Tag: NBA

Kings dominate Jazz 121-113; Hueter leads Sac with 27 points; Magic number now 1 for Kings

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Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) shoots from between Sacramento Kings forward Trey Lyles, left, and forward Keegan Murray during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Sat Mar 25, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings (45-29) were back in action on Saturday night in Sacramento. The Kings were playing on the second night of a back-to-back after taking on the Phoenix Suns on Friday night. In the game against the Suns, the Kings pulled together from a great 135-127 win at home. The win moved the Kings magic number down to two games as they looked to clinch on Saturday.

If the Kings were to clinch a playoff berth, they would need to win the game on Saturday in conjunction with the Clippers and Suns losses. Kings PG De’Aaron Fox was out on Saturday with a lower leg injury. The Kings won on Saturday night by the final of 121-113 defeating the Utah Jazz (35-39).

In the first quarter, the Kings came out strong. The Kings showed no fatigue on the second night of a back-to-back. The Kings outscored the Jazz in the first quarter 32-26. Keegan Murray started the game with a hot hand scoring 14 points in the first quarter. The Kings did seem to fade late in the quarter as they hoped to stop that before the second quarter.

In the second quarter, the Kings weren’t playing with the same energy as the first. They seemed to slow a bit after the first quarter and didn’t have Fox to pick them up. The Jazz continued the strong performance, building off the early minutes to outscore the Kings 35-23. The King offense lost all steam in the second quarter to dog themselves a hole going into the second half. The Kings entered halftime down 61-55.

In the third quarter, the Kings reacted well to the slow second quarter. The Kings came out firing in the third quarter to score 35 points in the frame. The Kings defense was also displayed in the third as they held the Jazz to only 17 points. After the outburst, the Kings would go into the game’s final quarter leading 90-78. The Kings played a great all-around quarter in the third to put them in a position to win.

In the fourth quarter, both teams battled, but it was ultimately the Kings who outlasted the Jazz to secure the victory. The Kings showed a lot of heart after a disappointing first half and the ejection of Monk in the second half. The Kings were outscored by the Jazz 35-31 in the fourth quarter but it was all meaningless.

The Kings still managed to hold the lead and secure the victory on the second night of the back-to-back. It was a great win for the Kings who were short-handed with the absence of Fox and the ejection of Monk. The Kings were led in victory by Kevin Huerter who had 27 points on the night. Walker Kessler led the Jazz with 31 points.

After the win, the Kings magic number is one game to clinch a playoff berth. The Kings can clinch with a win against the Timberwolves on Monday night at home.

Up Next: The Kings will remain at home to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday at 7 PM PST.

Huerter leads the way with 29 pts; Kings end 2 game skid over Suns 135-127

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Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) is defended by Phoenix Suns center Bismack Biyombo (18) as he drives to the basket in the first quarter at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Fri Mar 24, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings (44-29) were back in action on Friday night in Sacramento. The Kings on Friday were coming off one of the toughest games of the season. The Kings were defeated on Tuesday against the Boston Celtics by the final of 132-109. It was a humbling game for the Kings, who had lost two in a row.

On Friday, the Kings were set to take on the Phoenix Suns, who had also lost two in a row and were looking to snap the streak. The Kings behind the efforts of Kevin Huerter and his leading 29 points ended the Kings two game skid with a 135-127 win at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.

GAME RESULT: In the first quarter, the Kings offense started slow. The Kings only scored 24 points in the first quarter as they couldn’t heat up on the offensive end. The Suns put up 30 points to put the Kings in an early hole. One major discrepancy in the game was that the Kings shot no free throws as the Suns shot nine. It was an underwhelming quarter for the Kings, who looked to turn it around in the second.

In the second quarter, the Kings continued to play very poorly. The offense didn’t look like it usually does with quick ball movement and open shots. Also, not to add insult to injury, the Kings defense is not very good. The lack of Kings defense was on full display in the first half. The Suns outscored the Kings again in the second quarter 37-32. The Suns weren’t even shooting well from deep going on 2/14 in that category, but the Kings couldn’t keep pace. The Kings would enter halftime down 67-56.

In the third quarter, the Kings came roaring back. The Kings outscored the Suns by a massive 45-26 in the third quarter. The Kings could do no wrong on the offensive end, as Hurter couldn’t miss. The Kings seemed to have their swagger back—something we hadn’t seen in almost three games from the Kings. In the third quarter, De’Aaron Fox went to the locker room and was out the rest of the game with a hamstring issue. The Kings would need to close the game in the fourth quarter without Fox and a 101-93 lead.

