Tag: New Orleans Pelicans

Kings Defeat Raptors 135-130; Sabonis unstoppable scores second triple double for Sac two games in a row

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By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Friday night after taking on the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night. The Kings expended a lot of energy in the game on Wednesday as it went to double overtime. The Kings ultimately won the game by the final of 138-135.

On Friday, the Kings were set to welcome in the Toronto Raptors. It was an exciting matchup for the Kings, with all the trade speculation swirling of a trade between the Kings and the Raptors. Prior to tip-off, it appeared the talks between the teams had cooled, and nothing appeared to be possible.

Time would tell if the two teams could get a deal done. The tip-off against the Raptors was set for 7 PM PST on Friday. The Kings defeated the Raptors 135-130 on Friday night at Golden One Center.

In the first quarter, the Kings came out playing well. The Kings shots were falling on the offensive end, and the defense was paying well on the other end of the floor. The Kings outscored the Raptors 36-27 in the first quarter to build a quick lead.

In the second quarter, the Kings did more of the same to expand the lead going into halftime. The Kings outscored the Raptors in the second quarter 41-30 to go up big going into halftime. The Kings would lead 57-77 going into halftime as they built a sizable lead. Domantas Sabonis and Harrison Barnes led the Kings in the first half with 12 points. RJ Barrett and Dennis Schroder each had 11 in the first half.

In the third quarter, the Kings took a regression in the game. The Kings defense faltered in the quarter as they allowed the Raptors to score 40 points. It was a defensive meltdown for the Kings, who would look to tighten things up in the final quarter to maintain the lead. The Kings scored 30 points in the third quarter to go into the fourth with a 10-point 107-97 lead.

In the fourth quarter, the game would turn into a dogfight. The Kings were trying their best to maintain the lead. However, some of the Kings found themselves in foul trouble. Sabonis would foul out of the game with just over a minute to go.

The Kings went to Chris Duarte in place of Javale McGee. The Kings would get outscored in the final quarter 33-28. However, the Kings would still hold on for the win 135-130. It was a tough-fought win for the Kings, who once had a 20-point lead.

The Raptors best performances came from Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley, who both scored 20 points. The Kings best performance came from Sabonis, who had a 24-point, 15 rebound, and 10 assist game.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday at 3 PM PST in Sacramento.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings hoping to comeback after tough loss to Pelicans; Tip off with Suns tonight at Footprint Arena

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The New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum takes a shot against the Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray in the first quarter at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Mon Dec 4, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

The Sacramento Kings (11-8) were back in action on Monday night. The Kings were set to host the first game of the in-season tournament as they welcomed in the New Orleans Pelicans (12-10). The Kings last played Saturday night as they defeated the Denver Nuggets 123-117.

The Pelicans got lots of help from top scorers Brandon Ingram with 30 points and the Kings defense had double coverage on Zion Williamson which relegated the ball to Ingram.

The Pelicans runner up scorer guard Herb Jones contributed with 23. The Kings would have been pretty much in lock step with the Pelicans if it were for that nine point deficit they had in the second quarter where New Orleans were ahead 34-25.

The Kings play tonight in Footprint Center Arena with a 6:00pm PT tip off. The Suns have won seven of their last ten games.

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

Kings eliminated from tournament. Lose to Pelicans 127-117

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The New Orleans Pelicans forward Naji Marshall (8) gets that winning feeling early in the game against the Sacramento Kings in the first quarter at Golden 1 in Sacramento on Mon Dec 4, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Monday night. The Kings were set to host the first game of the in-season tournament as they welcomed in the New Orleans Pelicans. The Kings last played Saturday night as they defeated the Denver Nuggets 123-117.

The Pelicans also last played on Saturday, as they were defeated by the Chicago Bulls 124-118 on the road. The Pelicans had embarrassed the Kings in the last two contests on the road. The tip-off was set for 7 PM PST on TNT. The Kings fell to the Pelicans 127-117 on Monday night.

In the first quarter, the fans in attendance were in for a roller coaster. The Kings came out hot and jumped out to an early lead. The Kings, at one point, led by 15 points. However, the Pelicans roared back to shrink that lead down to one point by the end of the quarter. It was a wild quarter you would only assume would not repeat itself. The Kings outscored the Pelicans 36-35 in the first quarter and looked to right the ship in the second quarter.

