tonight. Ball movement was stagnant at times for Golden State and they will need to bounce back quickly for their next game Wednesday.

The Warriors will head out on the road to take on the Utah Jazz Wednesday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 PM.

Cal Bears basketball podcast with Michael Duca: Starving Cal looking for first win against Eastern Washington Wednesday night

Cal Bears Lar Thiemann take a shot from the free throw line against the Arizona Wildcats on Sun Dec 4, 2022 (CalMBBall photo)

On the Cal Bears basketball podcast with Michael:

The Cal Bears are preparing to host Eastern Washington this Wednesday night at Haas Pavilion and Cal is hoping to get in the win column which Cal has the home floor advantage. Despite the fact that their 0-9 right up there for the worst starts for a power five team.

The Bears have actually played better the last couple of games decently against USC for 31 minutes and went cold missed 13 straight shots and they went into Arizona and it was probably their best performance of the year on the road. To play on the road in the Pac 12 at the McKale Center it wasn’t a win for Cal but it was a competitive game.

Not too many people would have given Cal a fighting chance to challenge the Wildcats but they were giving them a good battle.

Michael Duca filled in for Morris Phillips who does the Cal Bears podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Raiders Win Third In a Row Beating Los Angeles Chargers 27-20

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) jumps for joy with quarterback Derek Carr (4) at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas against the Los Angeles Chargers (AP News photo)

Raiders Win Third In a Row Beating Los Angeles Chargers 27-20

By Barbara Mason

Sunday afternoon the Las Vegas Raiders (5-7) took on the Los Angeles Chargers (6-6). The Chargers are close to being in playoff conversation and this game is of major importance to Los Angeles. This week they won a thriller at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas edging the Chargers 27-20. The Raiders have been playing great beating the Seahawks last week 40-34 in a most dramatic fashion.

They beat the Broncos the week before that 22-16. The question of the hour is why it took so long for them to get going this season and what could have been had they started the season playing the way they are playing right now.

The Raiders would be challenged in this game by Los Angeles quarterback Justin Herbert who is having a nice season. The Raider defense would have to step up to contain not only this guy but also wide receiver Keenan Allen.

Las Vegas had a horrible start in the first quarter, in fact it was the thing nightmares are made of. The Raiders not only fumbled away the ball but at 5:07 Derek Carr threw a pick six, intercepted by the Chargers Bryce Callahan giving Los Angeles a 7-0 lead.

Los Angeles extended their lead in the second quarter when Cameron Dicker kicked a 37 yard field goal and the Chargers had a 10-0 lead. The Raiders Josh Jacobs, (hero of last week’s overtime win) rushed for 20 yards and a touchdown.

A Daniel Carlson 55 yard field goal tied up this game at ten with two minutes left in the half. The Chargers were able to take back the lead with 27 ticks left on the clock. Dicker kicked a 34 yard field goal for a Los Angeles advantage 13-10 at the half.

The third quarter was an all-Raider affair, in fact, it was the Carr to Adams show. At 14:28 Derek Carr connected with Devante Adams for 31 yards and a touchdown. This dangerous duo struck again at 10:53 when Carr found Adams open hitting him for 45 yards, the touchdown and a 24-13 lead.

The Raiders would open the fourth quarter with a Daniel Carlson field goal, this one for 25 yards and Las Vegas had the upper hand leading 27-13. The Chargers did score in the final quarter, a Herbert to Keenan Allen strike for 35 yards and the touchdown but that would be it for Los Angeles. The final was 27-20. The Raiders had won three games in a row.

Carr finished with 250 passing yards and two touchdowns with the one interception. Josh Jacobs had not cooled down one bit rushing for 144 yards and Devante Adams received for 177 yards. Aside from the rocky start in the first quarter the missteps did not deter Carr at all and he finished with an outstanding game.

The Las Vegas defense had an equally great game sacking Los Angeles quarterback Justin Herbert five times. The Raider defense pressured Herbert all afternoon. It was an aggressive effort for this defensive unit. Las Vegas really put the stops on wide receiver Allen as well. This loss really hurt the Chargers playoff hopes.