In the fourth quarter, it was a dog fight until the end. However, the Kings came out victorious! The Kings battled in a way they hadn’t shown in the last few games to take down the team immediately behind them in the standings. The Kings beat the Suns on Friday night in an eight point win. It was a huge win for the Kings who needed to snap the two-game losing skid they were on.

On the other hand, the Suns lost their third game in a row and in dire straights losing ground in the standings. The Kings were led by a great performance from Huerter in his return from injury. Huerter scored 29 points and was lethal from behind the line. In defeat, the Suns were led by Devin Booker who had 32 points.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the Utah Jazz on Saturday at 7 PM PST. It will be the second night of a back-to-back.

Poole’s hot fourth quarter hand propels Warriors win over 76ers 120-112

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Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) gestures after making a 3-point basket against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at Chase Center in San Francisco on Fri Mar 24, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

In the words of former sportscaster Dick Enberg “My oh my, what a game.” The Golden State Warriors (39-36) had their most impressive win of the year as they beat the visiting Philadelphia 76ers (49-24) Friday night at the Chase Center 120-112. In a race with the Boston Celtics for the best record in the Eastern Conference, the Sixers came to town having won 17 of the last 20 road games.

The Warriors, winners of the last two games on the road, were hoping to win their third game in a row. The Sixers’ James Harden would not play Friday night. Andrew Wiggins and Gary Payton II were not available either. The Warriors had to find a way to stop the Sixers’ big man, Joel Embiid. 

The game was a nip-and-tuck affair for most of the game. Neither team would give an inch. The Sixers’ biggest lead in the game was five points until late in the third quarter.

The Warriors were up seven early in the second quarter. The Sixers’ defense, the best in the league against the three-point shot, would be a test for the Warriors, the best three-point shooting team in the NBA. The game was a nail-biter, but the Warriors’ offense, behind Jordan Poole’s 19 points in the fourth quarter, produced the win for Golden State.

Both teams played defense in the first half. Joel Embiid was tough to guard. The big man bulled his way to the rim. The Warriors Kevon Looney, four inches shorter than Embiid, could not stop him. Embiid also went to the free throw several times.

The Sixers won the first quarter 27-23. The Warriors outscored the Sixers 32-26 in the second quarter to finish the first half with a slim two-point advantage, 55-53. Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 14. The second-leading scorer was JaMychal Green with ten. Embiid led the Sixers with 19. Tobias Harris had 15, and Tyrese Maxey ten. The Warriors’ bench outscored the Sixer bench 25-5.

The lead changed several times in the third period. The Warriors led 78-76 after Jordan Poole made a four-point play. The Sixers got hot and went on a 12-1 run to finish the third quarter with a nine-point lead, 88-79. 

The Warriors’ offense came to life in the fourth quarter. The Warriors went on a 14-5 run to get within two, 93-91. Poole scored seven during the run. The Sixers fought back and led 100-93. The Warriors kept fouling Embiid, and Embiid kept making free throws.

Poole and Klay Thompson made threes to get within three, 102-99. Kevon Looney made a big bucket. The Sixers answered. Klay Thompson knocked down another three to tie the game 104-104. The game was tied thrice at 16, 108, and 110. Curry put the Warriors ahead for good 112-110. Poole connected on a three. Poole had 19 points in the fourth quarter. Curry scored the last five points of the game for The Warriors.

Game Notes: With the win, the Warriors are now 39-36. They won their third straight. The Sixers dropped to 49-24. 

The Warriors are 31-7 at the Chase Center. The Warriors are 23-3 when they hold the opposition to 115 points or less. The Warriors outscored the Sixers 41-24 in the fourth quarter. The Warriors defense rose to the occasion.

Poole led the Warriors with 33 points. He made six threes. 19 of his 33 came in the fourth quarter. Curry knocked down 29. Thompson had 21. Thompson made six threes. Draymond Green had a double-double with ten points and ten assists. He recorded seven rebounds.

Looney had his hands full guarding Embiid. Looney had six points, ten rebounds, and seven assists. The Warriors’ bench outscored the Sixers’ bench 54-14. 

