Tag: Minnesota Timberwolves

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Warriors tip off with Heat Tuesday in Miami

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Stephen Curry guard Golden State Warriors (30) takes a shot in the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center in Minneapolis on Sun Mar 24, 2024 (AP News photo)

On Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason:

  1. The Warriors are fighting for their playoff lives. They faced a tough game against the Minnesota Timberwolves who are currently playing without Karl-Anthony Towns. They will be facing the Miami Heat and the Orlando Magic this coming week so they are facing a lot right.

2. The Timberwolves struggled early in Sunday’s game while the Warriors came out strong. Both teams played very well throughout the game but it was the crazy triples that the Timberwolves hit that spelled the difference as well as their defense.

3. The Warriors had a great first half but started to stumble in the second half. They needed to avoid a mental lapse and unfortunately they had a lapse to start the fourth quarter. Both teams had lapses in this game but it was Minnesota that pulled it all together in the final minutes of the fourth quarter.

4. Although the Warriors lost this game, they had four of their starters in double digits as well as Klay Thomson with 16 off the bench. They put out a great effort but just fell short.

5. The Warriors now face a couple of tough assignments on the road in Florida. First up will be the Miami Heat on Tuesday night. With 12 games left in the season every game matters and the Warriors are faced with some huge challenges. They are looking at roughly nine really tough games but no team can be overlooked right now.

Listen to the Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Warriors Fall Short From Downtown Losing to the Timberwolves 114-110; Minnesota ties season high of 3’s with 21

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Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Ried (11) celebrates his three pointer against the Golden State Warriors in the first half at the Target Center in Minneapolis on Sun Mar 24, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Golden State Warriors (36-33) played a terrific game for three quarters but fell short in the fourth losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves (48-22) 114-110. Despite playing without Karl-Anthony Towns Minnesota played very well after struggling through the first quarter.

It was the triples that the Timberwolves hit that sealed the win for Minnesota. They hit 21 in this game while the Warriors only had 14. Stephen Curry finished with 31 points but it was not enough to get past the Timberwolves.

Sunday evening the Warriors traveled to Minnesota to take on the Timberwolves. The Warriors have lost both games they have played against the Timberwolves this season and that was back in November. Both games were close.

On November 12 they lost by six points 116-110 and days later Golden State lost by the score of 104-101. The Warriors were having their struggles in late 2023 and they have turned things around in 2024 so all bets are off in this one.

The Timberwolves are having struggles of their own missing Karl-Anthony Towns who is dealing with a torn left knee meniscus. He had surgery to repair the knee in early March and will be re-evaluated in a month. This pushes his return into the month of April when the regular season will be winding down.

Towns has been a huge part of the Timberwolves rise into the top tier of the Western Conference and he has been missed. The Warriors had a great opportunity to handle this team without Towns as well as their solid starting roster along with their improved play.

Golden State needed this win trailing the Lakers by a game and a half and the Rockets on their heels a mere game and a half behind them but Golden State just couldn’t over come the Timberwolves in a four point 114-110 loss.

Game recap: The Warriors won the first quarter leading after the first 12 minutes 27-18 and by the half had forced 13 Minnesota turnovers. The Timberwolves got going in the second quarter winning the quarter by a single point 28-27.

Golden State took a 54-46 lead into the locker room at the half. Minnesota began to heat up in the first half hitting nine triples and out-rebounding the Warriors 24 to 18. Ball protection was huge for the Warriors who only had five turnovers so far in the game as well as hitting 46% from the field.

The Warriors 12-2 run in the first half and containing Rudy Gobert was a huge part of their halftime lead. Curry, Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins were all in double digits; Curry leading the pack with 14 points.

The Warriors had as much as a dozen point lead in the first half but the Timberwolves were hanging tight in the third quarter but still trailing 60-57. Golden State had their work cut out for them against the number one defensive team in the league.

Minnesota is also fourth in the league from downtown pushing their triple count to 12 in this game. The Warriors established a seven point lead 74-67 with 2:55 left in the third quarter. Minnesota got to within one point in the closing minute but Golden State pushed their lead back out to 81-78.