In the second quarter, the bizarre play from the Kings continued. After starting the game red hot, the Kings were struggling mightily to score and get any stops on defense. It was a full-blown meltdown for the Kings after the midway point in the first quarter. The Pelicans outscored the Kings 34-25 in the second quarter to take the lead going into halftime. The Pelicans led the Kings 69-61 at halftime.

In the third quarter, the Kings stopped the bleeding. However, they were still outscored by the Pelicans 31-30 in the quarter. The defensive assignment the Pelicans give the Kings is not a good matchup. The Kings continued the struggle on the defensive end to get stops. As the quarter winded down and we headed to the fourth quarter, the Kings were trailing 100-91.

In the fourth quarter, it was more of the same. The Kings weren’t able to muster any comeback against the Pelicans as they lost 127-117. The Pelicans outscored the Kings in the final quarter 27-26. It was a disappointing game for the Kings after steering the game so hot.

The Kings appeared poised to win the game early but that quickly vanished. The Kings were led in defeat by De’Aaron Fox with 30 points. The Pelicans best performance came from Brandon Ingram who scored 30 points.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the Brooklyn Nets on Monday, Dec 11th, after the in-season tournament break concludes. The Kings will take on the Nets at 7 PM PST.

Despite Jokic’s triple double Kings defeat NBA Champs Nuggets 123-117

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Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) despite getting his eighth triple double of the 2023-24 campaign and doing all the heavy lifting couldn’t get the Nuggets past forward Domantas Sabonis (left) and the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Saturday night in Sacramento. The Kings were set to welcome in the defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets. The Kings were coming off a tough loss to the LA Clippers on the second night of a back-to-back. The Kings and Nuggets were set to tip-off at 7 PM PST at Golden One Center. The Kings defeated the Nuggets 123-117.

In the first quarter, the Kings yet again came out slow. The Kings didn’t gid themselves a huge hole; however, they were outscored by the Nuggets 30-25 in the first quarter. The Kings offense was still not hitting on all cylinders as the Kings were looking to recover from the Clippers loss. The Nuggets were looking solid on the offensive end, even with the absence of Jamal Murray.

In the second quarter, the Kings offense came alive a bit. The Kings outscored the Nuggets by a sizeable 39-20 margin. Overall, the Kings played a much more efficient quarter on both sides of the court to take the lead going into halftime. The Kings would be leading 64-50 as the half concluded. Nikola Jokic did what he usually does, scoring 18 points in the half. Kevin Huerter and De’Aaron Fox each had 11 points in the first half.

In the third quarter, the Kings melted down early in the quarter. The 14-point lead they had built up all but had evaporated midway through the quarter. However, the Kings were able to respond and build the lead back to 10 points heading into the fourth quarter. The Kings would need to buckle down in the final 12 minutes of the game if they hoped to defeat the reigning NBA champs.

In the fourth quarter, the Nuggets stormed back. The Nuggets got the game within four points in the final quarter. However, the Kings held on to win the game. The Kings got big three-pointers from Malik Monk and Huerter in the last minute of the game to secure the deal.

The Kings defeated the Nuggets 123-117. The Kings and Nuggets engaged in a slugfest in the final quarter as the Nuggets outscored the Kings 39-35. Fox led the Kings with 25 points and 16 assists. The 16 assists were a career high for Fox. Jokic led the way for the Denver Nuggets with 36 points.

Up Next: The Kings will stay home to take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday at 7 PM PST.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmson: Kings take on a successful Timberwolves team tonight at the Target Center

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Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) looks to pass the basketball while being double teamed by the New Orleans Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr (behind Fox) and guard Dyson Daniels (11) in first half action at Smoothie King Arena in New Orleans on Wed Nov 22, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 The New Orleans Pelicans (8-7) top scorers from Wednesday night Zion Williams with 25 points and Brandon Ingram with 21 were key in playing catch up with the Sacramento Kings (8-6) after being behind by 14 points.

#2 Pelicans head coach Willie Green said of Williamson and Ingram, “Both of those guys have been working diligently with the coaching staff.”

