Tag: NBA

Warriors Get Past Scrappy Thunder 110-98

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Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson, left, takes a shot over Oklahoma City Thunder guard Kenrich Williams at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on Mon Feb 7, 2022 (AP News photo)

Warriors Get Past The Scrappy Thunder 110-98

By Barbara Mason

Monday night the Golden State Warriors (41-13) took on the OKC Thunder (17-36) at Paycom Center. OKC is a very young tenacious team that despite their record has had some nice wins lately beating the Trail Blazers twice, and the Mavericks. The Warriors held their own and picked up a win against the feisty Thunder 110-98 at Paycom Arena in Oklahoma City.

Reported to be out on Sunday night, Lugentz Dort did play in this game which was great news for the Thunder. The Warriors got Otto Porter Jr. and Andre Iguodala back for this game so some great news for Golden State as well.

The Thunder started the first quarter with some outstanding defense. At one point in the quarter the Warriors were shooting at 30% and committing some careless turnovers.

Down by eight points mid-way through the quarter the Warriors had pulled to within three points to end the quarter 23-20. OKC’s excellent defense in the quarter was overshadowed by poor shooting. The Warriors were really lacking from downtown going 3 of 14 in the quarter.

The Warriors took the lead to start the second quarter. After a rather sluggish start Golden State really began to pick up the intensity. Their offense was a lot more efficient in the second quarter and the three’s began to fall.

With the half winding down Golden State was beginning to wear down the Thunder, forcing turnovers and denying shots from inside and outside. At the half the Warriors led by double digits 56-46. Andrew Wiggins led the Warriors with 13 points and Jonathan Kuminga had 11 off the bench.

The Warriors did extend their lead in the third quarter 85-72. The Thunder were scoring far too many points off Warriors turnovers. The 13 point lead was not at all a comfortable lead and Golden State would have to hunker down to win this one.

This game went right down to the wire. The Thunder were down by five points with three minutes left in the game. The Warriors had three turnovers in a row in the final minutes which could have spelled disaster. Stephen and Klay Thompson scored monster three’s which put this game away 110-98.

A lot of credit to the scrappy Thunder who played a great defensive game. They just didn’t have enough fire power to take this game. Thompson had the high score with 21 points and Curry with 18. They had seven shots from downtown between them and closed this game out for Golden State. Kuminga had another great game with 16 points off the bench.

For a minute the Thunder had a glimmer of a possible win but it faded in the final minutes of this game. It was a nervous game but in the end the Warriors had won their ninth game in a row.

“We were just trying to hang on. I was glad to see Klay hit those shots. It’s great to have Klay back,” said Coach Kerr after the game. “I thought Jordan Poole played a fantastic game. JK is getting better every day,” he said. “It wasn’t a great night defensively.

Wednesday night the Warriors are off to play the Utah Jazz. Tipoff is scheduled for 7;00 PM.

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Warriors visit struggling Thunder tonight on brief 2 game road trip

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Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes (40) attempts to take it to the hoop between Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole (3) and forward Jonathan Kuminga in first quarter action at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Thu Feb 3, 2022. The Warriors host the Oklahoma City Thunder Mon Feb 7, 2022 in San Francisco (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Barbara:

#1 Barbara, Klay Thompson had his way last Thursday night with the three pointer hitting six three pointers at the Chase Center in San Francisco getting the Golden State Warriors (40-13) on the way to a 126-114 win over the visiting Sacramento Kings (19-35)

#2 The Kings have won two of their last ten games they did win Saturday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder (17-35) 113-103 but on Thursday night the Kings just couldn’t get any traction going against the Warriors.

#3 Thompson said that he was satisfied with the kind of game he had on Thursday leading Golden State in scoring with 23 and his six three pointers were the crux of his game that night.

#4 In the second quarter against the Kings Thompson hit four straight outside shots from deep Thompson said he wants to be lights out like that every night.