A single triple by the Timberwolves would tie up this game and so far the Warriors had been outscored by 18 points from the 3-point line. Curry had scored 22 points through three quarters. Golden State could not afford a mental lapse as this game went into the fourth quarter.

The Warriors started the fourth quarter with a couple of turnovers that the Timberwolves turned into two more triples taking a 84-81 lead. With ten minutes left in the game it was tied at 84 in another close game between the two conference foes.

The tide began to turn with under seven minutes left in the game. Minnesota continued to hit triples, 19 in total, taking a 97-89 lead. With 6 1/2 minutes left in the game Curry came back on the court instantly hitting a triple and cutting the Minnesota lead to 97-92.

With under six minutes left on the clock triples began to fly from both sides. With 41.0 seconds left in the game Minnesota had a five point lead 111-106.

The Warriors cut the Timberwolves lead to 111-110 with 14.9 seconds and the ball in Minnesota’s possession. This game was going down to the wire. Klay Thompson got a decent look at 11.2 and missed and that was the game 114-110 in favor of Minnesota.

The Minnesota Timberwolves dictated the pace of the game after the first quarter and their shooting from downtown was a huge part of tonight’s win for Minnesota. The Timberwolves had won all three games against Golden State this season. Anthony Edwards made some key shots in the game finishing with 23 points. They are now 25-9 at home this season.

It does not get any easier for the Warriors as they head into Florida to take on the Miami Heat Tuesday night followed by a matchup with the Orlando Magic Wednesday night. Both of these games are critical and both of them will be a tough call. Tipoff for the first of the two games Tuesday night is scheduled for 4:30 PM. 12 games are left in the season and it is going to be a photo finish.

Pacers Offensive Effort Spurs Win Over Golden State 123-111

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Golden State Warriors forward Trayce Jackson Davis (32) drives against the Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) in the first half at Chase Center in San Francisco on Fri Mar 22, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Golden State Warriors (36-32) had a lot of trouble containing the Indiana Pacers (39-31) Tyrese Haliburton as they dropped their Friday night game at Chase 123-111. Haliburton dropped two triples, one a buzzer-beater to end the second quarter and another buzzer-beater to end the third. The Pacers took off in the fourth quarter and there was no looking back for Indiana. The final was 123-111.

Game recap: At the end of the first quarter this game was tied up at 38. It was indeed a hotly contested quarter of basketball. The Warriors guard Stephen Curry had a great quarter finishing with 13 points and his first quarter play pointed to a hot night for the superstar.

Both teams were shooting at 50% from beyond the arc and both teams were protecting the ball with only three turnovers between the two teams. Both teams displayed some amazing defense as well as offense.

Several minutes into the second quarter the Warriors had created some separation leading 48-41. If the first quarter was any indication the Pacers would push any lead that Golden State took.

The Warriors came up with some solid defense and continued to push their lead. Mid-way through the quarter Golden State continued to hold onto a ten point lead 58-48 and their defense was really disrupting the Pacers offense.

The Warriors had established a 12 point lead that the Pacers erased in the final two minutes of the quarter. With a one-point lead 64-63 the Warriors were hanging on with under two minutes until the half.

The Warriors had pushed the lead out to 67-63 with seconds left in the first half of play. The Pacers were not done as Haliburton hit a three-point buzzer beater to end the half with Golden State leading 67-66. The Pacers had erased a 12 point Warrior lead and Golden State would have their work cut out for them in the second half of play.

Both Curry and Klay Thompson (off the bench) finished the first half with 15 points apiece. They were both on course for some great numbers. Golden State was controlling the pace but needed more stops.

Most of the stats for these two teams were as close as they could possibly be. The Warriors would try to continue to contain Haliburton in the second half. The Pacers had three of their starters in double digits with Pascal Siakim leading the pack scoring 13 points with Haliburton close behind with 11 points. The second half of the game would have all the makings of an intense battle between two playoff bound teams.

The tables turned in the third quarter as the Pacers took their largest lead of the game 77-72 at 7:23. The Warriors pushed back as they attempted to take back the momentum trailing by a single point 77-76.

Every time the Warriors challenged in the second half, the Pacers came right back and more often then not they came back with a triple. The Pacers had flipped this game by 22 points leading at 4:55, 89-79 in a strong Indiana turnaround.

