Tag: NBA

Warriors Showcase depth and Versatility in Preseason Victory Over Kings 122-112

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The Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis (11) gets some hang time against Golden State Warriors forward Kyle Anderson (1) at Golden One Center in Sacramento on Wed Oct 9, 2024 (photo by Mauricio Segura Golden Bay Times and Sports Radio Service)

By Mauricio Segura

SACRAMENTO–The Golden State Warriors are off to an impressive start in their preseason, offering a glimpse of what could be a thrilling regular season ahead. Wednesday night they slipped past the Sacramento Kings with a 122-112 win in the state capital.

The Warriors rolled out a fresh starting lineup featuring Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Jonathan Kuminga, Draymond Green, and Kevon Looney.

Although Andrew Wiggins remained sidelined, the Warriors faced a strong challenge from the Sacramento Kings, with DeMar DeRozan putting up a perfect shooting performance, scoring 15 points without a miss. Early struggles in both offense and defense had the Warriors on their heels.

Things started to turn around once the Warriors went to their bench, closing the first quarter with a 31-27 lead. The second quarter saw them find their rhythm from beyond the arc, as Curry took charge and even Green knocked down a pair of threes.

Buddy Hield also heated up, hitting all four of his three-point attempts in the first half. Despite their efforts, the Kings held a narrow 68-66 lead at the break.

The second half brought more energy, with Curry, Green, and Looney resting while Hield, Kuminga, Podziemski, Moses Moody, and Trayce Jackson-Davis picked up the pace. Their collective effort helped the Warriors build a seven-point lead, thanks to a flurry of three-pointers, ending the third quarter up 100-91.

Though the Kings’ bench made a final push in the fourth, narrowing the lead to 109-106, a well-timed timeout by coach Steve Kerr sparked a 13-0 Warriors run that secured the win and preserved their unbeaten preseason record.

Hield was a standout with 22 points, hitting six of seven from deep. De’Anthony Melton impressed with 16 points, five rebounds, and three assists, shooting 4-of-9 from three-point range. Kuminga matched Melton’s 16 points, shooting efficiently at 6-of-11 overall and 4-of-7 from beyond the arc.

Curry chipped in 13 points, while Green contributed 10 points and five assists. Podziemski had an all-around performance with eight points, four rebounds, eight assists, and two steals, while Jackson-Davis recorded a +22 rating with eight points and six rebounds.

As the Warriors continue to build momentum, their depth and versatility are beginning to shine, making them a team to watch as the regular season approaches.

Mauricio Segura is owner/writer/photographer for Golden Bay Times and a reporter at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings podcast with Barbara Mason: Robinson out a month for knee injury, GM McNair says DeRozan will be big help on defense

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Sacramento Kings center Orlando Robinson will be on the shelf for four weeks following an MRI indicating he sprained his MCL in his left knee. (NBA.com photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast on Barbara Mason:

#1 Injuries don’t take long to make themselves and in an NBA camp there is no exception as the Sacramento Kings center Orlando Robinson will be out for a month due to a knee injury he sustained on practice.

#2 The injury happened during practice last Thursday when Robinson hurt the knee in training camp at the Golden One Center. After tests from an MRI revealed he had sprained an MCL in his left knee. He’s been shelved and will be evaluated in four weeks.

#3 The Sacramento Kings general manager Monte McNair said that he believes in the defense and that McNair believed that the Kings lacked the defense to be competitive. After acquiring DeMar DeRozan from the Chicago Bulls believes that DeRozan can be a defensive presence as well.

#4 This season coming in Domantas Sabonis has been a force and the Kings will rely on his offense scoring this season as well. Last season during the 2024-25 campaign Sabonis scored 19.4 points, 13.7 rebounds, 8.2 assists, and had a 59.4% field goal average.

#5 De’Aaron Fox is someone the Kings are looking forward to in getting help with ball distribution, scoring and getting the ball either to Fox or dishing it off to someone who will score. Fox last season averaged 26.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and shot 46.5% from the field.

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

Sacramento Kings podcast with Stephen Ruderman: Murray will get lots of looks this season; Mason Jones glad to join Kings

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Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (13) scores over Utah Jazz guard Ochai Agbaji (right) during NBA game on Sat Dec 16, 2024 at Golden One Center in Sacramento. Murray talked about getting the opportunity to take shots as his teammates have confidence in his scoring abilities while meeting the press on media day in Sacramento on Mon Sep 30, 2024 (AP file photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Stephen:

#1 The Sacramento Kings have exercised the four year option Keegan Murray’s contract. Murray was a key offensive component for the Kings last season averaging 15.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 77 games.

