LeBron’s 37 points helps Lakers put away Kings 136-134

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Saturday night. The Kings last played on Wednesday night when they took on the Atlanta Hawks at home. The Kings fell to the Hawks 120-117 on  Wednesday on the second night of a back-to-back. On Saturday, the Kings welcomed in LeBron James and the LA Lakers on a stormy night in Sacramento. LeBron led with 37 points and the Lakers defeated the Kings 136-134.

In the first quarter, both teams got off to a hot start on offense. The Kings scored 38 points in the quarter, as the Lakers started the game with 37 points. Neither team was putting much effort in on the defensive end of the floor. The Lakers built an early lead in the quarter, but the Kings managed to wipe that out and outscore the Lakers in the first quarter. Davion Mitchell started the game with nine quick points as Patrick Beverly matched him. 

In the second quarter, the Lakers and Kings went back and forth. The Kings went on a run early in the quarter, but the Lakers returned with one of their own. Overall, the Kings scored 35 points in the quarter as the Lakers outscored them with 36 points. All the Kings starters except Keegan Murray were in double figures as the game went to halftime. For the Lakers, LeBron James led the way with 16 points in the first half. The Kings and Lakers would go into halftime tied at 73 points a piece. 

In the third quarter, the Kings and Lakers both scored 36 points. Neither team could get any stops on the defensive end of the floor. Through three-quarters of the game, both teams had scored at least 35 points in every quarter. LeBron was doing everyday Lebron things scoring 27 points through the first three quarters. Every Kings starter was in double figures after three quarters, and they would look to bring the game home in the final 12 minutes. The Kings and Lakers were tied at 109 after three quarters. 

In the fourth quarter, the game remained as close as possible. It seemed that with every shot the Lakers made, the Kings would match and vice versa. One big blow to the Kings was when Domantas Sabonis fouled out with just over 45 seconds remaining.

It came down to the wire, but the Kings were outscored in the fourth quarter 27-25. It was a tough loss for the Kings, that could not get any defensive momentum. In the game, LeBron led the Lakers with 37 points. Thomas Bryant also put on a show for the Lakers, scoring 29 points with 14 rebounds.

The Kings were led by a fantastic performance from De’Aaron Fox, who scored 34 points in the game. Sabonis added 25 points and 12 rebounds in the game. It was a tough loss for the Kings, who will look to improve on the defensive end of the floor in their next game. 

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the Orlando Magic on Monday at 7 PM PST.

Warriors Outplayed Against Magic 115-101

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) celebrates with center Wendell Carter Jr. during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco at Chase Center on Fri Jan 7, 2023 (AP News photo)

Warriors Outplayed Against Magic 115-101

By Barbara Mason

After a disappointing loss to the Pistons Wednesday night the Golden State Warriors (20-20) took on a very young Orlando Magic (15-25) team. The Magic have been stringing wins together including back to back wins over the Boston Celtics. The Magic are a dangerous tenacious team despite their youth and they came away with a win over the Warriors 115-101.

Andrew Wiggins and Andre Iguodala were back with the team tonight but Klay Thompson did not take the court out with left knee soreness.

The Warriors won the first quarter 29-28. The Orlando Magic came out strong shooting 55%. The Magic won the second quarter 34-30 and at the half led 62-59. Anthony Lamb carried the team in the first half finishing the first two quarters with 22 points. No other Warrior had double digits in fact the next closest player for Golden State had nine points.

The Magic’s Paolo Banchero had 19 points and Franz Wagner had 12. Both of these players stand at 6’10” and create some tough defense. Orlando had 30 points in the paint and the Warriors turnovers became problematic. The Magic had 11 points off turnovers.

Orlando led, while not by much, for most of the first half. The Magic got their largest lead of the night in the early minutes of the third quarter 71-62. Draymond Green already had four fouls with a lot of game still to be played. The Warriors got incredibly careless with the turnovers and the Magic now had 18 points off turnovers.

