Sacramento Kings game wrap: Kings struggle with defense again lose by eight,122-114

The Phoenix Sun center Deanadre Ayton (22) takes a shot while being defended by the Sacramento Kings guard Tyrese Haliburton (22) and De’Aaron Fox (5) on Thu Apr 15, 2021 at Phoenix (AP News photo)

The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Thursday night. The Kings were playing in the second night of a back-to-back that saw them take on the Washington Wizards in Sacramento on Wednesday, and the Pheonix Suns on Thursday. The Sacramento Kings fell on Thursday to the Suns 122-114 in Phoenix. However, before we talk about that game let’s quickly recap Wednesday’s loss.

Flashback Wednesday: In the Kings last game they welcomed into Sacramento the Washington Wizards. The Wizards came into the game as one of the worst teams in the league according to their record, but that didn’t stop them. The Kings didn’t play a very solid defensive game as the Wizards beat the Kings by the final of 123-111. The Kings lost their eighth straight game as the losses continue to mount in the hunt for a play-in spot.

Thursday night recap: The Kings are a much worse team than the Phoenix Suns. That much we knew going into Thursday’s game for the Kings. However, the Kings have been known to win unexpected matchups while failing to take care of the “easy” opponents. The Kings were set to take on the Phoenix Suns on Thursday at 7 PM PST in Phoenix.

In the first half, The Kings kept up well with the Suns. The first quarter saw the Kings get outscored 33-28. The Kings defense was the blind side as the Suns took advantage. In the second quarter, the Kings managed to outscore the Suns 37-34 as the Kings made back some of the ground they lost in the first quarter. The Kings would go into halftime down 67-65. The Kings kept it close with the Suns in the first half and would look for the comeback win on the road.

In the second half, the Kings weren’t able to complete a comeback. In the third quarter, the Kings did outscore the Suns 29-28 too keep the game close going into the final quarter. In the final quarter, the Kings offense evaporated. The Kings only managed to score 20 points in the fourth quarter as the Suns put up 27 to seal the deal in the dessert.

The Suns beat the Kings by a final of 122-114. The Kings were led by the usual person in the form of De’Aaron Fox who scored 27 points. For the Suns, Deandre Ayton led the way with 26 points. The Kings have now lost nine games in a row and will head to take on the Mavericks next.

Up Next: The Kings flew to Dallas after the game on Thursday to take on the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday at 4:30 PM PST.

Headline Sports podcast with Barbara Mason: Embiid and Simmons barber had Covid-19 leading to removal from All Star Game; Kings and Warriors reviews

Joe Embiid (21) and Ben Simmons (25) of the Philadelphia 76ers both were removed from playing in the NBA All Star Game due to Covid-19 protocol issues on Sun Mar 7, 2021 in Atlanta (@sixers)

On Headline Sports with Barbara:

#1 The Philadelphia 76ers (24-12) Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons received haircuts from a barber who had tested positive for Covid-19 and the NBA announced that both players were not going to play in last night’s All Star game in Atlanta.

#2 Barbara, the Sacramento Kings (14-22) have been playing .500 ball in their last four games. The Kings lost their last game to the Portland Trailblazers (21-14) 123-119 on Thursday night. The Kings previous game to that one was a shocker as they defeated the Los Angeles Lakers (24-13) 123-120 also memorable because LeBron did not play.

#3 The Kings although they lost to Portland on Thursday looks to have improved over the last two games with the win over the Lakers and the close contest against the Trailblazers.

#4 The Golden State Warriors (19-18) just below the playoff line in ninth place in the Western Conference the Warriors after winning six of seven went on a three game losing streak losing most recently to the Phoenix Suns (24-11) 120-98 last Thursday. Jordan Poole scored 26 leading Golden State in scoring.

#5 The Warriors face the fourth place Los Angeles Clippers (24-14) on Thu Mar 11 at Staples Center in Los Angeles. The Clippers have lost five of their last seven games and in their last game they lost a close one to the Washington Wizards (14-20) 119-117.

