Tag: NBA

Fox leads Kings with 27 points in 126-114 win over Rockets

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Sacramento Kings’ Tyrese Haliburton guards Houston Rockets forward Jae’Sean Tate (8) during first quarter action at the Golden One Center in Sacramento on Fri Jan 14, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings (18-27) were back in action on Friday night. The Kings last played on Wednesday when they took on the Los Angeles Lakers. The Kings downed the Lakers 125-116 at home in a great team win.

On Friday, the Kings welcomed the Houston Rockets (12-32) to town for a two-game set. The Kings would play the Rockets on Friday at 7 PM PST and Sunday at 3 PM PST. On Friday, the Kings downed the Rockets 126-114.

In the first quarter, it wasn’t pretty for either team on defense. The Kings and the Rockets were getting basically anything they wanted at the basket. However, it was worse for the Kings. The Kings allowed the Rockets to score 41 points in the first quarter.

It was one of the worst defensive quarters of the year for the Kings. On the other hand, the Rockets held the Kings to 31 points to take an early game nine-point lead.

In the second quarter, the Kings flipped the script on the Rockets. The Kings offense had a fire lit under them and erupted for 34 points in the second quarter. However, that’s not the whole story. The Kings also dramatically improved on the defensive end.

The Kings held the Rockets to only 20 points in the second quarter as the Kings stormed back to take the lead. In the first half, the Kings were led by an explosive De’Aaron Fox, who had 18 points. The Rockets best first-half performance came from Christian Wood, who scored 15 points. As a result, the Kings took a 65-60 lead into the second half of the game.

In the third quarter, the Kings continued to play as they did in the second quarter. The Kings outscored the Rockets 33-29 in the third quarter to increase their lead. The Kings offense continued their pace for themselves in the third quarter as the defense wasn’t as sharp.

On the other hand, the Rockets picked up the pace on the defensive end but couldn’t contain the Kings offense. The Kings would need to play a clean fourth quarter to come away with a win.

In the final quarter, the Kings managed to hold onto the lead and beat the Rockets 126-114. The Kings outscored the Rockets 28-25 in the fourth quarter. It was the third straight quarter the Kings outscored the Rockets after starting the game terribly in the first quarter.

It was the Kings second win in a row as they improved to 18-27. The Kings were led in victory by De’Aaron Fox, who scored 27 points, followed by Marvin Bagley, who had 26. The Rockets best performance came from Christian Wood, who scored 26 points.

It was an excellent win for the Kings, who so often get complacent against bad teams. It appeared they did again on Friday after a terrible first quarter, but they quickly turned it around in the second.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the Houston Rockets again on Sunday at 3 PM PST.

Warriors Provide Electric Play To Trounce Bulls 138-96

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Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole, left, dribbles against Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (right) at the United Center in Chicago on Fri Jan 14, 2022 (AP News photo)  

Warriors Provide Electric Play To Trounce Bulls 138-96

By Barbara Mason

After last nights game against the Milwaukee Bucks the Golden State Warriors were not entirely sure what they would be seeing from the Golden State Warriors going forward. The Bucks put the hurt on the Warriors in a blowout 118-99. At the half in that game the Bucks led by the score of 77-38.

Friday night the Warriors (31-11) took on another great team the Chicago Bulls (27-13). The Bulls are the leaders in the Eastern Conference and were probably pretty confident going into this game especially seeing what the Bucks had done to Golden State last night. Going into the game the Bulls were favored by four points.

We knew that it was just a matter of time before the Warriors shook off the funk they were in. We know what this team is capable of. What we saw in this game was a reversal of fortune. Golden State totally cleaned up the turnovers and the shooting in this game was a thing of beauty.

After the first quarter the Warriors led 37-28. In the second quarter it was the Warriors who took a significant lead into the locker room 78-47. Instead of giving up 77 points in the first half, Golden State scored 78 points.

Andrew Wiggins had 20 points at the half followed by Jordan Poole with 15. Jonathan Kuminga and Stephen Curry both had double digits. With only two turnovers in the game and 11 of 24 from downtown plus shooting at 57% it was clear that the Warriors were on a mission.

The Warriors had held the Bulls to 45% shooting and forced eleven turnovers which turned into 21 points for Golden State. There was a bit of a scare in the second quarter when Curry fell on his hand and favored his wrist for a bit.

He was able to shake it off and it appeared that he suffered no ill effects from the fall. Going into the third quarter the Warriors kept the pressure on the Bulls. Four of the Warriors starters had shot in double digits mid-way through the quarter.