The third quarter had started out in a very sloppy manner. The Warriors were getting outplayed and trailed by 13 points with 6:06 left in the quarter. Golden State was relying on the shots beyond the arc rather than driving the basket getting into the paint.

The Warriors already had 14 turnovers with three minutes left in the third and were only shooting at 42%. Golden State needed better execution on both ends of the floor offensively and defensively. The Heat won the third quarter 30-23 and led by ten points 92-82 in some really stagnant play by Golden State.

The Warriors would need a furious fourth quarter if they expected to win this game. They did not and the best home team in the league bit the dust. It was so disappointing on so many levels, offensively and defensively, in the paint and especially beyond the arc.

The Magic played a superior game. Banchero had 25 points and Wagner with 24. Orlando had their way with Golden State from start to finish and with each quarter the Warriors fell further behind.

Anthony Lamb had 26 points off the bench and Jordan Poole finished with 21 points.

The Warriors will play their last home game on Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns. Two teams with identical records at 20-20. The Suns have been really struggling these past few weeks so this is a game Golden State really wants to win before they head out on the road. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Tough home loss to Hawks, Kings hope to make it up vs. Lakers on Saturday

Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins (20) fouls Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis, center, as Hawks guard Bogdan Bogdanovic (13) watches during the second half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Wed Jan 4, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 The Kings welcomed the Atlanta Hawks to town on Wednesday at 7 PM PST. Trae Young and former Kings guard Bogdan Bogdanovic. The Kings fell at home to the Hawks 120-117.

#2 The Kings and Hawks both scored 30 points in the first quarter. The Kings and the Hawks couldn’t get into any sort of rhythm on the offensive end. Domas Sabonis and De’Aaron Aaron supplied most of the Kings offense, starting with six points each.

#3  If the Kings wanted to win the game, the offense would need to improve. Sabonis led the Kings in the first half with 14 points as John Collins did the same for the Hawks with 12 points

#4 In the fourth quarter sloppy defense and some kissed free throws were the kiss of death for the Kings at they dropped the game 120-117.

#5 The Kings will welcome “The King” Lebron James and the Lakers to the Golden 1 Center Saturday at 7 PM PST.

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

Collins and Hunter lead Hawks with 22 pts in 120-117 win over Kings

Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) is fouled by Sacramento Kings guard Kevin Huerte in second half action at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Wed Jan 4, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Wednesday night. The Kings were on the second night of a back-to-back. On Tuesday, the Kings narrowly defeated the Utah Jazz in Utah. Directly after the game, they returned to Sacramento for the game on Wednesday.

The Kings welcomed the Atlanta Hawks to town on Wednesday at 7 PM PST. Trae Young and former Kings guard Bogdan Bogdanovic. The Kings fell at home to the Hawks 120-117.

The first quarter was an underwhelming performance for the Kings on the offensive end. The Kings defense was playing well and forcing many errors on the Hawks. The Kings and Hawks both scored 30 points in the first quarter. The Kings and the Hawks couldn’t get into any sort of rhythm on the offensive end. Domas and De’Aaron supplied most of the Kings offense, starting with six points each.

The second quarter was more of the same for the Kings. The defense kept up, but the offense needed help finding a rhythm. The Kings shots seemed to be missing at the worst possible times, and were lagging behind Atlanta. The Hawks outscored the Kings in the second quarter 31-28. The Kings would take a 61-58 deficit into halftime. If they wanted to win the game, the offense would need to improve. Domas led the Kings in the first half with 14 points as John Collins did the same for the Hawks with 12 points.

In the third quarter, the Kings hung in the game. They didn’t make up any ground on the Atlanta Hawks but they also didn’t fall any furhter behind. On a night where the kings shooting seemed to be letting them down they hung in.

