Sacramento Kings podcast with Barbara Mason: Nuggets pay Kings a visit tonight at Golden 1

The Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) goes to the basket against the New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (5) in the first half at Smoothie King Arena in New Orleans on Sun Dec 15, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1 The Sacramento Kings Domantas Sabonis scored a season high of 32 points on Thursday night and grabbed a season best 20 rebounds as the Kings defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 111-109.

#2 The Kings DeMar DeRozan scored 29 points and Keegan Murray and De’Aaron Fox each scored 18 points no doubt Murray and De’Aaron are a big part of the starting line up.

#3 The Kings are rolling they have won four of their last five games. So their getting some consistency.

#4 The Pelicans CJ McCullom did the heavy lifting hitting six 3 pointers and finished with a team leading 36 points but not good enough to beat the Kings.

#5 The Kings have now not scored less than 115 points in any of their last eight wins. The Kings 111 points against the Pelicans were their lowest score this season.

Barbara Mason covers Sacramento Kings basketball at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings just get past Pelicans 111-109 in the Big Easy

Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) passed the ball past the New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi, left, and guard CJ McCullum (3) in second half action at Smoothie King Arena in New Orleans (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 The New Orleans Pelicans couldn’t keep the Sacramento Kings Domantas Sabonis down he led the Kings with 32 points and had 20 rebounds in the Kings win 111-109 against the Pelicans at Smoothie King Arena in New Orleans.

#2 DeMar DeRozan scored 29 points and the Kings De’Aaron Fox and Keegan Murray each scored 18 points that help contribute to the offense.

#3 Jeremiah the win give the Kings three in a row and they have now won five of their last six games and have improved over the last two weeks.

#4 The Pelicans CJ McCullom scored six 3 pointers and tallied 36 points. One the remarkable shots that McCullom took was a shot that hit off the glass while he was falling for three points as he got fouled by Fox with 1:20 remaining in the game.

#5 The Kings will return to Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Monday night against the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets are seventh in the Western Conference and have been playing .500 ball winning five of their last ten games. Tip off is 7:00pm PST on Mon Dec 16, 2024.

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

Kings Beat Pelicans 111-109 Extending Win Streak to Three

The Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) and guard Malik Monk (0) celebrates Sabonis’ 3 point shot against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Arena in New Orleans on Thu Dec 12, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Thursday night the Sacramento Kings (13-13) beat the New Orleans Pelicans (5-21) in the final seconds of the fourth quarter. It was not easy by any means but they discouraged two straight Pelican stops closing out the game and sealing the deal.

Domantas Sabonis had a season-high 32 points with 20 rebounds. DeMar DeRozan finished the game with 29 points and De’Aaron Fox and Keegan Murray each had 18 points. Sacramento now has a .500 record at 13-13.

Game recap: After the first 12 minutes of play the Kings held a slim lead 28-26 and as play wore on the Pelicans, despite being short-handed, were going to be a handful. New Orleans outscored the Kings in the second quarter 29-25 and led at the half 55-53. Sacramento would be looking for a dominating second half as they’ve seen in the past.

The Kings were dominant in the third quarter outscoring the Pelicans 38-28 and taking an eight point lead 91-83 going into the fourth quarter. Neither team was able to score in the opening 1 1/2 minutes of play.

New Orleans was able to outscore the Kings in the final quarter 26-20 but came up just short unable to make up the eight point lead Sacramento had established. The Kings took as much as a 14 point lead in the fourth quarter.

With under five minutes left in the game, the Pelicans began to chip away at the Sacramento lead. With under two minutes left in the game the Kings were clinging to a three-point lead 109-106. Sacramento was unable to score at all in the final 1:41 left in the game.

The Pelicans had a huge opportunity with two straight defensive stops with under a minute left on the clock but could not score. Malik Monk blocked a Dejounte Murray shot that was rebounded by Domantas Sabonis and that was the ball game 111-109.

