Tag: NBA

Sacramento upends Spurs 132-119 for fourth straight win

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Sacramento Kings’ Harrison Barnes (40) drives against San Antonio Spurs’ Josh Richardson, right, at the AT&T Center in San Antonio on Sun Jan 15, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum
Sunday, January 15, 2023

Harrison Barnes scored 29 points, Domantas Sabonis came within a couple of assists of reaching a triple-double, and the Sacramento Kings defeated the San Antonio Spurs 132-119 Sunday at AT&T Center.

It was the fourth consecutive win for the Kings (24-15). It was the second straight double-digit loss for the Spurs (13-31) after falling to Golden State Friday in a game played before 68,323 at the Alamodome to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Spurs moving to San Antonio from Dallas in their ABA days. It was the largest regular season crowd in NBA history.

Following Barnes was De’Aaron Fox with 23 points, and Sabonis with 18 points, 18 rebounds and eight assists. Davion Mitchell and Trey Lyles scored 19 and 12 points, respectively, off the Kings’ bench, and Keegan Murray added 12 points.

Jakob Poeltl was the top scorer for San Antonio with 23 points, followed by Josh Richardson with 21 and 20 from Keldon Johnson. Tre Jones scored 16 points to go with eight assists and seven rebounds, and Jeremy Sochan added 15 points and eight boards for the Spurs.

Sacramento shot 55 percent from the field as they maintain their lead in the NBA Pacific Division after winning seven of its last 10 games. The Spurs, who are 8-28 since opening the season 5-2, are in fourth place in the Southwest Division.

San Antonio lost despite scoring 44 points in the paint in the first half.

The Kings travel to Los Angeles to face the Lakers on Wednesday before returning home on Friday to host Oklahoma City,

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Golden State in DC to face Wizards after photoshoot at White House Monday

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Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, top left, drives to the basket against Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the first half at the United Center in Chicago on Sun Jan 15, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Barbara:

#1  The Warriors couldn’t overcome the Bulls in a 132-118 loss at the United Center. Golden State came out flat in the first 12 minutes trailing 35-20. They had a lot of work to do in the second quarter. The seven turnovers in the opening quarter really hurt the team.

#2 Golden State really turned this game around in the second quarter scoring 42 points to the Bulls 24. They turned this game inside out leading at the half 61-59. 

#3 The third quarter was a tough one with too many empty possessions for Golden State. The Bulls had scored 28 points off turnovers and the Warriors continued with these mental mistakes with seven turnovers in the third quarter. 

#4 The Warriors finished the game with 23 turnovers to Chicago’s ten. They did score 20 shots from downtown which was all wasted. 

#5 Barbara, Monday is a big day for the Warriors they will go to the White House for the big photo shoot with President Biden who will recognize the team for their World Championship trophy from last season and it’s off to face the Washington Wizards for a 12 noon tip at the Capital One Center.

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

Turnovers and Fouls Spell Defeat For Golden State Losing To Bulls 132-118

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Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) drives against Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole, right, during the first half at the United Center in Chicago, Sun Jan 15, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Sunday afternoon the Golden State Warriors (21`-22) took on the Chicago Bulls (20-24) the second game of this five-game road series. The Warriors will be challenged by the Bulls. Chicago has a couple of formidable weapons in Nikola Vucevic and Zach Lavine. After crushing the San Antonio Spurs Friday night the Warriors could have kept the momentum going into game two of this road trip?

The first quarter answered this question with a resounding No! The Warriors couldn’t overcome the Bulls in a 132-118 loss at the United Center. Golden State came out flat in the first 12 minutes trailing 35-20. They had a lot of work to do in the second quarter. The seven turnovers in the opening quarter really hurt the team that they’ve seen this far too often.

Golden State really turned this game around in the second quarter scoring 42 points to the Bulls 24. They turned this game inside out leading at the half 61-59. With only four turnovers in the second quarter the Warriors started hitting shots from downtown to take this lead after trailing at one time by 17 points.

The third quarter was a tough one with too many empty possessions for Golden State. The Bulls had scored 28 points off turnovers and the Warriors continued with these mental mistakes with seven turnovers in the third quarter. The Bulls took back the lead 92-86. The Warriors continued to foul sending the Bulls to the line which was largely responsible for the Chicago lead.

