Lakers hang on to down Warriors 109-103

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) shoots against Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura during the first half at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Sat Feb 11, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

The new-look Los Angles Lakers (26-31), playing without LeBron James, who was out with a sore foot, won the game in crunch time to down the Golden State Warriors (28-28), 109-103.

The Lakers acquired guard D’Angelo Russell from Minnesota on Thursday. The Lakers also added Jarred Vanderbilt and Rui Hachimura to their lineup. The Warriors’ Stephen Curry is out with a knee injury, and the team will re-evaluate his status after the All-Star break. The Warriors were hoping to atone for their loss in crunch time to the Portland Trailblazers Wednesday night.

Neither team could get anything going in the first quarter. Buckets took a lot of work to come by. Each team seemed out of sync. The Warriors committed seven turnovers in the first 12 minutes of the game. The Warriors finished the first period leading by one point, 22-21.

The Warriors’ offense came to life in the second period. The Warriors raced to a 39-31 after Kevon Looney’s basket. It was the Warriors’ biggest lead of the night. The Lakers kept coming back as they tied the game at 49 late in the first half. The Warriors held on to lead by two, 53-51, at the end of the first 24 minutes of the game.

For most of the third quarter, neither team would give an inch. If the Warriors had the lead, the Lakers found a way to either tie the game or take the lead. The game was tied six times until late in the period. With the score tied at 79, the Lakers scored the last quarter six points of the period to lead 85-79. The Warriors gave the Lakers a big break when they fouled Jarred Vanderbilt at the buzzer.

Trailing by six entering the last 12 minutes of the game is relatively easy to overcome. All the Warriors needed was for someone to get hot. That someone was Jordan Poole. Poole was the only player on the floor to put points on the board until late in the quarter. Poole scored 17 points to bring the Warriors within three, 96-93.

Backup guard, Ty Jerome, tied the game at 98. The Lakers went on a 7-0 run to lead 105-98. Donte DiVincenzo connected on a three. The Lakers scored to lead 107-101. Di Vincenzo made a two-pointer to trail 107-103. The Warriors needed a miracle to win the game, and the miracle didn’t happen.

Game Notes and stats: With the loss, the Warriors are now 28-28. The Lakers are 26-31.

The Warriors had six players in double figures Saturday night. Poole led the team with 29. 17 of his 29 points came in the fourth quarter. Di Vincenzo and Jerome were the other Warriors to score in the fourth quarter. Di Vincenzo had five, and Jerome had two. Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green, JaMychal Green, and Klay Thompson failed to score.

Thompson was ice-cold in the fourth quarter. Thompson took 80 shots and missed on all eight attempts. Thompson had 15, Wiggins 12, Draymond Green had 12 points and ten rebounds, JaMychal Green had eleven, and Jerome ten.

The leading scorer for LA was Dennis Schroder, with 26. Hachimura had 16, Anthony Davis 13 points and 16 rebounds, and Vanderbilt 12. D’Angelo Russell, in his first game as a Laker, knocked down 15. 

The Lakers shot 45% from the floor, the Warriors 41%: the Lakers made eight threes, and the Warriors 12. The game was won at the free throw line for the second game in a row. The Lakers made 21 free throws in 26 tries. The Warriors made eleven in 12 tries. The ten-point difference at the free throw line won the game for LA.

The Warriors host the Washington Wizards at the Chase Center Monday night. The game will start at 7 pm.

Golden State Warriors podcast with Jerry Feitelberg: LeBron all time NBA scoring leader coming to Chase Saturday; Ex-Warrior Durant traded to Suns

Former Los Angeles Laker Kareem Abdul Jabbar (left) passes the record setting basketball for most points in NBA history and the torch to the Lakers LeBron James (right) at Cypto.com Arena in Los Angeles in second half action against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tue Feb 7, 2023. LeBron and the Lakers visit the Golden State Warriors Sat Feb 11, 2023 at the Chase Center in San Francisco (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Jerry:

#1 The Portland Trail Blazers (27-28) Damian Lillard led the way with a triple double and 33 points he was a tough one to defend and the Blazers came away with a 125-122 victory over the Golden State Warriors (28-27) in Portland on Wednesday night.

#2 Lillard also had 11 assists and ten rebounds, it was also Lillard’s second career triple double. Lillard said he didn’t shoot the ball well but it was his aggressiveness and his attack mode that helped defeat Golden State.

#3 The Warriors Jordan Poole finished on top of all other Warrior scorers with 38 points, Jerry talk about Poole’s contribution to the Warriors offense.

#4 Without guard Stephen Curry in the line up and out with a knee injury Klay Thompson scored 31 points, Thompson scored seven three pointers on his 33rd birthday and stepped it up for the club although they fell short in the end.

