Celts blowout Kings 126-97; Tatum leads with 32 in Boston victory

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) is defended by Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes (40) at the Golden One Center in Sacramento on Fri Mar 18, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Friday night at Golden One Center. The Kings were welcoming in the Boston Celtics. The last game the Kings played was on Wednesday against the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Kings lost to the Bucks and go no relief with another top-ranked NBA team coming into town on Friday. On Friday, the Kings lost to the Celtics in blowout fashion 126-97.

In the first quarter, the game went back and forth. The Celtics started the game off hot. The Celtics scored the first nine points in the first quarter. The Kings then came back to tie the game, but it was not long-lasting.

The Celtics then went on another run of their own to outscore the Kings 32-26 in the first quarter. It was a shaky first quarter for the Kings that would look to tighten up the defensive going forward in the game.

In the second quarter, the Celtics took over the game on the Kings. Jason Tatum and Jaylen Brown went off in a massive second-quarter for the Celtics. The Kings we outscored by 35-22 in what was an embarrassing quarter.

However, you have to give the Celtics credit where credit is due. The duo of Jason Tatum and Jaylen Brown proved impossible to overcome.

The Kings were doing their best to stay in the game but the firepower of the Celtics was proving unbeatable in a game without De’Aaron Fox. The Kings would look to improve in the second half down 67-48.

In the third quarter, the Kings showed some life. The Kings scored 31 points in the third quarter to make a bit of a comeback push. On the other hand, the Celtics scored only 25 points to let the Kings inch a bit closer. Could the Kings continue their good play to make a comeback on the Boston Celtics? The Kings went into the final quarter down 92-79.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings showed fight early but were ultimately unable to mount much of a comeback on the Celtics. The Celtics outscored the Kings 34-18 in the final quarter to win the game by the final 126-97.

It was an ugly ending for the Kings in a game they didn’t have much hope of winning from the jump. The Celtics were led by Jason Tatum who finished with 32 points followed by Jaylen Brown who scored 30.

On the Kings side, Domantas Sabonis played a great game going for 30 points, 20 rebounds, and five assists. It was a great performance from the big man that unfortunately will go overshadowed by the Celtics blowout. The Kings will look to turn the page in their next game.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the Phoenix Suns on Sunday at 3 PM PST at Golden One Center.

Oakland A’s podcast with Daniel Dullum: In a blink of an eye A’s household names gone

Oakland A’s pitcher Sean Manaea who is being sought by multiple teams is seen here walking off the field against the Chicago White Sox on Thu Sep 9, 2021 at the Oakland Coliseum. Manaea and teammate Frankie Montas are expected to be traded at anytime now (AP file photo)

On the Oakland A’s podcast with Daniel:

#1 It’s been a busy month for the Oakland A’s and the first pitch of Cactus League is today as the A’s face the LA Angels. The A’s with the departures of Matt Chapman, Matt Olson, Mark Canaha, Starling Marte, Chris Bassitt, have gone to greener pastures. Where does this leave the A’s.

#2 As far as the A’s brand goes fans should be familiar with the way the team goes about business when they players value goes up it’s time for a fire sale and time to rebuild no secret in what is happening with this year’s A’s team.

#3 Daniel, the A’s are looking to deal pitchers Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea is this more of the cost cutting moves by Oakland or is it a matter of seeing what they can get for two veteran pitchers.

#4 It was predicted by Baseball Prospectus that the A’s will have the second worst record in the majors second to the Baltimore Orioles. The A’s are predicted to finish the 2022 season with a .407 winning percentage just above the Orioles with .381.

#5 Three veteran players could be the only ones returning to the A’s line up as everyone including former A’s manager Bob Melvin have departed, the remaining A’s expected to return are outfielder Stephen Piscotty, infielder Elvis Andrus, and catcher Sean Murphy is a maybe.

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

San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael Duca: How Pederson can help Giants; Belt ready to take over as captain of the ship

San Francisco Giant first baseman Brandon Belt appointed team captain lead by example with a strong finish last season hopes to be right back this season (file photo McCovey Chronicles)

On the San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael:

#1 Michael, describe who Joc Pederson is and how much of a difference does he make and will his knowledge of being a former Los Angeles Dodger be of any help to the Giants when they face LA.

#2 O captain, my captain the Giants first baseman Brandon Belt is ready to assume the lead role and will occupy former catcher Buster Posey’s locker. Belt had a strong finish to last season.

#3 The Giants had Kris Bryant for a short time, Bryant who signed on with the Colorado Rockies for $182 million contributed to the Giants run last season.

#4 The Giants signed left hand pitcher former Detroit Tiger Matthew Boyd to a one year deal how do you see him helping out the pitching staff this season.

#5 The Giants made a bid to try and sign Seiya Suzuki who ended up landing with the Chicago Cubs for five years and $85 million. Is it disappointing that the Giants couldn’t sign Suzuki?