#5 The Warriors will have a turn at the Thunder on Monday night a 7:00p tip the Thunder have lost eight of their last 11 games including a loss to the Kings on Saturday night in Sacramento 113-103. Barbara tell us how you see these two teams matching up.

Join Barbara for complete coverage on Warrior podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kings pick up second win in eight games; Defeat Thunder 113-103

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Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes (40) guards Oklahoma City Thunder forward Darius Bazley (7) at the Golden One Center in Sacramento on Sat Feb 5, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings (20-35) were back in action on Saturday after a day off on Friday. The Kings last played on Friday when they took on the Golden State Warriors. The Kings lost that game by the final of 126-114 as they struggled to contain the Warriors.

On Saturday, the Kings welcomed to Sacramento the Oklahoma City Thunder (17-35). Tip-off was set for 7 PM PST at Golden One Center. The Kings defeated the Thunder 113-103 at home.

In the first quarter, the Kings offense came out shooting. On the other hand, the defense didn’t look great. The Kings allowed the Thunder to score 30 points in the first quarter.

The Kings offense did enough work on the other hand though to take a first-quarter lead. The Kings outscored the Thunder 36-30 in the first to take the early lead. The Kings would look to build on that in the second quarter.

In the second quarter, the Kings played a solid quarter. They weren’t able to expand the lead much but they didn’t lose it either. The Kings outscored the Thunder 29-27 in the second quarter as the lead going into half expanded by one point.

The Kings went into the locker room up 64-57. Moe Harkless scored 16 points in the first half as did Harrison Barnes. Josh Giddey led the way for the Thunder scoring 11 points. The Kings would look to seal the deal in the second half.

In the third quarter, the Kings continued to be just a little bit better than the opposition. The Kings outscored the Thunder 25-22 in the third quarter. The Kings hadn’t really pulled away in the game but you could sense they were right on the brink of pulling away. Could the Kings pull away in the fourth quarter and seal the win? They led heading to the final 12 minutes 89-79.

In the final quarter, the Kings and Thunder played a very even quarter. The Kings and Thunder both scored 24 points in the fourth quarter. The Kings took advantage in the early minutes as the Thunder battled back in the later minutes. Ultimately the Kings would win the game 113-103. It was the Kings second win in a row at home.

The Kings were led by Harrison Barnes who scored 24 points. Josh Giddey for the Thunder scored 24 points in defeat as they fell to 17-35 on the season. The Kings record improved to 20-35 as they continue to push for a playoff spot.

Up Next: The Kings welcome in the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday at 7 PM PST.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jerry Feitelberg: Kings have lost seven of last eight games; Tip off with Thunder Friday night at Golden One

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Sacramento Kings guard Tyrese Haliburton dribbles the ball during the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors on Thu Feb 3, 2022 at Chase Center in San Francisco (AP News photo)

On the Kings podcast with Jerry F:

#1 The Sacramento Kings (19-32) Davion Mitchell replaced De’Aaron Fox in the lineup, and the rookie responded with a career-high 26 points Thursday night. 

#2 The Kings made the first bucket of the game to lead 2-0. It was the last time they would have the advantage.

#3 The Kings offense woke up and started to put points on the board at the half. Three players paced the Sacramento offense. Two of them were former Warriors, Harrison Barnes and Damion Jones. Davian Mitchell was hot, scoring ten points in the early going.

#4 Sacramento beat the Warriors 29-21 to get within 11 points of the lead. The Kings knew that they had a chance to pull off an upset as they started the third quarter.

#5 The Kings play the Oklahoma City Thunder who have lost three of their ten games head to Golden One Center in Sacramento on Sat Feb 5, 2022.

