Barnes 13 point 3rd quarter gets Kings 127-116 win over Jazz at Golden 1

Sacramento Kings Domantas Sabonis (left) gets the throw down on the Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) in first half action at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Sun Mar 31, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings defeated the Utah Jazz on Sunday night at Golden One Center 127-116. The Kings were coming off two bad losses to the Dallas Mavericks in search of getting back on track. The Kings and Jazz were set for tip-off at 7 PM PST at Golden One Center on Easter Sunday.

In the first quarter, the Kings gained a quick lead against the Jazz. The Kings outscored the Jazz in the first quarter 27-23. The Jazz offense quickly got everyone involved. The Jazz had seven scorers in the first quarter. On the other hand, the Kings Keegan Murray started hot, scoring 10 points to lead the Kings in the first quarter. The Kings didn’t show a lot of superiority so far in a game played against a largely injured Jazz squad. The Kings would look to take over the game in the second quarter.

In the second quarter, the Kings couldn’t create the separation they wanted. The Kings and Jazz scored 29 points in the second quarter, and the Kings remained up by four points. Collin Sexton led the Jazz in the second quarter, adding nine points. Domantas Sabonis got the offense going for himself in the second quarter, scoring nine points. The Kings would go into halftime with a 56-52 lead. It was an underwhelming half from the Kings, who would look to jump out ahead in the third quarter.

In the third quarter, the Kings went on an offensive terror. The Kings put up a mammoth 39 points in the third quarter to expand the lead with Harrison Barnes contributing 13 points. The Jazz scored 25 points in the third quarter to dig themselves a big hole going into the final quarter.

The Kings would take a 95-77 lead into the final 12 minutes. Keegan Murray and De’Aaron Fox were leading the Kings in scoring through three quarters with 20 points each. Brice Sensabaugh was leading the Jazz with 19 points.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings did what they needed to maintain the advantage and come away with a win. The Kings didn’t blow the Jazz off the court in the fourth as they did in the third. However, the Kings held on and defeated the Jazz 127-106.

The Kings played well in the second half and took care of a team they were expected to beat going into the game. The Kings outscored the Jazz in the final quarter 32-29. The leading scorer for the Kings in victory was Keegan Murray, who scored 25 points. Fox and Barnes had 24 points each. Sensabaugh and Sexton led the way for the Jazz in defeat, scoring 22 points.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the LA Clippers on Tuesday at 7 PM PST inside Golden One Center.

Exum hits 3 pointer and Irving leads with 30 as Mavericks upend Kings 132-96

Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) scores on the Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) in the second half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Fri Mar 29, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Friday night inside Golden One Center in Sacramento. The Kings and Mavs were set to play for the second time this week after the Mavs routed the Kings 132-96 on Tuesday evening. The Mavs and Kings were both coming off two days of rest and ready for a rematch of Tuesday night. The game tipped off at 7 PM PST.

GAME RESULT: In the first quarter, the Kings got off to a quick start offensively. The Kings outscored the Mavs in the first quarter 34-26. Harrison Barnes and Keon Ellis started the game red-hot with 11 points each in the first quarter. The Kings were playing a much more physical style of basketball than they did on Tuesday.

In the second quarter, the Kings kept up the intensity to limit good shots on the Dallas end of the floor. However, Luka and the Mavs kept the game within reach while withstanding the Kings push. The Kings outscored the Mavs by a point in the second quarter, 26-25.

Harrison Barnes continued his hot start, adding six more in the second to finish the half with 17 points. Kyrie Irving led the Mavs in the first half with 14 points. The Kings led going into halftime 60-51.

In the third quarter, the Kings held the edge. The Kings and Mavs traded baskets all quarter to end up in the same place as they started the quarter. The Kings and Mavs both scored 22 points in the quarter for the Kings to maintain the nine point lead. Luka Doncic was leading the way for the Mavs, and De’Aaron and HB both had 17 points to end the third. The Kings would lead 82-73 going into the fourth quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Mavs came storming back. The Mavs came back to take a 99-98 lead with 3:45 left to play. The Kings squandered another lead, hoping to regain momentum and not drop both games to the Mavs at home.

