Kings lose by 5 to Suns 122-117; Sac drops three straight games

The Sacramento Kings Malik Molnk (0) takes a jump shot against the Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) and guard Damion Lee (10) at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Mon Nov 28, 2022 (@ SacramentoKings photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Monday night in Sacramento. The Kings were fresh off multiple days of rest and a tough east coast road trip. The Kings had a three city swing that took them through Memphis, Atlanta, and Boston.

The Kings went 1-2 on the trip dropping the last two games in Atlanta and Boston. On Monday they hoped to reverse the tide against the Phoenix Suns. Tip off was set for 7 PM PST in Sacramento. The Kings lost to the Suns 122-117.

In the first quarter, it was a fairly even game for both sides. The Suns came out with a bit more offensive power than the Kings out scoring them 31-26 in the first quarter. Kevin Huerter was keeping the Kings in the game early.

In the second quarter, the Kings played very well. Defense was still to be wished for but the Kings managed to score 38 points on the Suns in the second quarter. The offensive showing was impressive given that the Suns are one of the top defenses in the league. The Suns scored 32 in the second. Heading into halftime the Kings led the Suns 64-63.

In the third quarter, it was all Suns. The Kings went from a high powered offense in the second to only managing 20 points against the Suns in the third quarter. The third quarter is really where the Kings lost the game. The Suns scored 28 points in the third to take a 91-84 lead into the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings put up a fight. However, it ultimately wasn’t enough to stop Devin Booker who lead with 44 points and led the Suns in scoring. The Kings outscored the Suns 33-31 in the final quarter but it wasn’t enough to overtake Phoenix. The Kings lost the game 122-117.

The Kings had a chance to have the last possession of the game only down three points but were unable to grab the rebound after a great defensive stop. It was a frustrating game for the Kings who received a sub par performance from star De’Aaron Fox. Domantas Sabonis had an impressive game with 17 points, 9 assists, and 10 rebounds.

Malik Monk led the way for the Kings with 30 points. However, the story of the night was the dominating performance from Devin Booker who scored 44 points. The Kings will turn their attention to the next game to rebound.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday at 7 PM PS

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Warriors try to make it four in row face Dallas Tue night

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) and Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) vie for a rebound in the second quarter at the Target Center in Minneapolis on Sun Nov 27, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Barbara:

#1 If the first quarter was any indication, Golden State (11-10) is back in championship form. They were nothing short of amazing. They led after the first 12 minutes by 20 points 47-27 shooting at 72%. 

#2 Minnesota made a bit of a move to start the second quarter. The Timberwolves (10-10) cut their deficit from 20 to 13 which prompted a Warrior time-out with 11:17 left in the half. 

#3 The Warriors pulled it all together as Jordan Poole went into attack mode and extended their lead back out to 57-38. Minnesota was struggling from beyond the arc and the Warriors wanted to go into halftime with the momentum they started the game with.

#4  Stephen Curry had the high with 25 points closely followed by Poole with 24. Klay Thompson had 21 points with critical three’s from Thompson and Curry to finish off Minnesota 137-114.

#5 The Warriors tip off against the Dallas Mavericks (9-10) Tuesday night in Dallas. The Warriors always have battled the Mavericks in Dallas how do you see this one on Tuesday night.

Join Barbara for the Warrior podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Huge First Quarter Gives Warriors Road Win Over Timberwolves 137-114; Third straight win for Golden State

The Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) throws down on the Minnesota Timberwolves Rudy Gobert (27) at the Target Center in Minneapolis on Sun Nov 27, 2022 (AP News photo)

Huge First Quarter Gives Warriors Road Win Over Timberwolves 137-114

By Barbara Mason

Sunday afternoon the Golden State Warriors (11-10) took on the Minnesota Timberwolves (10-10) at Target Center. The Warriors have only won one game on the road and of late have been playing some outstanding basketball. They have, of course, been excellent at Chase Center and Sunday’s game will have a lot to say in regards to how this team is playing whether it be on the road or at home. This time on the road where they had a big first quarter to defeat the Timberwolves 137-114.

If the first quarter was any indication, Golden State is back in championship form. They were nothing shot of amazing. They led after the first twelve minutes by twenty points 47-27 shooting at 72%. It could not have been a better start for the Warriors and they would have to keep up the furious pace. through three more quarters.

Minnesota made a bit of a move to start the second quarter. The Timberwolves cut their deficit from 20 to 13 which prompted a Warrior time-out with 11:17 left in the half. Golden State needed to keep their foot on the pedal against a very good Minnesota team.