The 111 points scored by the KIngs tied their season low in this very tight contest. Domantas Sabonis really stepped up for this game scoring a season high 32 points and another double double with 20 rebounds. DeMar DeRozan chipped in 29 points.

De’Aaron Fox and Keegan Murray each scored 18 points. Murray also had a great defensive game with 10 rebounds. Sacramento had a great night at the line shooting at 93% a vast improvement. Ball protection was also a part of this win with only 11 turnovers. Sacramento hung on for dear life but came out on top in this game pushing their season record to 13-13.

Game notes: The Kings had a great start to the 2024-25 season. Through the first seven games the Kings were holding down sixth place in net rating. This was a significant improvement over last season when they finished in 17th in the net rating.

The Kings went on to finish with a 46-36 record exiting in the Play-In Tournament. Back in early November, they were fifth in offensive rating and 12th in defensive rating both an improvement over last season.

Things got a bit spotty going into the second week of November. They really fell on hard times around mid-November dropping four games in a row. They have seemed to have pulled it all together recently beating the highly rated Houston Rockets and winning three of four games.

Thursday night they played the struggling Pelicans and got their third win in a row and getting back to a decent .500. The Pelicans Brandon Ingram is out until Jan. 3rd and of course they will also be without Zion WIlliamson.

The days of beating Sacramento every time they met up is over for New Orleans with the loss tonight for the Pelicans. Last season the Kings lost all six games in their matchups. The Kings are now getting back to good health after a tough time dealing with injuries.

With only Trey Lyles listed as out, the Kings have everyone on board. There is also Devin Carter, the Kings first round draft pick who has not seen any action due to an offseason shoulder injury. The win tonight was ideal but going forward how do the King’s bounce back after losses: that is equally important. Right now the win Thursday night was big for Sacramento and taking it one game at a time.

The Pelicans are reeling from the second most players lost to injury this season. Only the Memphis Grizzlies have more. They were without Karlo Matkovic, Jordan Hawkins, Brandon Ingram, Jose Alvarado, and Javonte Green who is listed as questionable. Zion Williamson missed his 17th game.

The Kings will now have another three days off before taking on the Denver Nuggets at Golden 1 Center next Monday evening. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 7:00 PM as Sacramento seeks their fourth win in a row.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Barbara Mason: No Mercy Rule for Jazz; Kings blow out Utah 141-97 at Golden 1

Guard De’Aaron Fox (5) and forward Domantas Sabonis (11) of the Sacramento Kings are please with how things are going against the Utah Jazz on Sun Dec 8, 2024 at Golden 1 Center (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1 Barbara, talk about how important Kevin Huerter was for the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night leading with 26 points as the Kings demolished the Utah Jazz at Golden 1 Center 141-97.

#2 The Kings are on a roll with their scoring they have won by 140 or more in their last two games. They defeated the San Antonio Spurs last Friday 140-113.

#3 The Jazz on the other hand have lost six of their last seven games and it showed how much Utah is struggling as the Kings had their way with the Jazz scoring at will.

#4 The Kings never let up they scored 43 points in the third quarter and De’Aaron Fox even beat the buzzer to give the Kings a 31 point lead going into the fourth quarter.

#5 The Kings face another struggling team the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Arena in New Orleans on Thursday night. The Pelicans are last in the Western Conference with a 5-20 record and the Kings are 12th with a 12-13 record. It’s a one game road trip as Sacramento returns home Mon Dec 16th against the Denver Nuggets. Barbara how do you see this Kings-Pelicans match up on Thursday night?

Barbara Mason does the Sacramento Kings podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Murray Shines As Kings Finish Off Spurs In San Antonio 140-113; Sabonis, Fox, and Monk all score 22 each

Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) gets fired up against the San Antonio Spurs in the first half at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio on Fri Dec 6, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Friday night the Sacramento Kings (11-13) took on the San Antonio Spurs (11-11) winning the game 140-113 and evening the score after the team had lost to the Spurs last Sunday. The starters had a tremendous effort and Keegan Murray finished the game with 17 points and three rebounds.

