Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: Pelicans Williamson out with pulled hamstring; Would struggling Bucks trade for Giannis? More NBA news

New Orleans Pelicans Zion Williamson (1) is not too happy after being called for a foul in the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland on Wed Nov 6, 2024. This would be Williamson’s last game as he later was place on the injured list with a pulled hamstring. (AP News photo)

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Charlie, The New Orleans Pelicans Zion Williamson is out indefinitely with a hamstring injury he suffered the injury against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday he checked himself out of the game but returned and scored 23 points. Williamson didn’t play on Friday against the Orlando Magic. Williamson has missed four games this season. Since signing with the Pelicans in 2019 he’s missed 210 games out of 400 regular season games.

#2 The Milwaukee Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo was critical of the Bucks loss to the New York Knicks Friday night at Madison Square Garden 116-94. The Bucks previously had a six game losing streak before beating the Utah Jazz on Thursday but turned around and lost to the Knicks on Friday. Antetokounmpo said after the loss to New York “Did we compete the previous game? Yes. Did we compete the two [games before that]? Yes. Did we compete today? No,” Do you see Giannis getting discouraged and there is talk about the Bucks making some trades could Antetokounmpo want out of Milwaukee?

#3 The NBA announced on Saturday that Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has been suspended for 3 games for shoving a reporter Marcus Hayes of the Philadelphia Inquirer in the Sixers locker room following the October 23rd game for reporting that Embiid was not prepared for the season and Hayes had mentioned Embiid’s son and deceased brother in the article. The suspension has delayed Embiid’s much anticipated debut for the season.

#4 The Cleveland Cavaliers are smoking hot right now. They won their tenth straight game and scored 110 points or more in each of those ten games defeating the Golden State Warriors 136-117 on Friday night. Ironically the Warriors were the last team to start a season at 10-0 back in the 2015-16 season. The Cavs Kenny Atkinson said that he was concerned before the game playing a championship team like the Warriors but after the game said the Cavaliers are a prepared and hungry team.

#5 The Los Angeles Clippers Norman Powell was the difference maker on Friday night against the Sacramento Kings scoring 31 points with 12 rebounds in the Clippers 107-98 win at Golden One Center in Sacramento. James Harden added 22 points the Clips offense overshadowed the efforts of the Kings De’Aaron Fox with 31 points, Domantas Sabonis with 23 points and 12 rebounds. Big win for the Clippers, tough loss for the Kings.

Join Charlie O for the Kings podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Clippers Powell leads with 31 pts and 12 rebounds beat Kings 107-98 at Golden One

Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0) drives on the Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell (24) and forward Domantas Sabonis (11) on a pick in first half action at the Golden One Center in Sacramento on Fri Nov 8, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Friday night. The Kings last played on Wednesday as they defeated the Toronto Raptors. On Friday, they were set to welcome the LA Clippers. The tip-off was set for 7 PM PST on Friday night. The Kings lost the game to the Clippers 107-98.

In the first quarter, the Kings got off to a slow start offensively. At the 6:20 mark of the first, the Kings trailed 19-11. The Kings’ offense couldn’t get into any rhythm to put pressure on the Clippers’ defense. The rest of the quarter, the Kings tried to battle but couldn’t make up much ground.

The quarter ended with the Kings down 34-28. One thing that stood out was the free throw discrepancy: the Kings shot three free throws in the first quarter compared to the Clippers’ 11.

In the second quarter, the Kings continued to play sloppy basketball. The Kings weren’t firing on all cylinders on the defensive end, which led to missed assignments and easy buckets for the Clippers. The Kings’ and the Clippers’ offenses both came to a standstill in the second quarter, with each team scoring 17 points. The Kings trailed the Clippers 51-45 heading into halftime. Norman Powell led the Clippers in the first half with 18 points, while the Kings’ leading scorer was De’Aaron Fox with 12 points.

In the third quarter, it was more of the same uninspiring basketball. The Kings scored 28 points in the third as the Clippers managed 27 points. However, the Kings continued to trail as they couldn’t string together good possessions with any stops. The Kings were shooting an abysmal 2/22 from three through the first three quarters. Could the Kings pick up the offensive end of the floor to come back? They trailed 78-73 going into the fourth.

In the final quarter of action, the Kings failed to mount a comeback. The Kings played hard, but ultimately, some well-timed three-pointers from the LA Clippers sealed the fate of the Kings. The Kings managed to get the game to within four points with a few minutes remaining to show a sign of life.

