Tag: NBA

Kings Beat Rockets In First of Back-To- Back Games 140-120

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Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes (40) dunks between Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) and Houston Rockets forward K.J. Martin, right, during the first half in Houston Mon Feb 6, 2023 (AP News photo)

Kings Beat Rockets In First of Back-To- Back Games 140-120

By Barbara Mason

Monday evening the Sacramento Kings (30-23) traveled to Houston took on the Rockets (13-41). The Kings have dropped two games in a row most recently to the Pelicans 136-104 Sunday night. The starters for the Kings had an off night in New Orleans in fact it was a horrific first half for Sacramento.

Sacramento has been without De’Aaron Fox due to personal reasons and Fox missed few games and played in Monday nights’ game and gave Sacramento a much needed lift scoring 16 points as the Kings took the first of the two game series 140-120.

The Kings got a very good start in the first quarter leading 31-24. Sacramento got a much better start in this game compared to Sunday and after the first 12 minutes were shooting at 44.1% and had also hit four shots from downtown.

The Kings really got on track in the second quarter shooting at 50% from the field and led at the half 65-48 after winning the quarter 34-24. The high in the half was turned in by Fox with 13 points.

Domantas Sabonis had 11 and Kevin Huerter had ten so the team had put the ugly loss to the Pelicans in the rearview mirror. They took care of the ball in the first half with only five turnovers.

After having a 17 point lead at the half the Kings let the Rockets back in the game. Houston had cut a 17 point deficit to six points before the Kings pushed back and led after three quarters 99-88.

Sacramento turned it on in the fourth quarter squashing the Rockets. With five minutes left in the game they led by the score of 120-99.

The high for the Kings was Keegan Murray with 30 points. Malik Monk had 20 off the bench. Sacramento went crazy from downtown shooting at 51.2% hitting 19 from beyond the arc. The Kings finished shooting 58.4% from the field.

The Kings will meet the Rockets again on Wednesday trying to best Houston in back-to-backs. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM.

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Curry leg injury will force him out of action for next two weeks

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Dallas Mavericks forward Reggie Bullock (25) shoots against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the first half at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Sat Feb 4, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1 The Golden State Warriors hosted the Dallas Mavericks Saturday night at the Chase Center. The Mavs came into town without the services of their All-World star Luka Doncic. Doncic suffered a heel contusion in his last game and could not play.

#2  Draymond Green and Klay Thompson were back in the lineup with Stephen Curry. However, Curry suffered a left leg injury late in the third quarter. X-rays were negative, but Curry went for an MRI and it was reported on Sunday that Curry will miss multiple weeks.

#3 The Warriors did everything right in the first half. They ran the court, making three-point shots as they sent a message to Dallas that the Mavericks were in for a rough night. The Warriors led by 15 at the end of the first half, 73-58.

#4 With just 1;28 left to play, Tim Hardaway, Jr. connected on a three-pointer to bring Dallas within five points, 116-111. Fortunately, the Warriors defense prevailed, and the Warriors were able to pick up the win.

#5 The Warriors meet the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight at the Chase Center with a 7:00pm tip. Barbara how do you see this match up between the two clubs tonight and can the Warriors squeak another game out tonight?

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

Kings get clobbered by Pelicans in New Orleans 136-104

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New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) shoots against Sacramento Kings guard Davion Mitchell (15) in the first half at Smoothie King Arena in New Orleans on Sun Feb 5, 2023 (AP News photo)

Pelicans Punish Kings 136-104

By Barbara Mason

Sunday the Sacramento Kings (29-23) traveled to the “Big Easy” to take on the New Orleans Pelicans (28-27). Friday night the Kings lost a close game to the Pacers 107-104.

The Pelicans beat the Lakers Saturday night 131-126. The Kings are currently in third place in the Western Conference while the Pelicans have fallen to ninth place tied with the Jazz. The Kings struggled against the Pelicans and it wasn’t even close losing 136-104 on Sunday.

The Pelicans jumped all over the Kings mid-way through the opening quarter 26-12. The Pelicans held a double digit lead in the remaining minutes of the first quarter and led after the first 12 minutes 34-26. For a second game in a row De’Aaron Fox was out for personal reasons and the team did not discuss it any further. Fox has missed four games this season and the team is 1-3 without him.

The slow start for Sacramento started to turned around in the second quarter. It was the Kings bench that was keeping Sacramento in this game and the team needed Harrison Barnes, Kevin Huerter and Keegan Murray who had not scored a single point in the first quarter.

