Despite Slow Start Sacramento Kings Handle Phoenix Suns 114-106

Sacramento Kings Domantas Sobonis (10) tries to take a shot against the Phoenix Suns Just Nurkic (20) during the first half at the Footprint Center in Phoenix on Fri Dec 8, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (12-8) had a bit of a slow start in the first half of their matchup against the Phoenix Suns (12-10) trailing 59-50. They really got onboard in the second half winning the third quarter 33-12. The final was 114-106 extending Sacramento’s season record to 12-8.

Friday night, the Kings took on Suns at Footprint Center. The Kings come into this game after losing to the New Orleans Pelicans in the quarterfinal game of the NBA In-season tournament 127-117 on Mon Dec 4. The Suns also lost last Tuesday in their quarterfinal game against the Los Angeles Lakers in a close one 106-103. Both teams are looking to get back on the winning track.

Game recap: Both the first and second quarters went in favor of the Suns. The two opening quarters were close but Phoenix had the upper hand. The Suns won the first quarter 26-24 as well as the second quarter 33-26. Phoenix took a 59-50 lead into the locker room at the half. So far it was all Phoenix in the first half.

The Kings turned this game around in the third quarter winning it 33–12 in a blowout and took the lead after three quarters 83-71. Sacramento really got their offense going from the field as well as from downtown.

Both teams were protecting the ball well but the Kings were also rebounding the ball with more success than the Suns. The Kings needed to keep the pressure on the Suns going into the fourth quarter.

These are two evenly matched teams and the final quarter of this game would be a battle. So far in this game, the Sacramento starting roster was not really up to par although there was still one more quarter of basketball to play.

The team would need their clutch player De’Aaron Fox to step up and finish this game. Kevin Huerter played 17 minutes through three quarters but was a disappointing 0-4 from the field. He came off the court with a single point in the game.

The fourth quarter saw Fox start to really heat up. With under six minutes left in the game he had 26 points to his credit. Off the bench the Kings got some great work from Malik Monk with 13 points and Sasha Vezenkov with 14.

With 5:31 left in the game Sacramento had taken a 103-92 lead. The Suns got dangerously close with 4 1/2 minutes left in the game 103-96. The Kings were letting the Suns back into the game. Sacramento took command of this game in the final minutes and left the Suns in the dust.

Fox caught fire in the fourth quarter scoring fifteen points and finishing with 34 points in this game. Domantas Sabonis had 15 points and 17 rebounds. They also got some nice bench work from Vezenkov, Monk and Keon Ellis. This was a solid win for Sacramento against a tough contender.

Next up for the Kings will be the Brooklyn Nets at Golden 1 Center in a close matchup. Tipoff for this game Monday night is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings hoping to comeback after tough loss to Pelicans; Tip off with Suns tonight at Footprint Arena

The New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum takes a shot against the Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray in the first quarter at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Mon Dec 4, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

The Sacramento Kings (11-8) were back in action on Monday night. The Kings were set to host the first game of the in-season tournament as they welcomed in the New Orleans Pelicans (12-10). The Kings last played Saturday night as they defeated the Denver Nuggets 123-117.

The Pelicans got lots of help from top scorers Brandon Ingram with 30 points and the Kings defense had double coverage on Zion Williamson which relegated the ball to Ingram.

The Pelicans runner up scorer guard Herb Jones contributed with 23. The Kings would have been pretty much in lock step with the Pelicans if it were for that nine point deficit they had in the second quarter where New Orleans were ahead 34-25.

The Kings play tonight in Footprint Center Arena with a 6:00pm PT tip off. The Suns have won seven of their last ten games.

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

Golden State Warriors podcast with Jerry Feitelberg: Curry to the rescue again leads with 31 pts

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) gets a rebound against the Portland Trail Blazers guard Malcolm Brogdon (11) at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Wed Dec 6, 2023 (AP News photo)

On Golden State Warriors podcast with Jerry Feitelberg:

#1 Jerry, if it wasn’t for the Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry who led with 31 points. The Warriors (10-6) would have had a struggle against the Portland Trail Blazers (6-14) to try and get that win if it wasn’t for Curry’s offensive prowess last night.

#2 Jerry also how crucial Jonathan Kuminga and Dario Saric both scoring 13 points in a game where every basket counted in the Warriors just getting by the Trial Blazers 110-106.

#3 The Portland Trail Blazers Anfernee Simons was the top scorer with 28 points and was followed up with Shaedon Sharpe with 26 points.

#4 Jerry did the 10-34 long range shots help Golden State in this one. In Warrior wins this season the long shots have helped clinch some of those games.