Jerry Feitelberg filled in for podcaster Jeremiah Salmonson for Kings podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Warriors Handle Struggling Kings 126-114

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Sacramento Kings forward Maurice Harkless (8) looks to drive around Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Thu Feb 3, 2022 (AP News photo)

Warriors Handle Struggling Kings 126-114

By Barbara Mason

The Golden State Warriors (40-13) were back home for a single game taking on the Sacramento Kings (19-35) Thursday night. Coming off a great win against the San Antonio Spurs the “youngsters” brought this one home while Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, and Nemanja Bjelica watched from the bench.

Sitting out this game, the starters were going crazy in the fourth quarter when the bench put on an incredible display of raw talent. They outscored the Spurs 35 to 16 ultimately winning the game 124-120.

Tonight Curry, Thompson, Wiggins and Kevon Looney started and the fifth man getting the nod was Moses Moody. Head Coach Steve Kerr is really high on Moody after the 20 points he put up against the Spurs Tuesday night.

When these two teams get together regardless of record a competitive game always seems to go down. What will be important for the Warriors is good ball movement and good screening. They will have to take care of the ball and will need solid defense. If they can accomplish this the Warriors should be able to win their 40th game of the season.

The Kings are coming off a win over the Brooklyn Nets. Prior to that win Sacramento had lost seven games in a row. They are having an extremely rough patch right now.

The Warriors jumped out to a 13-2 lead but mid-way through the opening quarter the Kings began chipping away at the Golden State lead. With under three minutes the score was 25-23 in favor of the Warriors in an amazing turnaround by Sacramento. As the first quarter came to an end, the Warriors had reined it back in and led 34-23 after a 9-0 run.

The Warriors extended their lead early in the second quarter. The Kings shots were not dropping and the Warriors were knocking downs three’s at will. Thompson had 20 points after nine minutes of play bringing back memories of his 37 point quarter against the Kings back in January of 2015.

There was no sloppy for Golden State in this game leading at the half 73-54 as they were piling up the points. The Warriors had open shot after open shot and were taking full advantage of them.

The Kings came out in the third quarter further trimming the Warriors lead. Golden State had led by as much as 26 points. The Kings had pulled to within 12 points and Golden State started committing turnovers that were costly. After three quarters the Dubs led 94-83.

The Kings would pull to within single digits in the fourth quarter but the Warriors starting hitting inside and outside pulling away from Sacramento winning this game 126-114. Jonathan Kuminga finished with 18 points and 7 rebounds. The fans got a real treat watching this guy dunk sending the Chase crowd into a frenzy. The kid is absolutely amazing.

Thompson also had an amazing game playing far better than anyone thought he would be capable of playing. After the long layoff Thompson has been competing at an incredible level finishing with 23 points, five rebounds and seven assists.

He is so far ahead of schedule it’s ridiculous. Curry finished with 20 points. The Warriors have now won eight games in a row and have pulled to within 2 games of the Suns.

The Warriors will be off for a few days before they take on the OKC Thunder Monday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM.

Warriors win their eighth in a row as they down Kings 126-114

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By Jerry Feitelberg

The Golden State Warriors (40-13) welcomed the Sacramento Kings (19-35) to the Chase Center in San Francisco Thursday night. The Kings hosted the Brooklyn Nets in Sacramento Wednesday night and beat them 112-101 to snap a seven-game losing streak.

On the other hand, the Warriors had won seven in a row, including a thrilling comeback win over the San Antonio Spurs Tuesday night. The Kings felt confident that they could upset the Warriors. They were missing guard De’Aaron Fox and forward Marvin Bagley.

Davion Mitchell replaced Fox in the lineup, and the rookie responded with a career-high 26 points Thursday night. However, it was not enough as the Warriors won their eighth straight and downed the Kings 126-114.

The Kings made the first bucket of the game to lead 2-0. It was the last time they would have the advantage. The Warriors raced to a 13-2 advantage. Stephen Curry made two threes in the run. The 173rd game in a row that Curry connected on a three.