#2 Murray spoke with the media and is noted for being a quiet type and said he’s just being himself. No doubt his playing does the talking.

#3 Murray says he gets a lot of passes and that his teammates realize he’s on a roll with his ability to score.

#4 Mason Jones who played last season in Europe now with the Kings for this season said it was something that he needed to experience. Jones said it was something God was showing him that one year can change his life.

#5 The Kings open the pre season Wed Oct 9 against the Golden State Warriors. It’s time as a team the Kings look forward to getting the pre season started.

Stephen is filling for Jeremiah Salmonson on the Sacramento Kings podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Dikembe Mutombo podcast with David Zizmor: Hall of Famer and the ever popular Dikembe Mutombo passes away from brain cancer at 58

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Former Houston Rocket Dikembe Mutombo seen here facing the Denver Nuggets on Apr 13, 2008 passed away on Mon Sep 30, 2024 from brain cancer (AP file photo)

On the Dikembe Mutombo podcast with David Zizmor:

#1 Dikembe Mutombo a 2015 Hall of Famer who is remember for his finger wagging played center. Mutombo who passed away on Monday at age 58 of brain cancer and is a native of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mutombo played in the NBA for 18 seasons with the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets.

#2 Mutombo had three All Star NBA selections and played in eight All Star games, Mutombo is 20th in rebounds with 12,359, and has 3289 blocks only second to former Rocket Hakeem Olajuwon.

#3 Mutombo worked hard and extensively for charitable and humanitarian causes and he was well remembered for those efforts.

David Zizmor is an NBA analysist for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings podcast with Barbara Mason: How Derozan compliments Kings and coach Brown’s plans to raise the Kings position for the post season

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Former Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan leaping on the right with ball in hands during contest with the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center on Wed Mar 6, 2024 is expected to add power to the Sacramento Kings line up for the 2024-25 season (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Barbara:

#1 Barbara how important is it for the Sacramento Kings to get to 50 wins at a minimum for this season. The Kings last season they were 43-36.

#2 Barbara, how important is it for the Kings to get off to a fast start not by going 2-4 but winning 5-1 or 4-2.

#3 The Kings acquired DeMar Derozan from the Chicago Bulls in the off season and people questioned how he will fit in. Head coach Mike Brown said Derozan will be a huge compliment for the Kings offense this seaon.

#4 One of the advantages that the Kings have is they have so many guys returning from last season who compliment the team chemistry, this is coach Browns third year back, Domantas Sobonis, De’Aaron Fox, Keegan Murray, Malik Monk to name a few.

#5 One thing about the Western Conference is that with this group the Kings could go that 4-2 and win three of five games either at home and on the road. They were an over .500 team last season finished ninth in the Western Conference can they improve their position for a better seeded spot in the battle of making post season.

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

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Fox, Sabonis and DeRozan expected to do some good things this year for Sac

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Sacramento Kings De’Aaron Fox (5) dunks over Golden State Warriors Draymond Green (23) and Klay Thompson (11) on Tue Apr 16, 2024. Fox is excited about the upcoming 2024-25 season as the Kings will play their first pre season game on Wed Oct 9, 2024 against the Warriors ( AP file photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 The Sacramento Kings  De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and DeMar DeRozan are looking to start the season they brought some excitement last season.

#2 Jeremiah we’ll take a look at De’Aaron Fox first last season with 26 points, 5.6 assists he’s a huge offensive callous for the Kings.

#3 Domantas Sabonis last season with 19.4 points and 8.2 assists he helped the Kings win some big games

#4 DeMar DeRozan is looking forward to this season. DeRozan 24 points and 5.3 assists how do you see him fitting in the Kings offense.

#5 The Kings were dropped by ESPN in the power rankings to 18th going into this season do you see them improving that number.

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

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: The passing of Al Attles 87; Basketball in his Veins-As I remember

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Former Golden State Warriors head coach Al Attles from 1970-1983 passed away Wed Aug 20, 2024 at age 87 (USA Today photo)

Al Attles -Basketball in his Veins -As I Remember

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

I had the privilege of knowing Al Attles during the Golden State Warriors years when he was a team advisor-executive and would travel most of the time with the W’s during the 1990s. Then, I was employed by the team as their Spanish play-by-play announcer.