Join Barbara for Headline Sports each Monday morning at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Barbara Mason Mon Mar 8, 2021 by Sports Radio Service | Free Listening on SoundCloud

Suns easily handle Warriors 120-98; W’s different team without Curry in the line up

The Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul plays keep away from the Golden State Warriors Nico Mannion during the second half on Thu Mar 4, 2021 in Phoenix (AP News photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Golden State Warriors met the Phoenix Suns in Phoenix Thursday night. The Warriors were hoping to rebound from the tough loss to the Portland Trail Blazers Wednesday night. It was not going to be an easy task as the Suns had won 15 of the last 18 games and own a record of 23-11.

There was another problem that the Warriors had to overcome. The team did not play Kelly Oubre, Jr. Thursday night. He missed the game in Portland and was not ready to go Thursday. Warriors’ head coach Steve Kerr gave his two veteran stars, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, the night off.

The move was controversial as Thursday nights’ game was the last before the All-Star break. The team doesn’t play for a week. Curry is going to Atlanta to play. So, without three starters, the only regular in the starting lineup was Andrew Wiggins.

Damion Lee and Nico Mannion were the starting guard, Juan Toscano-Anderson was the other forward, and James Wiseman replaced Kevon Looney at the center position. Kerr wanted the young players to get more playing time. Phoenix used all their regulars, and they sent the Warriors down to defeat 120-98.

The Warriors played well until late in the first quarter. The Warriors trailed 24-23 when Phoenix went on a 10-nothing run to finish the first 12 minutes leading 34-23. Phoenix continued to punish the Warriors in the early going of the second period.

They outscored the Warriors 10-4 to lead 44-27. The Suns were on their way to a win. From this point until late in the fourth quarter, the Warrior youngsters held their own with the Suns. Jordan Poole, who had gone down to the G-League to get playing time, lit up the court when he entered the game.

Jordan knocked down 13 points and made two threes in 16 minutes of action. The Warriors finished the first half trailing 62-51. Andrew Wiggins helped out with 11 points. Devin Booker led the Suns with ten.

The Suns outscored the Warriors 58-47 in the second half to easily win 120-98. The Warriors had to be pleased with Jordan Poole’s performance. The second-year guard from the University of Michigan had a career-high 26 points. He was ten-for sixteen from the floor, and he knocked down five threes. 

Game Notes and Stats: With the loss, the Warriors are 19-18 for the year. Phoenix improved to 24-11.

Andrew Wiggins was second on the team with 16. James Wiseman had 11 points and ten rebounds. He was on the court for 34 minutes. Rookie guard Nico Mannion had nine points as he connected on three threes. Juan Toscano-Anderson had nine. The Warriors shot 43.7% from the floor, and they made 12 threes in 35 tries. The Suns outrebounded them 59-46. The Suns’ defense forced 17 turnovers.

The Suns had seven players in double-figures. Booker had 16, Cameron Payne 17, Abdel Nader, Jae Crowder 14, Dario Saric 13, Deandre Ayton 11, and ten boards. Chris Paul had ten.

James Wiseman and Mychal Mulder were named to the NBA’s Rising Stars team.  Curry will be playing in his seventh All-Star game. He has been a starter every time he has appeared in the NBA Classic. Curry will also compete in the three-point shootout. 

The Warriors resume play next Thursday night in Los Angeles when they face the Clippers. They return home to face the Utah Jazz and the Los Angeles Lakers. 

Warriors’ offense flounders in Phoenix, Suns win easily 114-93

Photo credit: @warriors

By Jerry Feitelberg

Hoping to earn their first three-game winning streak this season, the Golden State Warriors failed to generate enough offense to beat the Phoenix Suns. The Warriors trailed Phoenix by five at the half 52-47. The Warriors usually play better in the second half, but not Thursday night, as the Suns won both the third and fourth quarters to win 114-93.

The Warriors’ Kelly Oubre, Jr, James Wiseman, and Damion Lee all performed well against Minnesota Wednesday night. Their performances on Thursday was the exact opposite. Oubre finished with four points. He was 1-for-11 from the floor and did not make a three in five tries. Wiseman, who scored 25 against Minnesota, had five points and was 2-for-9 from the field.

Damion Lee did not score. He had 17 against Minnesota. The Warriors had three players in double figures. Steph Curry 27, Andrew Wiggins 16, and Eric Pascall 12. Seven Suns’ player had more than 10 points in the game.