The Kings offense woke up and started to put points on the board. Three players paced the Sacramento offense. Two of them were former Warriors, Harrison Barnes and Damion Jones. Davian Mitchell was hot, scoring ten points in the early going. The Warriors led by two 25-23 when they went on a 9-0 run to finish the first quarter leading 34-23.

The Warriors won the second quarter 39-31 to finish the first half leading by 19 points 73-54. Klay Thompson finished the first half with 20 points.

Thompson showed the fans at the Chase Center that he has returned to form. He made six threes in his first six attempts. Curry had eight, Danion Lee nine, Kevon Looney eight. Davion Mitchell finished the half with 21 points. Barnes had 16, and Jones 13. Only one other Kings’ player could put points on the board.

The Warriors, who usually own the third quarter, found themselves outplayed by the young Kings. Sacramento beat the Warriors 29-21 to get within 11 points of the lead. The Kings knew that they had a chance to pull off an upset as they started the fourth period.

They closed the gap to seven, trailing 96-89. The Warriors decided to play basketball once again. Led by rookie Jonathan Kuminga, the Warriors grabbed an 18-point lead 118-100. Kuminga brought the crowd to its feet when he made a highlight-reel dunk.

Game Notes and Stats: With the win, Golden State is now 40-13 for the season. The Kings dropped to 19-35.

The Warriors had seven players in double figures Thursday night. Thompson led the parade with 23 points in 25 minutes of playing time. Curry had 20 points. Curry came out of the game when he banged up his nose and had to leave for treatment.

Kuminga finished the night with 18. He was 8-for-10 from the floor. The only shots he missed were two three-point tries. Jordan Poole had 12, Lee 14, Kevon Looney 10, and Andrew Wiggins 12. It was a total team effort.

Mitchell led the Kings with 26. Harrison Barnes 25, Maurice Harkless 18, all in the second half, Tyrese Haliburton 10, Damion Jones 17. The Warriors bench outscored the Sacramento Bench 55-31. 

The Warriors are off the next three days. They play the Thunder in Oklahoma City Monday night.

Kings shock Nets 121-101; Barnes leads with 19 points in victory; Win snaps Sac’s seven game losing streak

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Sacramento Kings guard Davion Mitchell (15) defends against Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden at Golden One Center in Sacramento on Wed Feb 2, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings (19-34) were back in action on Wednesday night at Golden One Center. The Kings had last played on Monday in New York to face the Knicks. The Kings hadn’t won a game since January 14th against the Houston Rockets.

The Kings had lost seven straight games going into Wednesday night. The Kings would hope to change the tide on Wednesday as they welcomed the Brooklyn Nets (29-22) to town. The Kings played an up and down game but ultimately defeated the Nets 112-101.

The Kings were set to take on the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night at 7 PM PST.

In the first quarter, the Kings did not play very well. They came out sloppy and appeared very lethargic on the defensive end of the floor. The Nets came out in the first and scored 32 points in the first quarter as the offense got off to a quick start.

The Kings only managed to put up 23 points for the Kings as they fell into an early hole in the first quarter. The Kings turned the ball over four times in the first quarter, which would not be a recipe for success the rest of the way.

In the second quarter, the Kings continued not to play very well. The Kings defense didn’t have an answer for the Nets offense. The Nets scored another 30 points in the second to hold onto their lead. The Kings managed to outscore the Nets by scoring 31 points of their own, but it wasn’t enough to mount a comeback.

The Kings would go into halftime down 62-54 and needed to turn the tide in the second half. The Kings were led in the first half by Harrison Barnes, who had 12 points. Nic Claxton scored 17 for the Nets to guide them in the first quarter.

In the third quarter, the Kings mounted a bit of a comeback on the Nets. The Kings entered the quarter down eight points and managed to cut that to three points after the thrid. The Kings scored 29 points in the quarter compared to the Nets 24.

It was the first quarter in the game that the Kings managed to outscore the Nets. The Kings would go into the final quarter of the game trailing the Nets 86-83. Could the Kings finish the comeback in the final 12 minutes?