Kevon Looney had a double double with 11 rebounds and 10 points. It was an amazing turnaround for the team. It was Warrior basketball at it’s finest. It was all Warriors through three quarters. When they should have been fatigued from back to back games, the Warriors were sharp and refreshed and showing not a sign of lethargy or weariness.

As the third quarter came to an end the Warriors were still tearing it up 112-72 for a 40 point lead.

In the fourth quarter it was Jonathan Kuminga who was attacking the rim like a pro shooting for 23 points. This was as complete a game offensively and defensively as one could ask for. In the fourth quarter Curry went to the locker room to have his hand evaluated. He returned without a wrap on his hand and appeared to be just fine. The final was 138-96 in a blowout.

Off the bench Kuminga had 25 points in an excellent game, his best of the season. Starters Poole had 22 and Andrew Wiggins had 21. They finished with only seven turnovers.

“We needed this win, it was important. We’ve got to be strong and show them what we are about,” said Wiggins after the game. “We have a lot of guys who can dominate,” he said.

The Warriors will be taking on the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday to end their road trip. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM. Golden State will head home after this game for a 7-game home stand.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Rockets come calling at Golden One on Friday night vs. Kings

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Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) attempts to get past Sacramento Kings guard Davion Mitchell (left) at Golden One Arena in Sacramento on Thu Jan 13, 2022. The Kings open a two game set starting Fri Jan 14, 2022 against the Houston Rockets in Sacramento (AP News photo)

On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 The Houston Rockets (12-31) pay a visit to Golden One Arena to face off with the Sacramento Kings (17-27). Jeremiah, the Kings are coming off a win against the Los Angeles Lakers (21-21) from Wednesday night 125-116 how much confidence will that build for the Kings facing Houston Friday night?

#2 Jeremiah, talk about some of the top scorers from each team from the Rockets Christian Wood whose averaging 17.2 points per game and for the Kings De’Aaron Fox who is averaging 20.0 points per game.

#3 The Kings coming into Friday night’s game are 12-19 against the Western Conference. They had a five game losing streak going before they defeated the Lakers on Wednesday night.

#4 The Kings need more help they have lost five out of their last 21 games when they were behind by ten or more points.

#5 Tonight is the first of a two game series with the Rockets in Sacramento, tonight being the first game and Sunday afternoon at 3:00PM concluding the series. Seeing the same team twice will that be an advantage for the Kings?

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

Bucks cruise past Warriors 118-99; Golden State has now lost four of last five games

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Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry attempts to find a teammate to pass to against the Milwaukee Bucks’ Bobby Portis and Wesley Matthews at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee on Thu Jan 13, 2022 (AP News photo)

Bucks Cruise Past Warriors 118-99

By Barbara Mason

It is not a happy time for the Golden State Warriors (30-11) of late. In their last four games they are at the bottom of the NBA for offensive rating, points per game and three-point FG.

They are averaging 95.5 points per game, they are shooting 25% from downtown and the offensive rating is 95.5. Very un-Warrior-like play; they are struggling right now immersed in a true winter chill. That chill continued like frozen bricks as Golden State lost their fourth out of five games 118-99 to the Milwaukee Bucks (27-17).

Thursday night the Warriors were facing yet another challenge traveling to Milwaukee to play the Bucks. The world champs are led by superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and once again Golden State will be missing Draymond Green out with a left calf issue. He is doubtful for the remainder of their road trip. This is a big loss for Golden State; taking the court without the defensive prowess and leadership that Green provides.

The Bucks came into the first quarter in a perfect start for Milwaukee. They established an early lead 37-21. In the early part of the second quarter the Bucks were shooting 62% to the Warriors 37% and Golden State was getting drummed out of the building.

They were four of 20 from downtown, missing open shot and had those turnover issues once again. It seemed that the Bucks could hardly miss a shot in the first half. They led 77-38 at the half and continued to shoot 62% while the Warriors could only manage 27% shooting by the end of two quarters.

Not a single Warrior had double digits at first half’s end while the Bucks had four players, Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis and Grayson Allen shooting at will practically unable to miss. These guys were going crazy having the time of their lives at the expense of Golden State. It was an unbelievable deficit going into the third quarter.

Mid-way through the third quarter two Warriors finally reached double digits. Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins had 10 and 14 respectively. By third quarters end the Warriors had cut their deficit to 97-72. They had really dialed their game up winning the third quarter 34-20. While it was too little too late it was certainly a positive in an otherwise disastrous game for the Warriors.