The Suns were playing the last game of a four-game homestand. The visiting teams won all three very closely contested games. The Suns lost one in overtime, one in double-overtime, and one in regulation. They needed to beat the Warriors. They were without the star backcourt ace, Devin Booker, out with a hamstring injury. Dario Saric was not available due to COVID-19 protocol. The Suns found a way to win. They got off to a good start and were able to break down the Warriors’ defense as they outscored Golden State 36-29. 

The Warriors slowed down the Phoenix offense in the second quarter. They held the Suns to 16 points. Typically, the Warriors would have grabbed the lead. Thursday was not a typical night. The Warriors knocked down 18 to finish the first half trailing by five, 52-47. Steph Curry and Andrew Wiggins led the team with 13 and 12, respectively. Brad Wanamaker was third in scoring with six. 

Early in the third quarter, the Warriors closed to within one, 58-57. Phoenix went on an 11-0 run to make it 69-57. The Warriors could not generate any offense. They were toast. The Suns outscored them 33-24 to lead 85-71 after three quarters of play.

In the fourth quarter, Eric Paschall started making some baskets to keep the Warriors close. The Suns responded with an 11-2 run to lead 100-81. With five minutes left in the game, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr inserted his bench players to finish the game. The Suns won 114-93.

Game Notes and Stats: With the loss, the Warriors are 10-9 for the year. The Suns are now 9-8. 

The Warriors shot 38.9% from the floor. They made 11 threes in 38 tries. Phoenix shot 46.6% from the floor, and they made 11 threes in 32 attempts. 

Up Next: The Warriors return home to face the Detroit Pistons Saturday night at the Chase Center. The game will start at 7 pm PT.

Warriors-Suns game in Phoenix postponed due to Covid-19 issues on Friday

Talking Stick Arena in Phoenix will remain empty for Fri Jan 15, 2021’s game between the Golden State Warriors and the Phoenix Suns due to Covid 19 issues (The Business Journal file photo)

Covid-19 effects reach the NBA´s West Coast as Warriors postpone Friday´s game

By Pearl Allison Lo

January 13, 2020

Welcome to the real world outside the bubble. So far, the San Jose Sharks and the San Francisco 49ers have played in Arizona, but that will not include former Phoenix Sun Kelly Oubre Jr. and Golden State, at least not yet. The Warriors are now the first California team in the NBA to have coronavirus concerns affect their schedule.

After protocols to protect the league´s players and teams were enhanced Tuesday, Wednesday saw the Warriors-Suns game on Friday, as one of two games added to the rescheduled slate. Instead of starting their three-game road trip with back-to-back games, Golden State will have three days in between Thursday’s match versus the Denver Nuggets and Monday´s contest back in California against the Los Angeles Lakers.

The coronavirus almost came even closer for the Warriors, when forward Eric Paschall, initially tested positive, missing Tuesday’s game. With another test though, it was deemed that the first result was a ´false positive´.

Friday will be the second postponed game for Phoenix, as they were scheduled to play the Atlanta Hawks Wednesday, before it was called off. In a bit of a domino effect, the Washington Wizards and Suns played each other Monday, with players testing positive on the Wizards’ side. Both teams are two of the three teams with multiple games sidelined amidst contact tracing, due to lack of the eight minimum personnel needed on each side to conduct a contest.

One NBA game was postponed in December and the count is currently at eight in the new year´s first month. These have been recent matches, spanning from the 10th to the 15th. According to the latest testing results, the positivity rate is at 3%. Of the 497 players tested for COVID-19 since Jan. 6, 16 new players have returned confirmed positive tests.

“This virus is nothing to play with whether it’s a false positive or an actual positive,” Golden State guard Damion Lee said. “I’m glad we took the right or proper protocols and handled everything the way we were supposed to.

Sacramento Kings game wrap: Suns put a stop to Kings wins 116-100

The Phoenix Sun Devin Booker (1) goes for the mid air attempt at a ball off the boards against the Sacramento Kings at Golden One Center in Sacramento on Sun Dec 27, 2020 (USA Today photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

The Sacramento Kings had started the season off right. The Kings managed to win the first game of the season against the Denver Nuggets 124-122. This was a tough task for the Kings who on paper seemed to be a much weaker team. The Kings beat the Nuggets on Wed Dec 23rd.