#5 The Warriors face the Oklahoma City Thunder (13-7) Fri Dec 8th in OKC. The Thunder have won seven of their last ten games. The Warriors have won four of their last ten and have struggled in some of those close games. How do you see this match up on Friday night.

Join Jerry for the Warriors podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Warriors outlast Trail Blazers 110-106; Golden State’s Curry does the heavy lifting with 31 points

Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (1) drives on the Golden State Warriors forward Kevon Looney (left) in the first half at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Wed Dec 6, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Warriors, having lost two games by one point in the last three played, wanted to get back on the winning track against the rebuilding Portland Trail Blazers. The Blazers traded away their star point guard, Damion Lillard, to the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Blazers traded Josef Nurkic to the Phoenix Suns for DeAndre Ayton. The Blazers got Malcolm Brogdon from the Boston Celtics in the trade for Jrue Holiday. The Blazers came to town with a record of 6-13. Portland had won three in a row, and most games played were very close.

The Warriors could not take this team lightly. The Blazers led the league, causing their opponents to commit turnovers. One of the problems the Warriors have this season is committing too many turnovers. The Warriors defeated the Blazers by four points 110-106 on Wednesday night at the Chase Center.

The Blazers’ head coach, Chauncy Billips, had his team playing an aggressive defense. The young Blazers were all over the Warriors’ top three shooters for most of the game. The Blazers led for the entire first half. The Blazers held Klay Thompson to two points in the first half. Andrew Wiggins tallied five.

The Warriors did not have a single player in double figures in the first half. Warriors guard Stephen Curry and Moses Moody paced the Warriors with nine apiece. The Warriors made just two threes in 16 tries. The Blazers knocked down nine.

The Blazers won the first quarter, 26-22, and the second quarter, 29-26, to finish the first half with a seven-point advantage, 55-48. Shaedon Sharpe led the Blazers with 14. Anfernee Simons had 11, and Duop Reath added 10. The Blazers caused the Warriors to turnover the ball ten times in the first half.

Things did not go well for the Warriors to start the third period. The Blazers had the Warriors totally out of rhythm. Whenever the Warriors tried to close the gap, Portland answered the challenge. The Blazers increased the lead to 11, 77-66.

At this point in the game, Warriors head coach, Steve Kerr, decided to insert Jonathan Kuminga. Kuminga was the spark the Warriors needed. The Warriors went on a 10-0 run to make it a one-point game, 77-76. Curry scored eight of the ten points.

Kunimga made a steal and a dunk for the other two. Portland regained their composure and finished the third quarter with a four-point lead, 86-82. 

Kuminga made the first basket of the fourth quarter. The Warriors scored the next basket to tie the game at 86. Portland knocked down a three, but Saric connected on a three to tie the game at 89. Portland regrouped and went ahead 98-92.

Thompson made his only three of the night to bring the Warriors within three, 98-95. The Warriors went ahead 103-100 on a basket by Thompson. Kuminga scored on a lob from Draymond Green to give the Warriors a four-point lead 105-101.

The Blazers made a three to make it 105-104. Curry knocked down a three with nine seconds left. The Blazers made it 108-106. With 2.2 seconds left, the Blazer had a foul to give.

The Warriors then had to inbound the ball from the far end of the court. They then fouled Thompson. Thompson made both free throws to seal the win for the Warriors.

Game Notes: With the win, the Warriors are now 10-11 for the year. The Blazers drop to 6-14.

The Warriors defense was much better in the second half. They won the third quarter 34-31 and the fourth quarter 28-20. 

Curry paced the Warriors attack with 31 points, 22 coming in the second half. Curry made five threes in 13 tries. Green almost had a triple-double. Green had ten points, ten rebounds, and nine rebounds. Thompson has 11 and made one three. Wiggins finished with nine. The Warrior bench outscored the Blazer bench 43-36.

Kuminga and Saric each had 13, and Moody had 12. 

The Warrior’s next opponent will be the Oklahoma City Thunder in Oklahoma City. It will be the fourth meeting of the season for the teams. The Thunder are 2-1 against the Warriors. The game will start at 5 p.m.

Kings eliminated from tournament. Lose to Pelicans 127-117

The New Orleans Pelicans forward Naji Marshall (8) gets that winning feeling early in the game against the Sacramento Kings in the first quarter at Golden 1 in Sacramento on Mon Dec 4, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Monday night. The Kings were set to host the first game of the in-season tournament as they welcomed in the New Orleans Pelicans. The Kings last played Saturday night as they defeated the Denver Nuggets 123-117.

