Tag: NBA

Kings Beat No.1 Team in NBA 116-109; Positive result to end 2021-22 Sacramento season

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Sacramento Kings forward Justin Holiday throws down in front of Phoenix Suns forward Cameron Johnson (23) in first half action at the Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sun Apr 10, 2022

Kings Beat No.1 Team in NBA 116-109; Positive result to end 2021-22 Sacramento season

By Barbara Mason

It has been a long long season for the Sacramento Kings (30-52). They have fought through the loss of a Head Coach (Luke Walton) and injury and lots of frustration. With all that they have endured throughout the season, they have to finish it playing the best team in the NBA the Phoenix Suns (64-18).

It was a bit of a surprise to see the Kings leading after the first quarter 33-24. What was even more surprising was the fact that they extended their lead to 67-51 at the half. Of course the Suns were not playing Devon Booker, Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton not risking injury to their starters and keeping them fresh for their post-season run.

On the other hand the Kings De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis were out with injury so missing their top scorer Fox and newest acquisition Sabonis.

A win for the Suns makes no difference in the standings. A win for Sacramento would give them their 30th win of the season and a little something to hang their hat on after the disappointment they have gone through all year. The Kings shocked picking up a win at Footprint Center in Phoenix over the first place Kings 116-109.

The Suns made up a little ground in the third quarter but the Kings stubbornly held on with some great play from Justin Holiday and Davion Mitchell. They continued to hold a double digit lead mid-way through the third.

The Kings saw their 16 point lead start to shrink as the quarter came to an end. After three quarters Sacramento held a 86-77 lead. They would have to dig deep to finished the season with a win.

The Kings maintained a double digit lead until the final three minutes of this game. With 2:38 left on the clock the Suns were trailing by eight points. The Suns would make if really interesting trailing by three points with 8.6 left on the clock. The Kings refused to go down in this game and finished off the Suns.

Sacramento had some great work from Damian Jones, Mitchell and Donte Divincenzo all with 19 points. So now we bid a brief farewell to the Kings as they head into the off-season. With a healthy De’Aaron Fox, Sabonis, Damian Jones, Mitchell Divincenzo and Harrison Barnes there is some optimism going forward for the Kings.

Our thanks to our Sacramento Kings beat writer staff for the 2021-22 season, Jeremiah Salmonson, Charlie O, Morris Phillips, Barbara Mason, Jessica Kwong, Daniel Dullum and Marko Ukalovic

George, Clippers roll past Kings 117-98

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Los Angeles Clippers guard Paul George (13) battles his way to the hoop as Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes (40) puts the stop on George in first half action at the Crypto Arena in Los Angeles on Sat Apr 9, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum
Saturday, April 9, 2022

Paul George scored 23 points, dished out 12 assists, and pulled down eight rebounds for the Los Angeles Clippers Saturday night, leading the Clips past Sacramento 117-98.

It was the Clippers’ fourth straight win. Los Angeles will face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday in the NBA’s play-in tournament. If the Clippers win, they will reach the playoffs for the fourth straight year and meet the No 2-seed Memphis Grizzlies in the first round.

A loss to Minnesota would send the Clippers into a game against either New Orleans or San Antonio on Friday. The winner would face the overall top-seed Phoenix Suns.

George missed 43 games due to an elbow injury. Since his return, George is averaging 22.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 6.8 assists while the Clippers are 5-1 in that stretch.

The Clippers led from start to finish, as Norman Powell scored 20 points off the bench and Ivica Zubac added 15 points and 12 boards for LA.

Davion Mitchell led the Kings with 22 points, followed by Trey Lyules with 15. Damian Jones scored 12 points to go with four steals, and Neemias Queta added 10 points off the Sacramento bench.

The Clippers led by as many as 20 points in the first half before Sacramento used a run to pull within 59-45 at halftime. The Kings scored the first seven points of the third quarter to cut its deficit in half.

That was as close as Sacramento would get, as Los Angeles used a 19-5 run over the last five minutes of the third quarter to take a 92-71 lead going into the fourth quarter.
The Kings travel to Phoenix on Sunday.

