Warriors Postpone Fridays Matchup Against the Dallas Mavericks

Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic who passed on Wed Jan 17, 2024 is seen here on Fri Oct 14, 2024 during practice preparing for a game against the Denver Nuggets. The Warriors have postponed their game against the Dallas Maverick for Fri Jan 19, 2024 (AP file photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Golden State Warriors are still reeling from the sudden loss of assistant coach Dejan Milojevi Wednesday morning from a diagnosed heart attack. Despite immense life-saving efforts Tuesday night, the medical staff was unable to save him due to the damage to his heart and he passed on Wednesday morning. 

In a world of an especially high-pressured environment like basketball he brought joy, light, energy and passion to all who had the pleasure of working with him. He will be immensely missed. 

This event shook the Warriors and their organization to the core. There were no apparent issues leading up to Milojevi’s cardiac event and the unexpected nature of his death tugged at the heart strings of the basketball world. 

The entire staff at Sports Radio joins the sports world in sending our heartfelt condolences to his wife Natasa and their young children; his son Nikola and daughter Masa. We stand with you and grieve with you in this time of unfathomable loss. 

This is the second game postponed since Dejan’s passing. The Wednesday night game vs the Utah Jazz was cancelled and tonight’s game against the Dallas Mavericks has also been cancelled as the team struggles with this harsh reality which will reverberate for some time. 

As the team deals with this loss there is no timeline for makeup games with Utah and Dallas. The next game that Golden State is scheduled for is not until next Wednesday January 24 against the Atlanta Hawks at Chase Center. 

The team has taken a week off in the wake of Dejan’s passing and taking the court again will indeed be a most difficult task especially their first game back without him.

Teams across the league honored Dejan at their games including the Celtics, Lakers, Pistons, Mavericks and the Raptors and more teams are certain to do the same. A moment of silence was observed at many of these games. He made such an enormous impact on so many in a life cut short but at the same time so well-lived.  

Totally unexpected events such as the death of Dejan Milojevi has left his family, his team and millions of fans as well as the sports world in a daze coping to accept and cope with the loss. Thoughts from around the world send strength and prayers to the Warriors and his family, clinging to all that Dejan brought to his sport and thanking him for all the contributions, the joy and the love he demonstrated everyday.   

Barbara Mason is a Golden State Warriors beat writer for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Celtics Come to Town and Dethrone the Kings 144-119

Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) goes for the the thrown down against the Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento (AP News photo)

By Tony Renteria 12/20/2023 

SACRAMENTO–The hometown Sacramento Kings (16-9) hosted the Visiting first place Boston Celtics (20-6) on a cold December night in Capital City. The Kings started out strong with a high scoring first quarter but that seemed to be the only high scoring quarter for the Kings as the Celtics left Sacramento with a decisive victory with a score of  144-119.

The First Quarter started out with a three pointer by Keegan Murray and the Kings seemed to all follow suit as the Team was 11/21 from beyond the arch. The Celtics kept up with the Kings as they also hit three points shots going eight for 12 to pace as they were only down by three points as the Kings led 41 to 38. De’Aaron Fox was a superlative five for six from three-point land as he led the Kings with 17 first quarter points. 

The Second Quarter seemed to be all the Celtics as they roared back behind the shooting and play of guard Derrick White. White led all Celtics with 19 first half points. Fox seemed to cool off and in doing so let the Celtics go into the half with 74-to-66-point lead. Fox did score nine points in the quarter to add to his total of 26 points. 

The Third Quarter seemed to a continuation of the second as the Celtics came out firing and shooting lights out. At a little more than the seven-minute mark the Celtics had increased their lead to a near commanding 96-72 margin. 

As the Celtics continued to expand their lead in the quarter the sound of cowbells seemed to be drowned out by the cheers of Celtics who seem occupy almost half of the northern lower deck. The Celtics outscored the Kings 39 -24 in the quarter to take a 113- 90 lead into the final period. 

The Fourth Quarter just seemed to get worse for the Kings as the Celtics had a 25-point lead with nine minutes to go. The Celtics keep pace with scoring from Forward Jaylen Brown and Center Kristaps Porzingas. Around the six-minute mark it appeared as Head Coach Mike Brown had thrown in the towel for the games not a single starter was in the game. 

Celtics all-star Jayson Tatum (26.8 points and 8.7 Rebounds) was inactive due to a left ankle sprain. Starting Center Al Horford, the 17-year veteran and his (7.7 points and 7.1 rebounds) were inactive as well due to load management.  