The Kings couldn’t regain the lead and lost to the Mavs 107-103. Fox led the Kings in defeat with 23 points. The Mavs outscored the Kings 34-21 in the fourth. Kyrie Irving led the Mavs with 30 points.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the Jazz at 6 PM PST.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Mavs and Kings match up for a second time at Golden 1 tonight

The Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) looks to pass the ball against the Sacramento Kings (center) Alex Len (25) in the first half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Thu Mar 28, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 How important is it for the Kings to shut down Luka Doncic tonight against the Dallas Mavericks at Golden 1 Center.

#2 The Mavericks Doncic scored a leading 28 points against the Kings last Tuesday at Golden 1 in the Mavericks 132-96 win.

#3 Doncic with the hot hand also added 11 rebounds and six assists and had three steals. Doncic is a difficult player to defend.

#4 The Mavericks have now won five straight games and are looking for a sixth. The Kings have home floor advantage tonight at Golden 1. What is the top game plan or Kings head coach Mike Brown tonight is it shutting down Doncic and trying to keep the Mavericks guessing on defense?

#5 Do you find it advantageous for the Kings to face the Mavericks in back to back games in having seeing last Tuesday or a disadvantage because the Mavericks have an idea how to run the table against the Kings after seeing them this week?

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

Kings Win Cliff-Hanger Beating Orlando 109-107

The Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0) takes the ball against the Orlando Magic center Mortiz Wagner (21) in the first half at the Kia Center in Orlando on Sat Mar 23, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

After losing a game to the worst team in the NBA Thursday night, the Sacramento Kings (40-29) went on to beat one of the best Saturday night. The Kings beat the Orlando Magic (42-28) in a crazy game where there were insane lead changes numbers-wise. The game went right down to the wire with the Kings coming out on top 109-107. This was not a game for the faint of heart. It was a great and badly needed win for the team.

Saturday evening the Kings traveled to Orlando for a matchup with the Magic. The Kings lost a shocker to the Washington Wizards Thursday night 109-102. Whether they took the Wizards lightly which hardly seems the case or they were just off their game, they cannot afford losses this late in the season. These two teams are evenly matched so fans were in store for a real barn burner.

The first half was close from start to finish. As the two teams headed to the locker room after the first two quarters the Magic had a slim lead 56-54. After the first 12 minutes, the Kings had a 27-26 lead. The Magic went on to win the second quarter 30-27 and thus the halftime lead 56-54. This game had proven to be as close as expected.

The Kings fought for the third quarter winning it 27-25 and this game was knotted at 81. The Kings made a move in the fourth quarter. Keegan Murray was having a monster game making 6 of 7 from beyond the arc.

De’Aaron Fox was needed to provide his fourth quarter magic as the clock wound down to under four minutes with Sacramento leading 99-94. The Kings had hit 15 triples so far in this game.

The Magic had pulled to within three points several times during the final minutes of this game with Sacramento fighting to hang onto the lead. With 21.2 seconds left on the clock, the Magic had taken the lead 107-106.

Orlando’s Jalen Suggs fouled Fox who hit both free throws and Sacramento took back the lead 108-107 with two seconds left in the game. Orlando went on to foul Keon Ellis who hit one of two free throw and that was the game. The Kings had won a nail-biter 109-107 against one of the best in the NBA.

Fox had the high for the Kings with 31 points and Domantas Sabonis had yet another double double, his 66th this season. This one was his 53rd in a row tying Kevin Love for the longest streak. Sabonis finished with 21 points. Murray had a terrific game with 22 points going 6 of 7 from downtown. Ellis continues to play lights out with 19 points improving with every game.

“Heck of a win for our guys. They put pressure on the rim and they had a huge size advantage. I thought our group showed resilience and we rebounded well,” said Head Coach Mike Brown after the game. “When you are not shooting well, you have to defend. We won the possession game in a tough environment,” he said.

Monday night the Kings return home to Golden 1 Center to take on the Philadelphia 76ers. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings battle 4th place Magic Saturday night

Sacramento Kings center Alex Len (25) defends the Washington Wizards forward Anthony Gill (right) in the first half at the Capital One Center in Washington on Thu Mar 21, 2024 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah:
#1 You know what they say in the NBA anything could happen on any given night and at the Capital One Center the Washington Wizards who have one of the worst records in the NBA defeated the Sacramento Kings 109-102.