The Kings scored 30 points in the third quarter as they kept pace with the Hawks who also scored 30. The score going into the final quarter was the Kings down 91-88. Kevin Huerter led the Kings through three quarters with 18 points. De’Andre Hunter and John Collins were leading the Hawks in scoring; both players had 18 points. The Kings would need an offensive explosion on the final quarter to take down the Hawks.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings just couldn’t get it done. They battled but were unable to stop the Hawks offense. That doesn’t tell the whole story. The Kings did come back and take the lead late in the fourth quarter. In fact, they were up four points with just over a minute left. However, sloppy defense and some kissed free throws were the kiss of death for the Kings at they dropped the game.

The Kings and Hawks both scored 29 points in the final quarter. It was a disappointing game for the Kings after taking the lead but that is the way it goes in the NBA. It is a game of runs and clutch shots and the Hawks had one more than the Kings on Wednesday. De’Aaron Fox led the way for the Kings with 25 points. Hunter and Collins led the way for the Hawks in victory both scoring 22 points.

Up Next: The Kings will welcome “The King” Lebron James and the Lakers to the Golden 1 Center Saturday at 7 PM PST.

Warriors Lose to Pistons in Final Second of Game 122-119; Green ejected on second technical

Detroit Pistons forward Bojan Bogdanovic (44) shoots against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the second half at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Wed Jan 4, 2023 (AP News photo)

Warriors Lose to Pistons in Final Second of the Game 122-119

By Barbara Mason

Going for their sixth win in a row, the Golden State Warriors (20-19) took on the young upstart Detroit Pistons (11-30) Wednesday night at Chase Center in San Francisco. Andrew Wiggins was still unable to play tonight as was Jonathan Kuminga and James Wiseman. The Warriors had a five game winning streak snapped as the Pistons stayed the course against Golden State coming away with a 122-119 victory.

The Warriors got off to a very disconcerting start. Luckily for Golden State they got on track after the first few minutes of the first quarter. The Pistons were shooting a shocking 67%, crazy for a team that is 28th on offense in the league. After the first twelve minutes of play Detroit led 34-26.

Leading after the first quarter gave the Pistons a lot of confidence that they took into the second quarter. Bojan Bogdanovic was leading the Pistons in points with 17. The Pistons finished the first quarter on an 8-0 run and were looking to put an end to the Warriors win streak at Chase.

The Warriors took a brief one point lead in the second quarter 39-38 at 9:17 but it was short-lived. At the half the Pistons continued to hold the lead 60-56.

Jordan Poole had 13 points in the half but it was the bench that came out hot in this game. They accounted for 30 points in the half between Anthony Lamb, Ty Jerome and Moses Moody. They had kept Golden State in this game. The Warriors continued to struggle with turnovers committing nine and they desperately needed to tighten up they’re defense in the second half.

The rhythm and flow that we are used to seeing from Golden State was absent and one wondered if the double overtime Monday night had taken a toll.

The Warriors took another brief lead in the third quarter but couldn’t get on top of Detroit. The Pistons led after three 91-88.

With 7:33 left in the fourth quarter the Warriors had come from ten down to take the lead 99-98. The Warriors could not sink a three to save their life and were 11 of 33. They were climbing uphill the entire evening. With 5:06 left Klay Thompson hit his first three of the night followed by a second three.

The Warriors had 3:45 to turn this game around. The Pistons had 15 shots from downtown to their credit and with 1:24 left in the game had a 117-112. The hoped for sixth win in a row was on shaky ground. It got even worse when Draymond Green was ejected with his second technical.

With 04.2 left on the clock the Warriors had the ball trailing 119-116. Thompson hit from downtown and we had a tie game at 119 with one second left in regulation. Detroit would end the Warriors perfect home stand with a shot from downtown winning it 122-119.

Thompson had the high with 30 followed by Jordan Poole with 24. The bench had a great game with a combined 48 points.

The Detroit Pistons played a great game, a high caliber game. The high for the Pistons was Bojan Bogdanovic with 29.

Saturday night the Warriors will take on the Magic playing their seventh home game in a row. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30.