The Kings had pulled to within four points in the quarter but started to struggle again. The starters were not holding up their end of the deal. At the half the Pelicans led 70-52 and the Kings starting roster had collectively scored 13 points in the half. The bench had scored 37 points, almost three times more than the starters in a horrendous firs half.

In the third quarter the Pelicans continued the beat down leading the Kings 87-58 with 6:50 left in the quarter. After the first three quarters the Pelicans led 104-76. The fourth quarter was more of the same with the Pelicans winning this game 136- 104.

This is certainly a game that the Kings are looking forward to putting in their rearview mirror. Nothing was working offensively or defensively. They were 22.5% from beyond the arc and the Pelicans were hot with 54.2%. This was just one of those games that come along and you just have to get past it.

The bench worked hard in this game and collectively scored 63 points while the starters had 41 points. Malik Monk had 16 points off the bench which was the team high.

Sacramento will travel to Houston to take on the last place in the Western Conference Rockets Monday night. They are in desperate need for a confidence builder which a win would provide, Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM.

The Warriors hold on to beat the Dallas Mavericks 119-113

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Dallas Mavericks guard Spencer Dinwiddie (26) drives to the basket against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the first half at the Chase Center on Sat Feb 4, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Golden State Warriors hosted the Dallas Mavericks Saturday night at the Chase Center. The Mavs came into town without the services of their All-World star Luka Doncic. Doncic suffered a heel contusion in his last game and could not play.

On the other hand, the Warriors had all their All-Star players back in the lineup. Draymond Green and Klay Thompson were back in the lineup with Stephen Curry. However, Curry suffered a knee injury late in the third quarter. X-rays were negative, but Curry will undergo an MRI to see if there was any damage.

At this point in the game, the Warriors led by 16. As in Minnesota last Wednesday night, the Warriors played poorly in the fourth quarter but held on to win 119-113.

The Warriors did everything right in the first half. They ran the court, making three-point shots as they sent a message to Dallas that the Mavericks were in for a rough night. The Warriors led by 15 at the end of the first half, 73-58.

The Mavs fought back in the third period but could not make any headway in closing the deficit as the Warriors won the quarter 29-28. Curry left the game with about two minutes to play in the third period.

Then came the fateful fourth quarter. Knowing the Warriors blew large leads in several games this year, the Mavericks came out firing. Dallas was making stops on defense. The Warriors were committing turnovers, fouling, and their shot selection left much to be desired. The fans were getting nervous as Dallas kept creeping closer.

With just 1;28 left to play, Tim Hardaway, Jr. connected on a three-pointer to bring Dallas within five points, 116-111. Fortunately, the Warriors defense prevailed, and the Warriors were able to pick up the win.

Game Notes: With the win, the Warriors are 27-26 for the year. The Mavs are now 28-26. The Mavs are 0-7 in games without Doncic.

Curry led the team with 21 points. Green had a fantastic performance for the Warriors. Green knocked down 17 points and nine rebounds, and nine assists. Green made a terrific defensive play near the end of the fourth quarter that took the wind out of the Mavs’ sails.

The other Green on the Warriors, JaMychal Green, knocked down 14, and Thompson also had 15. Jonathan Kuniga and Donte DiVincenzz each had 13. Kevon Looney was solid again and added ten more for the Warriors.

Spencer Dinwiddie led the Maverick’s attack with 25. Hardaway, Jr. had 22, and Dorian Finney-Smith added 18.

After the game, Warriors coach Steve Kerr had this to say about the team’s performance “I think when we get down the stretch, we stop doing the things that worked,” Draymond said. “When you have something that works all game long, you don’t go away from it.”

The Warriors meet the Oklahoma City Thunder Monday night at the Chase Center. The game will start at 7 pm.

Kings Fall Short Against Pacers 107-104

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Sacramento Kings’ Kevin Huerter (9) goes to the basket against Indiana Pacers’ Buddy Hield (24) during the first half in Indianapolis on Fri Feb 3, 2023 (AP News photo)

Kings Fall Short Against Pacers 107-104

By Barbara Mason

Friday evening the Sacramento Kings (29-22) took on the Indiana Pacers (25-29) at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Pacers narrowly lost to the Los Angeles Lakers 112-111 Thursday night while the Kings are coming off a 119-109 win Wednesday against the San Antonio Spurs. De’Aaron Fox was ruled out in this game for personal reasons. The Kings fell short on Friday night 107-104 to the Pacers.

Game recap: The first quarter was a tight one with the Pacers coming out on top 28-27. Indiana continued to pile on the points and won the second quarter 32-21 and led at the half 60-48. The Kings just could not get this game rolling in their favor.