The Kings then faced off against the Phoenix Suns Sat Dec 26th. The Kings beat the Suns 106-103. They had passed both the tests they face so far this year. They didn’t pass the third test on Sunday night Dec 27th in Sacramento getting beat by 16 points 116-100 at Golden One Center dropping their early 2020-21 season record to 1-2.

On Sunday, the Kings faced their first back to back games of the season. The Kings couldn’t stop the Suns who scored 34 points in the third quarter and another 26 points in the fourth quarter and put the game so far out of reach the Kings couldn’t catch up in the 16 point Sunday night loss.

In the first half the Kings held their own. They managed to outscore the Suns 33-28 in the first quarter. In the second, the Kings offense faltered and they were only able to score 20 points. This led to the Suns taking a 56-53 lead into halftime.

In the second half, it was up and down for the Kings. The Kings managed to keep pace with the Suns early in the third, but faltered later in the quarter. The Suns out scored the Kings 34-25 in the third. In the fourth, the Kings unfortunately couldn’t get back momentum. The Suns out scored the Kings 26-22 to win the game by a final of 116-100.

Buddy Hield led the Kings with 17 points as the Suns Mikal Bridges dropped 22 points.

Up Next: The Kings take on the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday at 7 PM PST at Golden One Center.

Sacarmento Kings game wrap: Kings pick up second win of season defeat Suns 106-103

The Phoenix Sun Devin Booker (1) tries to drive to the basket on the Sacramento Kings Richaun Holmes (left) in the first quarter of their game at Walking Stick Arena in downtown Phoenix on Sat Dec 26, 2020 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

The Sacramento Kings have started the season off right. They were able to beat the Denver Nuggets last Wednesday on the opening night of the season. On Saturday night, the Kings were set to take on the Phoenix Suns.

The Suns wrapped up the season on a high note last year. After making the bubble, they were able to make all their games going 8-0 in Orlando. In the offseason, they managed to add veteran point guard Chris Paul. The Suns then started the season off right by beating the formidable Dallas Mavericks in their first game. The Suns and Kings matchup was going to be a quality comparison of talent. The Kings out scored the Suns and were able to hold onto a 106-103 three point victory.

In the game the Kings jumped out to an early lead outscoring the Suns 31-25 in the first quarter. For the most part, the Kings were able to hold the lead going into halftime by a score of 59-54. The Kings had been playing a strong game up until this point. The key for them going forward was not giving up a “meltdown” quarter.

In the second half, the Kings did not give up any monster quarters. However, at times in the second half, the Kings did slip into their old ways. The encouraging part for the Kings was the ability to stop the bleeding and get back on track. The Kings and Suns matched pace in the third each scoring 25 points. The Kings weren’t able to replicate the offensive success in the first half in the last quarter but they did just enough to hold on. The Suns out scored the Kings 24-23 but the Kings were able to hold on 106-103 for the win.

The Kings got a tremendous performance from De’Aaron Fox as he scored 24 points and had seven assists. Devin Booker led the way for the Suns with 26 points. Harrison Barnes had 11 rebounds compared to the Suns Deandre Ayton who had 12.

Up next: The Kings will run it back against the Suns on Sunday at 6 PM PST at the Golden One Center.

Warriors upset Suns to snap eight-game losing streak 115-99

photo from sfgate.com: Golden State Warriors guard Damion Lee (1) drives past Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, in Phoenix.

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Golden State Warriors, down to eight healthy players, found a way to beat the Phoenix Suns Saturday night 115-99. Draymond Green was out with left knee soreness, Jordan Poole and Ky Bowman were out with ankle injuries.

Warriors’ head coach Steve Kerr had to figure out another starting lineup. He inserted Dragan Bender and Juan Toscano-Anderson at forward and guard. Andrew Wiggins returned to action after suffering back spasms last Thursday. Eric Paschall, Kevon Looney, and Mychal Mulder were the only players to come off the bench.