#2 The win ended the Wizards five game losing streak and Kyle Kuzma led Washington with 31 points. Kuzma hit 13 of 22 shots and had six rebounds this after missing the last two games.

#3 For the Sacramento Kings De’Aaron Fox had 25 points and Malik Monk had 20 points and the Kings now are 16-8 when playing back to back games.

#4 Domantas Sabonis is still on a hot streak with 52 straight double double games. Sabonis had 14 points and 14 rebounds.

#5 The Kings tip off against the Orlando Magic on Saturday at 4:00pm PDT in Orlando. The Magic are 42-28 and are fourth in the Eastern Conference. The Magic are going well with a five game winning streak.

Join Jeremiah Salmonson for the Kings podcasts on Fridays at wwww.sportsradioservice.com

Kings Demolish Raptors 123-89; Sabonis chalks up his 24th triple-double

On defense the Sacramento Kings Domantas Sabonis (10) and forward Keegan Murray (13) puts the squeeze on the Toronto Raptors forward Bruce Brown (11) in the first half at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Wed Mar 20, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (40-28) lost to the Toronto Raptors (23-46) back in January but they were not having any of that in their game Wednesday night. They came in with a purpose and they played the Raptors off the court. This game was finished after the third quarter with the Kings finishing off Toronto in the fourth the final 123-89.

Game recap: The first quarter was a close one with the Kings leading after the first 12 minutes 32-27. Sacramento busted this game wide open in the second quarter leading at the half 68-45. They won the second quarter by a landslide 36-18. De’Aaron Fox already had 15 points and the incomparable Domantas Sabonis already had 12 rebounds.

Sacramento took their first half energy into the third quarter winning the quarter 31-20 and the Kings had a 99-65 lead going into the fourth quarter. Sabonis had his 24th triple double and another double double his 63rd this season.

The Raptors had their best quarter of the game but it was over after the third quarter. Toronto tied the Kings in the fourth quarter 24-24 and a lot of credit to the Raptors for continuing to fight.

The Kings did let their foot off the pedal mid-way through the quarter but pulled it back together to finish off the Raptors. Sacramento had tied up their series at one apiece. Whether it was the memory of the game back in January or where the season is right now, the Kings came into this game with a real agenda and they never backed down.

This was a monster game for the Kings. Fox had the team high of 20 points. Sabonis had 17 rebounds, 10 assists and 13 points for another triple double. Malik Monk and Chris Duarte had a terrific game off the bench. Monk with 17 and Duarte with 14. This was their second win in a row and it was an important win as this season approaches the finish line. Every game is critical right now.

Post game notes: Wednesday night the Kings took on the Raptors on the road at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. The Kings came into this game after beating the Memphis Grizzlies in Sacramento on Monday night. They sit in sixth place tied with the Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns are a half a game behind both of them. The Raptors beat the Kings back in January in their only meeting this season. Toronto is really struggling this season and couldn’t break their seven game losing streak extending to eight games with the loss to the Kings.

The Kings continue on the road taking on the Washington Wizards Thursday night. This team right now is committed to winning and that is what the Kings are seeing right now. Hopefully they will take this energy into their next game in Washington. The good news for the Kings is that they were able to rest their starters in the fourth quarter of this game. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM at the Capital One Center.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony Renteria: Kings and Raptors tip off tonight at Scotiabank in Toronto

Sacramento Kings Domantas Sabonis forward (center) catches himself in double coverage with the Memphis Grizzlies Jarren Jackson Jr forward (left) and guard DeJon Jearreau (right) at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Mon Mar 18, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony R:

#1 Malik Monk was the leading scorer with 28 points on Monday night at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento in the Sacramento Kings overtime contest against the visiting Memphis Grizzlies in the ten point 121-111 win.

#2 In the overtime stanza Monk as hot again scoring 12 of 28 points. Monk just had a rhythm going and was hitting his shot.