Sacramento had a better second half winning the third quarter 32-27 and after three quarters trailed 87-80. The Kings pulled to within four points in the early minutes of the fourth quarter. The Kings bench was heating up with Chimezie Metu, Terence Davis and Malik Monk all shooting in double digits through three quarters.

When it looked as if the Kings were rolling the Pacers began to push taking a nine point lead with nine minutes left in the game. There was still plenty of time for Sacramento but they had to contain the Pacers offense.

The Kings got to within one point 94-95 with six minutes left put just could not push it over the top. Every time the Kings made a push, the Pacers answered and Sacramento was running out of time with 2:09 left on the clock.

The Kings won the third and fourth quarters but just came up short. They missed Fox in this game but got some great shooting from their bench and starter Harrison Barnes who finished with 23 points. Domantas Sabonis had 16 rebounds and 15 points. Kevin Huerter also had double digits shooting for 16 points.

Sunday the Kings will travel to New Orleans to take on the Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM.

Warriors Start Hot But Finish Cold Losing to Denver 134-117

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Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, center, loses control of the ball as Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins, left, and guard Jordan Poole defend in the first half at the Pepsi Center in Denver on Thu Feb 2, 2023 (AP News photo)

Warriors Start Hot But Finish Cold Losing to Denver 134-117

By Barbara Mason

After a tough loss last night in Minnesota, the Golden State Warriors (26-26) were back on the court against the top dog in the Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets (36-16). The Warriors were challenged by Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.

The Nuggets are the number one team in the league from downtown so threats on every side including on the defensive side of the ball. The Warriors made it close in the first half but the Nuggets came out in the second half with some great defense and as expected some great offense from Jokic and Murray in a 134-117 win for the Nuggets.

The Warriors would be without Draymond Green who was a late scratch with right calf tightness. Jonathan Kuminga started in place of Green. Klay Thompson was also out due to injury management.

The Warriors starting lineup was Kuminga, Kevon Looney, Andrew Wiggins, Stephen Curry and Jordan Poole. Golden State also leaned heavily on their bench.

Game recap: The Warriors edged the Nuggets in the first quarter 35-34. The Nuggets came back to win the second quarter by 36-34 in this tight game. Denver led at the half 70-69.

The Warriors had a great first half. Early in the second quarter they already had 11 shots from downtown. They finished the half with 13 shots from beyond the arc shooting at almost 62%. Six of those three’s came off the bench.

Donte Divincenzo was four of four from downtown. Golden State was playing as well as one could in hostile territory shooting at 55.6 from the field. They had also protected the ball in this game with only five turnovers.

In the third quarter the Nuggets began to distance themselves from the Warriors. They led after three quarters 105-91. The nine turnovers from Golden State in the third quarter was a huge reason in the turnaround. The Nuggets had a 16-0 run and Golden State had a huge task in front of them.

In the fourth quarter the Warriors were getting stops but did not capitalize on them. The Nuggets extended their lead and won this game. The Nuggets took advantage of a stagnant Warrior offense in the final quarters of this game.

The Warriors bench had 38 points collectively. The high score for Golden State was Curry with 28 points. Poole had 22 points and Kuminga playing in place of the injured Green had a great game with seven rebounds and 17 points.

The Warriors head home to Chase to take on another great offensive team, the Dallas Mavericks Saturday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 PM.

Golden State Warriors podcast with Jerry Feitelberg: Russell comes up big for Timberwolves in OT 119-114 to defeat Warriors

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Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) shoots while defended by Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry during the first half at the Target Center in Minneapolis on Wed Feb 1, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Jerry F:

#1 The Minnesota Timberwolves (28-26) De’Angelo Russell got 14 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter at the Target Center in Minneapolis who help pave the way for the Wolves to get a narrow five point win over the Golden State Warriors (26-25) 119-114.

#2 Russell fouled out in overtime and Anthony Edwards took over in the early minute of OT, Edwards who didn’t score in the fourth quarter scored baskets in traffic in the overtime stanza and was big in overcoming Golden State scoring four of his 27 points in the overtime.

#3 Minnesota head coach Chris Finch said it was good to see Russell’s game before he fouled out “We needed it,” Finch said of Edwards. “It was good to see him get to the paint.”

#4 What was also important for the Timberwolves was they gained a half game on Golden State in the Western Conference standings.

#5 The Warriors will not get much rest as they head to Denver for a Thursday night game against the Denver Nuggets a 6:00pm tip. The Nuggets first in the Western Conference and have won seven of their last ten games. Jerry how do you see this match up tonight.