Fox & Company Win Thriller Over Utah 117-115

Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) dunks against Utah Jazz forward Jarred Vanderbilt (8) during the second half at the Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City on Tue Jan 3, 2023 (AP News photo)

Fox & Company Win Thriller Over Utah 117-115

By Barbara Mason

After losing to the Grizzlies in Memphis Sunday, the Sacramento Kings (20-16) traveled to Utah to take on the Jazz (19-21) at Vivint Arena and just got by with a 117-115 win in Salt Lake City. The Jazz have now lost five games in a row and were looking to get back on track at home. They were aiming to level the score after losing to the Kings in late December by a single point 126-125.

Game recap: Sacramento got off to a solid start winning the first quarter 35-23. The Jazz started to heat up in the second, winning it 28-25 but still trailing at the half 60-51. The Kings finished the first half shooting at 50% while the Jazz were close to 41%. Sacramento had seven turnovers. The King’s Kevin Huerter had the high score in the first two quarters with 14 points and Domantas Sabonis, Harrison Barnes and De’Aaron Fox all had double digits in the first half.

The Jazz only had two starters in double digits at the half. Jarred Vanderbilt had the high with 12 points and Lauri Markkanen had ten for Utah.

After leading by 12 points in the third quarter the Kings let the Jazz back into the game. Utah got to within two points 73-71 with 5:47 left in the third. The Jazz had challenged the Kings a number of times throughout the game but Sacramento roared back every time. Mounting turnovers and fouls started to hurt the Kings and gave Utah a real edge. With 35 seconds left on the clock the Jazz had tied up this game at 86. After three quarters, the Jazz had taken the lead 89-88.

This game would go to the team that was able to finish; it would go down to the wire. With 41.3 left in the game the Kings called a timeout. The score was 113-112 in favor of Sacramento. With 0.4 left in the game Fox made a driving layup giving the Kings the lead 117-115 which was the final.

Fox had a monster night with 37 points. Every starter on the roster had double digits in this collaborative effort. They were challenged over and over by the Jazz and fought to the very end of this intense game.

The Jazz’s high score was Lauri Markkanen with 28 points.

Wednesday night the Kings will take on the Atlanta Hawks back home at Golden One in downtown Sacramento. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Golden State Warriors game wrap: Warriors Win Crazy Double Overtime vs Hawks 143-141; Fifth Straight win for Golden State

“Peek a Boo I see 54 points” as the Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) finished on top of the leaderboard against the visiting Atlanta Hawks at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Mon Jan 2, 2023 (AP News photo)

Warriors Win Crazy Double Overtime vs Hawks 143-141

By Barbara Mason

Monday night the Golden State Warriors (20-18) took on the Atlanta Hawks (17-20) to pick up their fifth straight win 143-141 as they continued their home-stand. The Warriors were missing Andrew Wiggins due to illness and James Wiseman (left ankle sprain) and Jonathan Kuminga (right foot sprain) also were out for the game. The Hawks in this game dropped their fourth straight game to hand the Warriors a double overtime victory.

Game recap: The Warriors got another great start in this game. Klay Thompson was still shooting lights out finishing the first quarter with 17 points. Golden State led after the first 12 minutes 38-26.

The Warriors took that energy into the second quarter and continued to extend their lead. The Hawks struggled on defense and Golden State took full advantage. The Warriors were shooting close to 54% and had extended their lead at the half to 70-53. The second quarter went to the Warriors 32-27.

Thompson had 22 points in the first half of play. Jordan Poole had 12 and off the bench Anthony Lamb had 13 points.

Last Friday the Hawks got a nightmare second quarter from the Warriors. Tonight it was a horrific third quarter for Golden State. They let a 21 point lead vanish and found themselves tied at 95 as the third quarter wrapped up. The Hawks won the third quarter in convincing style 42-25 in a dramatic turnaround.

Atlanta took a significant lead in the fourth quarter and it looked for a time like the winning streak would come to an end. Donte Divincenzo had yet another desperately needed three tied that up this game with six seconds left on the clock. It was on to overtime.