However, the three-ball started falling for the Clippers as they shut down the run to win 107-98. The Kings’ leading scorer in defeat was Fox, who scored 33 points. Norman Powell led the Clippers in victory as he cooked the Kings with 31 points.

After the game, coach Mike Brown stressed the need to take more three-point shots, regardless of the team’s 3-26 performance. “I would really like our guys to take at least ten more… we left a few shots on the floor we could have taken.”

Up Next: The Kings head on the road to take on the Phoenix Suns on Sunday at 5 PM PST at Footprint Arena in Phoenix.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings host Clippers tonight at Golden One Center

The Toronto Raptors guard Ochai Abaji (left) defends against the Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray in first half action at Golden One Center in Sacramento on Wed Nov 6, 2024 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 The Sacramento Kings DeMar DeRozan scored 27 points fired up the Kings with a record setting job in defeating the Toronto Raptors 122-107 on Wednesday night at Golden One Center.

#2 Domantas Sabonis had his third triple double of the season going with 17 points, 13 assists, 11 rebounds. Sabonis was six for six from the field and shot a perfect five for five from the free throw line.

#3 Keegan Murray chipped in with 22 points and 12 rebounds and De’Aaron Fox shot for 21 points. DeRozan has scored already 20 points in his first eight games in Sacramento.

#4 Fox played a tough defensive game for the Kings on Wednesday. Fox has been suffering a finger injury going 5 for 17 and was only 2 for 8 on three pointers.

#5 The Kings have won five of their last six games and host the Los Angeles Clippers (4-4) tonight at Golden One in Sacramento. The Clippers defeated the Philadelphia 76ers Wednesday night 110-98. The Clippers after losing three straight loses have won two games in row going into tonight’s game.

Jeremiah Salmonson does the Kings podcast each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kings Go 0-5 In Pre-Season Play Losing To Los Angeles Clippers 113-91

Oct 17, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Jordan Miller (11) drives to the basket against Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (13) during the second quarter of NBA preseason game at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn ImagesKiyoshi Mio

By Barbara Mason

Thursday night the Sacramento Kings (0-5) lost their final pre-season game to the Los Angeles Clippers (4-1) 113-91. The Kings have lost every pre-season game as they continue to work to get ready for the 2024-25 season.

Sacramento’s newest acquisition DeMar DeRozan is working hard to complete the starting roster for the Kings. Sacramento now has a week of hard practice ahead of them as they prepare to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves to open the season at Golden 1 Center.

Thursday evening the Kings finished up their pre-season losing to the Clippers at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. The Kings have lost all of their pre-season games and they are focused on working DeMar DeRozan into the starting lineup.

They did improve ball protection in their last game and continue to work hard as they prepare for the start of the regular season which gets underway on October 24 when they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in Sacramento.

Kevin Huerter, Malik Monk, Orlando Robinson, Trey Lyles and De’Aaron Fox were all listed GTD with a return date of October 24th. James Harden, Kawhi Leonard and Derrick Jones did not play for the Clippers.

The Clippers got on top as the opening quarter wore down leading 30-20 after the first twelve minutes of play. The first quarter was sloppy at best for the Kings with 9 turnovers, shooting at 18% from downtown with only 30 % from the field.

Los Angeles continued to extend their lead in the second quarter and with 6:31 left in the first half the Clippers had a 28-48 lead. The Sacramento bench saw some action in the second quarter although Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, and Keegan Murray did play play in the quarter.

The Kings continue to push through the pre-season in an effort to get this lineup ready for the regular season. The Clippers took a 65-38 lead into halftime. They had outscored Sacramento 35-18 in the second quarter. The Kings finished the half with 13 turnovers, shooting 14% from downtown and 28% from the field. The Clippers were shooting nearly 60% from the field in this lopsided game.

The Kings made a rally attempt in the third quarter after trailing by as much as 27 points. They were able to pull to within 14 points before the Clippers pushed back holding onto a comfortable lead for the rest of the quarter. After three quarters Los Angeles had an 85-69 lead. The Kings were able to outscore the Clippers in the quarter 31-20.

The Clippers went on to win the fourth quarter 28-22 and the game 113-91. Domantas Sabonis finished with the high for the Kings with 24 points and 9 rebounds just shy of another double double. Keegan Murray had 11 points and 7 rebounds in the loss. Sacramento will now head back to Golden 1 Center to prepare for the start of the season next week.