The Warriors offense had slumped as the Pacers continued to extend their lead to 91-79 with under four minutes left in the quarter. Indiana came unleashed leading 100-85 with under a minutes left in the third as the Golden State offense continued to struggle.

The incomparable Haliburton ended the third quarter the way he ended the second; with a buzzer beating triple. Indiana had built a 102-88 lead going into the fourth quarter.

The Warriors looked disconnected and you could see the frustration etched on Curry’s face as the fourth quarter got underway. The Warriors had to make a push now or never because the Pacers were not letting down, they refused to go away.

The Warriors were 15 of 41 from downtown and that makes winning awful tough. At 6:37 the Warriors were in the bonus and they had a real shot provided they got some offense going. The Pacers offense faltered and with the Warriors flying all over the court hitting shots, the door had opened up for Golden State.

They had cut the Pacer lead to 116-109 with 3:07 left in this wild game. The Warriors had to be near perfect for the remainder of the game. They were not. Golden State fought so hard in the final quarter but it was the horrendous third quarter that did them. The final was 123-111. To make this even worse Chris Paul got ejected near the end of the game in a case of clear frustration. The Pacers were now 5-0 at Chase.

The hot start for Curry cooled in the second half. He had 13 points in the first quarter but only 12 points for the remainder of the game. The Warriors were 14 of 46 from downtown and Golden State continues to struggle at home. Golden State will be on the road for seven of their next eight games. The good news is that they have been a lot better on the road this year than they have been at home.

Game notes: Friday night the Warriors lost the Pacers to Chase Center in an east meets west matchup. The Pacers are currently in sixth place in the Eastern Conference and the Warriors are fighting to stay in playoff position hanging onto tenth place.

The Warriors ultimate goal is of course to move up in the standings. The Pacers are 43% three point shooters and Golden State needed solid defense to guard against that. It was very well hotly contested game but in the end the Warriors lost by 12 points. The Warriors have now lost five of their last ten games.

After this disappointing loss the Warriors head out on the road. Sunday the Warriors will take on the Minnesota Timberwolves looking for a more productive offensive effort. This will be another challenging game taking on the power house Timberwolves. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 4:00 PM.

No Fox? No Problem As Kings Beat First Place Timberwolves In Overtime 124-120

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The Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk gets in front of the Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Townes (32) for a lay up in the first half at the Target Center in Minneapolis Fri Mar 1, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings played what was probably one of their best games this year and they did it without De’Aaron Fox. They beat the number one Minnesota Timberwolves 124-120 in an overtime thriller. Malik Monk put on quite a show willing his team to the win with 39 points off the bench.

The Kings won the opening quarter 30-22 and the battle was on with Sacramento looking for a win against the number one team in the Western Conference. The Timberwolves fought back winning the second quarter 37-30 and at the half, the Kings were clinging to a one point lead 60-59. Going forward the clash between these two teams was just beginning and a crazy battle ensued.

Sacramento won the third quarter 31-23 and led in the game 91-82 but this game was hardly a done deal. The fourth quarter was a block-buster as the team traded the lead throughout the entire quarter.

Apparently 48 minutes was not enough to settle this game and when the clock expired at the end of the fourth quarter this game was tied at 115. Five more minutes of play would decide this game.

The overtime was a rough start for the Kings as Domantas Sabonis fouled out with just under four minutes left to play. This would be a huge challenge for Sacramento. This game turned into a crazy physical affair as the two teams battled from the field as well as from the line.

With under 2 1/2 minutes left on the clock this game remained tied 120-120. Monk was having the game of his life with 39 points giving the Kings a 123-120 lead with 52 seconds left in the overtime, less than a minute left in this game.

This game was certainly not one for the faint of heart. The Timberwolves were giving the Kings all sorts of opportunity with turnovers but Sacramento was not cashing in. With 7.4 left on the clock, the Kings were holding onto a 123-120 lead.

Trey Lyles got the biggest rebound of the game with seconds left in play. He was fouled, made one free throw and that was the game 124-120. For the second time this year the Kings came into Minnesota and beat the Timberwolves. Back in November, the Kings also beat the Timberwolves 124-111 on their home court.