After leading at the half this game turned around again and Golden State was faced with another uphill climb. A horrible start, turnovers, and the Warriors were beating themselves in this game. Chicago continued to extend their lead in the fourth quarter leading 108-93 with 8:40 left in the game.

Inside of four minutes the Warriors put the Bulls in the bonus. It was going to take nothing short of a miracle to win their first back-to-back road game this season. Chicago’s offense was high octane in the final quarter. They had now scored 31 points off turnovers and Vucevic came unhinged and with 5:15 left in the game had scored 37 points, a season high for him.

With the clock running out the Warriors trailed 120-107. Turnovers and fouls lost this game for Golden State and until they turn this around, they will continue to suffer disappointment.

The Warriors finished the game with 23 turnovers to Chicago’s ten. They did score 20 shots from downtown which was all wasted. The start of any game is critical and Golden State had a horrible start in this game. Klay Thompson finished with 26 points and Stephen Curry had 20 points.

The absence of DeMar DeRozan did not hurt the Bulls. Nikola Vucevic finished with 43 points and coupled with Zach Lavine’s 27 points it was just too much for the Warriors.

Monday the Warriors will be in Washington to take on the Wizards in another day game. Tipoff is scheduled for 12:00 PM.

Kings send Rockets into orbit sweep two game set 139-114 at Golden 1

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Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green knocks the ball away from Sacramento Kings guard Terence Davis (3) during the first quarter at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Fri Jan 13, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings (23-18) were back in action on Friday night in Sacramento. The Kings last played Wednesday night in Sacramento against the Houston Rockets (10-32) as the Kings handled the Rockets by the final 135-115. However, the Rockets didn’t leave town. The Rockets stayed in Sacramento with an off day on Thursday. The Rockets and Kings were set to play again on Friday at 7 PM PST, the second of a two-game series. The Kings handled the Rockets on Friday night 139-114.

In the first quarter, neither team shined. The Rockets and Kings were trading baskets all quarter, with neither of the teams going on much of a run. However, Malik Monk hit three consecutive three-pointers near the end of the quarter to propel the Kings into the lead. The Kings outscored the Rockets in the first quarter 36-32. Malik Monk led the way in the first quarter with nine points. The Kings would look to have a more consistent quarter in the second to build the lead. 

In the second quarter, the game stayed tight. The Kings and Rockets played little defense as the offenses had their way. When it was all said and done, the Rockets would outscore the Kings in the second quarter 34-31. The Kings defense continued to struggle to put up stops.

It is no secret the Kings weakness is getting stops and that was on full display on Friday night. Leading the way for the Kings in the first half was Malik Monk, who had 15 points. Jalen Green was doing the damage early for the Rockets with a 25-point first half. The Kings led at halftime 69-66.

In the third quarter, the Kings went off. The Kings offense led to defense as they held the Rockets to only 26 points in the third quarter. On the other hand, the Kings offense exploded for 43 points to break the game wide open. The Kings offense was firing on all cylinders.

The outburst would lead the Kings to a 112-92 advantage heading into the final quarter. Also worth noting was an altercation between Malik Monk and Garrison Mathews. Matthews and Monk were both ejected along with two other players for escalation. 

In the fourth quarter, the minutes were purely procedure. The Kings continued to play well until the bench was emptied for the end of the game minutes.  Leading the way for the Kings in the game was Harrison Barnes, who scored 27 points.

However, not to be overshadowed by Domantas Sabonis, who had a 19-point, 16 rebounds, and 16-assist game. Domas was incredible. Jalen Green led the way for the Rockets, scoring 27 points in the game. The Kings outscored the Rockets 27-22 in the final quarter; the Kings won the game.

Up Next: The Kings go on the road and travel to Texas as they take on the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday at 4 PM PST.