The Kings will face the Minnesota Timberwolves in their first game of the 2024-25 season with the tipoff scheduled for 7:00 PM.

NBA Playoffs podcast with David Zizmor: Mavericks tie up series with Clippers at 1-1; Doncic and Irving turn up the offense for Dallas

The Dallas Mavericks forward Luka Doncic (77) takes a shot against the Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George (13) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Tue Apr 23, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the NBA Playoffs podcast with David:

#1 David, the Dallas Mavericks came back and tied the series with the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA Playoffs on Tuesday night 96-93. As Mavericks forward PJ Washington said following the game “everybody was locked in.”

#2 Huge credit to high scorers Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Doncic scoring 32 points and Irving 23 points the Mavericks figured out the Clippers defense after losing to them 109-97 in game one at Crypto Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday.

#3 The Clippers Kawhi Leonard made returned to his first game since March 31st since having surgery for his inflamed right knee. Leonard said he felt good and despite the loss the Clippers have more time and more games to play. How important is it for Leonard to return to the Clippers line up?

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

Sabonis unstoppable 22 points 20 rebounds as Kings defeat Clippers 127-106

Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis (10) center drives on the Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (right) in first half action at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Tue Apr 2, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Tuesday night inside Golden One Center. The Kings were coming off an off day on Monday after playing on Sunday at home. On Sunday, the Kings defeated the Los Angeles Clippers in blowout fashion, 127-106.

The Clippers were also coming off a win on Sunday. The Clippers defeated the Hornets in Charlotte by the final 130-118. The Kings and Clippers were set for tip-off on Tuesday at 7 PM PST. The Kings defeated the Clippers 109-95 on Tuesday night in front of a sold-out crowd.

In the first quarter, neither team got off to a fast start. The Kings and Clippers started slow on offense, as neither team found a rhythm in the first quarter. Both teams scored 24 points in the first quarter to remain tied after the first. Paul George and Keegan Murray started the game hot for their respective teams, scoring nine points each.

In the second quarter, the Kings offense took off. The Kings exploded to open up a 16-point lead in the second quarter. Fox and Davion Mitchell were firing on all cylinders early in the quarter to open the game up. However, the Clippers battled back to get the game closer at the midway point in the quarter, cutting the lead to six with 4:47 in the half.

For the rest of the quarter, the teams traded baskets to go into halftime, with the Kings leading 56-51. The Kings would take the five-point lead into halftime, looking to expand on it in the third quarter.

In the third quarter, the Kings had a breakout quarter from start to finish. The Kings offense went off for 35 points against a weak effort by the Clippers on the defensive end of the floor. The Kings, led by an aggressive Keegan Murray, would hold the Clippers to 19 points in the third.

The Kings would go into the final quarter of action leading 91-70. Keegan Murray was leading the Kings through three quarters with 19 points. Paul George had 18 through three-quarters of action for the Clippers.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings maintained the lead to defeat the Clippers. The Clippers outscored the Kings 25-18 in the game’s final quarter. However, it was to no avail.

The Kings would defeat the Clippers 109-95 to have a two-game win streak going before they head on the road. The Kings leading scorer in the game was Domantas Sabonis, who scored 22 points with 20 rebounds. Russell Westbrook led the Clippers with a 20-point performance.

Up Next: The Kings go on the road to take on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. The Kings and Knicks will tip off at 4:30 PM PST on Thursday.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony Renteria: No.7 Kings and No.4 Clippers battle tonight at Golden 1

Sacramento Kings Domanta Sabonis (left) is defended by the Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (right) in the first half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Sun Mar 31, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony Renteria:

#1 Harrison Barnes scored 24 points and scored 16 key points in the third quarter to lead the Sacramento Kings to a huge 39 point third quarter rally to help the Kings get past the Utah Jazz last Sunday 127-106.

#2 The Kings were short handed and Barnes came through with some crucial scoring in the third quarter and the Kings offense just seemed to have their way with the Jazz there was no stopping that offense who ran up the score like that.

#3 Top scorers on the Kings were Keegan Murray with 25 points and DeAaron Fox had 24 points and 12 assists but pretty got their shots and were a path for the Kings win Sunday.

#4 Barnes said that coach Mike Brown said that everyone pretty much had the green light and go out there and be aggressive and shoot with confidence.

#5 The Kings host the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night at Golden 1. The Clippers are fourth place in the Western Conference having won three straight and won six of their last ten games. The Kings have also won six of their last ten games. How do you see this match up tonight?