It is only one game but Murray has certainly taken a step in the right direction. Sabonis had another double double with 22 points and 16 rebounds. The three musketeers Domantas Sabonis, De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk all scored 22 points each.

Game recap: The Spurs got a great start leading 28-19 with three minutes left in the first 12 minutes of play. After a King’s timeout, Sacramento went to work to tie up this game at 33 and we had ourselves a ball game. The Kings made up the deficit in record time and were looking to keep it up going into the second quarter.

The Kings took a 37-33 lead in the opening minute of the second quarter but it dissolved as the Spurs took back the lead. Three minutes into the quarter the score was tied at 40 and this game had all the signs of a real battle as the lead see-sawed back and forth.

The quarter got even more interesting when the Spurs Zach Collins was ejected from the game with a personal foul. With the Spurs down two players, Wembanyama who was out with lower back soreness and then Collins with the ejection Sacramento went on to take a 48-40 lead spurred by a Keon Ellis shot from downtown.

Four King bench players were getting in on the action and had 14 points through 1 1/2 quarters. Sacramento outscored the Spurs in the second quarter 36-26 and led at the half 69-59. The Kings protected the ball well in the first half coming away with six turnovers and were shooting well in the field at 56%. Sabonis was on the edge of another double double with nine rebounds and 13 points. DeMar DeRozan and Malik Monk also had double digits in the first half. They would need to play with the same energy in the second half and would be looking to extend their lead.

The Kings did indeed take the momentum from the first half into the third quarter. After three Sacramento had extended their halftime lead to 110-86. Every starter had double digits, Sabonis had his double double and the best of all, Keegan Murray had 12 points.

Sacramento would have to tighten up to finish off the Spurs in the fourth quarter. The Kings only had six turnovers through three quarters which was another plus that could help lead them to a win over San Antonio.

The Kings had a tremendous start in the fourth quarter and held a 20 point lead at 9:23 111-91. Kevin Huerter had been spotless from downtown going 4 of 4. As the clock wore down on the game Sacramento had taken a 130-109 lead. Every starter for the Kings was having a banner game and Sacramento had evened the score after the loss to the Spurs last Sunday 140-113.

Sacramento got some great offense from the King’s starters every one of them shooting double digits. DeRozan had the high for the team with 23 points. Sabonis, Fox and Monk each had 22 points.

Murray broke out of his funk scoring 17 points with six rebounds. It is only one game but it is sure a step in the right direction for Murray. The team only had 11 turnovers and shot 56% from the field. It was a badly needed win for Sacramento. Huerter was perfect from downtown hitting four shots and finished with 16 points off the bench.

Game notes: Western Conference battle last Tuesday evening, the Kings went onto lose to the Memphis Grizzlies 115-110 Thursday night and so it was back to the drawing board. The Kings were struggling dropping seven of their last ten games but managed a big win in San Antonio Friday night.

Something was going terribly wrong with this team but they seemed to have shaken it off on Friday with that outpouring of scoring. The talent on the team is undeniable as they got some answers against the Spurs.

Friday night they played in San Antonio taking on a team that beat them last Sunday 127-125 and got a little payback. They were riding a rocky road before Friday’s game. Along for the ride is Murray who had also struggled but scored 17 points against the Spurs.

Murray has fought through his miserable streak. The Kings had hoped that Murray was potentially a breakout player in this 2024-25 season. Murray had gone five straight games without a free throw in fact he has not gotten to the line in 11 of his last 12 games previous to Friday.

When the Kings signed DeRozan the thought was that DeRozan’s presence would open up some great looks for Murray. At age 24, Murray has gotten looks but his accuracy was not been very good but Friday he finished third in scoring.

