Tag: Sacramento Kings

Kings starters enjoy big night in 122-113 win over Pistons

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Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) drives on Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) in the second half at Little Caser’s Pizza Arena in Detroit on Fri Dec 16, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum
Friday, December 15, 2022

A dominant performance by Sacramento’s starting five, led by center Damontas Sabonis, sparked the Kings to a decisive 122-113 win over Detroit Friday night in The Motor City.

Sabonis scored 23 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists, as the Kings’ starters outscored the Pistons’ starters 99-66. The Kings had seven players reach double-figures, including all five starters.

De’Aaron Fox had 24 points and nine assists for Sacramento, with Keegan Murray next with 20 points, Harrison Barnes had 19 points and Kevin huerter had 13. Malik Monk had 11 points and six assists off the Kings bench, and Terence Davis scored 10 points in 17 minutes.

The Kings’ starters outscored Detroit’s 35-8 in the third quarter.

Bojan Bogdanovic was the top scorer for Detroit with 22 points, followed by Jalen Duran with 15 points and 13 rebounds. The Pistons (8-23) also had 14 points from Saddiq Bey and a 13-ooint effort from Marvin Bagley III.

Sacramento led 93-86 after three quarters. The Pistons pulled to within 106-100 midway through the fourth quarter, but Harrison Barnes stepped up with a 3-pointer, stripped Bogdanovic and converted a layup to put the Kings up by 11 points with 5:46 to play.

BROWN FINED BY NBA
The NBA announced on Friday that Kings head coach Mike Brown was fined $25,000 by the league for what was termed “an explosive ejection” in the Kings’ 124-123 win in Toronto on Wednesday. The NBA said in a statement that Brown was fined for “aggressively pursuing and directing profane language toward a game official.”

Brown was assessed two technical fouls and ejected with 9:09 remaining in the third quarter of Sacramento’s win over the Raptors.

The Kings (16-12) host Charlotte on Monday night.

Kings hold off Toronto 124-123

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Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) drives as Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (23) and forward Scottie Barnes (4) defend during the second half  in Toronto on Wed Dec 14, 2022 (Canadian Press via AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum
Wednesday, December 14, 2022

Clutch free throw shooting by Sacramento in the final 32 seconds helped the Kings hold off the Toronto Raptors 124-123 Wednesday at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.

The Kings, who had six players score in double-figures, improved to 15-12; they trail Phoenix by one-half game in the NBA Pacific Division standings. Toronto slipped to 13-15.

DeAaron Fox made a 15-foot jumper from the top of the key with 1:07 remaining in the fourth quarter, giving the Kings a 120-115 lead. Fred VanVleet responded with a 14-foot driving bank shot to pull the Raptors to within 12-117 with :47.5 to play.

After the teams swapped turnovers, Harrison Barnes sank a pair of free throws with :31.8 to go, putting Sacramento up 122-117. With :21.4 left Scottie Barnes was fouled in the act of shooting, and sank one of two at the line.

The Kings’ Malik Monk was fouled while shooting by Thaddeus Young, and made one of two free throws with :19 to play, giving Sacramento a 123-119 lead. Twelve seconds later, VanVleet scored on a short hook shot, pulling the Raptors to within 123-121.

Sacramento called a full timeout after VanVleet’s basket, and Fox was fouled while shooting with :05.9 left. Fox made 1-of-2 foul shots, and after a Toronto timeout, VanVleet missed a long 3-point attempt.

Fox led the Kings with 27 points and 10 assists, while Monk scored 24 points off the bench. Domantas Sabonis scored 21 points and grabbed 20 rebounds to go with seven assists, Terence Davis had 10 points, followed by Harrison Barnes with 12 points and eight boards, and Keegan Murray with 10 points.

VanVleet popped in a game-high 39 points for Toronto, to go with eight rebounds, five assists, four steals and a block. Scottie Barnes had 27 points and 10 assists for the Raptors, with Pascal Siakam adding 19 points and six assists.

The Kings’ Eastern road trip continues Friday, when the face the Detroit Pistons.