Join Tony Renteria for the Kings podcasts each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kings Outlast Red-Hot Clippers 123-107

Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron (5) drives the ball against Los Angeles Clippers forward PJ Tucker during the first half at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles Sun Feb 25, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (33-22) took on the red-hot Los Angeles Clippers (37-19) Sunday night. They led for most of the game and did not back down when the Clippers threatened in the second half. This game got uncomfortably close in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter but some timely shots from downtown nailed down the win for Sacramento 123-107. De’Aaron Fox had the high for the team with 33 points.

The Kings took on the Clippers at Crypto.com Arena Sunday night. The Kings are coming off a win over the San Antonio Spurs Thursday night 127-122 and the Clippers are also coming off a win over the Memphis Grizzlies 101-95.

The Kings are barely hanging onto seventh place tied with the Mavericks while the Clippers are holding down third place in the Western Conference. Every team around the Kings in the standings are playing very well so in order to keep pace they have to get their defense going as well as their offense. Sacramento has to get hot as well.

At the end of the opening quarter the Clippers held a 28-25 lead over Sacramento in a close contest. Sacramento was only shooting at 40% while the Clippers were solid at 50%. The Kings did have 18 rebounds to the Clippers 11 but were unable to cash in. Both teams struggled from downtown, the Kings with two and the Clippers with only one.

The Kings led mid-way through the second quarter but this game was a close one. Sacramento had a real challenge trying to defend the veteran James Harden. With 4:38 left in the first half the Kings had a seven point advantage 46-39.

Domantas Sabonis was not shooting particularly well but he did have nine rebounds setting up shots for his offense. At the half, the Sacramento Kings had a 58-51 lead. Domantas Sabonis had begun to heat up with 11 points and 9 rebounds.

De’Aaron Fox had the high for the Kings in the half with 16 points and Harrison Barnes finished the first two quarters with 10 points. They would have to dig deep to get past Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Ivica Zubac and this Clipper team. The Kings were protecting the ball well with only 5 turnovers.

The Kings came out hot in the third quarter taking an 18 point lead mid-way through the quarter but the Clippers cut that lead in half as the third came to an end 89-80. Sacramento took some ill-advised three’s that missed and coupled with some ugly turnovers they opened the door for a Clipper comeback.

Sacramento stubbornly hung onto a double digit lead for most of the first four minutes of the fourth quarter but the Clippers fought back getting to within five points. With under six minutes left in the game the Kings pushed their lead back to 108-98 in a dogfight. The Kings began to extend their lead with under four minutes left on the clock 114-100.

With under two minutes Sacramento still had a double digit lead 118-105. De’Aaron Fox nailed the coffin shut with a two-point shot giving the Kings a 120-105 lead with 1:25 left in the game closing it out for Sacramento. The final was 123-107.

This was an amazing night for the Sacramento Kings. They played a solid game offensively and defensively. The ever reliable Domantas Sabonis clocked his 20th triple double of the season with 17 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assist punishing the Clippers from inside over and over.

De’Aaron Fox had the team high with 33 points. Harrison Barnes finished with 22 points. The team only had ten turnovers in the game and this win moved them into fifth place in the Western Conference.

Sacramento will now head back home to Golden 1 Center to take on Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat Monday night in an Eastern Western Conference showdown. The game is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Golden State Warriors podcast with Jerry Feitelberg: Warriors have trouble stopping Clippers Powell and George; Golden State snaps six game win streak at home

The Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) takes a shot against the Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell (24) and guard Brandon Boston Jr (right) first half action at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Wed Feb 14, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Golden State Warriors podcast with Jerry Feitelberg:

#1 The Golden State Warriors were home against the Los Angeles Clippers but that didn’t make much of a difference as the Warriors had a tough time containing the Clippers.

#2 The Clippers got scoring production from James Harden 26 points, Paul George 24, and Norman Powell with 21 points led the way.

#3 Powell got the hot hand scoring four 3 pointers in the last 7:03 of the game. Powell matched up with Warrior guard Stephen Curry in the contest.

#4 Curry wound up leading the Warriors with 41 points but it was too little as the Clippers won it by five points.

#5 The Warriors have to return to the site of the passing of their late coach Dejan Milojevich once again. The Warriors were just in Salt Lake City on Mon Feb 12 and have a make up game with the Utah Jazz Thursday night this is the game that was canceled because coach Milojevich passed away the night before at dinner.