Warriors Get A Great Start On the Road Beating San Antonio 144-113; Game set NBA attendance record at the Alamodome

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Fans move about in the Alamodome before an NBA basketball game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Golden State Warriors in San Antonio, Friday, Jan. 13, 2023 (AP News photo)

Warriors Get A Great Start On the Road Beating San Antonio 144-113

By Barbara Mason

Friday night the Golden State Warriors (21-21) took on the San Antonio Spurs (13-30) in the first of a five game road trip. Alamodome was packed with nearly 65,000 fans at the start of the game. At the end of the third quarter we got the exact attendance which was an NBA record breaker with 68,323. The Warriors were not intimidated by the sell out record setting crowd and defeated the Spurs 144-113.

On top of this it was the 50th anniversary of the storied San Antonio franchise. The Warriors had a great first quarter leading 33-25 after the first 12 minutes. The Spurs had a slow start but started to challenge Golden State as the quarter wore on. The Warriors were shooting from beyond the arc as expected but they were winning the battle in the paint.

Golden State did not slow down in the second quarter. At the half they had won the quarter 41-32 and led 74-60. The Warriors were shooting at 58% and had only five turnovers in the half. The Warriors had shot nine from downtown while the Spurs were struggling from long with only two baskets.

The Warriors won the battle of the benches and the Spurs were having a rough time keeping up with the Warriors ball movement,. The Warriors were 18 of 23 from the paint and it was an ideal first half of basketball for Golden State.

The Spurs got a quick start in the third quarter and started to trim the Warriors lead and with 9:20 San Antonio trailed by 78-72. Golden State turned it around and got back on track to extend their lead back out to 91-75 with 6:43 left in the third. Klay Thompson was having a great game going seven of eight with 16 points.

The Warriors tonight looked like the defending champions, a great thing to see on the road for these guys considering their issues away from Chase. As the clock ran out on the third quarter the Warriors had a significant lead 114-89.

Through three quarters, this was the best that the Warriors had played all season on the road and they did it in front of the largest crowd in NBA history. Golden State held onto the lead; they kept their foot on the pedal and won the first game on this road trip.

30 assists will win a lot of games and the Warriors played a complete game especially on the defensive end. They dominated the boards, made shots from downtown and their play in the paint was brilliant with eight players in double digits and 77 points from the bench. Jordan Poole had the point high with 25 and Donte DiVincenzo with 22. Four starters finished in double digits in this unique atmosphere.

The Warriors continue their road trip traveling to Chicago for an afternoon game on Sunday with the Bulls. Tipoff is scheduled for 12:30 PM.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings go for the sweep concluding two game set with Rockets tonight in Sac

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Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes is defended by Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (1) during the second half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Wed Jan 11, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1The Kings would turn up the heat on the Rockets and score 31 points in the first quarter. Granted, that was only good for a four-point lead as the Rockets scored 27 themselves.

#2 The Kings built on the lead early in the second quarter and then lost it. The Kings scored 36 points in the second quarter. That was a good number, but the defense suffered. The Kings Kryptonite all year has been defense.

#3 Wednesday was no exception to this rule. The Rockets scored 35 points in the second quarter to keep pace with the Kings. However, the Kings would take a five-point 67-62 lead into halftime.

#4 De’Aaron Fox led the way in the first half with 12 points, as Jalen Green led the way for the Rockets with 18.

#5 The Kings stay home to take on the Houston Rockets in the second game of the series on Friday at 7 PM PST at Golden 1 Center in downtown Sacramento.

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

Kings take out Rockets in 20 point win in first of two game series

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By Jeremiah Salmonson

Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason, center, and forward Bruno Fernando (20) defend against Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk during the first half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Wed Jan 11, 2023 (AP News photo)

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings (22-18) were back in action on Wednesday at home. The Kings last game was Monday, where they took on the Orlando Magic. The Kings were able to handle the Magic with ease in the blowout win 136-111.

On Wednesday, the Kings welcomed the Houston Rockets (18-31) to Sacramento. The Rockets were in town for a two-game series with games to be played on Wednesday and Friday nights. The Rockets came in 10-30 on the season, as the Kings were 21-18. The tip-off was set for 7 PM PST in Sacramento. GAME RESULT The Kings took the first of the two game set with a 20 point win 135-115 at Golden 1 Center.