The Pelicans also last played on Saturday, as they were defeated by the Chicago Bulls 124-118 on the road. The Pelicans had embarrassed the Kings in the last two contests on the road. The tip-off was set for 7 PM PST on TNT. The Kings fell to the Pelicans 127-117 on Monday night.

In the first quarter, the fans in attendance were in for a roller coaster. The Kings came out hot and jumped out to an early lead. The Kings, at one point, led by 15 points. However, the Pelicans roared back to shrink that lead down to one point by the end of the quarter. It was a wild quarter you would only assume would not repeat itself. The Kings outscored the Pelicans 36-35 in the first quarter and looked to right the ship in the second quarter.

In the second quarter, the bizarre play from the Kings continued. After starting the game red hot, the Kings were struggling mightily to score and get any stops on defense. It was a full-blown meltdown for the Kings after the midway point in the first quarter. The Pelicans outscored the Kings 34-25 in the second quarter to take the lead going into halftime. The Pelicans led the Kings 69-61 at halftime.

In the third quarter, the Kings stopped the bleeding. However, they were still outscored by the Pelicans 31-30 in the quarter. The defensive assignment the Pelicans give the Kings is not a good matchup. The Kings continued the struggle on the defensive end to get stops. As the quarter winded down and we headed to the fourth quarter, the Kings were trailing 100-91.

In the fourth quarter, it was more of the same. The Kings weren’t able to muster any comeback against the Pelicans as they lost 127-117. The Pelicans outscored the Kings in the final quarter 27-26. It was a disappointing game for the Kings after steering the game so hot.

The Kings appeared poised to win the game early but that quickly vanished. The Kings were led in defeat by De’Aaron Fox with 30 points. The Pelicans best performance came from Brandon Ingram who scored 30 points.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the Brooklyn Nets on Monday, Dec 11th, after the in-season tournament break concludes. The Kings will take on the Nets at 7 PM PST.

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Are Warriors vets starting to show they’re rust?

Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) takes on the Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sat Dec 2, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1 Barbara, how important was the Los Angeles Clippers (9-10) Paul George in getting the winning basket with nine seconds left last Saturday in Los Angeles to edge the Golden State Warriors (9-11) 113-112.

#2 Are the Warriors who are now 9-11 starting to show they’re rust. The deeply depend on the big three of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson but this season they seemed to have struggled to finish some games in the successful manner than what they had in the past.

#3 The Warriors had a tough time trying to shut down George who lead the Clippers with 25 points and like you said took that tough winning shot on Saturday for the win.

#4 Curry in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter took a three point shot which he missed and was rebounded and the pass went to George for the winner. It was a game of inches but the Warriors have lost some of those type of games this season.

#5 The Portland Trailblazers (6-13) are next up for the Warriors at Golden State on Wed Dec 6 at 7:00pm PT. The Blazers are 13th in the Western Conference. The Blazers have won three of their last seven games. How do you see this match up on Wednesday at the Chase Center?

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

Despite Jokic’s triple double Kings defeat NBA Champs Nuggets 123-117

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) despite getting his eighth triple double of the 2023-24 campaign and doing all the heavy lifting couldn’t get the Nuggets past forward Domantas Sabonis (left) and the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Saturday night in Sacramento. The Kings were set to welcome in the defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets. The Kings were coming off a tough loss to the LA Clippers on the second night of a back-to-back. The Kings and Nuggets were set to tip-off at 7 PM PST at Golden One Center. The Kings defeated the Nuggets 123-117.

In the first quarter, the Kings yet again came out slow. The Kings didn’t gid themselves a huge hole; however, they were outscored by the Nuggets 30-25 in the first quarter. The Kings offense was still not hitting on all cylinders as the Kings were looking to recover from the Clippers loss. The Nuggets were looking solid on the offensive end, even with the absence of Jamal Murray.

In the second quarter, the Kings offense came alive a bit. The Kings outscored the Nuggets by a sizeable 39-20 margin. Overall, the Kings played a much more efficient quarter on both sides of the court to take the lead going into halftime. The Kings would be leading 64-50 as the half concluded. Nikola Jokic did what he usually does, scoring 18 points in the half. Kevin Huerter and De’Aaron Fox each had 11 points in the first half.

In the third quarter, the Kings melted down early in the quarter. The 14-point lead they had built up all but had evaporated midway through the quarter. However, the Kings were able to respond and build the lead back to 10 points heading into the fourth quarter. The Kings would need to buckle down in the final 12 minutes of the game if they hoped to defeat the reigning NBA champs.