Join Michael for the Giants podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings need to shutdown Celtics offense tonight to have a chance

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) is fouled by Sacramento Kings forward Trey Lyles (41) at the Golden One Center in Sacramento on Wed Mar 16, 2022

On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 Jeremiah, it’s like you were saying in your column after Wednesday night’s game that the Milwaukee Bucks (44-26) Giannis Antetokounmpo was just too much for the Sacramento Kings (25-46) to handle.

#2 The Kings certainly looked a lot different than Monday night when they lead the visiting Chicago Bulls from wire to wire. With the Bucks there was very wiggle room to try and get the lead.

#3 All night Giannis and Kris Middleton proved too much for the Kings to overcome. Giannis scored 36 points followed by Kris Middleton who dropped 32 in the contest.

#4 For the Kings, Domantas Sabonis scored 22 points followed by De’Aaron Fox with 21 points. The Kings had six players in double figures in the loss.

#5 Tonight the Kings will try and get some that traction back from Monday night as they host the Boston Celtics are hot they have won six of their last seven games. They beat Golden State on Wednesday night 110-88. The Kings who played the Bucks Wednesday night in high scoring game will they have their hands full trying to defend the Celtics tonight?

Join Jeremiah for the Kings podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sharks Lose 3-0 to Kings; First LA win over San Jose this year

San Jose Sharks right wing Timo Meier (28) and Los Angeles Kings defenseman Sean Durzi (50) battle for the puck in the first period at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Thu Mar 17, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Mary Walsh

LOS ANGELES- The San Jose Sharks were shutout 3-0 by the Los Angeles Kings Thursday. Anze Kopitar, Phillip Danault and Adrian Kempe scored for the Kings. Cal Petersen made 29 saves for the win. James Reimer made 24 saves in the loss.

On Wednesday, Tomas Hertl signed an eight-year contract extension with the Sharks. The contract is worth just over eight million per year, which will make him the second-highest paid player on the team next season.

In a press release from the Sharks, Assistant General Manager Joe Will said:

“By agreeing to this contract, Tomas is cementing his path with the Sharks, following in the footsteps of some incredible players who have worn the Sharks crest. He has shown that he wants to play in San Jose for years to come and it shows his dedication to the organization and community since he joined the team in 2012. We are thrilled to have Tomas for another eight years.”

That is great news for the Sharks, but it did not show in the game Thursday. They took a season high six penalties in the game and lost to Los Angeles for the first time this season. It was also the first time the Sharks have been shutout in Los Angeles since 2011. Tomas Hertl, however, did lead the team in shots with six.

The first period was scoreless with just one penalty called to the Sharks. The Kings out-shot the Sharks 10-6, but the Sharks won 71% of the face-offs.

Anze Kopitar started the scoring at 6:57 of the second period with a power play goal. Just above the circle, he caught a pass from Sean Durzi and put the puck past Reimer on the stick side with a hard wrist shot. It was Kopitar’s first goal in eleven games.

Phillip Danault made it 2-0 at 16:27. Durzi took the intial shot from the blue line and Reimer stopped that up high. The rebound went off to his left and Danault was there to take the shot before Reimer could reset. Assists went to Durzi and Trevor Moore.

To start the Sharks’ sixth penalty kill of the night, five minutes into the third, Tomas Hertl broke away for a short-handed shot. While he was doing that, Danault slashed him and was called for it. The slash actually wrapped around Hertl’s arm and stick, and could have easily been called a penalty shot. The officials did not agree, but did call the slash, neutralizing the Kings power play.

The Kings made it 3-0 with an empty net goal at 17:03 from Adrian Kempe.

Despite all of the penalties, the Sharks out-shot the Kings 29-27. The teams were dead even in the face-off circle. Their power play had three opportunities and six shots. Their penalty kill gave up nine shots and goal.

The Sharks next play on Friday, back in San Jose, against the Colorado Avalanche at 7:30 PM PT.

Headline Sports with Tony Renteria: Hertl signs 8 yr deal with Sharks; Manaea and Montas gets interest from multiple clubs; plus more

San Jose Sharks Tomas Hertl skates against the Carolina Hurricanes during the third period at Raleigh, N.C. on Jan 30, 2022. Hertl signed an eight year deal with the Sharks on Wed Mar 16, 2022 (AP News photo)

On Headline Sports with Tony R:

#1 Tony the San Jose Sharks Tomas Hertl signed a eight year deal with the Sharks worth $65.1 million. Hertl was about to be a unrestricted free agent but Sharks General Manager Joe Will knew that the Sharks needed to get a deal done to keep their star forward.