Kings embarrassed by 76ers 123-103; Sac sixth loss in ten games

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Philadelphia 76ers’ Tobias Harris goes up for a dunk during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, in Philadelphia at the Wells Fargo Center. (AP News photo)

Kings Embarrassed By 76ers 123-103

By Barbara Mason

Tuesday night the Philadelphia 76ers (15-12) hosted the Sacramento Kings (14-12) at Wells Fargo Center. The Kings are in fifth place in the Western Conference playing some great basketball right now although they did lose their last game to the Knicks 112-99. Prior to that Sacramento beat the Cavaliers 106-95. The Kings just couldn’t hold on and lost by a big margin to the Sixers Tuesday night 123-103.

The Kings trailed at the end of the first quarter 39-32. They needed to make a push in the second and do their best to contain Joel Embiid who already had 16 points to start the quarter. Tobias Harris had shot for 15 points. Turnovers were hurting the Kings already with seven early in the second quarter.

Not a single King had double digits through the opening quarter. Philadelphia went on an 11-0 run early in the second quarter and extended their lead to 53-35. The Kings had a huge hole to dig out of. That hole continued to grow and at the half the Kings had given up 80 points in the first half. They trailed 80-55 in an absolute blow-out.

The Kings continued to trail through the third quarter. They just were not able to get on top of Philadelphia. Embiid continued his rampage shooting for 29 points through three while Harris and James Harden each had 17 points. The Kings did have a better quarter and a 17-7 run but the 76ers had a 101-83 lead after three.

The embarrassment continued through the fourth quarter. Poor shooting, poor defense, turnovers and barely a triple in sight, although they did hit a few more in the second half, was all Sacramento could manage. The game had turned into a glorified practice for the 76ers.

De’Aaron Fox just wasn’t on task only shooting for 13 points. Domantas Sabonis had the high score with 22. Malik Monk had 16 off the bench and Terence Davis had 12. The Kings just could not handle Embiid who finished with 31 points followed by Harris and Harden both with 21 points.

The Kings will continue on their road trip taking on the Toronto Raptors tomorrow. They will try to put this game behind them. Tipoff is schedule for 4:30 PM.

Knicks Randle and Barrett score 27 defeat Kings 112-99

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Sacramento Kings guard Matthew Dellavedova (8) drives to the basket against New York Knicks guard Immanuel Quickley (5) during the first half at Madison Square Garden in New York on Sun Dec 11, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Jessica Kwong

NEW YORK, NY. — The Sacramento Kings have shown promise in the first third of the season – but took a step back at Madison Square Garden on Sunday night, falling 112-99 to the New York Knicks.

Sacramento had their worst start in two dozen games to a sold-out crowd in New York City. They had an opportunity to turn the game around when Knicks star Julius Randle was ejected in the third quarter, but failed to rise to the occasion.

“Julius kind of had his way with us. Big strong player and we didn’t execute anything, we talking about executing going into the game, so he got us on our heels,” said Kings head coach Mike Brown.

“You’ve got to give their whole team… the coaching staff to their players on down credit because they kicked my behind and all the other coaches and players in our locker room on the behind today.”

The Kings were ahead 9-8 but then allowed the Knicks to go on a 28-10 run. Sacramento trailed 36-22 at the end of the first quarter. The Knicks lead by as many as 19 points and ended the half ahead 66-50.

Domantas Sabonis and Harrison Barnes pulled their weight, but needed help from the rest of the team. Sacramento was 6 of 21 from the three-point line. Meanwhile, Randle had 27 points for the Knicks.

Sacramento made a decent push at the start of the second half and got within 11 points when Keegan Murray scored with 9:21 left in the third quarter. Randle was ejected with 3:35 left in the third after contesting a non-call and getting two technicals. That gave the Kings a chance to catch up and turn the game around, which they did not manage to do. Murray made a basket with 9:21 left in the third but the Knicks responded with the next six points.

Isiah Hartenstein made.a tip-in that boosted the Knicks to a game-high 21-point lead with less than two minutes left in the third. The Knicks lead 95-80 at the end of the third.

A free throw by Sabonis brought the Kings within 11 points with 1:41 left in the game. The Knicks won their fourth consecutive game for the first time since late March 2022.

Sabonis posted 17 double-doubles in 24 appearances this season. He tied Nikola Jakic for the lead in the NBA. The Kings were without De’Aaron Fox and Alex Len, who were out with injuries.