Next week the Raiders will take on the struggling Los Angeles Rams who lost today to the Seahawks. The Rams now have a shocking 3-9 record. This will be a Thursday night game with kickoff scheduled 5:15 PM on Prime Video.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: MLB Veterans Committee Fred McGriff voted to the Hall of Fame

Former Atlanta Brave Fred McGriff is all smiles after being informed that he has been voted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown (AP News file photo)

MLB Veterans Committee: Fred McGriff voted to the Hall of Fame

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Fred McGriff is 59 years old and played for six different teams during a 19-year career that ended in 2004. With 493 homers he ties with another Hall of Famer, Lou Gehrig as the only two with less than 500 home runs in Cooperstown.

McGriff could not get over the hump in ten appearances on the BBWAA ballot mostly in part of a backlog of controversial (steroids era) candidates and never got out of 69 votes (39.8), but on Sunday December 4, he was elected with 16 votes on the 16 member committee, unanimously. 100%. A player needs a minimum of 75% to get elected to the Hall of Fame.

“What an honor,” McGriff said in a Zoom call with the media from his home in Florida. “It’s a beautiful night in Tampa. I did it. I got in there. I feel as if I’ve been totally blessed my whole life and I continue to be blessed. It’s an honor to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.”

Because of a backlog of controversial candidates from the steroid era, McGriff could not get over the hump in ten appearances on the Baseball Writers’ Association of America ballot, topping out at 69 votes (39.8%). A player needs a minimum of 75% for election to Cooperstown.

Fred McGriff hit 30 or more homers during a season for five different teams; Toronto, San Diego, Atlanta, Tampa Bay and Chicago Cubs. He was a member of the 1995 World Champion Atlanta Braves and now joins four (4) other Hall of Fame players of that great Braves team; Greg Maddux, John Smoltz, Larry “Chipper” Jones and Tom Glavine.

Not surprised Fred McGriff was elected or that Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens and Rafeal Palmeiro were not for obvious reasons, also not a surprise that Curt Schilling received 43% of the vote, as controversial as he was, it was because of comments he made on twitter on political issues, which everybody is entitled as we all have the rights to free speech. Schilling was never involved or was suspect of using steroids. It will be no sooner than 3 years from today that they would be considered again for election. Here is the final vote:

Fred McGriff 16 votes, (100%) Don Mattingly 8 votes, (50%) Curt Schilling 7 votes (43.8%) Dale Murphy 6 votes (37.5%) Albert Belle Less than 4 votes Barry Bonds Less than 4 votes Roger Clemens Less than 4 votes Rafael Palmeiro Less than 4 votes

The Winter Meetings began today in San Diego. Expect this week some news regarding signing of free agents and trades. The Braves, Cardinals, Indians and others have been talking to the Oakland A’s in trying to reach a deal to acquired catcher Sean Murphy, he is one of the most sought after players this off season and the A’s are expected to trade him for a bunch of prospects.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez does News and Commentary podcasts Tuesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Warriors host Pacers Monday night; Golden State going for three straight wins

The Houston Rockets forward Kenyon Martin Jr (6) drives to the basket and past Golden State Warrior defenders Jordon Poole (3) and Stephen Curry (30) at the Chase Center on Sat Dec 3, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Barbara:

#1 On Saturday night the Golden State Warriors Andrew Wiggins scored 36 points and shot eight 3’s to tie his career high.

#2 Both Houston Rockets and Warriors were coming off back to back nights. The Warriors just simply had an unstoppable offense with their 120-111 win.

#3 Guard Stephen Curry hit eight 3’s as well and scored 30 points and was a big contributor to the Warriors offense on Saturday.

#4 In the third quarter Wiggins hit consecutive threes and went 14-19 as the Warriors picked up their tenth straight win on their home floor.

#5 The Warriors host the Indiana Pacers on Monday night the Pacers have won three of their last five games how do you see this match up Monday?

Join Barbara Mason does the Warriors podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Bull Market: Kings hit another two-decade milestone in 110-101 home win over Chicago

By Morris Phillips

SACRAMENTO–Even if the games run ragged, the Kings are winning them.

Clearly times have changed… anyone remember December 2004 with Peja, C Webb, and Mike Bibby at Arco?

That was the last time the Kings had this encouraging a start to a season after 22 games. How long ago was that? Well, for one, Vlade Divac was already gone in 2004, and since he’s materialized (as Kings GM) and disappeared a second time. Doug Christie was present in 2004 but subsequently gone, then re-emerged as a member of the Kings TV broadcast team, and now a member of Mike Brown’s coaching staff.