#3 Later in the game it became nip and tuck with the Kings De’Aaron Fox who scored a basket that got the Kings within three points 115-112

#4 The Pelicans just pulled ahead of the Kings towards the end of the game with a five points win 117-112 and shut the Kings defense down to prevent them from getting within distance of tying the game.

#5 After the Kings six game win streak snapped by the Pelicans last Monday and loosing the second game on Wednesday. Tonight the Kings face Minnesota to take on the Timberwolves. Minnesota has won five of their last six games. Jeremiah how do you see this match up?

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

Sacramento Kings Lose Second Game to New Orleans Pelicans 117-112

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New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) takes the ball to the hoop against the Sacramento Kings forward Trey Lyles (41) in the first half at Smoothie King Arena in New Orleans on Wed Nov 22, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

After getting totally ripped Monday night by the New Orleans Pelicans (8-7), the Sacramento Kings (8-6) met the Pelicans in a second game in as many days on Wednesday night. While they did trail at half-time they made things very interesting in the fourth quarter. The Kings tied the game numerous times in the final quarter but came up short losing 117-112.

Monday night the New Orleans Pelicans (8-7) completely owned the Sacramento Kings (8-6) crushing them 129-93. The Pelicans built momentum with each quarter and by the end of the third quarter this game was a done deal. In the first quarter of that first game Monday night, the Kings actually won the opening 31-29.

The Pelicans established a lead at the half 66-53 and never looked back. Wednesday night the Kings played the Pelicans in a second game in as many days hoping to turn things around but lost by five points to get swept in the two game series.

Game recap: In the first quarter of this game the Pelicans took the opener 32-30 so very similar to their first game Monday night. The second quarter was eerily similar with the Pelicans taking the quarter 32-20. At the half New Orleans led 64-50.

The Pelicans had a 14 pt. lead in this game at half-time and they held a 13 pt. lead in the first game of this series at the half. Zion Williamson already had 17 points in the first half and was making himself right at home driving the basket scoring layups at will.

The Kings defense was having a lot of trouble stopping him. Brandon Ingram had 11 points in the half. The Kings Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox both had double digits.

Mid-way through the third quarter, the Kings made some adjustments keeping Williamson out of the paint and making things much more difficult for him. As the third came to an end, Zion Williamson had not scored a single basket and Brandon Ingram had six points in the quarter.

The Pelicans continued to hang onto a double digit lead and after three quarters the score was 79-93. The Kings were trailing but this was manageable going into the fourth quarter unlike Monday’s game. Sacramento was out of that game going into the fourth on Monday night. It would all come down to the fourth quarter for Sacramento in this game.

With 8 1/2 minutes left in the game the Pelicans called a timeout. Sacramento had pulled to within two points 97-95. Sacramento’s bench player Trey Lyles had really turned it on scoring 12 points and De’Aaron Fox was really pushing with 24 points scored.

This game was within the Kings reach as Sacramento had tied up the game at 102 with 6:44 left on the clock. At 5:16 the Kings had, at long last, taken the lead 105-104. The Kings fought hard in the final quarter but came up just short losing the game 117-112.

The Kings had enough offense to have won this game but at times there was a defensive let-down. Fox had the high score for the team with 26 points. Sabonis had 23 points and Barnes finished with 22 points. Monk and Lyles both had double digits off the bench.

Friday night the Kings continue their road trip taking on the Minnesota Timberwolves. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00.

Kings Take a Beating At the Hands of the New Orleans Pelicans 129-93

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New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) looks to get the ball to a teammate while under the basket against the Sacramento Kings at Smoothie King Arena in New Orleans (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The New Orleans Pelicans (6-7) squashed Sacramento in the Kings worst game of the season. The Pelicans poured in on the second half as they mercilessly pounded the Kings (8-4) in both the third and fourth quarters.

This game could not have ended soon enough for the Kings in their most embarrassing game of the season. Their worst game prior to this one was a loss to the Rockets in early November. They lost that game by 25 points. The final in this one was 129-93.

The Kings were on a roll but the Pelicans put an end to their six game win streak. The Kings were coming off a win over the Dallas Mavericks last Sunday. Monday night they took on the Pelicans and just couldn’t hang with them. The Pelicans had good defense to shut down the Kings scoring and dominated on offense staying well ahead of the Kings all game long. This was a challenge for Sacramento playing their first back-to-back games of the season.