The Kings (14-11) continue their road trip to on Tuesday against the Philadelphia 76ers. Tip-off is at 4 p.m.

Kings Handle Cleveland 106-95; Barnes lead Sac with 20 pts

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Sacramento Kings forwards Trey Lyles, right, and KZ Okpala, second from left, fight for the rebound against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Cedi Osman, second from right, at Rocket Mortgage Field House in Cleveland on Fri Dec 9, 2022 (AP News photo)

Kings Handle Cleveland 106-95

By Barbara Mason

Friday night the Sacramento Kings (14-10) took on the Cleveland Cavaliers (16-10) at Rocket Mortgage Field House. The Kings were without De’Aaron Fox who has been dealing with right foot soreness for awhile now. He has not been right for a few games especially offensively. He will really benefit from some time off which will serve not only himself but the team better down the road.

Donovan Mitchell (out with a hamstring injury ) or Kevin Love for Cleveland so both team’s season leaders Mitchell and Fox missed Friday’s game. Mitchell had a monster game Tuesday night shooting for 43 points so he will be missed by Cleveland. The Kings moved fast on offense and created some key shots in their 106-95 win over the Cavaliers.

The Kings started Davion Mitchell, Kevin Huerter, Harrison Barnes, Keegan Murray and Domantas Sabonis. Defensive rebounding for Sacramento will play a huge role in this game.

The Kings came out fast in the first quarter taking a 24-11 lead with 3:00 left on the clock. The Kings Barnes and Murray were perfect from downtown. Murray hit four three’s and Barnes had 2 of 2. Sacramento also had 12 rebounds to Cleveland’s seven rebounds. The Kings led after the opening quarter 31-20. Sacramento had done exactly what they needed to do to start this game.

The Kings were able to hold a double digit lead minutes into the second quarter. That lead began to slip away with seven minutes left in the half, although, they held onto a 37-30 lead. The Kings started missing shots and turnovers played a role in the Cavalier surge. The Kings had scored 31 points in the first quarter and 18 in the second. The 15 point lead the Kings had held evaporated and at the half the two teams were tied at 49.

The third quarter remained close and at the finish, the Cavaliers held an 80-79 lead. The Kings continued to fight hard and going into the fourth quarter it became apparent that Sacramento had the ability to win this game. They had to clean up the turnovers and avoid forcing shots and continue to challenge Cleveland on every possession.

With under two minutes left in the game the Kings had taken back the lead 101-95. They fought hard blocking shots, drawing fouls and sinking three’s. Sacramento took a 103-95 lead with 35.4 ticks left on the game clock.

The Kings had a great offensive effort with Barnes the high score shooting for 20 points. Huerter had 19 and Murray and Sabonis each had 18 points. Sabonis also had an amazing 19 rebounds.

Caris Levert was the high for the Cavaliers with 22 points.

The Kings continue on this road trip traveling to New York to take on the Knicks Sunday afternoon. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM.

Kings Winning Streak comes to an end Bucks Beat Sacramento 126-113

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Sacramento Kings’ Chimezie Metu looks to shoot past Milwaukee Bucks’ Brook Lopez during the first half at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee on Wed Dec 7, 2022 (AP News photo)

Kings Winning Streak Comes To An End Bucks Beat Sacramento 126-113

By Barbara Mason

Wednesday night the Sacramento Kings (13-10) faced the Milwaukee Bucks (18-6) at Fiserv Forum. This was a huge challenge for Sacramento and they needed team leader De’Aaron Fox to be on his A game. The Kings, this season have shown some great defense.

They have risen from 18th in defense climbing steadily and in their past few games have been an amazing fourth in defense. The Kings just fell short getting defeated by the Bucks 126-113.

The Bucks outscored the Kings in both quarters in the first half. Milwaukee led after the opening quarter 34-29. They would extend their lead at the half leading 68-61. The Kings had done a great job in staying competitive in this game. They did take an 8-0 lead in the first quarter. This game was tied at 25 with 4:12 left in the opening quarter but the Bucks began to turn things around for the 34-29 lead after one.

The second quarter was very competitive for the Kings. The Bucks won the quarter by two points but Sacramento hung close through the entire quarter. Fox only had six points in the half and it was Harrison Barnes with 13 and Domantas Sabonis with 12 that kept the team afloat. The high score for the Kings was bench player Malik Monk with 14 points.