That’s a lot of comings and goings, but the lengthiest playoff drought in North American sports can be like that.

Brown’s arrival, a healthy roster, and (slightly) better defense are keys to the home team’s emergence, but a genuine belief might be even bigger.

“They’re connected,” Brown said after Sunday’s 110-101 win over the road-weary Kings. “They’re trying to play for each other, and when you get that with a talented group and two All-Stars in Fox and Domas, and a lot of guys who can step up, including Sixth Man of the Year (hopeful) Malik Monk, you get some nice wins.”

At 13-9, the Kings have won three straight and 11 of 16, and those anxious moments that saw fans get those negative thoughts (again) during the recent three-game skid have subsided. Seeing the team win in person at Golden 1 certainly does more than seeing them struggle on the road while watching them on television. That’s for sure.

The Kings weren’t great on Sunday 24 hours after they wasted the Clippers in Los Angeles. They missed shots–30 of 43 from distance–and after building an 18-point, second quarter lead saw it evaporate in the third.

In part, the visitors, led by Zach LaVine’s 41 points, weren’t keen on returning to Chicago with a losing record on their road swing. But a sixth game in 12 days wasn’t going to put them in position to be at their best, especially when they’ve been far from that in dropping 10 of 14.

You know that team won’t go away,” Fox said. “They have some guys that can really go get it. They did that tonight, and we were just trying to throw different looks at them, but I think in the fourth quarter, we were able to get stops when we needed them.”

Seven Kings scored in double figures, but no one had more than Monk’s 20 off the bench. The balanced scoring fit the uneven performance in that if you don’t have a couple of standouts to help you cruise, it’s okay to find your way with a determined committee.

That and the first triple-double from Sabonis, who had 11 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists, the first time the Kings’ center has achieved that milestone since he was traded to Sacramento. And he did it when some other big body on another team might have rested in a back-to-back scenario.

“I don’t really believe in resting,” Sabonis said before the game. “What we’re paid for as professional athletes (is to) perform. But, yeah, the West is packed. If other teams want to rest players, it’s to our advantage to go out there and take that win.”

The Kings have two days off before they take on the Bucks in Milwaukee on Wednesday.

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Marko Ukalovic: Garoppolo out for season foot fractures; Purdy delivers in relief for 49ers

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) and offensive tackle Daniel Brunskill (right) yell at each other saying “How can I be the man when your the man?” after Purdy’s touchdown pass to running back Christian McCaffrey at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara on Sun Dec 4, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the 49ers podcast with Marko:

#1 San Francisco 49ers (8-4) back up rookie quarterback Brock Purdy threw for two touchdowns after starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo went down with a left foot injury.

#2 Brock dubbed Mr. Irrelevant was 25-37, 210 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, Marko talk about his mobility under pressure.

#3 The last time Purdy threw was back on week 7 for nine passes against the Kansas City Chiefs in mop up duty for Garoppolo.

#4 Purdy was not intimidated by the Miami Dolphins (8-4) pass rush and got the 49ers on the scoreboard in their first drive by throwing a touchdown pass to Kyle Juszczyk that gave San Francisco a 10-7 lead.

#5 Marko next Sunday it’s Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-6) the Bucs have lost four of their last six games it’s been a struggle for Brady. What’s your prediction for this Sunday’s game in Santa Clara.

Join Marko for the 49ers podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

No. 2-ranked Cardinal women upend No. 23 Gonzaga 84-63

Stanford forward Brooke Demetre (21) takes a 3-point shot over Gonzaga guard Esther Little (0) during the second half at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Sun Dec 4, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum
Sunday, December 4, 2022

No. 2 Stanford, led by Cameron Brink and Brooke Demetre, upended injury-depleted No. 23 Gonzaga 84-63 Sunday, in non-conference women’s basketball at Maples Pavilion.

Brink scored 14 points to go with a season-high 16 rebounds, while Demetre bagged 17 points, including a career-best five 3-pointers. The Cardinal (10-1 overall) have won five consecutive games after suffering their only loss of the season, an overtime defeat by No. 1 South Carolina on Nov. 20.

Hannah Jump scored 14 points – including four 3s – and Haley Jones scored 12 points for the Cardinal. Stanford connected on 15 of 28 from behind the arc (54 percent), with a season-high eight players hitting a 3.

Stanford outrebounded the Bulldogs 37-23.