The Warriors went on to win the fourth quarter outscoring the Bucks in the second half by 20 points. When you allow 77 points in the first half odds are that you have little to no chance to come away with a win.

Curry, Wiggins, and Klay Thompson all had double digits and off the bench Jonathan Kuminga had a great game with 15 points in 19 minutes. He continues to improve and is showing a lot of promise,

The Warriors continue their road trip taking on the Chicago Bulls Friday night. Tipoff is schedule for 4:30.

Kings bounce back to defeat Lakers at Golden One 125-116

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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) gets a pass off by Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) and center Alex Len (25) at the Golden One Center in Sacramento on Wed Jan 12, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Wednesday night in Sacramento. On Monday, the Kings last played and lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers 109-108. It was a tough loss for the Kings, who had the chance to win the game with the final shot.

However, De’Aaron Fox missed the last shot as the Kings lost. On Wednesday, the Kings welcomed Lebron James and the Los Angeles Lakers to town. The Kings had played the Lakers tough this year and were hoping to win against the rival from Los Angeles. The Kings won the game by the final of 125-116 against the Lakers. 

In the first quarter, the Kings defense got off to a rough start. The Kings allowed the Lakers to score 34 points to put themselves in an early hole in the first quarter. Fortunately for the Kings, the offense got off to a decent start. The Kings scored 29 points in the first quarter to trail the Lakers by only five after the first. However, the Kings would need to tighten up the defensive end to stay in the game long term. 

In the second quarter, it was rough early for the Kings. The Kings started the second, struggling to score the basket and allowing the Lakers to get pretty much whatever they wanted. However, the Kings turned up the intensity towards the end of the second as they began driving more to the basket and taking fewer perimeter shots. The Lakers outscored the Kings 33-32 in the second quarter to marginally increase their lead going into halftime.

The Lakers were led in the first half by Lebron James, who had 17 points. The Kings strongest first-half performance came from De’Aaron Fox, who scored 14 points. Nevertheless, the Kings trailed the Lakers, heading into halftime 67-61. 

In the third quarter, it was all Kings. That pretty much sums up the quarter perfectly. The Kings had an offensive outburst as they scored 40 points in the third quarter to take the lead on the Lakers. On the other hand, the Lakers only scored 23 points in the third to put themselves behind the Kings 101-90 heading into the fourth quarter. Could Lebron James and the Lakers come back to defeat the Kings? We found out in the final 12 minutes. 

In the fourth quarter, the Kings played tough. The Lakers outscored the Kings in the final quarter 26-24, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Kings surge in the third quarter. The Kings defeated the Lakers by the final of 125-116 and improved to 17-27 on the season.

The Lakers dropped to 21-21 on the year as Lebron James couldn’t bring his team back to victory. However, Lebron James led the game in scoring with 34 points. The Kings leading scorer was De’Aaron Fox, who scored 29 points for the Kings. It was an excellent win for the Kings with an electric crowd behind them at Golden One Center. 

Up Next: The Kings take on the Houston Rockets on Friday at 7 PM PST in Sacramento.

Morant Leads Grizzlies To Win Over Warriors 115-108

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Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) shoots against Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney (5) and forwards Andre Iguodala (9) and Andrew Wiggins (22) in Memphis on Tue Jan 11, 2022 (AP News photo)

Morant Leads Grizzlies To Win Over Warriors 116-108

By Barbara Mason

Tuesday night the Golden State Warriors (30-10) took on the red-hot Memphis Grizzlies (29-14). Memphis is riding on a nine-game winning streak and they will make the Warriors work for this game. They are led by Ja Morant one of the best point guards in the game today. The absence of Draymond Green would be a factor in this game. So a lot of tough challenges in this game for Golden State.

The Warriors were outplayed in the first half. The ugly turnovers were an issue and the three points shooting was almost non-existent. Golden State was three of 13 from downtown. The Warriors have been struggling offensively especially from long range and the Grizzlies have a solid offense and defense that turned the Warriors away shot after shot.

Many of the turnovers from Golden State were due to the unrelenting defense of Memphis. With the Grizzlies leading 59-51 and under one minutes left in the half, the Warriors wanted to make a small run before the clock ran out. At the half. the Warriors had cut an 18 point deficit to eight.

The points off of the 12 Warrior turnovers were hurting them while the Grizzlies were fueled by three point shots the entire half. Ja Morant finished the first half with 18 points. Going into this game we all knew he was going to be a handful and he certainly was in the first half.