In the third quarter the Bucks took their largest lead of the game 78-66. Only four minutes into the quarter Milwaukee threatened to break the game wide open. Sacramento had a lot of work to do and they needed Fox who was having a rough shooting night hitting only two of eight.

An 8-0 run for Sacramento cut the Buck lead dramatically trailing 80-76 with under seven left in the third. After three quarters the Kings trailed by a mere three points 97-94. Fox had a great third quarter and had 13 points along with Huerter and Murray who each had 13 points for the game.

With five minutes left in the game the Bucks had a 12 point lead 117-105 and Milwaukee clearly had control of these final minutes. The Kings three game winning streak was in jeopardy. The final was 126-113. The Kings hung in this game for three quarters but could not finish this game strong the way they came into the game.

The Kings got another double double from Sabonis. He finished with 23 points. Every starter had double digits with Barnes shooting for 20 points Monk finished with 16 points. Sacramento could not handle the combination of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday. They had a combined 66 points for the game.

The Kings continue on this very tough road trip taking on the Cleveland Cavaliers Friday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:30 PM.

Bull Market: Kings hit another two-decade milestone in 110-101 home win over Chicago

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By Morris Phillips

SACRAMENTO–Even if the games run ragged, the Kings are winning them.

Clearly times have changed… anyone remember December 2004 with Peja, C Webb, and Mike Bibby at Arco?

That was the last time the Kings had this encouraging a start to a season after 22 games. How long ago was that? Well, for one, Vlade Divac was already gone in 2004, and since he’s materialized (as Kings GM) and disappeared a second time. Doug Christie was present in 2004 but subsequently gone, then re-emerged as a member of the Kings TV broadcast team, and now a member of Mike Brown’s coaching staff.

That’s a lot of comings and goings, but the lengthiest playoff drought in North American sports can be like that.

Brown’s arrival, a healthy roster, and (slightly) better defense are keys to the home team’s emergence, but a genuine belief might be even bigger.

“They’re connected,” Brown said after Sunday’s 110-101 win over the road-weary Kings. “They’re trying to play for each other, and when you get that with a talented group and two All-Stars in Fox and Domas, and a lot of guys who can step up, including Sixth Man of the Year (hopeful) Malik Monk, you get some nice wins.”

At 13-9, the Kings have won three straight and 11 of 16, and those anxious moments that saw fans get those negative thoughts (again) during the recent three-game skid have subsided. Seeing the team win in person at Golden 1 certainly does more than seeing them struggle on the road while watching them on television. That’s for sure.

The Kings weren’t great on Sunday 24 hours after they wasted the Clippers in Los Angeles. They missed shots–30 of 43 from distance–and after building an 18-point, second quarter lead saw it evaporate in the third.

In part, the visitors, led by Zach LaVine’s 41 points, weren’t keen on returning to Chicago with a losing record on their road swing. But a sixth game in 12 days wasn’t going to put them in position to be at their best, especially when they’ve been far from that in dropping 10 of 14.

You know that team won’t go away,” Fox said. “They have some guys that can really go get it. They did that tonight, and we were just trying to throw different looks at them, but I think in the fourth quarter, we were able to get stops when we needed them.”

Seven Kings scored in double figures, but no one had more than Monk’s 20 off the bench. The balanced scoring fit the uneven performance in that if you don’t have a couple of standouts to help you cruise, it’s okay to find your way with a determined committee.

That and the first triple-double from Sabonis, who had 11 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists, the first time the Kings’ center has achieved that milestone since he was traded to Sacramento. And he did it when some other big body on another team might have rested in a back-to-back scenario.

“I don’t really believe in resting,” Sabonis said before the game. “What we’re paid for as professional athletes (is to) perform. But, yeah, the West is packed. If other teams want to rest players, it’s to our advantage to go out there and take that win.”

The Kings have two days off before they take on the Bucks in Milwaukee on Wednesday.