Join Jerry for the Golden State Warriors podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Red-Hot Clippers Cool Off Warriors in Fourth Quarter 130-125

The Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) goes to lay one up against the Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Wed Feb 14, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

After leading for the majority of Wednesday night’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers (36-17) the Golden State Warriors (26-26) fell short in the fourth quarter losing 130-125. The Warriors controlled the tempo, the pace but fell short in the final four minutes. The sixth win in a row for Golden State was not to be.

Game recap: The Warriors got a lightning start forcing turnovers and handling the Clippers quite well. Los Angeles is without Kawhi Leonard in this game missing it due to a left thigh injury. The first quarter was close throughout until the final minute when the Warriors got a little separation leading 30-23 after the first 12 minutes. 

The Clippers weakest quarter is typically the first quarter but Golden State had gotten this game going in the right direction in the opening quarter. Every Golden State starter had scored in the first twelve minutes. and the Warriors had set a great pace dictating play.

Mid-way through the second quarter the Warriors took a ten-point lead 43-33. The Warriors continued to double team James Harden who was the leading scorer on the court for the Clippers. 

Harden was not getting much help from his team mates and continued to try and carry his team. With 4:32 left in the half, the Warriors continued to hold the lead 47-39 and Golden State had their way throughout the first half. The first two quarters were all Golden State. 

The three’s started flying for the Warriors complimented by some solid defense. The score at halftime was 59-52 in favor of Golden State. The Warriors had held a 59-44 lead during the second quarter but the Clippers went on a 8-0 run to close out the half. They had cut the Warriors lead in half but Golden State still held a seven point lead going into the second half.

The Clippers got going in the third quarter and in a flash Los Angeles had pulled to within three points 59-62. Early in the quarter, Draymond Green got an elbow to the jaw and was taken back to the locker room to rule out concussion, broken jaw or any number of injuries that could have occurred after such a vicious hit. The team had to carry on in the absence of Green awaiting word on his condition. 

The Warriors rallied pushing their lead back to double digits 75-65 at 5:38. Stephen Curry was on fire with 25 points through 2 2/1 quarters and had 6 three’s. At 5:22 the ever tough Green came out of the locker room and rejoined his team mates on the court.

Brandin Podziemski was having a terrific game off the bench with 18 points going 4 of 4 from downtown. The third quarter saw another record for Curry with his fourth straight game hitting at least seven three’s.  As the quarter came to an end the Warriors held onto a 97-86 lead. 

The fourth quarter was an over the top physical game. The Clippers Mason Plumlee got a flagrant one when he showed excessive force guarding Brandin Podziemski and the Warriors Jonathan Kuminga also got a flagrant one for pushing Plumlee in the back in defense of his team mate. 

At 5:35 the Clippers made a push that tied up this game at 108. Los Angeles went on to take the lead; their first lead with a 17-2 run. The two teams began to trade leads as this game was going down to the wire. 

Curry had a real challenge being double-teamed for most of the game and forced to take some very difficult shots. Los Angeles had their largest lead when it really counted; in the last minute of the game 126-120. 

With 48.3 ticks left on the clock the Warriors were in danger of losing. Golden State was unable to guard the Clippers in the fourth quarter when it really counted. The final was 130-125 in favor of Los Angeles. This was an impressive win for the Clippers having to play without Leonard but they fought throughout the contest for the eventual victory.

The Warriors had a terrific game doing just about everything needed to win. Curry finished with 41 points hitting nine shots from downtown. Podziemski was terrific off the bench with 25 points going 5 for 5 from beyond the arc. Golden State protected the ball well with only 9 turnovers. It was a disappointing loss for the Warriors after leading for the majority of the game and playing so well throughout.   

Game notes: Wednesday night the Warriors took on one of the best in the west the Clippers at Chase Center. The Clippers are currently in third place in the Western Conference. The Clippers have the third ranked offense and they are first in three’s. Despite a crazy schedule, the Warriors are playing their best basketball of the season. They defeated the Warriors at Chase by five points and hop on a plane to play the Utah Jazz on Thursday leading into the All-Star game. Golden State failed to get their sixth win in a row Wednesday night. They couldn’t win the final two games before the break.

In a quick turnaround, the Warriors will hop on a plane and fly back out to Utah to make up the suspended game from January 17. It has been a crazy week for the Warriors but they are really rising to the occasion playing what is probably their best basketball all season. Tipoff for the Jazz game Thursday night is scheduled for 6:00 PM.