Jerry Feitelberg does the Golden State Warriors podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Wolves outlast Warriors in OT 119-114

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Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (1) works towards the basket while defended by Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) during the first half at the Target Center in Minneapolis on Wed Feb 1, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum
Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Anthony Edwards stepped up in overtime, D’Angelo Russell had a big fourth quarter, and the Minnesota Timberwolves battled back to upend the Golden State Warriors 119-114 Wednesday at Target Center in downtown Minneapolis.

The loss snapped a three-game winning streak for Golden State (26-25).

Minnesota (28-26) trailed the Warriors by 11 after three quarters. Russell, who scored 14 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter, fouled out in the first minute of overtime. Then, after a scoreless fourth period, Edwards scored four of his 27 points as the Wolves outscored Golden State 9-4 in the extra period.

Leaders for the Warriors were Stephen Curry with 29 points and 10 rebounds, Jordan Poole had 18 points, Andrew Wiggins scored 16 points against his former team, and Draymond Green added 10 points and 12 rebounds.

After Curry missed a jumper in the final seconds of the fourth quarter, Minnesota was unable to get a quality shot off at the buzzer, sending the game to overtime.

Minnesota played without center Rudy Gobert due to soreness in his right groin.

The Warriors’ road trip continues Thursday night at Denver.

Sabonis Pushes Kings Past Spurs 119-109

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Sacramento Kings’ Domantas Sabonis, center, drives between San Antonio Spurs’ Jakob Poeltl (25) and Jeremy Sochan during the first half at the AT&T Center in San Antonio on Wed Feb 1, 2023 (AP News photo)

Sabonis Pushes Kings Past Spurs 119-109

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (29-21) kicked off the month of February in San Antonio taking on the Spurs (14-38) at AT&T Center. The Kings are coming off a win against the Timberwolves on Monday 118-111. The Kings Domantas Sabonis led with 34 points in the 119-109 ten point win over the Spurs on Wednesday night.

The first quarter was a tight one with the Spurs ahead 31-30 in the first 12 minutes. The Kings had a slow defensive start but made up for it in the second quarter winning it 31-23. They led at the half 61-54.

The Kings only had four turnovers in the half and were shooting at 56%. Sabonis had the high for the half with 21 points. De’Aaron Fox finished the first two quarters with 15 points.

Fox typically steps it up in the second half so the Kings had a decent handle on this game going into the third quarter. Sacramento needed to start hitting more shots from downtown hitting a dismal 15% in the first half.

The third quarter was another close one with the Spurs winning it 30-28. The Kings hung onto the lead 89-84 but the Spurs refused to go away. This was anyone’s game going into the fourth quarter.

Sacramento extended their lead in the final quarter and fought off San Antonio winning the game.

Sabonis had the high score with 34 points and as expected the second half was a good one for Fox with 31 points. Malik Monk had 22 points off the bench.

Sacramento will now travel to Indiana to take on the Pacers Friday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM.

Golden State Warriors podcast with David Zizmor: Curry asks city of Atherton not to develop near his property; Curry gets hit with $25k fine for throwing mouthguard in stands

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Stephen Curry Golden State Warriors guard (30) responds to getting a technical and thrown out of the game after throwing his mouth guard into the stands on Wed Jan 25, 2023 at the Chase Center in San Francisco against the visiting Memphis Grizzlies (USA Today photo)

On the Warriors podcast with David:

#1 Dave, big story today as Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry and his wife Ayehsa Curry have asked the city of Atherton to not develop more townhomes near their property. Curry stated for the benefit of his wife and kids that Atherton which carries the most affluent zip code in America that he doesn’t want development near his land because of “safety and privacy” reasons which he wrote in a letter to the city of Atherton. It should be noted that other neighbors are collaborating with the Curry’s in protesting against further development in the neighborhood.

#2 For the second time Curry was fined $25,000 for throwing his mouth guard into the stands most recently he was fined after getting mad after teammate Jordan Poole missed a 3 point shot with just 1:14 left in Wednesday night’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies the first time he did it was in an NBA playoff game. Curry was ceremoniously ejected and Poole ended up scoring the game winning basket with just seconds remaining in the contest.

#3 The Warriors now on a three game win streak tip off against the Minnesota Timberwolves (27-26) on Wednesday night in Minneapolis at the Target Center. The Timberwolves are coming off a 118-111 loss Monday night against the Sacramento Kings in a two game series. The Timberwolves took the first game on Saturday 117-110. Talk about how you see Warriors and Timberwolves going into Wednesday night.

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