Kings have been led by De’Aaron Fox (30.1 points and 6.4 assists) 

Warriors Defeat Celtics In Overtime Shoot-Out 132-126

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) lets the Boston Celtics know it’s bedtime as Curry led Golden State with 33 points at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Tue Dec 19, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

This game was a good old-fashion shoot-out with the Golden State Warriors (13-14) prevailing in overtime. Warriors guard Stephen Curry hit a clutch three with 11.1 seconds left on the clock giving the Warriors a 130-126 lead. Curry closed out this game with a couple of shots from the line giving Golden State a 132-126 win over Boston Celtics (20-6). Curry led in scoring with 33 points.

Game recap: The Celtics jumped out to the lead in the first quarter winning the first 12 minutes of play 40-30 in a high-scoring quarter. Boston cooled off in the second quarter and Golden State really got going. With 4:14 left in the first half, the Warriors had tied up this game at 54.

 Klay Thompson was 3 of 5 from beyond the arc and bench player Dario Saric was 3 of 3 from downtown. At 3:36 the Warriors had taken the lead 56-54. Curry wanted in on the action and he finally hit a three. 

There was a real ebb and flow in this game with the two teams trading shots, trading the lead and both teams fighting to take control of the game. At the half this game could not have been closer with Boston leading 65-62.

With the absence of Draymond Green and his energy, the team needed someone to step onto that role. They are getting a lot of help from Jonathan Kuminga and Dario Saric. Kuminga finished the half with 13 points and five rebounds and Saric had 11 points.

Thompson continued to hit critical shots and also had 13 points at halftime. Golden State had some turnover problems with eight committed in the opening half but they were shooting their three’s at 43% to the Celtic’s 30%. 

These two teams were almost dead-even shooting from the field. This had been a most entertaining first half with both teams playing very well. The Warriors had been down by as much as 12 points in the first half but they came roaring back cutting the Boston lead to three.

The first two minutes of the third quarter consisted of missed shots by both teams. Jaylen Brown finally broke through as the Celtics began to build on their halftime lead. Curry got hot but he also already had four personal fouls. 

The Celtics Jrue Holiday also had four personal fouls. At 5:31 in the quarter the Celtics took their largest lead of the game 85-70. As the clock began to wind down on the third quarter, the Warriors were matching the Celtics shot for shot. Boston continued to lead 97-86 going into the fourth quarter. 

The final three minutes of the game was off the charts as the Warriors had fought back from a 15 point deficit to within one point 116-115. Both Thompson and Curry hit three’s to forget the comeback. At 2:14 it was a tie game at 118. Curry hits a three and the games continues tied at 121 with 29 ticks left on the clock and the Celtics with possession. Boston was unable to score and this game went into overtime.

It was a dry minute and a half of play until Kuminga stole the ball on a bad pass from Al Horford taking it to the basket. Golden State took a 125-121 lead. It was crunch time and with 52 seconds left in overtime it was Curry time driving for a layup giving the Warriors a 127-126 lead. 

He followed that shot up with a 26-foot jumper and a 130-126 Warrior lead and it was good night for the Celtics. Curry added a couple of free throws for good measure and that was the ball game 132-126. Golden State had beaten one of the best teams in the NBA .

Curry had the high in this game with 33 points and Thompson continued the great play he has been having with 24 points. Kuminga had 17 points and seven rebounds and off the bench Trayce Jackson-Davis had yet another impressive game with ten points and 13 rebounds. 

The Warriors held onto the ball tonight with only ten turnovers really improving on ball protection. This was a most dramatic game with the Warriors prevailing.  

Post game notes: Tuesday evening the Warriors took on the Celtics at Chase Center. The Celtics are sitting in first place in the Eastern Conference. This was a huge challenge but the Warriors prevailed. Golden State had been playing well with their new starting lineup and were definitely up for the challenge. 

The Celtics have one of the best offenses in the NBA and will no doubt gave the Warrior’s defense a real run for their money. The Warriors were able to contend with and contained Brown, Jayson Tatum, Horford, Holiday and Derrick White. 

Thompson has been playing very well as has Kuminga giving Curry a lot of help. The entire starting lineup for the Warriors has been playing well as has their bench. This game was a real shoot-out.

The Warriors will be off until Friday night when they take on the Washington Wizards at Chase Center in another home game. The Wizards right now have a 4-22 record having struggled all season. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

  

Kings Continue To Roll Beating Washington Wizards 143-131; Sabonis gets another triple double for Sac

The Washington Wizards center Mike Muscala (35) guards the Sacramento Kings forward Sasha Vezenkov (7) in the first quarter at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Mon Dec 18, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Monday night the Sacramento Kings (16-9) continued to rock and roll beating the Washington Wizards (4-22) at Golden 1 Center 143-131. De’Aaron Fox was back on the court and finished with 30 points. Domantas Sabonis had his 35th triple double with 28 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists. Keegan Murray had another great game with 25 points. Sacramento came away with seven turnovers and this game could not have gone better for Sacramento.