In the first quarter, the Rockets started strong. They scored the first eight points of the game to put the Kings on notice. However, that would be short-lived. The Kings would turn up the heat on the Rockets and score 31 points in the first quarter. Granted, that was only good for a four-point lead as the Rockets scored 27 themselves. The Kings would have a first-quarter lead and look to expand that in the second quarter.

The Kings built on the lead early in the second quarter and then lost it. The Kings scored 36 points in the second quarter. That was a good number, but the defense suffered. The Kings Kryptonite all year has been defense; Wednesday was no exception to this rule. The Rockets scored 35 points in the second quarter to keep pace with the Kings. However, the Kings would take a five-point 67-62 lead into halftime. De’Aaron Fox led the way in the first half with 12 points, as Jalen Green led the way for the Rockets with 18.

In the third quarter, the Kings did not play well. Not only did the Kings defense not show up the offense wasn’t able to pick them up. The Rockets outscored the Kings 33-27 in the third quarter to come back and take the lead from the Kings. The Rockets would head into the final quarter with a one-point lead over the Kings. The Kings would need someone to step up in the fourth quarter if they wanted to win the game.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings do what good teams do against a poor opponent; the Kings took over. The Kings offense and defense simultaneously exploded in the fourth quarter as the Kings outscored the Rockets 41-20. It was a massive quarter for the Kings and a welcome sight, given so many close games late this season.

Trey Lyles was the hero of the quarter, scoring 15 of his 20 points in the fourth to lead the Kings to a 20 point win over the Rockets. Leading the way for the Kings was Domantas Sabonis, who was an assist shy of a triple-double. The Rockets best performance came from Alperen Sengun, who had a 10, 10, and 10 triple-double in the loss. The Kings improved to 22-18 as the Rockets fell to 10-31.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the Houston Rockets in the second game of the series on Friday at 7 PM PST.

Warriors Lose Third Straight At Chase To Suns 125-113

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Phoenix Suns forward Torrey Craig dunks against the Golden State Warriors in the first half at Chase Center in San Francisco on Tue Jan 10, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Tuesday night the Golden State Warriors (20-21) took on the Phoenix Suns (22-21) in the final game of this eight game home stand. Things were really looking up for Golden State welcoming back Stephen Curry. Andrew Wiggins was back for his first game after a long 15 game stretch on Saturday losing to the Orlando Magic. The Welcoming didn’t last long as the Warriors wound up losing their third straight game to the Suns at Chase Center in San Francisco 125-113.

Klay Thompson who sat out the Orlando game on Sunday was back on the court. The starting roster hasn’t looked this way for awhile now. Draymond Green, Curry, Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and Kevon Looney started the game.

The Phoenix squad were not at all intimidated by the Warriors leading 31-26 after the first quarter going on a 10-0 run to finish the first twelve minutes.

The Suns starters Devon Booker, Deandre Ayton and Chris Paul did not play but despite that the team did not miss a beat. Damian Lee was the spark for the Suns in the first quarter going two of three from downtown. He had 11 points in the opening quarter.

Phoenix created a sizable lead in the second quarter 53-36 with 5:07 left in the half. The Warriors had zero free throws while the Suns were ten of ten at the line. The Warriors offense was in disarray shooting 24% in the second quarter. At 3:27 left in the second quarter the Warriors went to the line for the first time in the game.

The Warriors had 11 turnovers in the first half and trailed at halftime 59-45. Golden State had to create some sort of offensive rhythm in the second half. The Warriors finished the half shooting at 34%. The Suns were shooting 38% but it was shots from beyond the arc (44%) that had given them the 14 point lead after two quarters.

The Suns continued to pour it on while the Warriors could not get a thing going with the exception of Thompson. Phoenix had taken a 86-62 lead with 3:53 left in the third quarter. Thompson was the only Warrior with double digits.

The Suns totally outplayed the Warriors through the first three quarters leading 98-79 going into the fourth quarter. Phoenix could not miss and with the exception of Thompson the Warriors were struggling on offense. Poole started hitting shots in the closing minutes of the third finishing with 14 points.

The Suns offense began to unravel in the fourth quarter. Golden State cut the Phoenix lead to thirteen with 5:40 left in the game. Golden State had opportunity after opportunity. The Warriors were getting stops and cashing in on some of them but also missing some wide open shots.