Game recap: New Orleans did have a moderate start to the season but they still possess some very strong players in Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson. They will be missing CJ McCollum with a chest (collapsed lung) issue.

The Kings Kevin Huerter was a game time decision. Sacramento will be looking to push their winning streak to seven. Whether or not the road trip along with this back to back will effect the team will be known as this game gets underway.

The Kings won the opening quarter taking a 31-29 lead. There was a very real change in the energy in the second quarter and at the half, the Pelicans had taken a 66-53 lead. New Orleans peppered the Kings winning the quarter 37-22.

Williamson was having a field day finishing the first half with 22 points. The Kings offense was struggling and fatigue could very well be factoring into the collapse. Sacramento led until the final five minutes of the quarter and then everything began to break down.

Keegan Murray only had 5 points in the half and De’Aaron Fox finished with nine points. This is when the Pelicans began to really turn it on extending their lead to 13 points going into the locker room.

The Kings would have to dig deep if they wanted to turn this game around. They had to find a way to disrupt the play of Williamson. They will be playing the Pelicans for a second time on Wednesday in New Orleans so they want to come out of this with at least a split.

As the third quarter got underway it became very evident that the sluggish play from Sacramento was partially the result of fatigue. At 7:57 in the quarter the Pelicans had a 22 point lead, 77-55.

New Orleans was running roughshod over the Kings. The Pelicans were shooting at 57% to the Kings 35%. Shots from beyond the arc also went to New Orleans shooting at 54% to the Kings 26%. This game was turning into a disaster for Sacramento. As the third came to an end, the Pelicans had taken a dominating 100-69 lead.

There was just more of the same as the fourth quarter wore on. This game could not have ended soon enough for the team. The final was 129-93 in a real shocker. Harrison Barnes had the high for the Kings with 16 points.

Sacramento will have to pull it all together because on Wednesday the Kings will meet the Pelicans for a second time in New Orleans. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.

30 points at 5:54

Curry and Warriors Dominate Pelicans in Second Half Winning 130-102; Curry buries 7 three pointers

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Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) takes one of his three point shots in the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Arena in New Orleans on Mon Oct 30, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

After the amazing game from Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry and company last night against the Rockets the question was posed: would this team suffer from any sort of fatigue. That question was answered in the first half and the Warriors seemed to play even harder in the second half. Curry finished the game with 42 points in yet another outstanding performance in the 130-102 win; their third road win in a row.

Monday evening the Golden State Warriors (3-1) took on the New Orleans Pelicans (2-1) at Smoothie King Center. The Warriors are coming off a win over the Houston Rockets 106-95 Sunday night. Fatigue did not play a role in Monday night’s game for the Warriors. Playing those back to back games is draining and the Pelicans were playing some great basketball but ended their unbeaten streak.

Game recap: The two teams played a very close first quarter with the Warriors holding a slim lead after the first 12 minutes 29-27. At the half the Warriors still held a two-points lead 59-57. It was dead even in the second quarter with both teams scoring 30 points apiece.

It was anybody’s game going into the third quarter. Curry was back to his old tricks with three shots from downtown in the first quarter and a couple more in the second quarter. He really had to step up in the absence of Thompson and Kuminga and he did not disappoint. None of the Warriors showed any signs of fatigue in the first half nor for the rest of the game.

Golden State began to distance themselves from the Pelicans in the third quarter extending their lead going into the fourth quarter 98-78. The Warriors were taking care of Zion Williamson and the rest of the Pelicans.

Golden State was on their way to a spotless road record winning their third in a row. Curry and the Warriors continued the onslaught in the fourth quarter. With under three minutes left in the game, the Warrior’s bench took over slamming the door shut on the Pelicans leading 123-95.

This is the best that the Warriors have looked this season. Golden State did not dominate until the second half but when they got going it was all but over for New Orleans. The final was 130-102 and the Warriors would travel home with a perfect road record.

The road woes are history as the Warriors won their third in a row. Curry has been instrumental in every one of the first four games of the season finishing this game with 42 points in 30 minutes. He hit 7 of 13 three-pointers.