In the fourth quarter, it was all Kings! The Kings blew out the Nets in the final quarter of the game by outscoring them 29-15. The Kings won the game and beat the mighty Brooklyn Nets 112-101. Granted, the Nets were without star Kevin Durant but they did have a healthy Kyrie Irving and James Harden.

The Kings held James Harden to only four points in 37 minutes of action. Nic Claxton led the way for the Nets in defeat scoring 23 points. The Kings best performance came from Harrison Barnes who had 19 points. The Kings had seven players in double figures. The Kings snapped their seven game losing streak improving to 19-34 on the season.

Up Next: The Kings travel to San Francisco to take on the Warriors on Thursday at 7 PM PST.

Unlikely Win For Warriors In A Brilliant Finish Golden State-124 San Antonio 120

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Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, left, celebrates a score with teammate guard Jordan Poole (3) against the San Antonio Spurs at the AT&T Center in San Antonio on Tue Feb 1, 2022 (AP News photo)

Unlikely Win For Warriors In A Brilliant Finish Golden State-124 San Antonio 120

By Barbara Mason

Following a tough win on Monday night against the Houston Rockets the Warriors (39-13) took on the San Antonio Spurs (19-33) Tuesday night. Both Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson would be sidelined for this game.

Dejounte Murray leads San Antonio averaging 19.4 points and 9 assists per game. The Warriors were short-handed in this game. Nemanja Bjelica (back), Curry (toe), Andre Iguodala (hip), Otto Porter Jr. (foot) and Andrew Wiggins (knee) all expected to be out.

San Antonio will no doubt be looking to take advantage of a depleted Warrior team. The Spurs have the lowest turnover rate in the league and they also have the most bench points per game. In the Warriors favor San Antonio allows the third-most second chance points in the league.

The starters for Golden State in this game were Juan Toscano-Anderson, Kevon Looney, Damien Lee, Jordan Poole and Moses Moody. The Warriors will be looking for some assistance from Jonathan Kuminga, Chris Chiozza and Gary Payton !! off the bench.

The Spurs led after one quarter 30-36. The Warriors continued to hang around although empty possessions were hurting Golden State in the second quarter. They trailed by ten points in the quarter but kept chipping away at the Spurs lead trailing by four points late in the second quarter.

San Antonio was having an excellent game through the first 24 minutes and the Warriors were happy with an eight point deficit at the half 69-61. Looney already had ten rebounds with a great defensive showing and Moses Moody had 14 points, a career high for him.

Three minutes into the third quarter the Warriors were within one point of the Spurs 73-72 but could not take the lead. While the Warriors were having a good shooting night, the Spurs were having an even better shooting game. San Antonio led after three 104-89.

After trailing by seventeen points the Warriors had shaved the Spurs lead to two points. Kuminga and Chiozza were largely responsible for the turnaround. With two and a half minutes left in the game the score was knotted at 114. Damien Lee made a shot from downtown to giver the Warriors the lead 117-114 and they never looked back.

In a most unlikely win the Golden State Warriors roared from behind to take the fourth quarter 35-16 and win this game 124-120. “I feel comfortable shooting the ball from anywhere,” said Poole after the game. He had a clutch shot from downtown in the closing seconds of the game to secure the win.

Damien Lee finished off San Antonio with two free throws to end the game. All the young players had a great game tonight. Poole finished with 31, Lee with 21 and Moody with 20. Kuminga was great off the bench with 19 points. Everyone on the floor tonight was a huge part of this win.

This team continues to amaze and beat all odds. They will head home for a game with the Sacramento Kings Thursday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Knicks take out Kings 116-96 at MSG for Sac’s 7th straight loss

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The Sacramento Kings forward Louis King (23) and guard Buddy Hield (24) almost looks as if to say what’s the use as the New York Knicks RJ Barrett (9) lays one in at Madison Square Garden on Mon Jan 31, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Jessica Kwong

The Sacramento Kings (18-34) ended their five-game road trip at Madison Square Garden with their seventh straight loss, 116-96 to the New York Knicks (24-27) on Monday night.