The visiting Bulldogs (7-2) suited up only seven players because of injuries and illness, and had their three-game winning streak snapped.

Gonzaga battled early in the contest, led by Kaylynne Truong, who wound up with a career-high 22 points, 20 of them in the first half. Brynna Maxwell was next for the Zags with 19 points, while Yvonne Ejim, Gonzaga’s leading scorer, was held to eight points, six of them in the fourth quarter.

Stanford is off for a couple of weeks to allow for final exams. The Cardinal resume their schedule at home on Dec. 18 against Tennessee, which received votes in the last Associated Press poll. After that, the Cardinal face No. 13 Creighton and open their Pac-12 Conference schedule against California on Dec. 23.

Bonino, Lindblom score First of Year, Sharks Still Drop 6-3 Decision to Sabres to Wrap Road Trip

San Jose Sharks center Steven Lorentz (16) and Buffalo Sabres defenseman Casey Fitzgerald (45) battle for the puck during the second period at Key Bank Center in Buffalo on Sun Dec 4, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Matthew Harrington 

Another night, another rough second period that went from a lead to a loss for the San Jose Sharks. The Buffalo Sabres hung three unanswered goals on the Sharks (8-16-4) in the second period Sunday from KeyBank Center in Buffalo to hand the San Jose its third loss, 6-3, in a four-game road trip.

Nick Bonino and Oskar Lindblom scored their first goals of the season, but the good vibes stopped there. Jack Quinn had a pair of goals for Buffalo (11-13-1) who outshot the Sharks 38-29. Buffalo’s power play went 2 for 4.

San Jose held a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes despite Tage Thompson and the Sabres scoring first. Bonino tied the game at the 13:40 mark on a snap shot and Kevin Labanc scored his fifth of the year on the power play with 3:41 left in the period. 

The lead only lasted 16 seconds into the 2nd when JJ Peterka scored his sixth of the year. Jeff Skinner joined the scored at the 4:21 mark for a 3-2 lead, then Quinn scored the eventual game winner on the power play with 6:15 left in the middle frame.

Quinn opened the scoring in the third as well, beating Aaron Dell 11:23 into the period. Dell made 32 saves on 37 shots Linblom scored his first as a Shark just 29 seconds later to make it 5-3 but Alex Tuch’s 12th of the year into an empty net with 3:23 doubled the Sharks up again. 

San Jose gets a little rest and a return trip home after stops in Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa and now Buffalo. They’ll next face Vancouver at home Wednesday night.

Late rally lifts Sun Devils past Cardinal men 68-64

Arizona State guard Desmond Cambridge Jr. (4) shoots over Stanford forward James Keefe (22) for a basket during the second half at ASU Tempe AZ on Sun Dec 4, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum
Sunday, December 4, 2022

Arizona State used a late second half run to overtake Stanford 68-64 Sunday in Pac-12 men’s basketball at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, Ariz.

Arizona State took a 32-21 halftime lead. Then, the Cardinal (3-6 overall, 0-2 Pac-12) forged a 13-2 run early in the second half and added a 10-2 run to take their first lead since the opening minutes of the game. Michael Jones sank a pair of free throws to put Stanford up 52-51 with 5:12 remaining in the second half.

Desmond Cambridge Jr. converted his steal into a layup less than a minute later to put the Sun Devils (8-1, 2-0) ahead to stay at 52-51. That play ignited a 13-4 run, capped by a Frankie Collins step-back 3-pointer, that gave ASU a 64-55 lead with 50 seconds to play.

Desmond Cambridge Jr. led the Sun Devils with 19 points. His brother, Devan Cambridge, added 12 points on 5-of-7 from the field. Collins contributed 11 points for ASU, and Warren Washington had a game-high 10 rebounds.

Spencer Jones was Stanford’s top scorer with 13 points, but also fouled out with 1:35 to go. Michael Jones and Harrison Ingram were next for the Cardinal with 12 points each and Maximer Raynaud added 10 points. Ingram also grabbed five rebounds to go with five assists, three steals and a blocked shot.

Spencer Jones and James Keefe each had six rebounds, as the Cardinal held a 35-33 edge on the boards. Brandon Angel had five rebounds and four assists, Michael Jones had three of Stanford’s 10 steals and Max Murrell added three blocks.

The Cardinal don’t play again for almost two weeks before returning to action against Green Bay on Dec. 16 at Maples Pavilion.