Warriors Win Fourth in a Row Against Spurs 100-94

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Golden State Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga (00) takes it to the San Antonio Spurs’ Joe Wieskamp (15) in the first half at the AT&T Center in San Antonio on Sat Apr 9, 2022 (AP News photo)

Warriors Win Fourth in a Row Against Spurs 100-94

By Barbara Mason

With two games left in the 2021-22 season, the Golden State Warriors (52-29) traveled to San Antonio to take on the Spurs (34-47). The Warriors were looking for their fourth straight win and finishing strong and the got it with a 100-94 victory over the Spurs on Saturday night at the AT&T Center.

Klay Thompson got the night off in this game. They rested him keeping him fresh for the post-season. Thompson is playing some great basketball right now. He has his legs under him and his shot selection is excellent right now.

The Warriors can expect great things from him and to finish the season and going into the playoffs. This team is peaking at the right time. They got great offensive rebounding and limited turnovers in this game.

Damian Lee started the game along with Jordan Poole, Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins, and Kevon Looney.

The first quarter was a close one. The Warriors had a slow start leading after one 23-21. As the second quarter wore on Golden State really got on track leading at halftime 54-44. The Spurs had totally shut down Poole.

Poole finished the first half with a goose egg. He was still looking for his first basket. Jonathan Kuminga was the high score for the first half with 13 points. The Warriors held the Spurs to 33% shooting after two quarters.

Green had an excellent 23 minutes through the third quarter with 11 rebounds 10 points and 6 assists. It doesn’t get much better than that. He would finish this game with 13 rebounds, 12 points and 8 assists.

It was a nervous time for the Warriors as they saw a 17 point lead evaporate to a 78-71 lead. Golden State went without a basket for over five minutes in the third quarter. Their shots from downtown went ice cold.

The Spurs Lonnie Walker IV was having a great game with 24 points off the bench in 21 minutes. The Warriors were 0 for 7 on three’s in the third quarter.

Kuminga entered the game in the fourth quarter and made an immediate impact with a shot from downtown. The Spurs clawed their way back into this game trailing 90-88 with five minutes left in the game.

This game would go down to the wire and it was decided by free throws from Poole. After a tough first half Poole finished with 18 points in the Warriors 52nd win.

Tomorrow the Warriors will play their final game of the regular season in New Orleans taking on the Pelicans. If the Warriors win this game they will finish in third place so their fate is completely in their hands. They will be looking for their fifth win in a row to end the season. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 PM.

Warriors Dismiss Lakers 128-112; Third straight win for Golden State

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Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard, left, is fouled by Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Thu Apr 7, 2022 in first half action (AP News photo)

Warriors Dismiss Los Angeles 128-112

By Barbara Mason

Thursday night the Golden State Warriors (51-29) took on the Los Angeles Lakers (31-49) in the final regular season game for the Warriors at Chase Center. The Warriors will finish the season on the road. The Warriors have secured a first round home stand in the playoffs and are trying to hang onto third place in the Western Conference. The Dallas Mavericks are nipping at their heels and should they tie at season’s end, the Mavs hold the tie-breaker.

It was a very disappointing season for the Lakers especially with the roster that they carry. Besides LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, Dwight Howard, Anthony Davis and Carmelo Anthony round out the roster. After losing their seventh straight game tuesday against the Phoenix Suns 121-110 Los Angeles was officially eliminated from playoff contention.

Both teams tonight will take the floor without their superstars, the Warriors waiting on the return of Steph Curry and the Lakers missing James. Klay Thompson will be back for this game after the team had three days off. The Warriors came away with their third straight win over the Lakers 128-112.

The Lakers led after the first quarter 32-27. At one time in the first quarter the Lakers had a nine point lead before the Warriors took the lead in the second quarter. The two teams would trade the lead a number of times leading up to half time. Golden State led at the half 65-62.

The Lakers Malik Monk, Austin Reaves and Talen Horton- Tucker were the number one reason that the Lakers were still in this game. The Warriors Thompson had a great first half with 23 points.

The Warriors really got going in the third quarter leading by as much a ten points and finished the quarter leading 91-84. Thompson already had 31 points after three quarters. Trouble with transition on defense was the main issue for the Warriors in the quarter despite the lead.