Stephen Curry had 12 points and Andrew Wiggins finished the half with ten. In the third quarter the Warriors had to limit those turnovers and do their best to contain Morant.

The Warriors started the third quarter with two steals and just like that had cut the Grizzlies lead to 59-56. Golden State came alive in the second half and the three’s starting dropping giving the Warriors a 71-66 lead. Midway through the third the game had totally flipped.

We saw a different defense from the Warriors in the third quarter and Memphis starting missing those long balls. As the quarter began to run out the two teams began trading the lead. The Warriors led after three quarters 90-87.

The Grizzlies led for much of the fourth quarter by the slimmest of margins. At 6:15 Memphis led 103-99. With both Curry and Klay Thompson on the sidelines this game was in jeopardy. With 4:39 left in this game the splash brothers came in to finish the game.

The hottest team in tne NBA would try to hold off the Warriors with 2:48 left on the clock. A missed three by Golden State and Ja Morant finished off the Warriors 116-108.

The Grizzlies took 100 shots in this game to the Warriors 80, not a winning formula The turnovers killed Golden State giving Memphis their tenth win in a row. The Warriors fought hard in the second half but it was the first half deficit that lost this game for Golden State. Points off turnovers were disastrous for the Warriors.

The Warriors will now head off to Milwaukee to take on the World Champs Thursday. The tipoff is scheduled for 4:30 PM.

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: After 941 days of waiting Big Splashy Return for Thompson

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Klay Thompson is seen here on Mon Jan 3, 2022 taking practice shots before the Golden State Warriors host the Miami Heat at the Chase Center. Thompson debuted in his first game back in two and half years on Sun Jan 9, 2022 against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Chase Center (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Barbara:

#1 Talk about Klay Thompson’s return?

#2 Kevon Looney had an exceptional defensive game that played a great part in this win.

#3 Stephen Curry sure got back on track after two loses in a row the most the team has suffered since the season started.

#4 What are Steve Kerr’s thoughts about the return of Thompson?

#5 The next game up for the Warriors will be against the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night in Memphis. How do you see this game?

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

An Evening To Remember at Chase; Thompson Back as Warriors handle Cavs 96-82

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Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson, right, puts up a three pointer over Cleveland Cavaliers forward Lauri Markkanen (24) at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Sun Jan 9, 2022 (AP News photo)

An Evening To Remember at Chase Warriors Handle Cavs 96-82

By Barbara Mason

Sunday night fans got to celebrate the biggest game in Chase history. It seems as it we have been waiting a lifetime for the return of the Golden State Warriors (30-9) Klay Thompson. All the blood, sweat and tears that this guy has endured will come to fruition tonight. Win or lose, this game will be an unforgettable welcome home for the phenomenal Klay Thompson. The splash brothers are back!!! What a way to welcome them back as they earned a 96-82 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers (22-18)

“Tonight is about showing our appreciation for what he has had to go through individually and express our affection for him. In a lot of ways it will be a very difficult game to lock in and focus on. That’s the challenge for the group amidst all this emotion,” said Head coach Steve Kerr before the game.

The Warriors took on the Cleveland Cavaliers looking for number 30 of the season. The Warriors will have to focus with all the hoopla that will be going on but they will not be alone. The Cavaliers will also have to block out what will be the loudest crowd that they have ever encountered.

The Warriors will be looking for some better shooting from downtown. They have come off of two forgettable games this season, not only losing two in a row but also two tough games shooting seven of 33 against the Pelicans on Thursday night and five of 28 against Dallas on three’s.

At 11:13 in the first quarter we got to see Klay’s first NBA bucket in 2 1/2 years; a textbook floater in traffic. The Cavaliers will have the challenge of trying to contain both Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. After eleven minutes it became clear that the three-point drought had come to an end as Curry started the game four for four from downtown. The Warriors led after one quarter 24-21.

At the half the Warriors continued to hold the lead 51-46. In the second quarter Thompson had his first dunk and his first three of the game. The Warriors were only shooting 37% but it was their defense that kept the score in favor of Golden State. Kevon Looney had 10 rebounds in the half and Porter had six for a great defensive effort. Curry finished the half with 18 points, the only Warrior in double digits.

The Cavaliers had managed to hang with the Warriors until the third quarter. Golden State came unleashed in the third and extended their lead to 79-60. Looney had an amazing 16 rebounds in the quarter close to his all-time high.