The Warriors pulled it all together as Jordan Poole went into attack mode and extended their lead back out to 57-38. Minnesota was struggling from beyond the arc and the Warriors wanted to go into halftime with the momentum they started the game with. Golden State has started games hot in the first quarter and not in the second and this is something they want to put in the rearview. Golden State had a 76-56 halftime lead.

The Warriors hung onto the lead through the third quarter. They won the first quarter but came away even in the second and third quarters. Going into the fourth quarter Golden State had a 109-89 lead.

The Timberwolves made things a bit tight trailing by ten points with 5:29 left in the game. Golden State pulled it together courtesy of stars, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Poole with a little icing on the cake thanks to a triple from Donte DiVincenzo.

There were six Warriors in double digits this afternoon. They shot 57% from the field and had 20 from downtown. Draymond Green had his first double double of the season. Curry had the high with 25 points closely followed by Poole with 24. Thompson had 21 points with critical three’s from Thompson and Curry to finish off Minnesota.

Anthony Edwards had the high for the Timberwolves with 26 points but they couldn’t keep pace with the Warriors. When push came to shove they fell short.

The Warriors continue this brief road trip taking on the Dallas Mavericks Tuesday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:30 PM.

Warriors Handle Utah 129-117

Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) drives past Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen, right, during the first half at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Fri Nov 25, 2022 (AP News photo)

Warriors Handle Utah 129-117

By Barbara Mason

Friday night the Golden State Warriors (10-10) defeated the Utah Jazz (12-9) 129-117 at Chase Center. The Warriors are coming off a 124-107 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday. The Jazz last game was a loss at the hands of the Detroit Piston 125-116.

The Warriors had a great start winning the first quarter 37-23 really taking it to the Jazz. Golden State had a 59-51 lead at the half. It had been a slow start for Klay Thompson and the team would need him in the second half.

The Warriors built on that halftime lead winning the third quarter 38-35 and leading after three 97-86. Thompson had to get involved in this game and he sure did in the third quarter. He got going with 2:39 left and it was lights out for Thompson sinking shot after shot from downtown.

We saw a furious pace explode from both teams in the fourth quarter. The Warriors continued to hold a ten plus lead throughout the quarter. The Jazz were unable to cut the deficit. Both Stephen Curry and Thompson were shooting at 50% from downtown extending the Warriors lead 100-116 with 6:44 left in the game. Golden State had defended the three well in this game holding the Jazz to 27%.

With under five minutes left the Warriors had their biggest lead of the game 121-102. The Jazz made a bit of a run, a 9-0 run but it was to no avail. Every time the Jazz got going, the Warriors would answer and most of the time it was via a shot from downtown.

The Warriors have now won two games in a row, not surprising since they were at Chase. Golden State has looked like world champions in their last two games. Every starter in tonight’s game finished with double digits. Curry had 33 points, Andrew Wiggins with 20 and Thompson with 20. Jordan Poole was again terrific with 19 points off the bench.

The Warriors will next go on the road taking on the Minnesota Timberwolves Sunday afternoon. Tipoff is scheduled for 12:30 PM.

Celtics Blow-Out Kings 122-104

The Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) takes a drive around the Sacramento Kings guard Kevin Huerter, left during Fri Nov 25, 2022 game at TD Garden on Fri Nov 25, 2022 (AP News photo)

Celtics Blow-Out Kings 122-104

By Barbara Mason

Friday night the Sacramento Kings (10-8) traveled to Boston to take on the Celtics (15-4) at TD Garden. The Kings are coming off a loss to Atlanta 115-106 from Wednesday night. The red-hot Celtics came into this game after beating the Mavericks 125-112 last Wednesday. The Celtics are the third best three point shooting team in the NBA and were a tough assignment for Sacramento beating the Kings 122-104 Friday night.

Game recap: The first quarter was all Boston winning it 34-23. The Kings had ten turnovers which turned into 11 Celtic points and De’Aaron Fox did not score until the final 1:31 of the quarter.

They would need Fox if they had any hopes of beating the Celtics. The Kings also needed to limit the turnovers because you are not going to beat many teams committing ten turnovers let alone a team with the talent of Boston.

The Kings really settled down in the second quarter. With two minutes left in the half they trailed by a single point. After a terrible start to this game the Kings trailed by a couple 64-62 at halftime in a huge turnaround. Fox came to life with 14 points, 11 of them in the second quarter and Domantas Sabonis had 12 points.

The Kings had great work off the bench from Malik Monk hitting nine points and Davion Mitchell with 10. In the second quarter the Kings only had two turnovers.

The Celtics went on a 16-0 run to end the third quarter leading by the score of 94-84. At 10:12 the Kings tied up the game and actually took the lead for a time but it was short-lived as Boston went on the crazy run.