Game recap: The Wizards took the lead after one quarter of basketball 31-27 but the Kings were just getting warmed up. Sacramento powered through the second quarter winning it 39-25. The Kings led at the half 66-56.

Sacramento continued to push in the third quarter extending their lead to 112-91. They won the quarter 46-35. The Kings cooled off in the fourth quarter missing a lot of shots and ended up losing the quarter. The Wizards won the fourth quarter 40-31. Sacramento had a 21 point lead at the end of the third giving up nine points in the fourth quarter but winning the game 143-131.

The Kings now sit in fourth place in the Western Conference. They have won four of their last five games. Fox finished with 30 points and Murray had another terrific game scoring 25 points. Six Kings had scored in double digits in this game. Sabonis had his 35th triple-double with 28 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists. 

The triple-double was his 17th in a King uniform, the most in the franchise’s Sacramento era. The Kings protected the ball well throughout the entire game with only seven turnovers. It was an outstanding evening for the Sacramento Kings.

The Wizard’s Jordan Poole matched his career high with eight 3 pointers scoring 28 points in total. Kyle Kuzma added 27 points. Washington is really struggling right now having lost 17 of their last 19 games. They did tie up this game in the second quarter 40 apiece but that was as close as they would get for the rest of the game.

Post game notes: Monday night the Kings took on the Wizards at Golden 1 Center. Fox was back on the court after missing the last game against the Utah Jazz. The Kings were still basking in the glow of the amazing game that Murray had last Saturday. Watching Murray hit 12 three’s and finishing with a career-high 47 points is a memory that will go down in the 2023-24 season. He is really coming into his own. The Kings were able to contain Jordan Poole (28 pts) who always poses a threat and Kyle Kuzma (27 pts) always makes an impact. The Kings are on a roll right now and have continued down that path in this game.

Wednesday night, the Sacramento Kings take on the Boston Celtics at Golden 1 Center. The Celtics are in first place in the Eastern Conference. This will be a great matchup for Sacramento. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Headline Sports podcast with Jessica Kwong: 49ers Purdy out of action against Bengals; Why Dusty Baker retired after game 7; plus more news

Down goes Purdy: San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) is caught from behind for a sack by the Minnesota Vikings Danielle Hunter linebacker (99) on Mon Oct 24, 2023 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis (AP News photo)

On Headline Sports Jessica Kwong:

#1 After last Sunday’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings it was learned that San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will be out this Sunday on concussion protocols.

#2 Another fun fact concerning the 49ers is when they are down by five points or more in the fourth quarter they are 0-29 under 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. Was winning the first five games to start the season an aberration?

#3 Turning to baseball and the World Series the Houston Astros were mighty disappointed and the last game 7 in the ALCS turned out to be Astros manager Dusty Baker’s last game of his baseball career. He announced his retirement after the game calling the 162 season plus post season a grind.

#4 There is joy in Mudville today as the San Francisco Giants have signed former San Diego Padres and Oakland A’s manager Bob Melvin. Melvin had caught before as a player for the Giants and managed for the Padres where last season became a toxic working relationship between the Pads GM AJ Preller and Melvin.

#5 Jessica, lastly the Milwaukee Bucks and the Boston Celtics are favorites to win the NBA Championship according to sportsbooks around the country. The Celtics got some key help signing guard Jrue Holiday and the Milwaukee Bucks got Damian Lillard from the Portland Trailblazers. With Lillard now pairing up with power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Join Jessica for Headline Sports each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Stephen Ruderman: Jays Bassitt said Yanks Judge was stealing tips; Jays pitcher Bass in hot water over LGBTQ message; plus more

Toronto Blue Jays announcers Dan Shulman and Buck Martinez were questioning what the New York Yankees Aaron Judge was looking at during this at bat. The Jays pitcher Chris Bassitt said Judge was getting signals from the first base coach as to what was coming (New York Post photo still)

On the MLB podcast with Stephen Ruderman:

#1 The Toronto Blue Jays broadcasters were drawing suspicions that the New York Yankees Aaron Judge was looking at the Yankees first base coach to get signs on what pitch was coming from Toronto pitchers. They had him on camera looking at something and then the pitch came and he went yard. Blue Jay pitcher Chris Bassitt said the Yankees were relaying pitches and Judge lied.

#2 The Toronto Blue Jays continue to make news as Jays pitcher Anthony Bass said that he believed in boycotting Budweiser and Target for their support over LGBTQ rights. Bass said this has become a political issue and said he didn’t understand what’s the big deal. Fans and critics say that the Jays have only one choice and it’s to get rid of Bass.