The Pelicans are a very good team but Golden State rendered them helpless in the second half. Moses Moody who started in this game had 13 points as did bench players Trayce Jackson-Davis and Chris Paul.

This game was a real test for the Warriors and they passed with flying colors. Kudos to the Golden State bench. Chris Paul, Gary Payton II, Brandin Podziemski, Dario Saric and Trayce Jackson-Davis all played nearly 2 quarters in total giving the starters some much needed rest.

Draymond Green played 22 minutes and had six points and six rebounds as he works back into the system. What was outstanding was the disparity between the rebound numbers.

The Warriors had 64 rebounds to the Pelicans 39 and their field goal and three point percentages topped New Orleans. Their turnovers are still significant but playing the way they are right now it doesn’t really matter all that much.

Zion Williamson helped his team keep it close in the first half but it all came apart in the second half when he got into foul quarter in the third quarter. He did finish with 19 points. The Pelicans played without starter Brandon Ingram who missed the game with right knee soreness.

The Warriors now head home for another date with the Sacramento Kings their second game against each other in the past four days. Golden State beat them in their first game Friday night 122-114 and this will prove to be another challenge for the Warriors.

The only game that the Warriors have lost this season was a loss at Chase against the Phoenix Suns in their season opener.

Tipoff for Wednesday’s game between Sacramento and Golden State is scheduled for 7:00 PM at the Chase Center in San Francisco .

13-3 run third

zion picked up his fourth quarer.

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Warriors out pace Rockets for second road win

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The Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) goes for the hoops being defended by the Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (left) and forward Kevin Looney (right) at the Toyota Center in Houston on Sun Oct 29, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Barbara:

#1 The Houston Rockets are a much better team than they were last season and will no doubt win more than 22 games. They hung tight with the Golden State Warriors until the fourth quarter.

#2 That is when Warriors guard Stephen Curry went nuts hitting four three’s in a row in the fourth and locked down this win for the Warriors 106-95.

#3 The Golden State Warriors (2-1) took on the Houston Rockets (0-3) Sunday evening with a full roster which included the long awaited return of Draymond Green. 

#4 The Warriors on the road played their second road game of the young season after beating the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center 122-114 last Friday night. They got road win number two.

#5 The Warriors continue on the road next traveling to Smoothie King Center to take on Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans Monday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM PT.

Barbara Mason does the Golden State Warriors podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kings handle Pelican defense 121-103

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Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes (40) dunks against New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III (25) during the first half at Smoothie King Arena in New Orleans on Tue Apr 4, 2023 (AP News photo)

Kings Handle Pelican Defense 121-103

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (48-31) took on the New Orleans Pelicans (40-39) Tuesday night at Smoothie King Center in the “Big Easy”. The Kings have already secured their spot in the playoffs so now it’s all about preparing for mid-April and remaining healthy.

The Kings have had an amazingly injury-free season which accounts, in part, to much of their success. All the credit goes to the training staff that is onboard in Sacramento. Case in point the Kings offense lit up the Pelicans for a 121-103, 18 point win.

The Kings got a slow start in the opening quarter and the Pelicans Brandon Ingram tore up the court in the first quarter scoring 14 points. The Kings may have started poorly but they came on strong in the later minutes of the quarter outscoring the Pelicans 25-22.

Sacramento got fully on board in the second quarter outscoring New Orleans 40-32 and led at the half 65-54. The Kings had successfully taken Ingram out of the game after his hot start.

Sacramento maintained a double digit lead throughout the third quarter. Keegan Murray continued his amazing play shooting 7 of 9 from downtown. After three quarters the Kings had extended their lead to 96-80.

With 3:01 left in the fourth quarter the Kings had a 116-95 lead. They had handled one of the best defenses in the NBA. The Kings clinched the Pacific Division title in yet another milestone in this 2022-’23 season.

Every starter in this game had double digits with De’Aaron Fox leading the pack shooting 23 points. Malik Monk was back in action and finished with 17 points.

This season not only Keegan Murray but also Kevin Huerter were on the most 3-Pt field goals in a season list. In 2022-’23 Murray shot 201 and Huerter was right behind him with 200. Just another measure of the success that the Kings have had this season.

Wednesday night the Kings travel to Dallas to take on the Mavericks looking for win #49. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 PM.