Boston took this game over leaving the Kings in the dust as they distanced themselves from Sacramento. With 4:30 left in the game the score was 115-90 in a blow-out. The Celtics had gone on a 37-6 run and it was all but finished for the Kings. The Kings went on a slight run but it was far too little too late. The final was 122-104.

The Kings have now lost two in a row, They will next take on the Phoenix Suns Monday night at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings seven game win streak snapped but not drive and determination

Atlanta Hawks forward AJ Griffin (14) attempts to pass during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings in Atlanta on Wed Nov 23, 2022 (AP News photo)

On Sacramento Kings podcasts with Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 Wednesday night the Sacramento Kings (10-7) took on the Atlanta Hawks (11-7) at State Farm Arena. The Kings are coming off a win over Memphis Tuesday 113-109 while the Hawks lost to the Cavaliers on Monday 114-102.

#2 The Kings trailed at the half 72-57. Sacramento lost the first quarter 35-26 and the second quarter 37-31. The Kings were struggling defensively and were challenged in trying to contain the Hawks Trae Young.

#3 Although the Kings dominated in the paint it was those turnovers that really hurt them in this game. De’Aaron Fox had a slow start but finished with 18. Malik Monk had a monster game with 27 points off the bench. 

#4 Young had 35 points for Atlanta getting open consistently throughout the entire game. The Hawks didn’t have a great fourth quarter but the Kings just didn’t take advantage of their let-down.

#5  Friday night the Kings will travel to Boston to take on the Celtics at TD Garden. They will get a chance to rest tomorrow after taking on this challenging road trip. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM.

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

Golden State Warriors podcast with Jerry Feitelberg: Warriors don’t allow Clippers any ground in 124-107 win

Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) smiles after making a 3-point basket against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Wed Nov 23, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Jerry F:

#1 Jerry, the Golden State Warrior (9-10) Andrew Wiggins lead with 31 points a season high as the Warriors defeated the Los Angeles Clippers (11-8) at the Chase Center 124-107.

#2 Wiggins shot 12-18 and for the second time tied his totals for most three points this season with six and also scored 20 or more points in his third straight game.

#3 Warriors guard Stephen Curry whose been under FTX litigation threats didn’t let that bother him a bit scoring second on the Warriors leaderboard with 22 points.

#4 Klay Thompson finished with 18 points and was really excited about his accomplishments on Wednesday night. Thompson raised his arms to get the fans pumped up after a one handed slam dunk.

#5 The Utah Jazz (12-8) have lost five of their last seven games. The Jazz lost to the Detroit Pistons in their last game 125-116. The Jazz tip off with the Warriors this Friday night at 7:00pm at Chase Center.

Join Jerry for the Warriors podcast at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Warriors roll over Clippers 124-107

Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson gets the fans in a frenzy after scoring against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Wed Nov 23, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Golden State Warriors returned home to host the Los Angeles Clippers at the Chase Center Wednesday night. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr wanted his team to improve in three facets of the game. He wanted the Warriors to cut down on fouling, stop turning over the ball, and play better defense.

Without Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the Clippers were hoping their second-best defense in the NBA would find a way to slow down the Warrior offense. The Wariors played better defense and cut down on the number of turnovers but committed 26 fouls, allowing the Clippers to take 27 free throws. The Clippers made 18. The Warriors responded as they moved the ball well and found the open man to propel them to a 124-107 victory.

Klay Thompson led the Warriors offense in the first quarter. Thompson played well. Thompson had 15 points and made two threes. Stephen Curry had seven. The Warriors won the quarter 32-29. In the second quarter, the second unit increased the lead to 50-42. When Curry, Andrew Wiggins, and Draymond Green returned, the Warriors went on an 18-4 run to finish the first half leading 66-47. Wiggins and Thompson each had 15 in the half. Curry had 11. None of the Clipper starters were in double figures.

The Clippers knew they had to outplay the Warriors in the third period if they hoped to get back in the game. They cut the lead to nine, 87-79, but Curry knocked down two three to help the Warriors increase the lead to 16, 98-82, at the end of three periods.

Wiggins hot the hot hand. Wiggins paced the Warriors in the fourth quarter. The big three, Curry, Thompson, and Wiggins, made three-pointers to give the Warriors a commanding 29-point advantage of 119-90.Kerr pulled his starters from the game. The Clippers continued to fight hard, but they could not overcome the Warriors’ lead. Kerr inserted his bench warmers to finish the game’s last four minutes. The Warriors win 124-107.

Game Notes and stats: The Warriors won for the sixth time in their last eight games. Their record is 9-10. The Warriors have won seven straight at home. Los Angeles falls to 11-8.