As overtime got underway it became painfully apparent that the Warriors offensive flow had left the building. The Hawks got off to a five point advantage but Golden State fought back and tied this game at 132 with 13.7 left on the clock. The Warriors were unable to take a shot in the final seconds and so it was on to double overtime.

It seems as if the Warriors have a different hero every time. Tied at 141 with 7.6 left on the clock it was Kevon Looney with a tip-in for the improbable win 143-141.

There were so many heroes in this game tonight. Thompson finished this game with an unbelievable 54 points. Divincenzo got the Warriors into the overtime scenario with a shot from downtown with six seconds left in the game. Draymond Green got the Warriors into the second overtime with a clutch three and Kevon Looney sealed the deal with the tip-in as the clock expired.

The Hawks caught fire in the second half. Trae Young finished with 30 pts. Collins and Murray had 25 points apiece. Off the bench Bogdanovic had a great game with 21 points.

The Warriors got their offense going in the closing minutes of each of the overtimes. This game could not have been closer but Golden State wanted this win and fought tooth and nail to extend their winning streak to five.

The Warriors will take on the Pistons Wednesday night. They will regroup and get a bit of a breather tomorrow. This was a physically draining game for both teams and Golden State will really need tomorrow off. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 at Chase Center on Wednesday.

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Warriors looking fifth straight win over Hawks tonight at Chase

Golden State Warriors guard Ty Jerome, left, grabs the ball while defending against Portland Trail Blazers forward Jabari Walker during the first half at Chase Center on Fri Dec 30, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1 The Golden State Warriors (19-18) had a brilliant first quarter taking an early 9-0 lead and with under three minutes left in the opening quarter had stretched out that lead to 18, 33-15 against the Portland Trailblazers (18-17).

#2 Jordan Poole and Klay Thompson had a great quarter giving their team a 41-25 lead after the first 12 minutes. It was an explosive start for the Warriors to open the game this way.

#3 Poole had 22 points in the first half, his seventh game shooting for 20 or more in a half. Thompson had 15 points and Ty Jerome had nine off the bench including a last second 47 foot shot to end the first quarter.

#4 Portland had a couple of turnovers and with 22 seconds on the clock Divincenzo hit a monster three to take a 118-112 lead. The Warriors finished the game on a 16-2 run in an unlikely win keeping their win streak intact. They are now 16-2 at home.

#5 The Warriors host the Atlanta Hawks (17-19) tonight at Chase Center in San Francisco for a 7:00pm tip off. The Hawks were defeated in their last game Friday 130-121 by the Los Angeles Lakers. The Hawks have lost six out of their last ten games how do you see tonight’s match up?

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

Kings Fall To Morant and the Grizzlies 118-108

Memphis Grizzlies center Steven Adams (4) drives to the basket defended by Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) in the first half at FedEx Forum in Memphis on Sun Jan 1, 2023 (AP News photo)

Kings Fall To Morant and the Grizzlies 118-108

By Barbara Mason

Sunday evening the Sacramento Kings (19-16) started off 2023 taking on the Memphis Grizzlies (23-13) at FedExForum. Memphis is in third place in the Western Conference one game out of first place. The Kings currently sit in fifth place in the Conference.

The Grizzlies won their last two games putting a beat-down on the New Orleans Pelicans Saturday night 116-101. The Kings beat the Jazz by a single point Friday night 126-125. Last Wednesday night they had another one-point victory against the Nuggets 127-126. On New Years night the Kings took a hard fall to the Grizzlies 118-108.

The Kings remained close throughout the first quarter and trailed 27-26 after the first 12 minutes. The Grizzlies began to extend their lead and led after the first two minutes of the second quarter 34-26. At 9:59 Mike Brown called a timeout and at 8:18 the Kings had turned things around leading 35-34. Both teams scored 32 points in the second quarter and the Grizzlies continued to hold a slim lead 59-58 at halftime.

At the end of the third quarter the Grizzlies led 91-86 but the Kings continued to remain in striking distance. Unlike last season, Sacramento has proven that they can finish games and this game was by no means over or out of reach.