In the fourth quarter, the Nuggets stormed back. The Nuggets got the game within four points in the final quarter. However, the Kings held on to win the game. The Kings got big three-pointers from Malik Monk and Huerter in the last minute of the game to secure the deal.

The Kings defeated the Nuggets 123-117. The Kings and Nuggets engaged in a slugfest in the final quarter as the Nuggets outscored the Kings 39-35. Fox led the Kings with 25 points and 16 assists. The 16 assists were a career high for Fox. Jokic led the way for the Denver Nuggets with 36 points.

Up Next: The Kings will stay home to take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday at 7 PM PST.

No Buzzer-Beater for Warriors Lose to Clippers 113-112 in the Southland

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) drives on the Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) in first half action at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sat Dec 2, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

In a crazy turnaround, the Los Angeles Clippers (9-10) beat the Golden State Warriors (9-11) 113-112. The Warriors led for almost the entire game and it came down to the final seconds. Draymond Green attempted a shot from downtown with 8.9 seconds left on the clock that fell short. There would be no buzzer-beater for Golden State. They had blown a 22 point lead.

Saturday, the Warriors took on the Clippers for an afternoon rematch at Crypto.com Arena. Last Thursday the two teams met at Chase Center with the Warriors prevailing 120-114. Warrior guards Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson led the Warriors in that win; Curry with 26 and Thompson with 22.

Game recap: The Warriors had a nice start in the opening quarter leading after the first 33-22. Draymond Green had an exceptional quarter hitting 4 of 5 from downtown. The Clippers have a loaded starting roster with three Titans Paul George, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden but despite that Golden State held them to 38% shooting while the Warriors had a great offensive start shooting 55% in the quarter.

Golden State kept the pressure on in the second quarter leading at the half by the score of 67-48 a 19 point lead. They won the quarter 34-26 and after two quarters had control of this game with a great offensive effort. They did have ten turnovers in the first half but despite that they were in complete control throughout the two opening quarters of play.

The Clippers had some work to do in this game and started to roll in the third quarter. The 22 point lead that the Warriors had in the game was cut to two points 87-85 with 41 seconds left on the clock in the third.

The Warriors pushed back and after three quarters had a 92-85 lead. The Clippers were now shooting at 46 percent to the Warriors 47% in a Los Angeles turnaround. The Clippers had won the third quarter 37-25.

This game came down to the fourth quarter. The Clippers had really turned this game around continuing to hang around but unable to take the lead; in fact they had not led once in this game so far.

Shots from downtown were clearly in favor of the Warriors with Golden State shooting at 45 % to the Clippers 33%; the Warriors hitting 16 from beyond the arc. With five minutes left in the game it was a five point game with the Warriors hanging on 105-99.

Los Angeles was coming up with some crazy defensive sequences but just could not get on top of Golden State. With 38.1 left in the game, the Warriors had a 112-108 lead. An untimely turnover at the end of the game plus a Clipper foul made things awfully tough for Los Angeles but they refused to back down.

With 8.9 seconds left on the clock, the Clippers took their first lead of the game 113-112. George made the shot of the game for Los Angeles hitting a 3-pointer with less than nine seconds remaining.

When it really mattered it came down to a potential game-winning 3-pointer from Green. The shot fell short and there would be no buzzer-beater for the Warriors. The Clippers won the fourth quarter 28-20 really coming to life and winning this game 113-112.

It was tale of two halves. The first half was all Warriors and in the second half the Clippers made a lot of winning plays to set up this win. Curry had the high for the Warriors with 22 points. Both Green and Moses Moody had 21 points apiece. The Warriors made 17 3-pointers in this game, with four each from Green, Curry and Thompson.

The Big Three for the Clippers had some terrific offense with 25 points scored by George. Harden finished with 21 points and Leonard had 20 points. After trailing for almost the entirety of this game, this win for the Clippers was most unexpected especially when the Warriors had a 112-108 lead with 38 seconds left on the clock. The Clippers had avenged the loss they had taken at Chase last Thursday.

This was a huge disappointment for the Warriors. They will have a few off days before they take on the Portland Trail Blazers Wednesday night at Chase Center. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings have huge task with Nuggets coming to Golden 1 Saturday

Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) gets some ball control against the Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) in the first quarter at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Wed Nov 29, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 On Wednesday night at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento the Los Angeles Clippers and took no prisoners with convincing 131-117 win.

#2 The Clippers got help from top scorer Kawhi Leonard who led with 34 points followed up by James Harden with 26 points. The Kings practically trailed most of the game.