With two minutes left in the game the bench would take over for Golden State. Despite 15 turnovers the Warrior offense was just too much for the Lakers as the bench exploded to end the game with the win.

It was another big performance for Thompson with 33 points in 33 minutes. Head Coach Steve Kerr fell that it was one of his best games since his comeback. Jordan Poole had 19 points and Andrew Wiggins with 17 points.

Right now it appears that the Warriors are peaking at the perfect time. They are looking strong, confident, and focused heading into Saturday’s game. The turnovers still need to be addressed but in general this team is right on course.

The Warriors will finish the season with two road games. The first of those two road games will be a matchup in San Antonio taking on the Spurs Saturday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 PM.

Pelicans control Kings wire to wire in Sac’s last home game 123-109

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The New Orleans guard CJ McCollum (3) drives to the bucket against the Sacramento Kings at the Golden One Center in Sacramento on Tue Apr 5, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings (29-51) were back in action on Tuesday night for their last home game. The Kings were set to welcome the New Orleans Pelicans (35-44) on Tuesday at 7 PM PST in Sacramento. The Kings last played on Sunday evening against the Golden State Warriors as they lost that game 109-90.

On Tuesday, the Kings lost to the New Orleans Pelicans by the final of 123-109 in the Kings last home game of the season.

In the first quarter, both teams started slow. The Kings fell behind early in the first quarter only to pull closer as the quarter came to a close. Overall, the Kings scored 25 points in the first quarter compared to the Pelicans 27. The Kings offense was down several players on Tuesday, but most notably, it was De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.

In the second quarter, It wasn’t any better for the Kings. The Kings offense played well in the second quarter as they began to pick up the pace. However, the increase on offense also led to worse play on the defensive end.

The Kings scored 32 points in the second quarter but allowed the Pelicans to score 33 points and further their lead. Damian Jones led the way for the Kings in the first half as he scored 15 points. Jaxson Hayes led the way for the Pelicans on offense as he scored 12 points in the first half.

The Kings would need to control the Pelicans on offense if they wished to secure a win in their final home game of the season. The Kings went into halftime down 60-57.

In the third quarter, the story only got worse for the Kings. The Pelicans offense remained in high gear as the Kings struggled to mount any sort of gameplan on the defensive end of the floor.

The Pelicans continued the offensive onslaught as they scored 35 points on the Kings in the third quarter. On the other hand, the Kings only scored 27 points in the third as the deficit grew in Sacramento. It would tackle a miracle for the Kings to come back in the fourth quarter as they were down 95-84.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings didn’t show much fight. The trend of being outscored in every quarter of the game continued as the Pelicans outscored the Kings 28-25 in the final quarter. It was a disappointing end to a disappointing season for the Kings.

The Kings fell to the Pelicans by the final of 123-109. The Kings were led in the defeat by Damian Jones, who had 22 points. The Pelicans leading scorers were Jaxson Hayes and CJ McCollum, who each had 23 points. This game would conclude the 41 home games the Kings played at Golden One Center for the season.

Up Next: The Kings go on the road to take on the LA Clippers on Saturday in LA time of the game TBD.

Golden State Warriors podcast with David Zizmor: Warriors look to pick up third win in row against slumping LeBron and Lakers

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The Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) makes for a fast break on the Sacramento Kings Justin Holiday (9) at the Golden One Center in Sacramento on Sun Apr 3, 2022 (AP News photo)

#1 Dave, after losing four straight games the Golden State Warriors (50-29) got key wins against the Utah Jazz and the Sacramento Kings (29-50). How much of a relief did this have to be for the club considering they had lost those three games and were without Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.

#2 Despite not having Curry and Thompson the Warriors got some offense from forward Andrew Wiggins who led with 25 points and guard Jordan Poole who finished behind Wiggins with 22 points.

#3 The Warriors host the Los Angeles Lakers (31-47) on Thursday night at Chase Center. The Lakers are having troubles of their own with seven loses of their last eight games. The Lakers are on a eight game loss streak losing their last game to the Denver Nuggets (47-32) 129-118 at Crypto Arena on Sunday night.