The Grizzlies were of a different mindset and really turned up the heat in the fourth quarter. Ja Morant was burning up the boards and Steven Adams already had 20 rebounds with five minutes of play left. (He would finish with 23 rebounds.) The Kings were falling further and further behind trailing 113-99 with four minutes left in the game.

Sacramento made a push with just under three minutes left on the clock. They had pulled to within seven points 113-106 after trailing by fourteen. With 2:18 left Memphis was burning up time while continuing to score. The Grizzlies finished Memphis off 118-108.

Every one of the Sacramento Kings scored in double digits, De’Aaron Fox the high with 19 points. Domantas Sabonis had 14 rebounds and 18 points. The King bench was quiet in this game.

Memphis’ Ja Morant finished with 35 points and the rest of the starting roster also had double digits and that was the difference in this game.

Tuesday night the Kings will travel to Utah to take on the Jazz. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 PM.

Warriors In A Gritty Win Over Portland 118-112

Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole (3) gestures after 3-point basket during the first half  at Chase Center San Francisco on Fri Dec 30, 2022 (AP News photo)

Warriors In A Gritty Win Over Portland 118-112

By Barbara Mason

Friday night the Golden State Warriors (19-18) took on the Portland Trail Blazers (18-17) at Chase looking for their fourth straight win in a row at home. They have been playing lights out despite being short-handed.

Jordan Poole has been spectacular along with Klay Thompson, and Donte Devincenzo has made some amazing strides. The Warriors have beaten some very good teams in the past four games and they meet another one tonight. As the Warriors battled this one out for a 118-112 win over the Blazers.

The Warriors had a brilliant first quarter taking an early 9-0 lead and with under three minutes left in the opening quarter had stretched out that lead to 18, 33-15. Jordan Poole and Thompson had a great quarter giving their team a 41-25 lead after the first 12 minutes. It was an explosive start for the Warriors to open the game this way.

It was just a matter of time before the Trail Blazers turned their slow start around. They erased an 18 point Warrior lead and at the half Golden State was leading by four points 60-56. The Warriors played some sloppy basketball in the final minutes of the half letting Portland take the momentum away from them. The Trail Blazers won the second quarter 31-19.

Poole had 22 points in the first half, his seventh game shooting for 20 or more in a half. Thompson had 15 points and Ty Jerome had nine off the bench including a last second 47 foot shot to end the first quarter.

Portland’s Damien Lilliard got off to a slow start but more than made up for it shooting for 19 points. It was just a matter fo time before he got going and the Warriors would have to contain him in the second half.

Early in the third quarter Portland took their first lead of the game 64-63. It was short-lived when Thompson answered with a triple. This game would start to trade leads but the momentum had clearly turned around in favor of Portland. The Warriors defense had to step it up. They were allowing far too many offensive rebounds.

Second chance points was the difference in this game and it was clearly in favor of Portland. The Trail Blazers continued to accumulate offensive rebounds. They led after three quarters 96-88 winning the quarter 40-28. The Warriors would have to stage a comeback if they wanted to keep they’re winning streak intact.

The Trail Blazers continued to lead in the fourth quarter. Getting stops against Portland was like pulling teeth. It was painful to watch. The Warriors finally started to make some stops erasing an 11 point Portland lead. Golden State trailed by a single point 110-109 with 2:37 left in the game.

The Warriors went crazy in the final two minutes of the game. The crowd at Chase was thunderous and the Trail Blazers began to make mistakes partially due to the noise.

Portland had a couple of turnovers and with 22 seconds on the clock Divincenzo hit a monster three to take a 118-112 lead. They finished the game on a 16-2 run in an unlikely win keeping their win streak intact. They are now 16-2 at home.

Poole and Thompson shot for over 70 points in this game. Poole had 41 and Thompson with 31 in an amazing effort.

The Warriors will get the weekend off before taking on the Atlanta Hawks at Chase. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.