Wiggins was the offensive force for Golden State with points, four rebounds, and two assists. Wiggins made six threes. Curry had 22 points, six rebounds, and nine assists. Thompson had 18, Green had nine points, seven rebounds, and 12 assists. The Warriors shot 49.5% from the floor. They made 19 threes. 

Marcus Morris led LA with 19. Terance Mann had 17, Amir Coffey had 13, Reggie Jackson 11, and John Wall nine. Norman Powell, coming off the bench, knocked down 17. The Clippers shot 44.8% from the floor and made 11 threes. 

The Warriors host the Utah Jazz at the Chase Center Friday night. The game will start at 7 pm.

Kings Winning Streak Halted At Seven- Losing To Hawks 115-106

Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) guards the ball against Sacramento Kings guard Kevin Huerter (9) during the first half at Atlanta on Wed Nov 24, 2022 (AP News photo)

Kings Winning Streak Halted At Seven- Losing To Hawks 115-106

By Barbara Mason

Wednesday night the Sacramento Kings (10-7) took on the Atlanta Hawks (11-7) at State Farm Arena. The Kings are coming off a win over Memphis Tuesday 113-109 while the Hawks lost to the Cavaliers on Monday 114-102.

The Kings trailed at the half 72-57. Sacramento lost the first quarter 35-26 and the second quarter 37-31. The Kings were struggling defensively and were challenged in trying to contain the Hawks Trae Young. The Kings had a lot of trouble getting those three’s to fall as they missed shot after shot from downtown. Turnovers were also mounting as the game went on.

The Kings made up some ground in the third quarter winning it 31-25.

Sacramento got to within seven points in the fourth quarter but the Hawks answered every time extending their lead with shots from outside. As the clock began to wear down, the Kings had 19 turnovers which Atlanta took advantage of to the tune of 17 points.

The Kings seven game winning streak was in jeopardy with 2:39 left in the game. Sacramento had so many opportunities but their downfall beyond the turnovers were the missed three’s. They were eight of 29 from downtown. With 48.6 left on the clock Young said good night to the Kings with yet another shot from downtown. The final was 115-106.

Although the Kings dominated in the paint it was those turnovers that really hurt them in this game. De’Aaron Fox had a slow start but finished with 18. Malik Monk had a monster game with 27 points off the bench. The Kings were sluggish out of the gate and just weren’t able to get going.

Young had 35 points for Atlanta getting open consistently throughout the entire game. The Hawks didn’t have a great fourth quarter but the Kings just didn’t take advantage of their let-down. Friday night the Kings will travel to Boston to take on the Celtics at TD Garden. They will get a chance to rest tomorrow after taking on this challenging road trip. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM.

Pelicans Trounce Golden State 128-83

Pelicans Trounce Golden State 128-83

New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) shoots against Golden State Warriors guard Ty Jerome in the first half at Smoothie King Arena in New Orleans on Mon Nov 21, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Sunday night the Golden State Warriors (8-10) won their first road game of the season in Houston. Monday night the Warriors took on the New Orleans Pelicans (10-7) and added another road loss to their road record total 128-83 their ninth road loss this season.

Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green sat out the game and the kids got the start. Jonathan Kuminga, Anthony Lamb, Jordan Poole, Donte DiVincenzo and veteran Kevon Looney were on the starting roster. There were only ten guys in uniform Monday and they would no doubt get a vigorous work-out against New Orleans.

It was a slow start for both teams in the first quarter. The slow start for New Orleans got going after the opening minutes and at the end of the quarter the Pelicans had a significant lead 35-16.

By halftime, the Pelicans had a healthy 65-41 lead. The Warriors had committed a lot of turnovers and were simply outplayed by New Orleans in the first half. Jordan Poole was having a great game with 20 points in the first two quarters. The Warriors had a real uphill battle in the second half against the full strength Pelicans.

The Warriors had a struggle trying to contain the Pelicans who welcomed back Zion Williamson tonight after he had missed the last three games. New Orleans has a terrific offense and a pretty decent defense as the Warriors found out early. The Warriors had trouble shooting threes’’s going 6 of 28 through three quarters. The Pelicans led after three 97-65 and it had been all New Orleans all night.

The Warriors were getting trounced in this game but got some great experience. They were trailing 116-76 with 6:00 left on the clock. The lose Warriors in a blow-out.

There were some bright spots for the Warriors in the game. The high score was Poole with 26 points. Kuminga had 18 points. They did struggle from downtown going 10 of 43. This was just more invaluable experience for these young guys.

The Pelicans were cruising from the start of the game. Brandon Ingram finished with the high score 34 points. CJ McCollum had 15 points. Jonas Valanciunas was great defensively with 13 rebounds. New Orleans was shooting 54% in the game.

The Warriors will play the Clippers Wednesday night at Chase Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.