#3 What can you say about Domantas Sabonis he’s having a Hall of Fame season he chalked up his league leading 50th double double. Sabonas no doubt a key player in the Kings offensive scheme of things.

#4 Head coach Mike Brown was proud of the job that Sabonis did against the Grizzlies saying all you have to do is put the ball in his hands and Sabonis will do the rest.

#5 Wednesday night the Kings are in Toronto facing the Raptors. The Raptors are 23-45, 12th place in the Eastern Conference, they have struggled severely they are on a seven game losing streak. How do you see this match up between the Kings and Raptors tip at 4:30pm PT.

Join Tony for the Kings podcasts Tuesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Monk leads Kings with 28 pts in overtime victory beat Grizzlies at Golden 1, 121-111

The Sacramento Kings shooting guard Malik Monk led with 28 points against the Memphis Grizzlies on Mon Mar 18, 2025 at the Golden 1 Center (Sacramento Kings photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings (39-28) were back in action on Monday night at Golden One Center. The Kings last played on Saturday as they took on the New York Knicks at home. The Kings dropped that game to the Knicks 98-91. The Kings would have the day off on Sunday before welcoming in their fellow Western Conference foe, the Memphis Grizzlies (23-46).

Memphis has been plagued by injuries all year as star Ja Morant is gone for the season. The Grizzlies wanted to play spoiler on the Kings as the race in the Western Conference tightens. The Kings came away with a home victory over the Grizzlies 121-111.

In the first quarter, the Kings came out slow on offense. The Kings looked out of joint and not in rhythm on the offensive end early. In the opening few plays of the game, Kevin Huerter would also leave with an elbow injury.

The Kings were outscored by the Grizzlies 28-35 in the first quarter to go down early. It was a game that the Kings certainly shouldn’t lose. So, the fans would wait for a bounce-back quarter in the second.

In the second quarter, the Kings bounced back with a statement. The Kings scored 29 points in the second quarter to keep the offense on track. However, the quarter’s story would be holding the Grizzlies to just 15 points in the second.

The Kings would enter halftime with a 57-47 lead over the Memphis Grizzlies. Domantas Sabonis led the Kings in scoring in the first half with 13 points. GG Jackson was the Grizzlies first-half leading scorer with 13 points.

In the third quarter, the Kings couldn’t extend the lead. The Kings and Grizzlies battled in the third and largely just traded shots most of the quarter. De’Aaron Fox had some late-quarter heroics, hitting three straight three-pointers to help the Kings score 27 points in the quarter. The Grizzlies would score 29 points in the quarter to get a few points back in the game. The Kings would go into the fourth quarter leading 84-76.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings would falter and give up the lead. The Kings, leading by eight going into the quarter, would lose the lead, and it would be a tie game at 99 apiece with 2:58 minutes to play. Defensive complacency and made shots would erase the Kings lead against the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies would take the lead with 33 seconds remaining.

The Kings would be down 105-103 with Coach Brown calling a timeout to draw up a play. The Kings would score, and the Grizzlies would send the game to overtime at 105-105. The Grizzlies outscored the Kings 29-21 in the fourth quarter.

In overtime, it was all Malik Monk and the Kings. Malik took over the overtime period and put the Kings on his back. The Kings would defeat the Grizzlies 121-111. The Kings outscored the Grizzlies 16-6 in the overtime period. The Kings leading scorer in the game was Malik Monk, who scored 28 points. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the way for the Grizzlies in defeat with 25 points.

Up Next: The Kings will travel to Toronto to take on the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday at 4:30 PM PST.

Kings top Lakers 129-94; Sabonis get triple double; Sac sweeps four game season from LA

The Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) drives on the Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) in the second half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Wed Mar 13, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Kings were back in action on Wednesday night in Sacramento. They were set to take on the LA Lakers on Wednesday, the second night of a back-to-back. The Kings were coming off a win against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night by the final score of 129-94.

The Lakers last played on Sunday when they defeated the Timberwolves 120-109. The Kings and Lakers were set for tip-off at 7 PM PST on Wednesday. The Kings defeated the Lakers 120-107 on Wednesday night.