Join David Zizmor throughout the NBA postseason for the Golden State Warriors podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings podcast with Morris Phillips: Shooting that killed six, injured 12 take precedence before Sunday’s game

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Fans and players of the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings prior to the game stand in a moment of silence to remember those who were killed or injured on Sun Apr 3, 2022’s shooting in downtown Sacramento just blocks away from the Golden One Center in downtown Sacramento. (photo by the Sacramento Bee)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Morris:

#1 Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr addressed the media before Sunday’s game at the Golden One Center in Sacramento. Kerr’s whose father was gunned down in Beirut in 1984 talked about the shooting that took place before Sunday’s game in Sacramento where six were killed and 12 were injured saying that everyone is crushed before the start of the game about what took place.

#2 Morris you and I have taken to those same streets near the Golden One Center many times, for example on Ninth between K Street and J Streets in downtown Sacramento and the neighborhood is rough after dark the Kings have one more home game left but it certainly puts fear into those who travel to downtown for business or pleasure.

#3 To the game on Sunday night the Sacramento Kings (29-50) who had won four of their last five game previous to Sunday’s game were totally broadsided by Golden State (50-29) in a 19 point loss. The Kings were defeated by a Warrior team that played without stars Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.

#4 Morris the Kings had a tough time defending the Warriors Andrew Wiggins with a team leading 25 points, followed by Jordan Poole 22 points, and former King Nemanja Bjelica with 19 points.

#5 Morris, the Kings will face the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night, the Pelicans have won four of their last six games. They took a tough loss to the Los Angeles Clippers in their last game 119-100. How do you see the Pelicans and Kings matching up on Tuesday?

This is Morris’ last Kings podcast for the 2021-22 season and he will be doing the San Francisco Giants podcasts starting next Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: How Warriors missed Thompson’s presence in Sacramento on Sunday

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The Golden State Warriors Klay Thompson celebrates a great offensive night on Sat Apr 2, 2022 at Chase Center in San Francisco sat out Sun Apr 3, 2022 in Sacramento due to a management injury (AP News photo)

On the Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara:

#1 Barbara, the Golden State Warriors didn’t have the use of Klay Thompson due to a management injury. Watching the contest in Sacramento on Sunday night could you see a difference with Thompson out of the line up.

#2 There is no doubt with a Thompson and Curry out of the line up the Warriors have to lean on scorers Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins to provide for offense.

#3 In the Warriors game on Saturday you couldn’t tell that Thompson had any injury issues he was lights out scoring 36 points.

#4 As you could see from their game against the Utah Jazz a huge difference when Thompson is in the line up they got a four point win against a good club.

#5 The Kings are a team that has been on the move lately before Sunday’s game they had won four out their last five. They narrowly lost the the Phoenix Suns on Sun Mar 20th they’re a team that the Warriors had own in the past.

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

Sacramento Kings game wrap: Kings brief two game win streak comes to an end in 109-90 loss to Golden State

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Sacramento Kings guard Davion Mitchell (15) takes a shot against the Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) in the second quarter at the Golden One Center in Sacramento on Sun Apr 3, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings (29-50) were back in action on Sunday evening. The Kings had last played on Friday as they took in the Houston Rockets for the second time in as many games.

The Kings wrapped up the five-game road trip with a win on Houston on Friday 122-117. On Sunday, the Kings welcomed the Golden State Warriors (50-29) to Golden One Center with tip-off set for 6 PM PST. The Warriors beat the Kings at home 109-90 on Sunday night…

In the first quarter, it was a plodding start for the Kings. The Kings only scored 14 points on the Warriors in the first quarter. However, that wasn’t the only bad news for the Kings.

The Warriors offense got off to a quick start when they put up 28 points on the Kings in the first quarter. The Kings would need to act fast in the second quarter if they wanted to keep the game close.

In the second quarter, It didn’t get much better for the Kings. The Warriors offense was still firing on all cylinders, and the Kings defense couldn’t contain them. The Kings offense did pick up the pace scoring 28 points in the second quarter.