For the record, the “only one they ever had in their history” to date. At their time, only four or five teams were broadcasting NBA in Spanish; I believe the Warriors were after the Spurs, Rockets, and Lakers, maybe we were the fourth in the country to do Spanish on KIQI 1010AM San Francisco.

But first, here is a little history about a great man and a great gentleman, Al Attles, who left us today after 87 years on this earth. He was born in Newark, New Jersey; the “Jersey Jet” was a player for the Philadelphia Warriors from 1960-1962 and then with the San Francisco Warriors until 1971.

The first professional sporting event I ever covered in the Bay Area was a Warriors game in the 1970s. The Warriors played temporarily at the Cow Palace, Daly City, while the Oakland Arena was under construction. I remember Mr. Hal Childs, the first Media Relations person I had to deal with for my credentials; he was then with the Warriors.

Al Attles played on that historic day when Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points. Attles was humble and would not tell you that his 17 points during that same game resulted from making every throw he made: eight field goals and one free throw. He made them all but was always humble as a player or coach.

I once joked with him that when Wilt Chamberlain scored the record 100 points in that game, he must have had a bunch of assists. He joked about how he passed to Chamberlain, but in the end, he admitted he had six assists. By the way, in that game, the Warriors won 169-134 over the Knicks. It was on March 2, 1962.

Al would usually be first on the team bus after every game when traveling with the Warriors on the road. I would be a few minutes later since my post-game show, as I did a solo broadcast on all games home and road, would be handled in 5 minutes, and then I would send it back to our main studios in San Francisco. I would ‘pick his head’ after a game, specially if we lost that game, during those years the W’s had good teams but no titles.

One day, I remember the team losing by a large margin and blowing out 20 points. As I walked onto the bus, he said, “Did you put this team together?” On other occasions, he would tell me, “Can you push the ball?” And it continued, but I always listened to his wisdom and learned a lot from this humble and generous man.

After playing, Attles’s career was dedicated to coaching. He always liked to talk and teach basketball and coached the San Francisco Warriors and then the Golden State Warriors from 1968 to 1975. He won the NBA title in that great 1974-75 season as a coach.

Although I cannot remember the exact date, I did cover the Victory Rally at San Francisco Union Square after they beat the Washington team in the 1974-75 season NBA finals. I had my SONY small recorder in hand.

I remember as I walked to the Warriors celebratory rally, running into the “one and only Bill King” (best basketball play-by-play announcer I ever heard), who was sporting Jesus sandals and purple socks. He was there to speak at the rally, Al Attles, and then owner Franklin Meuli, wearing his inseparable Sherlock Holmes hat, also talked to a friendly crowd celebrating the moment.

The whole Bay Area is mourning today.

Rest in Peace Al Attles, I will forever remember you your wisdom and your profound voice.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez was a former play by play announcer on the Golden State Warriors Spanish radio network and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Warriors Draft podcast with David Zizmor: Warriors move the furniture around to get Quinten Post from Boston College in NBA draft

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Boston College Eagles center Quinten Post drives against a Virginia defender on Feb 22, 2023 at Boston. Post was the Atlantic Conference’s Most Improved Player and was traded to the Golden State Warriors as their 52nd pick. (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with David;

#1 The Golden State Warriors on Wednesday didn’t even get a pick. Come Thursday the Warriors had the 52nd selection overall and traded that pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder Lindy Waters III who had played four years for the Thunder.

#2 The odd thing about it was the Warriors sent cash to the Thunder and got the 52nd pick back and traded for Boston College center Quinten Post.

#3 The Warriors in making in getting Post will have a hard cap and will not be able to spend more than $189 million in salary this season. You have to wonder if this deal was planned by design.

David Zizmor is a Golden State Warriors analyst for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Defending Champion Aces Fall to New York Liberty 90-82

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It was all an uphill battle for A’ja Wilson (22) and the Las Vegas Aces against the New York Liberty at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Sat Jun 15, 2024 (Getty)

By Barbara Mason

The Las Vegas Aces (6-6) remained close in their matchup with the New York Liberty (12-2) through the first half. of this game. The Liberty went on a 14-0 run in the middle of the third quarter which turned this game sideways for the Aces. Las Vegas came up short in this one losing 90-82. There was good news for Las Vegas however.