#5 Jerry, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are at the Chase Center this Saturday night for a 5:30 pm tip. LeBron set the NBA all time record with 38,388 points surpassing former Laker great Kareem Abdul Jabbar last Tuesday night. LeBron should get a nice ovation for the accomplishment from the Golden State crowd on Saturday.

Jerry Feitelberg does the Golden State Warriors podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings host Thunder Friday night at Golden 1; Sac coming off win in LA

Sacramento Kings center Richaun Holmes (22) dunks against Los Angeles Lakers center Thomas Bryant (31) and LeBron James (6) left during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 Jeremiah, the Sacramento Kings (25-18) got a big road win over the Los Angeles Lakers (20-25) on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles 116-111 and they pulled it off without Domantas Sabonis in the line up.

#2 Kings head coach Mike Brown had been talking about the Kings depth and drive all season long and they really showed it keeping the Lakers contained towards the final minutes of Wednesday’s contest to come away with a five point win.

#3 Brown commented that the Kings have guys to step up if someone like Sabonis is out of the line up and DeAaron Fox was that guy leading with 32 points.

#4 LeBron scored 32 points but the Kings held off much of the Lakers offense and the Kings had five starters finish the game in double figures. The Kings Richaun Harris scored 16 points subbing for Sabonis and that made a difference for Sacramento.

#5 The Kings return to Sacramento take on the Oklahoma City Thunder (22-23) Friday night. The Thunder are coming off a 126-106 win over the Indiana Pacers (23-23) in OKC. The Thunder take a four game win steak into Sacramento. Jeremiah let me know your thoughts on how you see this contest.

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

Sweet Revenge for Kings Beat Lakers 116-111

Sacramento Kings forward Trey Lyles (41) dunks against Los Angeles Lakers forward Wenyen Gabriel (35) and guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Wed Jan 18, 2023 (AP News photo)

Sweet Revenge for Kings Beat Lakers 116-111

By Barbara Mason

Wednesday night LeBron James and the Lakers (19-25) hosted the Sacramento Kings (25-18) in a Western Conference matchup. The Kings in fourth in the conference and the Lakers sit in 13th place. The Kings came in on a three game win streak.

The last time they lost was at the hands of the Lakers in a two point game 136-134. Sacramento got a little revenge with a 116-111 win to extend their winning streak to four Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The Lakers won their last game against the last place Rockets.

The Lakers got off to a quick start leading at one time by 14 points winning the first 12 minutes 39-28. The Kings bounced back in the second quarter winning it 33-21 and leading at halftime 61-60. De’Aaron Fox had 20 points in the first half, the only King in double digits.

Sacramento continued to extend the slim one point lead they had at the half finishing the third quarter leading 90-82. The entire Kings starting roster finished the third quarter in double digits.

The Lakers began to challenge the Kings lead cutting the deficit to four points trailing 90-86 in the early minutes of the fourth quarter. With 7:30 left in the game, the Kings held a one point lead 98-97. The lead that Sacramento had in the third quarter had vanished and the Lakers had taken the lead 101-100 with 6:45 left on the clock.

The two teams began to trade baskets and this would be a close one to the finish. The game was tied with 4:11 left on the clock at 103. With 30 ticks left on the clock the Kings had a 111-108 lead and possession. Sacramento was able to hold on for the win.

Fox finished the game with 31 points the team high and Harrison Barnes had 20 points. LeBron James had 32 points for the Lakers and Los Angeles had some nice work from their bench scoring 59 total points. Friday night, the Kings will take on the Thunder at Golden 1 Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Kings clobber Magic 136-111 at Golden 1 Center

Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk, top, pulls down a rebound between forward Domantas Sabonis (10) and forward Keegan Murray (13) in the first quarter of action at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Mon Jan 9, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Monday night in Sacramento. The Kings last played on Saturday against LeBron James and the Lakers at home. The Kings lost to the Lakers in that matchup 136-134. On Monday, the Kings were looking to get back in the win column against a mediocre team. The Kings were set to welcome the Orlando Magic at 7 PM on Monday. The Kings cruised to an easy victory on Monday 136-111 against the Magic.

In the first quarter, the Kings started hot on the offensive end. The Kings started the game with a massive 41-point outburst in the first quarter to jump to an early lead. The Kings defense didn’t start as quickly. The Kings allowed the Magic to score 31 points in the first quarter to hang around in the game early. The Kings pace and shot-making early were proving too much for the Magic.

In the second quarter, the Kings followed up the first quarter with another solid quarter. In the second, the Kings scored 31 points to build the lead more against the Magic. What stood out in the second was the Kings defense. The Kings defense limited the Magic to only 21 points in the quarter.