Unfortunately, the Warriors dropped 34 points on the Kings in the second quarter. The Kings would dig themselves into a 62-42 deficit going into halftime to a Warriors team without Stephen Curry or Klay Thompson. In the first half, Andrew Wiggins led the Warriors in scoring with 15, while Damian Jones scored eight points for the Kings.

In the third quarter, the Kings played their best quarter so far. The Kings outscored the Warriors in the third quarter, 29-19, as they got a little momentum heading into the final quarter.

Throughout the game, the difference had been the Kings three-point shooting compared to the Warriors. The Warriors made almost half of their three-pointers while the Kings were lucky to make 1-10. As a result, the Kings went into the fourth quarter trailing 67-81.

In the fourth, the Kings would show heart but ultimately lose the game 109-90. The Kings did get within seven points of the Warriors down the stretch in the fourth quarter. However, after a bad pass from Damian Jones, the Kings lost their momentum, and the Warriors took the game over to seal the deal.

The difference in the game was three-point shooting as the Warriors made 16-34 attempts. On the other hand, the Kings only made 7-33. The Warriors were led in victory by Andrew Wiggins, who scored 25 points, as Harrison Barnes had 18 points to lead the Kings.

Up Next: The Kings take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday at 7 PM PST to wrap up the home schedule for the Kings this season.

Golden State Warriors game wrap: Warriors win critical games over the weekend defeat Kings 109-90 in Sacramento

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Golden State Warriors guard Damion Lee (1) reacts after taking a finger to the eye while being defended by Sacramento Kings guard Josh Jackson (55) second quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Sun Apr 3, 2022 (AP News photo)

Warriors Win Critical Games Over the Weekend defeat Kings 109-90

By Barbara Mason

Saturday night the Golden State Warriors clinched a playoff berth after winning a thriller against the Utah Jazz 117-113. The Warriors did not even take the lead in this game until late in the fourth quarter and turned the table on Utah to win the game.

Sunday night the Warriors (50-29) took on the Sacramento Kings (29-50) they played for the win and for the best possible spot in the playoffs. It’s all about Western Conference seeding right now. The Jazz and the Mavericks are threatening to pass the Warriors who currently reside in third place in the conference.

The Mavericks trail Golden State by a half game and so Sunday’s game had a lot of importance especially with the Mavs winning an earlier game against the Bucks. The Warriors had a good arms distance lead for most of the game over the Kings in the 109-90 win at the Golden One Center in Sacramento.

The Warriors played Sunday without Klay Thompson who they rested after the 36 point performance against Utah Saturday night. The tenacious Gary Payton II started in the game. Throughout the first quarter Green and Poole played limited minutes after their play Sunday.

This gave the young guys a chance to play with Jonathan Kuminga, Juan Toscano, Damion Lee and Nemanja Bjelica playing some of the first quarter. The Warriors led after one 28-14.

The Warriors would extend their lead to 62-42 at the half. The bench was doing a great job in the second quarter. Both Bjelica and Kuminga finished the second quarter with 12 points apiece. Bjelica also had nine rebounds so the depth of the Golden State roster was on parade with Lee turning in five points and three rebounds as well.

The brilliant play of the bench allowed Draymond Green and Jordan to get some rest after the tough matchup against the Jazz. Golden State had displayed some great defense as well as offense. Not a single King player had double digits after two quarters of play.

At the end of the third quarter the Kings had made a bit of a push trailing 81-67. Former Warrior Harrison Barnes was the only King with double digits having 16. The Kings were playing hard but were no match for Golden State.

The Warriors had to watch out for Sacramento in the fourth quarter. The Kings continued to push and pulled within seven points with six minutes left in the game. Turnovers and missed shots were giving the Kings some life. After the scare Golden State pulled it back together and extended their lead back to 14, 102-88. The Warriors win the game.

Wiggins would be the high score for the Warriors with 25 points and Poole had his 17 game in a row with 20 plus points. He finished with 22 points. The Warriors certainly answered the call over the weekend winning two critical games and showing up offensively and defensively Bjelica had 19 points and 12 rebounds in this game in one of his best games all season. The Warriors will get a nice rest not playing again until Thursday night.

As mentioned above the Warriors will be taking on the Los Angeles Lakers Thursday. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.