Last season Murray had a 15 points per game average which is hardly the case this year he hopes after this game Friday he might have corrected that. He has been on a roll defensively and there is the hope and he was able to play some catch up Friday.

The Kings now return home to Sacramento to take on the Utah Jazz Sunday evening looking to start a string of wins; something they have not seen for awhile now. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 6:00 PM.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings tip off against Spurs tonight

Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (left) and Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson (13) battle for the basketball in second half action at FedEX Arena in Memphis on Thu Dec 5, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 The Memphis Grizzlies Marcus Smart scored 18 points and his last two free throws put it to bed for Memphis 115-110 over the visiting Sacramento Kings.

#2 The Grizzlies Desmond Bane contributed with 18 points, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Santi Aldama each scored 15 points. Aldama also added 10 rebounds.

#3 DeMar DeRozan led the Kings in scoring with 26 points while Malik Monk had 23 points, DeAaron Fox had 18 and Domantas Sabonis had 17 points and 13 rebounds.

#4 Jeremiah anytime you have 20 lead changes and lose it has to be frustrating for the Kings after they had put together a big win against the Rockets on Tuesday night in Houston.

#5 The Kings head to San Antonio where they tip off with the Spurs Friday night. The Spurs have lost their last two games and are 8-5 at home. The Kings hope to recoup for their loss against Memphis.

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

Kings Stumble In Fourth Quarter – Lose to Grizzlies 115-110

Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0) finished with 23 points but it wasn’t enough to beat the Memphis Grizzlies at FedEx Forum in Memphis on Thu Dec 5, 2024 (Sacramento Kings X photo)

The Sacramento Kings (10-13) were tied with the Memphis Grizzlies (15-8) going into the fourth quarter Thursday night 86 apiece. They had slim leads throughout the fourth quarter until the four minute mark. Memphis turned the tables taking slim one or two point leads for the remainder of the game.

With three minutes left in the game the Grizzlies took a five point lead 108-103. Memphis held onto that lead for the rest of the game winning by the score of 115-110. It was another quiet night for Kevin Huerter and Keegan Murray. DeMar DeRozan had the high score for the Kings with 26 points followed by Malik Monk with 23 points.

Game recap: Thursday night the Kings took on the Grizzlies at FedExForum. The Kings are coming off an impressive win over the Houston Rockets last Tuesday night winning that contest 120-111. After that terrible losing streak, this win over Houston was hopefully a turning point for the team.

All five starters had double digits along with Kevin Huerter and Isaac Jones off the bench. It was a great win for the team. They were looking to take that confidence into Memphis and celebrate two wins in a row. The Grizzlies come into this game on a losing note dropping their last game to the Mavericks Tuesday night.

As this game unfolded, the opening quarter could not have been closer with the Grizzlies leading after the first 12 minutes of play 33-32. The Grizzlies were looking to win their seventh straight game at home. The second quarter was equally as close with the two teams deadlocked at 30. At the half, Memphis had a one point lead 63-62.

The two teams would finish the third quarter tied at 86 and this was anybody’s game. The game would continue with countless lead changes and ties and so it all came down to the fourth quarter.

The Kings led throughout most of the fourth quarter albeit by only a few points. They led going into the final three minutes and that is when the Grizzlies turned the tables on them. For the remainder of the game the Grizzlies had a slim lead although the Kings got within two points but could not overtake Memphis.

The Grizzlies Marcus Smart hit a couple of free throws with 2.9 seconds left in the game to clinch the win for Memphis. There had been 20 lead changes and 11 ties in this crazy game. The Grizzlies had won their seventh home game in a row. Sacramento came away with a disappointing loss.

Sacramento had a 16-9 edge on offensive rebounds. They got some great offensive effort from DeMar DeRozan who finished with 26 points and Malik Monk who scored 23 points but fell short in the final minutes of the fourth quarter.