Sacramento was without their best player, De’Aaron Fox, due to a sore ankle and trailed most of the game.

New York led for the last 43 minutes of the game and by double digits during the whole second half. Going into the final quarter, the Knicks had an 18-point lead.

The Kings’ leading scorers in the blowout loss were Tyrese Haliburton with 21 points and eight assists, and Davion Mitchell with 18 points.

Fox has been out since January 19 and missed four games. Still, Kings coach Alvin Gentry said the team is not worried about the point guard’s absence in the long term.

“I think that he is feeling much better,” Gentry said. “But until he feels that everything is there and that he can make the cuts laterally, we aren’t going to put him out there right now. But I am not concerned.”

Meanwhile, the Knicks snapped their three-game losing streak. Alec Burks and Evan Fournier scored 21 points each, and Julius Randle contributed 17 points and nine rebounds.

Gentry, who coached Randle with the New Orleans Pelicans, had some words about him

“I think he’s a better player,” Gentry said. “And he was a very good player for us. He was outstanding for us, really. I think he’s slowed himself down a little bit. Now I know he’s struggling a bit right now but it’s never because of effort.

Gentry added that Randle hasn’t shot the ball as well as in the past.

“But the way he attacks the basket, and his ability to handle the ball in the open court and create plays are all things he was starting to do when he was in New Orleans and I think he’s much, much better at it right now,” he said.

The Kings (18-34) return home to host the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday. Tip-off is at 7pm.

—

Curry takes liberties against Rockets defense scores 40 in 122-108 win

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Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) pushes the ball up court against Houston Rockets center Christian Wood during first half action at the Toyota Center in Houston on Mon Jan 31, 2022 (AP News photo)

Warriors Add To Rockets Woes Winning 122-108

By Barbara Mason

Monday evening the Warriors (38-13) were on the road in Houston taking on the Rockets (14-36). This is the third meeting between these two teams this season.

The Rockets have lost ten home games in a row while the Warriors have won five games in a row. After completing a seven game home stand the Warriors will be challenged by the Rockets in their house. Golden State aimed for their sixth win in a row and got with a 122-108 victory.

With Andre Iguodala. Nemanja Bjelica, Otto Porter and Draymond Green all out for this game Moses Moody got the start. He would go on to finish with 11 points. Kevon Looney had picked up two quick fouls in the first quarter but that was the only disappointment for Golden State to start this game. They led 10-0 through the first five minutes.

The Rockets came storming back to take the lead 15-14 with five minutes left in the quarter. Having lost so many home games this Rocket team was definitely in desperation mode having not a whole lot to lose leading after 12 minutes 25-23. Looney already had seven rebounds but with two fouls he sat out the latter minutes of the quarter.

At the half the Warriors led 61-52. Looney came back in the game and registered nine rebounds. Once again Andrew Wiggins had a great half scoring 17 points with Stephen Curry shooting for ten points. The Rockets top man Christian Wood had 17 in the first half.

After three quarters the Warriors had distanced themselves from Houston leading 87-78. The Rockets refused to go away continually cutting into the Warriors lead.

Curry had a huge fourth quarter going nuclear with four from downtown. The Rockets had pulled to within four points in the final quarter and then Curry happened. He scored 21 points in the fourth quarter with five rebounds and nine assists.

Curry finished with 40 points. The 21 points was just another record for Curry. Right now he is simply trying to break his own records. There is no limit to what this guy is going to continue to do this season.

Wiggins shot for 23 points and Thompson and Moody had double digits. “Without Draymond it looks a lot different I’m just trying to keep things simple,” said Curry talking about their new defensive look right now.

It is onto San Antonio to play the Spurs tomorrow night. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30.