#2 The Oakland A’s are dealing they traded Matt Chapman to the Toronto Blue Jays and the A’s are now shopping pitchers Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas. The Detroit Tigers, Chicago White Sox, Minnesota Twins, Tampa Bay Rays and the New York Yankees have indicated that their interested in Manaea and Montas’ services.

#3 The San Francisco Giants have picked up Joc Pederson from the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves. Pederson agreed to a $6 million one year deal. Pederson bats and throws left handed. Pederson in 2021 playing for both clubs hit .238, 18 home runs, and 61 RBIs.

#4 The Las Vegas Raiders agreed to terms with Chandler Jones who is a pass rusher. Chandler signed a three year deal worth $51 million with $34 million guarantees. Chandler’s 2021 record 10.5 sacks, 41 tackles 12 of those tackles were for a loss which six of resulted in fumbles. How big of a move and how much help will Chandler provide at pass rusher for Vegas?

#5 Finally the money just keeps growing and for Kris Bryant he signs a huge deal worth $182 million for seven years with the Colorado Rockies. Bryant played the first six years of his career with the Chicago Cubs and then moved onto the San Francisco Giants in the 2021 season and now the Rockies are his third club.

Tony Renteria does Headline Sports Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Giannis, Bucks just too much for Kings 135-126

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) takes the ball up the floor against the Sacramento Kings on Wed Mar 16, 2022 at Golden One Center in Sacramento (photo from AP News)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings (25-46) were back in town on Wednesday night to take on the Milwaukee Bucks (44-26) at Golden One Center. The Kings last played on Monday night against the Chicago Bulls and beat them 112-103. On Wednesday, in what appeared to be a lopsided challenge, the Bucks beat the Kings 135-126.

In the first quarter, the Kings put up a surprisingly good start to the game. The Kings managed to start the offense on a high note scoring 31 points in the first quarter. On the other hand, the Bucks also put up a decent first quarter.

The Bucks scored 28 points in the first to keep the Kings within reach. Neither team played great defense in the first as it looked like they both came out with a focus on the offensive side of the ball.

In the second quarter, the Kings took a big lead early. However, the Bucks would come back and make the game close again as the second quarter came to a close. The Bucks ended up outscoring the Kings in the second quarter 40-30 to take a lead into halftime.

The Kings defense crumbled in the second quarter as the Bucks took advantage. Kris Middleton had a big first half leading the Bucks in scoring with 17.

Giannis trailed just behind him in points with 14. For the Kings, they received their best first-half contribution from Domantis Sabonis who had 13 points. The Kings would look to keep the game close or come back in the third quarter. The Kings went into halftime down 68-61.

In the third, the Kings continued to lose ground. The Kings were outscored by the Bucks 33-31 in the third to dig their hole a little bit deeper. The Kings couldn’t stop Giannis and the Bucks as they continued to have their way on the Kings defense. The Kings would end up down 101-92 heading into the final quarter of action. Could the Kings come back?

In the fourth quarter, the Kings weren’t able to mount a full comeback. The Kings put up a fight but ultimately fell to the Bucks 135-126 at Golden One Center. The Kings battled in the fourth all the way to within a few points of taking the lead.

The Kings and Bucks both scored 34 points in the fourth. All night Giannis and Kris Middleton proved too much for the Kings to overcome. Giannis scored 36 points followed by Kris Middleton who dropped 32 in the contest. For the Kings, Domantas Sabonis scored 22 points followed by De’Aaron Fox with 21 points. The Kings had six players in double figures in the loss.

Up Next: The Kings will stay home to take on the Boston Celtics on Friday at 7 PM PST in Sacramento.

Stalock gets in front of 40 shots for 4-0 shutout over Roadrunners

San Jose Barracuda gets the 4-0 shutout as Barracuda players celebrate against the Tucson Roadrunners at Tucson Arena in Tucson on Wed Mar 16, 2022 (photo from the San Jose Barracuda)

By Len Shapiro

The San Jose Barracuda (19-29-2) get a 4-0 shutout behind the mastery work of Barracuda goaltender Alex Stalock who saved 40 shots over the Tucson Roadrunners (17-28-4) at Tucson Arena. San Jose has dominated the Roadrunners this season beating them in three straight games and now are 13-2 in goals scored for the season against them.

The Barracuda have now shutout the Roadrunners twice for the season. Stalock who played with the Barracuda parent club the NHL San Jose Sharks and got roughed up by the Nashville Predators on Sat Mar 5th 8-0 looked and looks like he turned over a new leaf with the 4-0 shutout on Wednesday night.

Stalock last played with the Barracuda six years ago on Feb 6, 2016 and what a way to make a comeback with a shutout to start his return with the team. This is the 12th career shutout in the AHL for Stalock. The Barracuda got scoring help from Jake McGrew who scored twice for his 10th and 11th goals of the year.