They will really power up when Chelsea Gray returns from her injury. They did not have their best offensive effort in the later minutes of the third quarter and a different outcome is a distinct possibility in their August 17 matchup and even more plausible in September when they meet up on the 8th.

The Liberty came out strong taking a 28-20 lead after the first ten minutes of play. The way that the Aces have struggled this season the quick start from New York was concerning. Las Vegas countered however, winning the second quarter 23-17 but did trail at the half 45-43. They had a much improved quarter.

Game recap: Going into the third quarter, the Las Vegas Aces trailed but we’re very much in this game. New York however, mounted a 14-0 run in the middle of the third quarter building a seven-point lead 67-60. It would all come down to who could ride this one out in the fourth quarter.

Early in the fourth quarter Kelsey Plum was hooked in an obvious foul which left her down on the court. The Liberty recovered the ball on the no call and drove down court to sink a three taking a ten-point lead 70-60. With Plum down on the other end of the court the Aces were trying to defend with a 4-5 situation. Through three quarters the Liberty were outplaying the Aces from inside and outside. The game had taken an ugly turn for the Aces.

With just under six minutes left in the game Jackie Young had committed her fifth personal. With every Las Vegas bucket, New York answered and the Aces were running out of time with under four minutes left in the game.

With so little time left on the clock, the Aces were faced with having to play a perfect game and try to overlook some of the calls in the second half which were questionable. They did not even come close to a near perfect game in fact, it was the Liberty who rose to the occasion. With under two minutes left on the clock and the Liberty in control leading 88-74 it was all but a done deal. The final was 90-82 in favor of the Liberty, their eighth win in a row.

Kelsey Plum was the high score for the Aces with 22 points and A’ja Wilson right behind with 21 points and 9 rebounds. Kiah Stokes had a terrific game with 12 rebounds. Alysha Clark chipped in 13 points in the loss. Chelsea Gray did not play which was a coach’s decision but with her listed on the player roster her return could be eminent.

The high score for the Liberty was Jonquel Jones with 34 points and 8 rebounds. The 6’6″ forward had an amazing game spurring her team on to the win.

Despite the loss, there is optimism for Las Vegas. The return of Chelsea Gray could very well change things drastically for the team. While there is room for improvement on the defensive side of the ball, the shortcomings are very fixable. They did not have their best offensive effort today so that will no doubt improve. There is a bright light at the end of the tunnel for the Las Vegas Aces.

Game notes: Saturday afternoon the matchup that everyone had been anticipating took place at Michelob ULTRA Arena between the defending champion Las Vegas Aces and the New York Liberty. This was a clash between the two super teams of 2023.

The question that looms right now, are both of these teams super this season. The Liberty have had a great start this season with a record of 12-2. They are rolling. As far as the Las Vegas Aces, they don’t appear to be what one could consider super right now. They have struggled this season with a 6-6 record, they are still missing Chelsea Gray, their defense has some cracks and they are considered the underdogs in this game.

After a brief illness Jackie Young was back and appeared to be in great form scoring 34 points in their last game, a win over Phoenix. Neither of these teams are at the top of the standings right now. With the incredible success that the Las Vegas Aces have enjoyed for the past five seasons teams around the league are focusing on ways to build, ways to take them down and six teams have indeed beaten Las Vegas so far this season.

It would appear that despite the great New York start the super team era could very well have reached the end of its rope. This year’s champion is a crapshoot at this point in the season. There are so many vying teams right now with the Lynx, the Storm, the Sun and the Liberty all viable.

Las Vegas will be back on the court Wednesday night on their home court taking on the Seattle Storm. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

NBA Finals podcast with Dave Zizmor: How nervous should Mavericks be?; Celtics making easy work of Dallas

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The Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (left) takes a shot against the Dallas Mavericks forward PJ Washington (25) in game 2 of the NBA Finals at Boston Garden on Sun Jun 9, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the NBA Playoff podcast with David Zizmor:

#1 How nervous should the Dallas Mavericks be they are down 0-2 dropping the first two games of these NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics with both games just played in Boston?

#2 For the Mavericks defense it’s been very difficult to contain the Celtics Jrue Holiday, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Derrick White?

#3 Game 3 of the NBA Finals heads to Dallas on Wed Jun 12 with a 5:30pm PT tip off at American Airlines Arena. How leverage will having home court work for the Mavericks advantage?

David Zizmor is an NBA analyst at http://www.sportradioiservice.com