Embbid led the Sixers with 46 points. Embiid made 19 free throws in 22 tries. Tobias Harris had 23, and Tyrese Maxey finished with 21.

The Warriors meet the Minnesota Timberwolves Sunday night at the Chase Center. The Wolves’ big guy, Karl-Anthony Towns, will be in the lineup. The Warriors’ Gary Payton II may be cleared to return to the team on Sunday. The game will start at 5:30 pm.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings host Suns in first of back to back games Friday

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Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) shoots over Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Tue Mar 21, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 After winning three straight games the Sacramento Kings (43-29) have lost two straight games do you view this just a lull and were the Utah Jazz and the Boston Celtics (50-23) just up to beat the Kings no matter what the cause in those two games?

#2 The Kings rank number three in the NBA Western Conference and once you make that climb to one of the top seeds everybody starts to come after you. In watching the Jazz and Celtics go after the Kings do you see those opponents doing some careful film study in trying to pick apart weaknesses on the Kings offense and defense?

#3 Kings head coach Mike Brown has a steady hand and also has watched these last two straight defeats carefully do you see him distributing the shots and also the defense differently or the talent will stay with their usual course of action?

#4 In the second half against the Celtics on Tuesday the Celts offense just came out and dominated scoring 40 in the third and 32 in the fourth quarter and held the Kings to just 31 in the third and 24 in the fourth quarter.

#5 The Kings hope to turn the tables tonight at Golden 1 Center as they host the Phoenix Suns (38-34). The Suns have struggled in their last two games as well losing the Oklahoma City Thunder Sunday and on Wednesday to the Los Angeles Lakers. You best bet both teams will be battling tonight in Sacramento.

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

Golden State Warriors podcast with Jerry Feitelberg: Warriors host hot handed 76ers Friday night at Chase

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Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and Draymond Green (23), along with staff, celebrate a basket late in the second half in Dallas against the Dallas Mavericks on Wed Mar 22, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Jerry F:

#1 Mark Cuban owner and the Dallas Mavericks have filed a protest over an official’s ruling to allow the Golden State Warriors an inbound a ball in the third quarter where the Mavericks originally were to inbound the ball but that decision was changed during a time out. As the Mavs set up to defend on the other side of the court the Warriors inbounded the ball for a slam dunk two points. While the Mavericks lost the game it was noted that Golden State out hustled and out played Dallas and won by two points which Cuban and the Mavericks have filed a protest with the NBA over the inbound ruling.

#2  Wednesday night the Warriors faced a real challenge playing Luca Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks (36-37) at American Airlines Center to finish off this road trip. The Warriors took hold of that challenge to defeat the Mavericks for their second consecutive road win 127-126 in Dallas.

#3 The third quarter was a high-powered one with Golden State leading for most of it. The Warriors turnovers had become more infrequent and points in the paint were flowing. Golden State was shooting at 75% from the field in the third. They led after three quarters 96-93.

#4 Jonathan Kuminga was the high scorer with 22 points off the bench. Jordan Poole also had a nice game with 16 points, some of them critical points in the fourth quarter. Stephen Curry pushed this game over the top in the final quarter finishing with 20 points. 

#5 Friday night the Warriors will be back at Chase to take on the Philadelphia 76ers (49-23). The Sixers defeated the Chicago Bulls Wednesday 116-91. The 76ers have won nine of their last ten games. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Jerry Feitelberg does the Warriors podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kuminga Spearheads Warrior Win Over Dallas 127-125

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Mark Cuban owner and the Dallas Mavericks have filed a protest over an official’s ruling to allow the Golden State Warriors an inbound a ball in the third quarter where the Mavericks originally were to inbound the ball but that decision was changed during a time out. While the Mavericks lost the game it was noted that Golden State out hustled and out played Dallas and won by two points which Cuban and the Mavericks have filed a protest with the NBA over the inbound ruling. (photo by USA Today)

Kuminga Spearheads Warrior Win Over Dallas 127-125

By Barbara Mason

This current road trip has been a rough one although the Golden State Warriors (38-36) finally broke their losing streak beating the Houston Rockets Monday night 121-108. Wednesday night they faced a real challenge playing Luca Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks (36-37) at American Airlines Center to finish off this road trip. They took hold of that challenge to defeat the Mavericks for their second consecutive road win 127-126 in Dallas.

The Warriors got a solid start in a very close first quarter. The Mavericks had a 33-30 after the first 12 minutes. The Warriors had committed five turnovers in the opening quarter which accounted in part for the Dallas lead.