McGrew is finding the back end of the net scoring three times in his last two games. The Barracuda’s Montana Onyebuchi got down with the Roadrunners this was his ninth fight of the season and Onyebuchi leads rookies in the AHL in fighting majors and penalty minutes with 99.

Evan Weinger’s goal on Wednesday was his tenth and needs one more goal to tie his career best for a season at ten. Weinger scored tenth goal just 57 seconds into the game. Lane Pederson scored his second goal in two games. Pederson scoring against his former team the Roadrunners making this his fourth goal in eight games.

The Barracuda and Roadrunners play game two of this three game series on Friday Mar 18th at 7:00 pm PDT at Tucson Arena.

Red Hot Celtics Roll Warriors 110-88; Curry out for rest of game with foot injury

Red Hot Celtics Roll Warriors 110-88; Curry out for rest of game with foot injury

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, left, can’t quite get the loose ball as Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart makes the recovery at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Wed Mar 16, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Wednesday night the Golden State Warriors (47-23) took on the Boston Celtics (42-28) in their quest for a fifth win in a row. This will be another tough match-up for the Warriors especially since the Celtics are one of the hottest team in the NBA right now. The Celtics lost a close game to the Mavericks Sunday night 95-92 while the Warriors took care of the Washinton Wizards Monday night 126-112.

The Celtics are an elite defensive team led by Jason Tatum and will challenge the Warriors winning streak. The Warriors will need to take care of the ball in this game and limit the empty possessions.

The first quarter was a disappointing start for the Warriors. They looked out of sorts and continued to force those three’s that were not dropping. Instead of driving the basket they kept on attempting three’s and it was not working. At one point in the quarter Golden State trailed by eleven points but was able to pull to within four points.

The second quarter was a replay of the first with missed three’s and as the quarter began to wind down points in the paint were 18 to 6 in favor of Boston. The Celtics had their largest lead of the game 44-30 with 1:48 left before the half.

The Warriors would have a lot of work to do in the second half. Another concern for the Warriors was Stephen Curry who had left the game and headed into the locker room with left foot soreness.

Boston led at the half 48-32. This was the lowest scoring half for the Warriors all season which was testament to the Celtics amazing defense. Golden State was 4 of 24 from beyond the arc and with little success in the paint the Warriors were in trouble.

The way that Golden State was playing in the first half, they probably couldn’t throw the ball in the bay. They were terribly off but the Celtics were thankfully missing some of their own. So no Andrew Wiggins. Nemanja Bjelica, Andre Iguodala and now Curry and Moses Moody were out for the remainder of the game.

The third quarter was a wild one and it belonged to Jordan Poole. Six minutes into the quarter the Warriors trailed by 24 points. Than along came Jordan Poole with five shots from downtown plus a couple of two point jumpers. It was an electric quarter for Poole and pushed the Warriors to within ten points of the Celtics after three quarters 79-69.

When it looked as if the Warriors just might make a run the Celtics came roaring back. They finished off the Warriors 110-88 and Golden State’s winning streak came to an end.

The Warriors are lacking the big man in the middle, and tonight Golden State saw what a great defense looks like. The Celtics showed why they are so hot offensively and defensively right now.

A lot of credit to the effort in the third quarter by Golden State. The bright spot in this game was a resounding Poole with 19 points in the third quarter but the loss of Curry and Moses Moody was a blow. Poole finished with 29 points and Klay Thompson with 18. They were the only two players on the floor tonight in double digits. Looney and Draymond Green had eight rebounds each.

The Celtics Jason Tatum and Jaylen Brown each had 26 points.

The Warriors will have some much needed time off not playing again until Sunday. They will be taking on the San Antonio Spurs at Chase Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 PM.

San Jose Sharks podcast with Mary Lisa: Competitive game Sharks get edged against a good team in the Panthers

The Florida Panthers Nick Vatrano’s overtime shot finds the back of the net as the San Jose Sharks goaltender James Reimer is caught off guard at the SAP Center in San Jose on Tue Mar 15, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Sharks podcast with Mary Lisa:

#1 Mary Lisa please talk a little about Nick Vatrano no doubt the number one star for the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night at SAP Center. Vatrano scored a tying goal in third period and at 1:11 in the overtime stanza scored the game winner for the Panthers 3-2 win.

#2 Vatrano was skillful as well as fast beating goaltender James Reimer to the net to get a top slot goal. It was a tough chance for Reimer to try to defend the puck.

#3 The Sharks had the lead for two periods before Vantrano’s one man come back to extend the Panthers for their seventh win after getting behind after two periods.

#4 Vatrano said that the Panthers have been coming back and winning games all season long and Tuesday night’s overtime is just another example of the success they have had.

#5 The Sharks will play the Los Angeles Kings for the third time in their last four games and the Sharks have beat them all three times this season on Thursday night at the Crypto.com Arena in downtown LA a 7:00 pm PDT puck drop.

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