It got ugly in the final minutes of the game with Andre Iguodala being ejected. Golden State went on an 8-0 run with three minutes left in the game. The Suns had 25 offensive rebounds and cashed in with 21 points. The Warriors really picked it up in the final minutes of the game trailing by six points 117-111. They just ran out of clock. Trailing at one time by 27 the Warriors made a real bid to take this game but ended up losing.

This was a morale building for the Suns after losing six straight games. Mikal Bridges finished with 26 games, followed by Duane Washington Jr. with 21 points. Former Warrior Lee came off the bench for 22 points.

The return of Curry, Thompson and Andrew Wiggins all playing together didn’t bring the anticipated excitement until the fourth quarter. Thompson had 29 points and Curry finished with 24.

Off the bench Poole had 27 points. Golden State cannot wait until the fourth quarter to turn on their defense and start sinking shots at the end. It’s just not winning basketball and they better get over it by next Friday when they take on the San Antonio Spurs. That game will kickoff a five game road trip.

Friday night the Warriors will head out on the road to take on the San Antonio Spurs. Golden State will be looking to get some wins on the road where they have struggled mightily this season. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:30.

Kings clobber Magic 136-111 at Golden 1 Center

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Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk, top, pulls down a rebound between forward Domantas Sabonis (10) and forward Keegan Murray (13) in the first quarter of action at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Mon Jan 9, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Monday night in Sacramento. The Kings last played on Saturday against LeBron James and the Lakers at home. The Kings lost to the Lakers in that matchup 136-134. On Monday, the Kings were looking to get back in the win column against a mediocre team. The Kings were set to welcome the Orlando Magic at 7 PM on Monday. The Kings cruised to an easy victory on Monday 136-111 against the Magic.

In the first quarter, the Kings started hot on the offensive end. The Kings started the game with a massive 41-point outburst in the first quarter to jump to an early lead. The Kings defense didn’t start as quickly. The Kings allowed the Magic to score 31 points in the first quarter to hang around in the game early. The Kings pace and shot-making early were proving too much for the Magic.

In the second quarter, the Kings followed up the first quarter with another solid quarter. In the second, the Kings scored 31 points to build the lead more against the Magic. What stood out in the second was the Kings defense. The Kings defense limited the Magic to only 21 points in the quarter.

That was a much-needed and welcome sight for Kings fans, as the Kings defense has recently been bad. The Kings would head into halftime leading the game 72-52. Harrison Barnes started quickly for the Kings with 17 points in the first half to lead the Kings.

In the third quarter, the Kings continued to build the lead. The Magic could not figure out the Kings on the offensive end of the floor to this point all night. The Kings outscored the Magic 35-32 in the third quarter. Harrison Barnes continued his hot night, leading the Kings in scoring after three quarters with 23 points. Franz Wagner was leading the Magic with 16 points through three quarters. The Kings would take a 107-84 lead into the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings cruised to victory. The Kings, led by veteran Harrison Barnes to victory 136-111. Barnes had 30 points in the game as he started the Kings on the right foot and significantly impacted the victory. The Kings finished the game by outsourcing the Magic 29-27 in the final quarter.

The Magic were led in defeat by Paolo Banchero who had 17 points. The Kings improved to 21-18 on the season as the Magic fell to 15-26. This was a game the Kings should win and they took care of business at home.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the Houston Rockets on Wednesday at 7 PM PST.

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Wiggins and Iguodala back on the floor for Golden State

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Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) dunks over Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins, left, and forward Draymond Green, right, during the first half at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sat Jan 7, 2023 (AP News photo)

  1. Andrew Wiggins was back on the court as was Andre Iguodala. How did that go for Golden State.

2. The Magic’s Pablo Banchero and Franz Wagner both played a huge roll in this upset win over the Warriors.

3. The absence of Klay Thompson really hurt the Warrior effort and Jonathan Kuminga was also hurt.

  1. Anthony Lamb scored a career high but it was just not enough to win this game. Jordan Poole and Donte DiVincenzo got slow starts but the Warriors just did not have the fire power they needed.

5. Next up for the Warriors on Tuesday night will be the Phoenix Suns who have been struggling despite the talent on their team.

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