#3 The San Francisco Giants Patrick Bailey wasted no time on his 24th birthday Monday hitting a two run seventh inning home run that later led the Giants to a 14-4 win over the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates in the first of a three game series.

#4 Turning the NBA news the Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers is stepping down after 12 years at the helm. Myers 48 said “It’s just time” and is looking doesn’t know what his future holds but felt his time in the position was up and he wanted to move on.

#5 The Denver Nuggets host the Miami Heat on Thursday night at Ball Arena in Denver for game 1 of the NBA Finals. The Heat just knocked off the Boston Celtics after the Celtics came back from being down 3-0. The Nuggets have been off since Mon May 22 and will have ten days rest before taking on the Celtics.

Stephen Ruderman did Headline Sports and covers MLB at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NBA Final podcast with David Zizmor: Heat-Nuggets tip off for game 1 in Denver Thursday night

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler directs traffic while dribbling the basketball against the Boston Celtics in game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden in Boston on Tue May 28, 2023 (AP News photo)

NBA Final podcast with David Zizmor:

#1 David taking a look at the Miami Heat who took out the Boston Celtics in seven games, it was a nail biter for the Heat winning the first three games then losing the next three games and clinching in game 7

#2 In game 7 the Heat were in Boston with the Celtics crowd behind them but they managed to take the crowd out of the game allowed the Celtics to score only 15 points in the first quarter and only 18 in the third quarter.

#3 The Denver Nuggets host the Heat in game 1 on Thursday night. The Nuggets have had plenty of rest having played their last game Mon May 22 that’s nine days rest for Denver is that an advantage or could they come in rusty?

Join David Zizmor for the NBA Final podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NBA Eastern Conference Finals podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Miami feels the Heat as Celtics close the gap

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum throws down against the Miami Heat in game 5 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on Thu May 25, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the NBA Eastern Conference Finals podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 At one time the Boston Celtics were down 3-0 to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals and now have come back to avoid elimination winning two straight games including last night’s game 5 thriller 110-97 to cut the Miami lead down to 3-2.

#2 Derrick White scored 24 points and had six three pointers and it was the three pointers that help make the difference for the Celtics. Marcus Smart had 23 points and five steals.

#3 Also the Celtics Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown both finished with 21 points they both were driven for accomplishing a game 5 win.

#4 If the Celtics were to win game 6 they will have come back from three games down and teams who have been down 3-0 are 0-150 and are vying to beat the odds.

#5 Game 6 goes back to Miami Friday night. The Heat will have their fans behind them and the Heat are looking for their key players Gabe Vincent, Duncan Robinson, Caleb Martin and Jimmy Butler to make it happen and eliminate the Celtics. Can the Celts beat the odds or will the Heat take full advantage of the home court advantage?

Join Jeremiah for the NBA post season podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NBA Playoffs podcast with David Zizmor: Celtics escape to stay alive with 116-99 win over Heat

On the NBA Playoffs podcast with David:

#1 The Boston Celtics avoided getting swept by the Miami Heat 116-99 in Miami on Tuesday night. The Celtics led by Jayson Tatum led with 34 points and 11 rebounds.

#2 The Celtics also got scoring help from Derrick White and Jaylen Brown who each had 16 points and the Celtics had a strong second half to hold off the Heat.

#3 What had been absent for the Celtics in the first three games to put them behind the eight ball early and quickly.

#4 Dave game five comes back to the Boston on Thursday night and it might be the best chance for the Celtics to pick up one more win on their home floor but the Heat can put this away in a game six in Miami.

Join David for the NBA post season podcasts Wednesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings host Suns in first of back to back games Friday

Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) shoots over Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Tue Mar 21, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 After winning three straight games the Sacramento Kings (43-29) have lost two straight games do you view this just a lull and were the Utah Jazz and the Boston Celtics (50-23) just up to beat the Kings no matter what the cause in those two games?

#2 The Kings rank number three in the NBA Western Conference and once you make that climb to one of the top seeds everybody starts to come after you. In watching the Jazz and Celtics go after the Kings do you see those opponents doing some careful film study in trying to pick apart weaknesses on the Kings offense and defense?

#3 Kings head coach Mike Brown has a steady hand and also has watched these last two straight defeats carefully do you see him distributing the shots and also the defense differently or the talent will stay with their usual course of action?

#4 In the second half against the Celtics on Tuesday the Celts offense just came out and dominated scoring 40 in the third and 32 in the fourth quarter and held the Kings to just 31 in the third and 24 in the fourth quarter.

#5 The Kings hope to turn the tables tonight at Golden 1 Center as they host the Phoenix Suns (38-34). The Suns have struggled in their last two games as well losing the Oklahoma City Thunder Sunday and on Wednesday to the Los Angeles Lakers. You best bet both teams will be battling tonight in Sacramento.

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