That was a much-needed and welcome sight for Kings fans, as the Kings defense has recently been bad. The Kings would head into halftime leading the game 72-52. Harrison Barnes started quickly for the Kings with 17 points in the first half to lead the Kings.

In the third quarter, the Kings continued to build the lead. The Magic could not figure out the Kings on the offensive end of the floor to this point all night. The Kings outscored the Magic 35-32 in the third quarter. Harrison Barnes continued his hot night, leading the Kings in scoring after three quarters with 23 points. Franz Wagner was leading the Magic with 16 points through three quarters. The Kings would take a 107-84 lead into the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings cruised to victory. The Kings, led by veteran Harrison Barnes to victory 136-111. Barnes had 30 points in the game as he started the Kings on the right foot and significantly impacted the victory. The Kings finished the game by outsourcing the Magic 29-27 in the final quarter.

The Magic were led in defeat by Paolo Banchero who had 17 points. The Kings improved to 21-18 on the season as the Magic fell to 15-26. This was a game the Kings should win and they took care of business at home.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the Houston Rockets on Wednesday at 7 PM PST.

LeBron’s 37 points helps Lakers put away Kings 136-134

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Saturday night. The Kings last played on Wednesday night when they took on the Atlanta Hawks at home. The Kings fell to the Hawks 120-117 on  Wednesday on the second night of a back-to-back. On Saturday, the Kings welcomed in LeBron James and the LA Lakers on a stormy night in Sacramento. LeBron led with 37 points and the Lakers defeated the Kings 136-134.

In the first quarter, both teams got off to a hot start on offense. The Kings scored 38 points in the quarter, as the Lakers started the game with 37 points. Neither team was putting much effort in on the defensive end of the floor. The Lakers built an early lead in the quarter, but the Kings managed to wipe that out and outscore the Lakers in the first quarter. Davion Mitchell started the game with nine quick points as Patrick Beverly matched him. 

In the second quarter, the Lakers and Kings went back and forth. The Kings went on a run early in the quarter, but the Lakers returned with one of their own. Overall, the Kings scored 35 points in the quarter as the Lakers outscored them with 36 points. All the Kings starters except Keegan Murray were in double figures as the game went to halftime. For the Lakers, LeBron James led the way with 16 points in the first half. The Kings and Lakers would go into halftime tied at 73 points a piece. 

In the third quarter, the Kings and Lakers both scored 36 points. Neither team could get any stops on the defensive end of the floor. Through three-quarters of the game, both teams had scored at least 35 points in every quarter. LeBron was doing everyday Lebron things scoring 27 points through the first three quarters. Every Kings starter was in double figures after three quarters, and they would look to bring the game home in the final 12 minutes. The Kings and Lakers were tied at 109 after three quarters. 

In the fourth quarter, the game remained as close as possible. It seemed that with every shot the Lakers made, the Kings would match and vice versa. One big blow to the Kings was when Domantas Sabonis fouled out with just over 45 seconds remaining.

It came down to the wire, but the Kings were outscored in the fourth quarter 27-25. It was a tough loss for the Kings, that could not get any defensive momentum. In the game, LeBron led the Lakers with 37 points. Thomas Bryant also put on a show for the Lakers, scoring 29 points with 14 rebounds.

The Kings were led by a fantastic performance from De’Aaron Fox, who scored 34 points in the game. Sabonis added 25 points and 12 rebounds in the game. It was a tough loss for the Kings, who will look to improve on the defensive end of the floor in their next game. 

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the Orlando Magic on Monday at 7 PM PST.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Tough home loss to Hawks, Kings hope to make it up vs. Lakers on Saturday

Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins (20) fouls Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis, center, as Hawks guard Bogdan Bogdanovic (13) watches during the second half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Wed Jan 4, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 The Kings welcomed the Atlanta Hawks to town on Wednesday at 7 PM PST. Trae Young and former Kings guard Bogdan Bogdanovic. The Kings fell at home to the Hawks 120-117.

#2 The Kings and Hawks both scored 30 points in the first quarter. The Kings and the Hawks couldn’t get into any sort of rhythm on the offensive end. Domas Sabonis and De’Aaron Aaron supplied most of the Kings offense, starting with six points each.

#3  If the Kings wanted to win the game, the offense would need to improve. Sabonis led the Kings in the first half with 14 points as John Collins did the same for the Hawks with 12 points

#4 In the fourth quarter sloppy defense and some kissed free throws were the kiss of death for the Kings at they dropped the game 120-117.

#5 The Kings will welcome “The King” Lebron James and the Lakers to the Golden 1 Center Saturday at 7 PM PST.