They needed just a bit more especially since Memphis had 22 turnovers and with 6:45 left in the final quarter Ja Morant was hit with a pair of technicals which earned him an ejection. He was obviously frustrated finishing the game 2 for 13 missing all six of his three-point attempts. This was a tough one for the King who have now lost seven of nine games.

Game notes: Thursday night the Kings took on the Grizzlies at FedExForum. The Kings are coming off an impressive win over the Houston Rockets last Tuesday night winning that contest 120-111. After terrible losing streak, this win over Houston was hopefully a turning point for the team. All five starters had double digits along with Kevin Huerter and Isaac Jones off the bench.

It was a great win for the Kings. They were hoping to take that confidence into Memphis and celebrate two wins in a row but just couldn’t pull it off with a loss. The Grizzlies came into this game on a losing note dropping their last game to the Mavericks Tuesday night.

Friday night, the Sacramento Kings will take on Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. The Kings lost a close one to San Antonio last Sunday 127-125. Wembanyama scored 34 points in that game and will looking to pin another loss on the Kings Friday night. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 5:00 PM.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Barbara Mason: Struggling Kings host on a roll Rockets Tuesday night at Golden 1

Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (13) defends against the San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) in the second half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Sun Dec 1, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1 The San Antonio Spurs Victor Wembanyama picked up his first triple double with 34 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists to help defeat the Sacramento Kings Sunday 127-125.

#2 The Spurs Devin Vassell came off the bench and added 21 points to help the Spurs in a very close game.

#3 The Kings DeMar DeRozan led Sacramento with 28 points. The Kings were looking up in the first half before things took a turn in the second half. The Kings led 17 points in the first quarter and were up at the half 65-58.

#4 The Kings just couldn’t stop Wembanyama who shot five 3 pointers, and scored 13 points in the fourth quarter. The Spurs Chris Paul put the icing on the cake hitting a three pointer with 20 seconds left in the game to help give the Spurs a two point win.

#5 No rest for the weary Kings as they’re back at it again at Golden 1 Center as the tip off against the visiting Houston Rockets on Tuesday night at 7:00pm PST. The Kings have now lost five of their last six games. The Rockets have won five of their last six games and have won three in a row. How do you see Tuesday night’s game between the Rockets and Kings?

Barbara Mason does the Kings podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings game wrap: Spurs Wembanyama’s triple double helps do in Kings 127-125

San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) takes a shot against the Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0) and forward Domantas Sabonis (11) in second half action at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Sun Dec 1, 2024

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Sunday night. They were coming off their most recent game, a blowout loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. It was a real gut-check loss for the Kings, who fell further below the .500 mark. On Sunday night, the Kings welcomed the San Antonio Spurs to Golden 1 Center, with tip-off set for 6 PM PST. The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Sacramento Kings 127-125 as the Kings fell to 9-12 on the season.

Mike Brown made a pre-game change to the starting lineup, electing to go with Malik Monk. It was the first time Monk had started a game during his time in Sacramento.

In the first quarter, the Malik Monk spark appeared to pay off. The Kings exploded for a 42-point quarter, while the Spurs managed only 28 points. It was a breath of fresh air for a Kings offense that had struggled to score recently. However, their perimeter defense continued to be a concern.

In the second quarter, the Kings’ performance dipped. They became sloppier with the ball, committing four turnovers. The offense managed just 23 points, while the Spurs put up 30. All in all, it was still a decent quarter for the Kings, who aimed to maintain their solid shooting in the second half. At halftime, the Kings led the Spurs 65-58. DeMar DeRozan led the Kings with 18 points in the first half, while Victor Wembanyama paced the Spurs with 16 points.

In the third quarter, the Kings struggled to find their rhythm against the Spurs. They managed to hold on to a five-point lead but were clearly losing the sharp edge they’d built early in the game. The Spurs outscored the Kings 34-32 in the quarter, narrowing the gap. Heading into the final quarter, the Kings led 97-92.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings surrendered their lead. With the game tied at 111 and 4:50 remaining, the Kings desperately needed a win. For the rest of the quarter, the Kings fought hard but ultimately came up short. They were outscored 35-28 in the fourth quarter, losing to the Spurs 127-125. Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs to victory with 34 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists. DeMar DeRozan led the Kings in defeat with 28 points.