The Suns easily won the first quarter 41-28. They took an early lead, and the Warriors played catchup for the first 12 minutes of play.  The Warriors offense picked up in the second quarter. The Warriors outscored the Suns 33-24 to finish the first half trailing 65-61.

The Warriors trailed for most of the third period. They were able to tie the game at 72. The Suns could not get their offense going at all in the period. The Warriors went on 16-0 run to finish the period leading 92-81. The Warriors won the third quarter 31-16.

The Warriors continued to hold the Suns’ offense in check as they held them to just 18 points. The Warriors did not fold down the stretch and finished with the win 115-99.

Game Notes and Stats- The Warriors had two former first-round picks of the Suns in their starting lineup Saturday. Marquese Chriss, number eight, and Dragan Bender, number four, in the 2016 draft had to enjoy beating the team that let them go.

Chriss finished the night with 11 points, nine rebounds, and three assists. Bender had 13 points and eight boards. Rookie Eric Paschall, thriving coming off the bench, led the team with 25 points, three boards, and four assists. Damion Lee had 20, and Kevon Looney added ten.

Mychal Mulder, on a ten-day contract and playing in his second NBA game, had 14 points and six rebounds. Andrew Wiggins finished with 17 points, seven rebounds, and five assists.

Steve Kerr had this to say about his team’s performance: “The joy in that locker room right now, the relief, everybody’s smiling and happy and excited “Our team’s played hard all year and competed, but at times has been out-manned. So every win becomes sweeter.”

The Suns, trying for the eighth spot in the Western Conference, had to wonder how they could have lost at home to the lowly Detroit Pistons and the Golden State Warriors.

They did lose Kelly Oubre Jr. to a torn meniscus. However, injuries are part of the game, and the Suns need someone to step up and fill the void. That did not happen in the last two games. Devin Booker led the Suns with 21, Deandre Ayton 20, Mikal Bridges 15, Elie Okobo 14, and Dario Saric 11.

The Warriors shot 47% from the floor. Phoenix shot 41%. The Warriors out rebounded the Suns 49-40. The Warriors recorded 30 assists. For a team with so many new players, the stat had to please the coaches. The Warriors defense forced the Suns to commit 19 turnovers. The Warriors turned the ball over just ten times.

The Warriors announced that their team leader, Steph Curry, will not play Sunday against the Washington Wizards. Curry will play on Sunday in Santa Cruz for the G-League Warriors. Steve Kerr wants him to get some additional conditioning before returning to the NBA grind.

The Warriors meet the Washington Wizards at the Chase Center Sunday night at 5:30 pm.

Warriors come close still lose again 112-106 this time Phoenix

photo sfgate.com: Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives around Golden State Warriors forward Marquese Chriss (32) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020, in Phoenix.

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Warriors, with newly-acquired Andrew Wiggins, played a very entertaining game against the Phoenix Suns Wednesday evening in the Valley of the Sun. There’s an old saying that a team cannot win the game in the first period, but they sure as hell can lose it.

That’s what happened to the Warriors. They turned the ball over nine times in the first quarter. The Suns took advantage, and they sprinted to a 10-point lead 34-24 after 12 minutes of play.

The Warriors handled the ball better in the second quarter. They did commit four turnovers. What they couldn’t do is stop the Suns’, Devin Booker. Booker torched the Dubs with 18 points in the first half. The Suns scored 22 points off turnovers in the half.

The Warriors scored five in that department. The Warriors won the second quarter 26-24 to finish the first half trailing by eight 58-50. Marquese Chriss led the Warriors with 12. Andrew Wiggins, playing his third game as a Warrior, had ten.

The Warriors made a run in the third period to close within a single point of the lead 62-62. Phoenix did not fold. They beat back the Warriors challenge. The Warriors didn’t help themselves as they committed seven turnovers in the period. Phoenix was able to finish the third period leading by eleven 87-76.

The Warriors fought back. They were led by the play of Eric Paschall, Andrew Wiggins, and Jeremy Pargo. The 33-year-old Pargo, who signed a 10-day contract, played as if his NBA career was on the line, which it is. The Warriors came within four 100-96. Phoenix again rebuffed the Warriors challenge to win 112-106.