This was an amazing win for the Kings closing out the game without Sabonis who fouled out in the overtime and their star player De’Aaron Fox. Talk about a gutsy performance for every Sacramento player on the floor tonight.

The hero in this game was Monk who finished with 39 points. Domantas Sabonis had another double double with 21 points and 15 rebounds. Keegan Murray finished with 17 points and 6 rebounds in this amazing effort.

Sacramento had their hands full trying to contain Rudy Gobert who had 16 rebounds and they did a solid job despite some questionable calls involving Gobert. If there was one down side in this game, it was misses at the line something that needs to be addressed moving forward. They have struggled with this issue all season and they have to correct this. Going forward it could mean all the difference in games.

“I had to get it going at some point. We did it big.,” said Monk after the game. “This was a staple win, this was a team effort. We got 23 games left and we had to come together”, he said. With this performance, Monk certainly made a great case for winning the sixth man award for this season. He was truly amazing.

Game notes: It has been a tough go for the Kings of late getting stomped big time Wednesday night losing to the Denver Nuggets 117-96. They lost to the Heat Monday night and have been dropping in the standings. Friday night they took on the first place Western Conference Timberwolves and got a four point win in Minnesota.

The Kings were really struggling right having to play without De’Aaron Fox is taking it’s toll. He will missed another game Friday night against the Timberwolves with a continued issue, a left knee contusion. The Kings Monk and Sabonis led the way for the win against the Wolves.

The Kings will be off this weekend, earning some desperately needed rest before taking the court after this road trip. Monday they will be back home in Sacramento. They will be facing off against the Chicago Bulls at Golden 1 Center with tipoff scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings defeat first place Timberwolves at Target Center

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The Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (left) dishes off the basketball past Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (right) in the first half at Ball Arena in Denver on Wed Feb 28, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 After the Sacramento Kings defeated the Denver Nuggets in three previous meetings you had to wonder if the Kings would be able to pull it off a fourth time and doing it at Ball Arena in Denver would be a tall order. The Kings got beat by 11 points as the Nuggets prevented losing to them a fourth time.

#2 The Nuggets got scoring help from Jamal Murray who led with 32 points and Nikola Jokic followed up with 14 points and 14 rebounds.

#3 Jokic is rolling he scored his 19th triple double of the season and Murray hit 13 of 15 shots and made five out six 3 pointers.

#4 The Kings did their homework on the Nuggets in the previous three games including their win at Ball Arena on Feb 14th. This fourth game Murray and Jokic kept the Kings off balance all game long.

#5 The Kings turned things around on Friday night at Ball Arena in Denver when they shutdown the Western Conference first place Minnesota Timberwolves 124-120. The Kings Malik Monk led with 39 points and Domantas Sabonis followed up with 21 points. The Kings head back to Golden 1 Arena in Sacramento to host the Chicago Bulls on Mon Mar 4th for a 7:00pm PT tip.

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

Edwards leads Timberwolves with 34 pts in 110-98 win over Kings; Sac goes 4-2 to finish homestand

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The Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) goes for a layup against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Sat Dec 23, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Saturday night in Sacramento! The Kings played host to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday after defeating the Phoenix Suns on Friday. The Kings were set to take on the Timberwolves at 7 PM PST on Saturday night. The Kings would fall to the Wolves 110-98.

In the first half, the Kings got started in the wrong foot. The Wolves started the game hot and jumped out to a lead. The Wolves would score 59 in the first half compared to only 47 from the Kings. The kings would need to turn up the intensity in the second half if they wanted to stay in the game.

In the second half, the Kings reigned in the game but it wasn’t enough to contain the Timberwolves. The Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards and his 34 points in the night the Wolves were able to hold onto their first half lead. The Timberwolves defeated the Kings 110-98.

The Kings got an impressive performance from De’Aaron Fox in the loss. De’Aaron scored 27 points. The King outscored the Wolves by one point in the third quarter but then had a one point deficit in the fourth to seal the deal.

Up Next: The Kings will travel to Portland to take on the TrailBlazers on the 26th at 7 PM PST.