Postgame, Malik Monk spoke about what is holding the Kings back. Malik said, “It’s attention to detail… we have to be better on the little things… we will figure it out.” Mike Brown echoed similar sentiments when he addressed the media. He appeared pleased with the addition of Malik Monk to the starting lineup and noted that it would continue for the foreseeable future.

Up Next: The Sacramento Kings will remain at home to face the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night. The Rockets enter the game with a 14-6 record, sitting in second place in the Western Conference.

Kings Flat Against Portland Losing 115-106

Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (1) dribbles on Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (13) in second half action at the Rose Quarter in Portland on Fri Nov 29, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Friday night the Sacramento Kings (9-11) suffered a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers (8-12) 115-106 in Portland. It was a really off night for Keegan Murray who came away with three points scored in the final minutes of the game.

Missed shots, 20 turnovers, and no success rebounding offensively led to the terrible showing. DeMar DeRozan was not in the lineup tonight with back issues and it was an off night for the Kings with not much going right. Malik Monk finished with the team high of 29, De’Aaron Fox with 22 and Domantis Sabonis with 21. Sabonis did have another double double with 12 rebounds.

Game recap: The Kings took a slim lead for the first half of the opening quarter. At 3:54 the Blazers took their first lead of the game prompting a Sacramento timeout. The Kings took back the lead 24-18 with under three minutes in the quarter. Domantas Sabonis already had 14 points with under two minutes left in the first 12 minutes of play. As the first quarter came to an end the Kings had established a 30-25 lead.

The Trail Blazers continued to trail but not by much; they remained within striking distance through the first four minutes of the second quarter. With 8:48 left in the quarter the Kings took another timeout hanging onto a 35-33 lead.

Portland was hanging tough and refused to go away. With six minutes left in the half the score was tied at 39. Sacramento already had 11 turnovers and the Trail Blazers went on a run taking a 49-41 lead winning the battle in the paint.

They had a 54-50 lead going into the second half. The Kings had 14 turnovers in the first half and the Trail Blazers were limiting the Kings offensive rebounds.

Sacramento continued to fall further and further behind and with 8:10 left in the third quarter were trailing 55-68 and another Kings timeout. This game was turning into a blowout, the turnovers continued and the Trail Blazers continued to win the battle under the glass.

After three, Portland continued to dictate the pace of the game leading 87-72. Murray remained scoreless, Kevin Huerter came out of the game with injury and the Kings had dug a hole that continued to grow deeper and deeper trailing 72-87.

Going into the fourth quarter nothing much indicated an upswing for Sacramento. They were on the edge of 20 turnovers with 19. Portland had a death grip on their lead and they were not letting go.

The Kings did finish with 20 turnovers and they were pretty flat all night. The Trail Blazers really got the game in their direction in the third quarter outscoring the Kings 33-22 putting this game pretty much on ice. The final score was 115-106.

Game notes: Friday night the Kings took a little trip up north to take on theTrail Blazers at Moda Center. The Kings will again be without DeMar DeRozan who was ruled out for Friday night’s game. Two weeks ago DeRozan missed three consecutive games with lower back soreness and after a three-game return he was sidelined again.

While the Kings missed DeRozan, they did have Malik Monk back on the bench so Sacramento does have the fire-power as Monk scored 29 points. Sacramento’s Keon Ellis was on starting roster in the absence of DeRozan. Ellis scored six points on Friday night.

Sunday evening the Kings will take on the San Antonio Spurs At Golden 1 looking to put out a much improved effort. Hopefully DeMar DeRozan, who is listed to return Sunday, will indeed be able to take the court. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 6:00 PM.