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

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings host a struggling Wizards team tonight at Golden One

Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) is defended by Los Angeles Lakers center Thomas Bryant (31) during the first quarter at Golden One Center in Sacramento on Wed Dec 21, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 The Sacramento Kings (17-13) did not welcome Lebron “King” James and the Los Angeles Lakers (13-18) into their kingdom and threw them into the moat surrounding Golden 1 Center 134-120.

#2 The Lakers actually had the advantage after the first 12 minutes of play, 26-25 in a quarter that had ten lead changes and five ties.

#3 The Kings managed to take the lead at the midway point of the contest with veteran forward and champion, Harrison Barnes led the charge with 14 points and totaled 20 for the game. At the half, 66-58 Kings.

#4 The fourth was just a formality, as the Kings held on to win by 14, despite being outscored by six at the hands of the Lakers.

#5 The Kings host the Washington Wizards who have lost nine of their last ten games. The Kings who are in sixth place and have won six of their last ten games. How do you see this game after the 7:00pm tip tonight.

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

Kings Remove Lebron’s Crown Beat Lakers in California State Capital, 134-120

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) makes way against the Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (13) in second half action at Golden One Center in Sacramento on Wed Dec 21, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento Kings (17-13) did not welcome Lebron “King” James and the Los Angeles Lakers (13-18) into their kingdom and threw them into the moat surrounding Golden 1 Center 134-120.

The Lakers actually had the advantage after the first 12 minutes of play, 26-25 in a quarter that had 10 lead changes and five ties.

The Kings managed to take the lead at the midway point of the contest with veteran forward and champion, Harrison Barnes led the charge with 14 points and totaled 20 for the game. At the half, 66-58 Kings.

Sacramento blew it open in the third quarter, with a lead as large as 23 points and they went on a 14-0 run in the 3/4 portion of the game, leading by 20, 106-86.

The fourth was just a formality, as the Kings held on to win by 14, despite being outscored by six at the hands of the Lakers, Final tally, 134-120 for the home team.

The Kings had six players in double-figures, spearheaded by guard Kevin Huerter’s 26 points and center Domantas Sabonis’ triple-double (13 points, 21 rebounds and 14 assists). Forward Keegan Murray contributed a career high 23 points and star guard De’Arron Fox put up 22 points and 6 assists, but was ejected from the game for amassing two technical fouls.

The Lakers had the entire starting five hit double-figures in points too, but of course led Lebron James’ 31 points, 11 assists and 6 rebounds. Even with the loss in emphatic fashion, James expressed his fondness of Sacramento, because it is the city where everything started with his magnificent career.

The Kings will be in action again, Friday December 23, hosting the Washington Wizards. The Lakers will head back down south to welcome the Charlotte Hornets, also December 23.

Charlotte Bests Sacramento 125-119

The Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) moves towards the basket against the Charlotte Hornets center Mason Plumlee (24) at Golden One Center in Sacramento on Mon Dec 19, 2022 (@SacramentoKings photo)

Charlotte Bests Sacramento 125-119

By Barbara Mason

Monday night the Sacramento Kings (16-13) hosted the Charlotte Hornets (8-23) at Golden 1 Center. The Kings come into this game riding on a two game winning streak. In a back and forth contest the Hornets hung on to beat the Kings at Golden One Center in Sacramento 125-119.

The Hornets took a 39-30 lead after the first 12 minutes. 20 seconds into the second quarter the Hornets had taken an 11 point lead. The Kings began to slowly turn things around and with 5:30 left in the half the game was tied at 50. At the half the Hornets led 66-63. The Kings missed three shots in a row in the final minute erasing the seven point lead they had taken in the final 21/2 minutes of the second quarter.

The Hornets Kelly Oubre Jr. had 17 points in the first half. Domantas Sabonis finished the half with 14 points and 16 rebounds for the Kings. Along with Sabonis, De’Aaron Fox and Harrison Barnes also had double digits in the half.

The Kings erased a 12 point Hornets advantage taking the lead 87-85 at 2:29 in the third quarter. Sacramento was clinging to a one-point lead 92-91 after three.

With two minutes left in the game, the Kings trailed 118-112. Sacramento pulled to within two points 118-116 at 1:10. Charlotte refused to give up the lead and with 56 ticks left on the clock led 122-116. The final was 125-119 in favor of the Hornets.

Despite the loss the Kings saw some nice numbers from their starters. De’Aaron Fox finished with 37 points and Sabonis had 28 points and 23 rebounds. Sacramento just couldn’t come up with enough to put the Hornets away.

The high score for the Hornets was Kelly Oubre Jr. with 31 points. LaMelo Ball finished with 23.

Wednesday night the Kings will host the Los Angeles Lakers. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.