#3 The Clippers Paul George contributed with 22 points all starting five Clippers finished in double figures and it was the first time the Clippers defeated the Kings since October 2022.

#4 The Clippers had some good defense going for them to hold back the Kings but it was De’Aaron Fox who opened up on the Clippers with team leading 40 points, with 22 assists, and forced 14 turnovers. It was not enough however for the Kings.

#5 The Kings have a huge task ahead of them when they host the Denver Nuggets on Sat Dec 2 at Golden 1 Center. The Nuggets who have won three of their last four games and in they’re last game they defeated the Houston Rockets by ten 134-124. The Nuggets are at an impressive 13-6.

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

Warriors bounce back beat Los Angeles Clippers 120-114; Third win in last ten games for Golden State

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Cury (30) passes the ball against the Los Angeles Clippers forward Terrance Mann (right) and center Ivica Zubac (left) at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Thu Nov 30, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Golden State Warriors, smarting from the 124-123 loss to the Sacramento Kings Tuesday night, bounced back to play a complete game on both ends to defeat the visiting Los Angeles Clippers, 120-114. The Clippers beat the Sacramento Kings Wednesday night in Sacramento. The Clippers scored 130 points and came into town intending to beat the Warriors. The Warriors were without three key players:

  • Chris Paul was out with soreness in his knee.
  • Andrew Wiggins injured a finger and was unavailable.
  • Gary Payton II suffered a torn calf muscle and is out indefinitely. 

Warriors head coach, Steve Kerr, inserted Moses Moody into the starting unit instead of Wiggins. Kerr’s second unit consisted of Dario Saric, Jonathan Kuminga, Brandon Podziemski, and Cory Joseph. The Warriors found the right combination, as they had seven players in double-figures, and Warriors stopped committing turnovers and too many fouls. The Warriors went on to win 124-114.

The Clippers are in the top five defensive units in the NBA. They also have players that can light up the board. Future Hall of Fame players Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook led the Clipper’s offense. The Clippers had Ivica Zubac and Daniel Theis in their lineup as rim protectors. The Warriors knew they were in for a dogfight.

The first quarter went to the Warriors, 31-24. The game was tied at 22-22 when the Warriors went on a 7-2 run to finish the quarter. The Warriors committed just two turnovers in the first 12 minutes. As they did in the game against the Kings, the Warriors played well and increased the lead to 11 at the end of the quarter.

The Warriors led 61-50. Warrior guards Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson were not the leading scorers in the first half. Curry and Thompson each had seven points. The leading scorers were Draymond Green, Saric, and Podzienski, scoring ten points each. The Warriors made ten threes in 22 tries to give them the 11-point lead. Leonard led the Clippers with 12, Zabac had 11, and James “the Beard” Harden added 10.

The Clippers knew the Warriors were beaten by the Kinds in the second half of the game Tuesday night in Sacramento. They score the first four points to start the third quarter. Curry answered with a three. The Warriors went back up by 11, 71-60. The rest of the quarter was nip and tuck. The Clippers won the quarter by two points to finish trailing by nine, 86-77.

The second unit, plus Thompson, was on the floor to start the fourth quarter. Thompson led the Warriors with ten points to lead by 13, 99-86. The Clippers didn’t fold. They came back behind the efforts of Harden, Russell Westbrook, and Leonard.

The Clippers were down by five, 105-100. Buckets by Curry and Moses Moody gave the Warriors the lead 115-107 with less than a minute to play. The Clippers fouled Curry to get the ball, but their tactics failed as the Warriors won 120-114.

Game Notes: The date of Thursday night’s game was remarkable. The date of 11-30-23 are the numbers of Thompson, Curry, and Green. All three players are in the 12th season together and will be going into the NBA’s Hall of Fame. 

With the win, the Warriors improved to 9-10. The Clippers fall to 8-10.

Curry finished with 26 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, and three threes in nine tries. Thompson’s numbers were 22 points, six rebounds, and two threes. Kuminga had a big night. Kuminga, coming off the bench, recorded 17 points, six rebounds, three assists, and three threes. Green, Saric, Moody, and Podziemski added 13 points each. The Warriors’ bench outscored the Clipper bench 44-31.

The Warriors committed seven turnovers, a major improvement from Tuesday night. They allowed the Clippers 24 free throws on Tuesday night, and the Kings went to the line 42 times.

The Warriors won the rebounding battle, 60-48, and made 30 assists on 41 baskets. As mentioned above, it was a complete game on both ends of the court.

The Warriors meet the Clippers in LA on Saturday afternoon. The game will start at 1 p.m