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Green has no regrets on Gobert chokehold; Out to protect teammates

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Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors (back) with hand on Minnesota Timberwolves Rudy Gobert’s neck on Tue Nov 14, 2023 at the Chase Center in San Francisco has returned from his five game suspension on Sun Nov 26, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1 Golden State Warrior guard Draymond Green speaking to the media after practice on Sunday said that he doesn’t live his life by regrets regarding the chokehold he had on the Minnesota Timberwolves Rudy Gobert.

#2 Green added that he would come to his teammates defense when needed and he wanted to protect Klay Thompson who was in scuffle Jaden McDaniels. McDaniels had hold of Thompson’s jersey and Green jumped in and ended up having Gorbet in a chokehold.

#3 Green’s five game suspension is over with and will return on Tuesday night against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. Green was asked about the history between him and Gorbert. Green said “Things can be interpreted how people want to interpret them. I’m not here to judge people’s interpretations or try and change them. They are what they are. I know that for me, I am always going to be there for my teammates.”

#4 Barbara with Green’s return will that help Golden State on the defensive and rebounding side of things the Warriors had been playing .500 ball without Green in the line up.

#5 Warriors are in Sacramento on Tuesday night at Golden 1, the Kings have won seven of their last ten games they defeated the Timberwolves in their last game on 124-11 on Friday night. How do you see this match up for Tuesday night in Sacramento?

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

Kings Deliver Beating Minnesota 124-111; Fox leads Sac with 36 pts in win

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Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0) is thrilled after drilling a three point shot against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half, during an in season tournament game at the Target Center in Minneapolis on Fri Nov 24, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Despite blowing a 22 point lead in the second quarter, the Sacramento Kings (9-6) beat the Western Conference leaders 124-11. The Kings had a great second half staying one step ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves (11-4) through both quarters

Game recap: The Kings took the lead in the first quarter of play with a 38-31 advantage. They really got going in the second quarter and at 7:34 they had a 22 point lead. Despite the healthy lead the Kings had, the Timberwolves fought back trimming that lead to six points at the half.

Sacramento had blown this quarter letting Minnesota back in the door although leading 70-64. After trailing by 22 points, Minnesota won the second quarter 33-32. This was an amazing comeback by the Timberwolves. It had started to look like the Kings had turned things around but their defense really let them down.

Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards had 21 points at the half and Karl-Anthony Towns had 16. With a great defensive effort in the second quarter, these two guys squelched the Sacramento lead.

Sacramento’s Malik Monk had an amazing half off the bench with 17 points. Starters De ‘Aaron Fox, Harrison Barnes and Kevin Huerter each had ten points in the first half. The Kings would have to find a way to stop the Minnesota offensive onslaught and pick up their own offensive effort. Chris Duarte would have to step up in the second half putting up a goose egg in the first half.

The Timberwolves threatened to take the lead at 9:11 in the third quarter trailing by two points 72-70. The Kings pushed back and extended their lead to 78-70 with 7:21 left in the quarter. After three quarters Sacramento had a 94-79 lead. Against the Timberwolves practically no lead is safe and the Kings had to keep their foot on the pedal throughout the fourth quarter.

The Kings did indeed keep their foot on the pedal through the final quarter. Every time the Timberwolves threatened, the Kings answered hanging onto a double digit lead throughout the fourth quarter. The final was 124-111 in favor of the Kings and Sacramento had broken the Minnesota home streak. More importantly Sacramento had beaten one of the best teams in the NBA.

De’Aaron Fox shot the high for both teams with 36 points. Domantas Sabonis had another double double with 11 rebounds and 15 points. Monk had 17 points off the bench. Despite the huge lead they had mid-way through the second quarter, the Kings battled through the second half. They had a great defensive effort and their offense closed out this game.

Game recap: It’s been a rough week for the Kings, they got blown out last Monday night losing to the Pelicans 129-93 followed by a close loss to New Orleans in a back to back. Fox struggled from the field in Monday’s game with 14 points but bounced back in their game against the Pelicans Wednesday night with 26 points.

Friday night Sacramento traveled to Minnesota taking on the Timberwolves (11-4). Minnesota lost their bid for their eighth straight home win. The Kings would got back on the winning track and slamed the door shut on the Timberwolves win streak. This was tough match-up for the Kings and they got the starting roster back on course with a 13 point win on Friday.