The Warriors made up the difference at the end of the first quarter and led at the half 65-63. The first half was engineered by Jonathan Kuminga off the bench shooting for the high score with 14 points and keeping the Warriors in this game.

The third quarter was a high-powered one with Golden State leading for most of it. The Warriors turnovers had become more infrequent and points in the paint were flowing. Golden State was shooting at 75% from the field in the third. They led after three quarters 96-93.

As the fourth quarter got underway, the question was, can the Warriors finish this game? This has been a problem in the past and with the end of season so close, this is another must win game for Golden State. The quarter was a back and forth affair with the Warriors leading by as much as eight points.

With 4:22 left in the game the score was tied at 115. This nail biter went down to the wire. With 08.5 left on the clock the Warriors had a 125-122 lead. Golden State had finally won a back to back road game for the first time this season.

Jonathan Kuminga was the high score for the team with 22 points off the bench. Jordan Poole also had a nice game with 16 points, some of them critical points in the fourth quarter. Stephen Curry pushed this game over the top in the final quarter finishing with 20 points. He had 13 assists mixing up his play-making in a great overall team effort.

Friday night the Warriors will be back at Chase to take on the Philadelphia 76ers. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Golden State Warriors podcast with David Zizmor: Can Warriors put together two wins in row on the road tonight?

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Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) drives to the basket as Houston Rockets’ Jabari Smith Jr. defends during the second half at the Toyota Center in Houston on Mon Mar 20, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with David Zizmor:

#1 Dave, the long road to the Golden State Warriors 11 game losing streak on the road mercifully ended on Monday night in Houston with a victory. What would you say was the Warriors top reasons for just not being able to win games on the road.

#2 The Warriors first three quarters against the Rockets saw plenty of turnovers and the Rockets took advantage of Warrior turnovers and taking them to the rim for slam dunks which they put on quite a display. The Warriors Stephen Curry in the third quarter came to the rescue scoring 15 of his 30 points but teammate Jordan Poole fell on Curry’s leg and Curry had to leave the game. The Warriors regrouped in the fourth quarter to put away the Rockets.

#3 The Warriors finish off this road trip tonight in Dallas against the Dallas Mavericks (36-36). The Mavericks always a tough place for the Warriors to play, can the Warriors get that second consecutive road win tonight against Mark Cuban and the Mavericks?

Join David Zizmor for the Warriors podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kings can’t shut down Tatum and Celtics at Golden 1 go down to defeat 132-109

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Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives past Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (left) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center at Sacramento on Tue Mar 21, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings(43-29) were back in action on Tuesday night. The Kings last played on Monday night when they took on the Utah Jazz in Utah. The Kings played an abysmal first quarter in the game against the Jazz that ultimately led to the loss.

The Kings first quarter was the worst of the season as they lost to the Jazz. It was a critical loss for the Kings, who were slated for a back-to-back against the Boston Celtics (50-23). On Tuesday, the Kings looked to defeat the Celtics on the second night of the back-to-back. Unfortunately, the Kings lost the game 132-109.

In the first quarter of the game, the Kings and Celtics were firing on all cylinders. The first quarter was a solid mix of good defense and solid shot-making. Overall, it was a great quarter of basketball for both teams. The Kings outscored the Celtics in the first quarter 32-30. Domantas Sabonis led the way with nine first-quarter points as Jayson Tatum dropped 15.

In the second quarter, it was a different story. The Celtics outplayed the Kings in the second quarter as they roared back to take the lead. The Celtics outscored the Kings in the second quarter 30-22; at the Kings, the offense disappeared in the quarter, and the defense couldn’t pick up the slack. The Kings would be down going into halftime, 60-54. However, the Celtics appeared to be picking up momentum, and it would be challenging for the Kings to stop them in the second half.

The third quarter did not go according to plan for the Kings. The third quarter was even worse for the Kings than the second. The King’s defense couldn’t keep pace with the power of the Celtics offense. The Celtics put up a massive 40 points in the third quarter to take a commanding lead over the Kings going into the fourth quarter. Jayson Tatum had 29 points through three-quarters of play as he led the Celtics. The Kings entered the final quarter down 100-85.