Kings Handle Clippers 137-114

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Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0) shoots as Los Angeles Clippers forward Robert Covington (23) and guard Brandon Boston Jr. (4) defend during the first half in Los Angeles at crypto.com Arena on Sat Dec 3, 2022 (AP News photo)

Kings Handle Clippers 137-114

By Barbara Mason

Saturday afternoon the Sacramento Kings (12-9) took on the Lost Angeles Clippers (13-11) at crypto.com Arena. The Kings are coming off a 137-114 win over the Pacers. Sacramento prior to the Pacer win had lost three games in a row and finally got back on track against Indiana.

The Kings got on top of the Clippers from the get go winning the opening quarter 38-24. Sacramento went on to lead at the half 60-38 after winning the second quarter 22-14.

The Clippers were able to best the Kings in the third quarter by a slim margin 31-30 but Sacramento still had the upper hand leading 91-69. The Kings finished off the Clippers winning the fourth quarter 33-27 and the game 123-96.

The Kings Domantas Sabonis had the high score with 24 points handing the Clippers their worst loss of the season. He scored 15 points in the first quarter. Keegan Murray was right behind Sabonis shooting for 23 points, in fact every starter finished with double digits.

Bench player Chimezie Metu had the rebound high with 8. It was a complete team effort from start to finish for the Kings winning their second game in a row.

The Clippers are hurting from the absence of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. Both are expected to play on the team’s upcoming road trip.

So the Kings have become one of the surprise teams in this young season playing circles around last years team. They are thriving under the leadership of new head coach Mike Brown.

Sacramento will take on the Chicago Bulls Sunday afternoon at 3:00 PM. The Kings will be back home at Golden 1 Center.

Barnes and Monk lead Kings in scoring defeat Pacers 137-114

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Sacramento Kings De’Aaron Fox (right) welcomes former teammate and Indiana Pacer guard Buddy Heild (24) back to Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Wed Nov 30, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Wednesday night. However, it was no ordinary weeknight game. Wednesday marked the return of Tyrese Haliburton. Haliburton was the subject of much controversy last year as he was moved at the trade deadline for former All-Star Domas Sabonis.

The NBA community and Haliburton himself have widely scrutinized the trade. Haliburton quickly became a fan favorite before the surprise trade. Haliburton has been very vocal on Twitter about his displeasure about leaving Sacramento, and he has backed that up with excellent play. The Kings were set to take on the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday at 7 PM PST. The King dominated the Pacers 137-114.

In the first quarter, the Sacramento faithful were out in full force. Every time Buddy Hield got the ball, they would reign down boos from the rafters. On the court, the Kings played one of the better quarters of the season so far. The Kings outscored the Pacers 33-20 in a solid offensive show. However, the defense is what stood out. Harrison Barnes started the game out hot, scoring eight points in the first.

In the second quarter, the Kings continued to put up a formidable fight on the defensive end. The Pacers picked up the offensive pressure in the second quarter, but the Kings continued to play solid defense. The Kings limited the Pacers to 28 points in the second quarter.

The Kings scored 29 points in the second quarter to take a 62-48 lead into halftime. Barnes led the way for the Kings in the first half, scoring 13 points. Former King Hield scored 13 for the Pacers. If the Kings kept up the defensive intensity, they would come away with a win.

In the third quarter, the defense was not great for the Kings. However, it wouldn’t matter because the Kings offense took over. The Kings scored a massive 45 points in the third compared to the Pacers’ 35. The Kings would take a 106-83 lead into the final 12 minutes of the game. It was all but a done deal in Sacramento. The only question was could the Kings seal the deal?

In the fourth quarter, the Kings did just that. The Kings finished the game strong and defeated the Pacers 137-114. It was maybe the best game played by the Kings this year. They played well in the first half, winning the defensive end of the floor and, in the second half turning up the offensive jets.

It was an impressive win for the Kings, who improved to 11-9 on the season. The Pacers fell to 12-9. The Kings and Pacers both scored 31 points in the fourth. Yet, that doesn’t tell the whole story before the Kings bench came into the game. The Kings ran away from the Pacers in the fourth at one point up more than 30 points.

Barnes led the Kings in victory, scoring 22 points. Jalen Smith led the way in defeat for the Pacers, scoring 22 points. It was a fabulous win for the Kings after a rough three-game losing streak.

Up Next: The Kings travel to LA to take on the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday at 1 PM PST.

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

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

By Jeremiah Salmonson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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