Game Notes and Stats- With the loss, the Warriors record dropped to 12-43.  Phoenix improved to 22-33. Suns’ head coach Monty Williams has led his team to more wins than they had for the entire 2018-2019 season.

The Warriors committed 22 turnovers in the game. The Suns turned those turnovers into 32 points. The Warriors scored 11 points off 14 Suns’ miscues.

The Suns took 14 more shots than the Warriors. They were 42 for 91 from the floor. The Warriors were 39 for 77. The Warriors shot 50.6% from the floor. That will typically win the game for a team. The Suns shot 46.2%. Golden State connected on 11 threes, the Suns knocked down 14.

The Warriors had six players in double figures. Andrew Wiggins had his best game as a Warriors. Wiggins knocked down 27 points, four boards, five assists, made three threes in four tries and blocked a career-high four shots. Marquese Chriss had a double-double.

The 22-year-old Chriss continues to impress. He had 18 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists. Jeremy Pargo helped out with 15. Jordan Poole and Eric Paschall each had 12. Damion Lee finished with ten. Draymond Green had six points, six rebounds, and nine assists.

The Suns were led by Booker’s 27 points. Booker, who is tenth in the NBA in scoring, was not an All-Star selection. Booker played as if he had a chip on his shoulder as he was all over the court Wednesday night. He had five rebounds, eight assists, and made two-threes to go along with his 27 points.

Kelly Oubre, Jr. Cheick Diallo had tenpois and eight boards. Elie Okobo 12, Mikal Bridges 14. The veteran point guard, Ricky Rubio scored nine points, had five rebounds, and recorded nine assists.

Wednesday’s night game was the last game before the NBA’s annual All-Star weekend. The Warriors will not have anyone representing them on Sunday. Eric Paschall will be going to Chicago as he has been recognized as one of the Rising Stars in the NBA.

The All-Star game will start at 5 pm. The Eastern Conference team will be led by Giannis Antekounmpo. The West by LeBron James.

Kings Fox and Hield help in getting big road win in Phoenix 114-103

photo from sacbee.com: Kings guard De’Aaron Fox, center, drives between Phoenix Suns guards Ricky Rubio, left, and Tyler Johnson on Tuesday in Phoenix

By Jeremiah Salmonson

The Sacramento Kings are above .500! Well, that statement isn’t entirely true. The Kings are above .500 in the year 2020. Having won two of the first three games this year the Kings were looking to continue to get back on track against the Phoenix Suns. Tip off was set for 6 PM PST at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix. The Kings got an 11 point win over the Suns 114-103.

In the first half the Kings battled. Harry Giles got his first start of the season and Dewayne Dedmon was active for the first time in three games as the Kings played without Richaun Holmes. The Kings managed to shoot 50% from the field and 43.7% from downtown to score 53 points in the half.

The Suns shot 51.1% from the field and a mediocre 31.5% from deep. De’Aaron Fox player great with 16 points in the half followed by Buddy Hield and his 12 points. Also not to be forgotten was Harry Giles with eight points in 11 first half minutes. Leading the way for the Suns in the first half was Deandre Ayton with 14 points almost all dunks. Right behind him was Devin Booker with 11 first half points. The Kings looked to continue the solid performance in the second half.

Early in the second half the Kings began to implode. The Kings only managed to score six points in the first seven minutes of action in the third as the Suns built a 21 point lead. Overall the Kings only managed to shoot 26% from the field compared to the Suns 55% in the third.

The Kings would need a large second half comeback to have a chance to start a winning streak. Fortunately for Kings fans, the Kings came roaring back. From the 4:25 point in the third quarter the Kings went on a 52-20 run the rest of the way to win the game 114-103. De’Aaron Fox emphatically led the Kings finishing with 27 points followed with a great performance by Nemanja Bjelica who had 19.

Dewayne Dedmon played a season high 31 minutes with 12 points. Devin Booker led the Suns with 34 points in 39 minutes of action in defeat. The Kings are now 3-1 in 2020 and looking to carry that into a solid month.

Up next: The Kings head back home to take on the Milwaukee Bucks in Friday night at 7 PM PST.