In the first quarter, both teams came out playing well. The Kings and Lakers got off to quick starts as they traded baskets. Both teams scored 29 points in the first quarter. Austin Reaves was red-hot in the first quarter, scoring 13 points. Domantas Sabonis led the Kings with six points, and every player who stepped on the court for the Kings scored.

In the second quarter, the battle continued. Neither team went on a dominating run in the first half, as the game stayed close. The Kings offense scored 31 points in the first quarter on 19 shots. The Lakers scored 27 points in the second quarter on 24 shots to fall behind the Kings. The game would go into halftime with the Kings leading 60-56. The Kings were led by Keon Ellis, Domantas Sabonis, and Keegan Murray, all in double figures in the first half. The Lakers Austin Reaves led them with 19 first-half points.

In the third quarter, the Kings dominated and took a big lead. The Kings outscored the Lakers 28-17 and played great defense against them. Granted, the shots weren’t falling for the purple and gold. The Kings took an 88-73 lead going into the fourth quarter. De’Aaron Fox scored six points in the third as Keegan Murray added five.

In the final quarter of action, the Kings took it to the Lakers. The Lakers couldn’t really get any momentum going in the final quarter as they were defeated by the Kings. The Kings beat the Lakers 120-107 in regulation. The Kings were led by Harrison Barnes, who scored 23 points in the game. Domas Sabonis added another triple-double. The Lakers best performance came from Austin Reaves with 28 points.

Up Next: The Kings will stay home to take on the New York Knicks on Saturday.

After 8 years of waiting Kings finally defeat Bucks 129-94; Sacramento win ends 15 game skid against Milwaukee

Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) scores on the Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) in the first half at Golden 1 in Sacramento on Tue Mar 12, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The story heading into Tuesday night’s Kings game was the same as usual this year. The Kings were coming off a tough loss at home in their previous game—the Kings loss to the Rockets at Golden One Center on Sunday afternoon.

On Tuesday, the Kings desperately needed to get back on track to maintain pace in the play-in tournament standings. The Kings also wanted to climb in the standings to reach the sixth seed in the regular NBA playoffs. The Kings welcomed Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks with a 7 PM PST tip-off on Tuesday. The Kings De’Aaron Fox scored 29 points to lead the Kings in the 129-94 win.

GAME RESULT: In the first quarter, the Kings started with good intensity on the defensive end of the floor. The Kings defense was leading to good shots on the offensive side. The Kings outscored the Bucks in the first quarter 38-30 to take the quick lead. Harrison Barnes started the game hot, leading the Kings with nine points. The Kings would look to keep up the intensity in the second quarter.

In the second quarter, the Kings continued to press the gas. They outscored the Bucks 37-26 and extended their lead over them going into halftime to 75-56. The Kings were led in the first half by their defensive pressure on the Bucks.

Making the Bucks make tough shots and getting open looks on the other end is always a good recipe. The Kings leading scorer at halftime was Malik Monk, who had 17 points. Antetokounmpo led the Bucks in the first half with 22 points.

In the third quarter, the Kings gave up a bit of ground but held firm against the Bucks. The Bucks attempted to make a couple of runs on Kings, but they didn’t make up ground. The Bucks outscored the Kings 22-20 in the fourth quarter to inch closer. The Kings would lead the game 95-78 going into the final quarter of action. Vegas favored the Kings by 1.5 points to start the game. It appears that was a generous line for the Bucks.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings finished off the Bucks in a blowout fashion, emptying the bench as the quarter came to a close. The Kings would defeat the Bucks. The Kings outscored the Bucks in the fourth quarter 34-16.

It was really never a game on Tuesday, as the Kings got up early and never let up. It was a big win for the Kings on the first night of a back-to-back. The Kings would look to keep the momentum going as the Lakers come to town on Wednesday. The Kings were led by Fox, who scored 29 points in the game. Giannis led the Bucks with 30 points in defeat.

Note: Domantas Sabonis recorded another double-double during the game on Tuesday night. It was his Sacramento Kings record-breaking 47th straight double-double.

Up Next: The Kings stay home for a second night of a back-to-back on Wednesday at Golden One Center. The LA Lakers will travel for a 7 PM PST tip-off.