Sacramento will have some well-deserved time off before taking on the Golden State Warriors at Golden One next Tuesday. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 7:00 PM. The Kings will come into this game with a lot of confidence after their win over the Timberwolves as well as a successful road trip with only two losses.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmson: Kings take on a successful Timberwolves team tonight at the Target Center

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Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) looks to pass the basketball while being double teamed by the New Orleans Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr (behind Fox) and guard Dyson Daniels (11) in first half action at Smoothie King Arena in New Orleans on Wed Nov 22, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 The New Orleans Pelicans (8-7) top scorers from Wednesday night Zion Williams with 25 points and Brandon Ingram with 21 were key in playing catch up with the Sacramento Kings (8-6) after being behind by 14 points.

#2 Pelicans head coach Willie Green said of Williamson and Ingram, “Both of those guys have been working diligently with the coaching staff.”

#3 Later in the game it became nip and tuck with the Kings De’Aaron Fox who scored a basket that got the Kings within three points 115-112

#4 The Pelicans just pulled ahead of the Kings towards the end of the game with a five points win 117-112 and shut the Kings defense down to prevent them from getting within distance of tying the game.

#5 After the Kings six game win streak snapped by the Pelicans last Monday and loosing the second game on Wednesday. Tonight the Kings face Minnesota to take on the Timberwolves. Minnesota has won five of their last six games. Jeremiah how do you see this match up?

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

Sacramento Kings Lose Second Game to New Orleans Pelicans 117-112

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New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) takes the ball to the hoop against the Sacramento Kings forward Trey Lyles (41) in the first half at Smoothie King Arena in New Orleans on Wed Nov 22, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

After getting totally ripped Monday night by the New Orleans Pelicans (8-7), the Sacramento Kings (8-6) met the Pelicans in a second game in as many days on Wednesday night. While they did trail at half-time they made things very interesting in the fourth quarter. The Kings tied the game numerous times in the final quarter but came up short losing 117-112.

Monday night the New Orleans Pelicans (8-7) completely owned the Sacramento Kings (8-6) crushing them 129-93. The Pelicans built momentum with each quarter and by the end of the third quarter this game was a done deal. In the first quarter of that first game Monday night, the Kings actually won the opening 31-29.

The Pelicans established a lead at the half 66-53 and never looked back. Wednesday night the Kings played the Pelicans in a second game in as many days hoping to turn things around but lost by five points to get swept in the two game series.

Game recap: In the first quarter of this game the Pelicans took the opener 32-30 so very similar to their first game Monday night. The second quarter was eerily similar with the Pelicans taking the quarter 32-20. At the half New Orleans led 64-50.

The Pelicans had a 14 pt. lead in this game at half-time and they held a 13 pt. lead in the first game of this series at the half. Zion Williamson already had 17 points in the first half and was making himself right at home driving the basket scoring layups at will.

The Kings defense was having a lot of trouble stopping him. Brandon Ingram had 11 points in the half. The Kings Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox both had double digits.

Mid-way through the third quarter, the Kings made some adjustments keeping Williamson out of the paint and making things much more difficult for him. As the third came to an end, Zion Williamson had not scored a single basket and Brandon Ingram had six points in the quarter.

The Pelicans continued to hang onto a double digit lead and after three quarters the score was 79-93. The Kings were trailing but this was manageable going into the fourth quarter unlike Monday’s game. Sacramento was out of that game going into the fourth on Monday night. It would all come down to the fourth quarter for Sacramento in this game.

With 8 1/2 minutes left in the game the Pelicans called a timeout. Sacramento had pulled to within two points 97-95. Sacramento’s bench player Trey Lyles had really turned it on scoring 12 points and De’Aaron Fox was really pushing with 24 points scored.

This game was within the Kings reach as Sacramento had tied up the game at 102 with 6:44 left on the clock. At 5:16 the Kings had, at long last, taken the lead 105-104. The Kings fought hard in the final quarter but came up just short losing the game 117-112.

The Kings had enough offense to have won this game but at times there was a defensive let-down. Fox had the high score for the team with 26 points. Sabonis had 23 points and Barnes finished with 22 points. Monk and Lyles both had double digits off the bench.

Friday night the Kings continue their road trip taking on the Minnesota Timberwolves. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00.