In the fourth quarter, ts battled early, but it was a hopeless venture. The better team won the game. The Celtics offense and defense were too dominant for the Kings to handle as the Kings lost the game 132-109. The Kings melted down in the game, unable to score or hold the Celtics down either. In the win, Jayson Tatum led the way for the Celtics with 36 points. De’Aaron Fox led the way for the Kings with 18 points in the game. The Kings will look to avoid a three-game skid in their next game.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on Phoenix Suns on Friday at 7 PM PST in Sacramento. It will be the first night of a back-to-back.

Sacramento Kings game wrap: Despite Amazing Second Half Comeback Kings Fall to Jazz 128-120

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Despite Amazing Second Half Comeback Kings Fall to Jazz 128-120

Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes, right, defends against Utah Jazz forward Kelly Olynyk (41) during the first half at Salt Lake City on Mon Mar 20, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (43-28) took on the Utah Jazz (35-36) Monday night at Vivint Arena. They are currently having some great success on the road winning three in a row. The Jazz ended the Kings short streak with an eight point win 128-120. .

What the Kings saw in the first quarter was somewhat of a shocker with the Kings falling behind 40-19. They did win the second quarter 33-28 but trailed at the half 68-52. Sacramento had a miserable shooting first half and the Kings had a lot of work to do in the second half.

Sacramento made an amazing comeback in the third quarter. After trailing by as much as 25 points they had tied up this game at 88 with just over three minutes left in the quarter. The Sacramento offense had come to life in a big way erasing the huge lead the Jazz had built. After three quarters this game was tied at 95.

The Kings went into the fourth quarter and all eyes would turn to the NBA’s number one fourth quarter clutch player De’Aaron Fox. At the four minute mark this game was tied at 113 with both teams fighting for the lead. With 2:18 left in the game we had a one point game in favor of the Jazz 116-115. Utah would waltz away with this game.

The comeback that the Kings had was amazing but it was that deficit in the first quarter that ultimately lost this game for them. Fox had an amazing second half and finished with 37 points. The Kings only had six turnovers and down the stretch did not take advantage of late fourth quarter open shots and offensive rebounds.

Tuesday night the Kings will take on the Boston Celtics in Sacramento. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Golden State Warriors game wrap: 11 game road skid is over; Warriors Get Hot in Fourth Beat Rockets 121-108

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Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) shoots as Houston Rockets’ Usman Garuba (16) defends during the second half at the Toyota Center in Houston on Mon Mar 20, 2023 (AP News photo)

Warriors Get Hot in Fourth Beat Rockets 121-108

By Barbara Mason

Monday night the Golden State Warriors (37-36) took on the Rockets 18-54) in Houston at the Toyota Center and came away with a 121-108. The Rockets sit at the bottom of the Western Conference but have beaten some very good teams of late they even had a three winning steak before losing to the New Orleans Pelicans Sunday 117-107 . The Warriors have everything to play for with playoff ramifications at risk. They do not want to have to play in so the win tonight was an additional must win.

The Warriors had a decent start but could not put much distance between themselves and the Rockets. Golden State won the opening quarter 26-21 but the second quarter was dead even at 29. The Warriors had a slim lead at the half 55-50.

The third quarter was a good one for the Rockets. This game was tied for much of the first half of the quarter. Houston refused to go away and with under six minutes left in the third had taken the lead 69-67. Both Stephen Curry and Jordan Poole got banged up in the quarter and Curry actually left the floor taking a breather on the bench.

The Warriors were unable to take any kind of a significant lead. The turnovers were mounting with 17 through three quarters. The Warriors led 84-80 after three. Houston did win the third quarter 30-29 and every starter for Houston had double digits.

The Warriors went on a nice run in the fourth quarter and two minutes into the quarter had a 95-87 lead. At 8:55 the Warriors had their biggest lead of the night 98-87. Golden State continued to extend their lead and with Curry back on the floor took a 102-89 lead.

With just over three minutes left in the quarter, the Rockets had pulled to within ten points 111-101. The Warriors went on a tear in the final minutes winning the game and snapping an 11 game road skid. This was the fourth win over Houston without a loss this season.

The Warriors won this game despite the 20 turnovers that resulted in 25 Rocket points. Curry finished with 30 points and Klay Thompson was right behind him with 29. Jonathan Kuminga had 17 off the bench. This was a badly needed win for Golden State with only 10 games left in the season.

On Wednesday night the Warriors will travel to Dallas to take on the Mavericks. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:30 PM.