The Cavaliers made a nice bid cutting the Warriors 24 point lead to ten in the fourth quarter but it just wasn’t enough. The Warriors shooting had cooled off in the final quarter but picked back up in the closing minutes. The final was 96-82. .

What could be better than seeing Curry and Thompson together again? Why a win with Curry and Thompson playing their first game together and that’s exactly what they got, the first of many. Thompson was on fire with his signature snarl evident throughout the game.

He had 17 points in 20 minutes of play and didn’t look the least bit winded. Curry finished with 28 points. Looney was amazing breaking his previous rebound record clocking 18. The entire team had a great defensive showing which was needed since the team only shot 39%.

“I was nervous to start. I am so grateful for this fan base. There were four or five shots that I should have made but I’m just thankful to be out here,” said Thompson after the Game. “:I am excited for the future. I’m just happy.”

Next up for the Warriors will be the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday. Tipoff is schedule for 5:00 PM.

Big night by Simons helps Blazers down Kings 103-88

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Portland Trail Blazers guard Ben McLemore, right, and Sacramento Kings guard Tyrese Haliburton (left) go for the ball at the Moda Center in Portland on Sun Jan 9, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum
Sunday, January 9, 2022

Anfernee Simons poured in 31 points, Jusuf Nurkic nearly put together a triple-double, and the Portland Trail Blazers defeated Sacramento 103-88 Sunday night at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter in Portland.

It was the fourth straight loss for the Kings, while Portland snapped a two-game skid.
Nurkic scored 14 points, pulled down 16 rebounds and collected nine assists for the Trail Blazers. Nassir Little and Ben McLemore each added 13 points for Portland. Simons finished with seven 3-pointers.

Tyrese Haliburton led the Kings with 17 points and nine assists, followed by Alex Len with 16 points and 10 rebounds. De’Aaron Fox had 14 points, Harrison Barnes scored 13 and Buddy Hield scored 10 off the Sacramento bench.

The Trail Blazers never trailed in the contest. Simons, filling in for Damian Lillard, hit a 3-pointer at the 7-minute mark of the fourth quarter to give Portland a 90-70 lead, its biggest of the game.
Sacramento then went on a 10-2 run to pull within 92-80. Simons responded with another 3 to halt the Kings rally with 4:36 remaining.

Fox’s start was a game-time decision because he’s nursing a sore right shoulder. Maurice Harkness sat this game out due to a sore right ankle. Richaun Holmes and Damian Jones were absent from the Kings lineup due to health and safety protocols.

The Kings return home Monday to host Cleveland, the first game of a five-game homestand.

Denver Dominates Sacramento 121-111

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Sacramento Kings forward Marvin Bagley III, center, gets between Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon, left, and center Nikola Jokic in an attempt to score at Ball Arena in Denver on Fri Jan 7, 2022 (AP News photo)

Denver Dominates Sacramento 121-111

By Barbara Mason

Struggles for the Sacramento Kings (16-25) continued against the Denver Nuggets (19-18). The team has struggled with the inability to finish games. They have squandered winnable games throughout the season and Friday night in Denver was no different as the Kings took a 121-111 loss to the Nuggets.

The first half was a tough one for the Kings as they took on the Nuggets. The Nuggets played both quarters at a nice pace, with great passing and a lot of patience. The entire team was playing in a near perfect rhythm which was trouble for the Kings. At the half the score was 66-54.

At one point in the half the Nuggets had 32 points in the paint while the Kings had 37 points total. At the half the Nuggets had the Kings number and there was nothing that Sacramento was able to do in the first two quarters to change the course of the first half.

Down by 20 points at one time in the first half, the Kings started to make a move in the third quarter. Sacramento got within four points of Denver but as has happened in the past, they let it slip away.

Every time that the Kings made a move, Denver had the answer. As the third quarter came to an end, the Nuggets led 96-85. Sacramento had far too many missed shots; misses from players that usually have a lot more success.

The Nuggets had a significant lead throughout most of this game. Denver had more fouls than the Kings by a couple, 20-18. The Kings had 46 rebounds to the Nuggets 41. The Kings had close third and fourth quarters winning both of them by a single points. It was the 12 point deficit at the half that determined the outcome of this game.

High score for the Kings was De’Aaron Fox with 30 and for the Nuggets Nicola Jokic had 33 points. Both teams had nice work off the bench, the Kings with 44 and the Nuggets with 42 points. Sacramento’s defensive woes continued in this game as well.

Sacramento will have a travel day tomorrow heading into Portland for a date with the Trail Blazers for Sun Jan 9th tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 PM.