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NHL podcast with Len Shapiro: Lightning get shutout help from Vasilevskiy; Isles edge Bruins 2-1 at the Garden; plus more NHL news

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Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) and defenseman Ryan McDonagh (27) put the stop on the Calgary Flames right wing Matt Coranato (27) at the Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay on Thu Feb 27, 2025 (AP News photo)

On the NHL podcast with Len Shapiro:

#1 The Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped all 27 Calgary Flames shots on goal for a 3-0 shutout at the Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay on Thursday. The Lightning got goal scoring from Brandon Hagel, Erik Cemak, and Nikita Kucherov.

#2 The New York Islanders just got by the Boston Bruins 2-1 at the Garden in Boston. The Islanders Alexander Romanov scored his fourth goal of the season at 16:11 in the first period and teammate Kyle Palmieri scored his 18th goal of the season at 4:21 in the second period. The Bruins got their only goal of the game at 10:04 when David Pastrnak scored in the third period.

#3 The Columbus Blue Jackets won a three goal contest against the Detroit Red Wings. Most of the game’s scoring came in the second period when the Red Wings Alex DeBrincat scored his 27th goal at 27 seconds making it 1-0, the Blue Jackets would follow up with four unanswered goals from James Van Riemsdyk, Sean Kuraly, Kent Johnson, and Riemsdyk scored his second goal of the period making it 4-1 CBJs. The Red Wings JD Compher scored at 16:30 for the final goal of the period making it 4-2. The Jackets Kirill Marchenko scored at 19:03 in the third period to round out all the goals in a 5-2 win for Columbus.

#4 The San Jose Sharks and Montreal Canadiens skated to a 2-2 after the first period. The Sharks getting first period goals from Fabian Zetterlund and Nico Sturm. The Habs got first period goals from Nick Suzuki scoring twice in the period. In the second period the Sharks Will Smith scored at 17:21 making 3-2 Sharks. The Canadiens added two more in the third period Alex Newhook and in overtime Cole Caulfield scored the game winner for the 4-3 win.

#5 The Carolina Hurricanes came away with a 5-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night. Wearing their Hartford Whalers uniforms the Hurricanes scored three unanswered goals in the first period taking a 3-1 lead after the first period. Carolina would score a goal in each of the second and third periods for the 5-2 win.

Len Shapiro does the NHL podcasts each Friday morning at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Utah HC Runs Wild Over Minnesota In 6-1 Outburst

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Utah Hockey Club center Jack McBain (22) mixes it up with Minnesota Wild defenseman Jack Middleton (5) in the first period at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Thu Feb 27, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Tom Walker

SALT LAKE CITY–Clayton Keller registers Utah franchise record 5 points and nine different players made the score sheet in commanding victory over Minnesota Wild for fourth straight home win.

The Utah Hockey Club concluded their February home schedule with a bang on Thursday night, exploding with 6 goals in regulation for the first time this season against Marc-Andre Fleury and the Wild, winning the season series against Minnesota with a 3-0-1 record.  The victory gave Utah a 4-1 home record for the month during which they outscored their opponents 14-7.

Just over 3 minutes into the first period, Wild defenseman Declan Chisholm went to the penalty box for holding against Clayton Keller.  Utah forward Barrett Hayton promptly cashed it in for his 16th goal of the season, assisted by Keller and Mikhail Sergachev.  Shortly after dropping the puck, Jack McBain and Jake Middleton dropped their gloves for a spirited bout which brought the Delta Center faithful to their feet roaring with approval.  With less than a minute remaining in the period, Minnesota defenseman Jonas Brodin went to the sin bin for hooking against Nick Schmaltz, and Marcus Foligno joined him 3 seconds later with a double minor penalty for high-sticking against Nick Schmaltz who left behind a pool of blood on the ice.  The Wild didn’t have a chance against Utah’s 5-on-3 power play as Dylan Guenther scored his 22nd goal of the season on a slap shot, assisted by Keller and Hayton, giving the home squad a 2-0 lead heading into the locker room.

At 16:02 of the second period, Minnesota forward Frederick Gaudreau cut the lead in half with a snap shot for his 12th goal of the season, assisted by Matt Boldy, but Utah defenseman Sean Durzi, who returned to the ice last Sunday after a 52-game absence, restored Utah’s lead with his first goal of the season, assisted by Josh Doan and Olli Määttä.

In the third period, Utah turned on the afterburners to deny the Wild any chance at a comeback while making Marc-Andre Fleury’s life miserable.  At 3:47 of the period, forward Nick Schmaltz put Utah up 4-1 with his 12th goal of the season, assisted by Logan Cooley and Keller.  At 9:30, Keller netted his 22nd of the season, assisted by Schmaltz and Sergachev.  Finally, putting an exclamation point on Utah’s dominant performance, Cooley scored his 17th of the season, assisted by Keller – his 47th helper overall and 4th on the night – and Schmaltz.

Earning the victory, Karel Vejmelka stopped 15 of 16 shots for his 4th consecutive win, allowing just 5 goals over that span.

In the locker room, Sean Durzi talked about the team’s defense finally being healthy again.  “It’s a lot of good depth. We got six guys going right now, we got guys who aren’t playing who can do just as good. It’s so important to have that, but it’s our energy we’re bringing. Guys are rooting for each other, breakouts are huge. Just small plays that take a little bit of poise. We’re making that extra play that is allowing our forwards to get speed, and then guys like (Clayton Keller) and (Logan Cooley) to show their skill, and it shows. We do our best we can, but to have six defensemen going with good energy, shift after shift, is so important.”

Captain Clayton Keller spoke of his team’s effort on a night where he set a franchise record with 5 points.  “I think ever since the break, even the game against (Los Angeles), we’ve just had a different feel in our game. We’ve had more confidence, we’re playing for each other, we’re playing the right way, and this is the time of year that you want to do that. So we’ll enjoy this for a couple minutes and turn the page and be ready for the next one here. … Like I said, I think we’re playing with a lot of confidence, even the games where they were tight, and 2-1 we still liked our looks. Like you said, we just had some poise, some confidence with the puck and (we) got to keep it going.” When asked about the team’s recent success at home, Keller commented, “It’s great. We struggled there for a little bit at home. I liked how we bounced back. And, like I said, we’re playing with a lot of confidence right now. Just got to keep it going. Every game is so important. It’s an exciting time of year. This is when you want to play your best, and this is what you put all the extra work in for.”

Head coach André Tourigny addressed his team’s depth, with six different players finding the back of the net on Thursday night.  “It’s really important. The way we played that game was shift after shift. Everybody was connected; everybody was engaged. They were resilient. When (Minnesota) pushed, I never felt we were shaky in any shape or form.” When asked about playing with a multi-goal lead in the final period, Tourigny said, “It’s weird. I think we were consistent in the way we played. When we went up 3-1, 4-1, we did not change. We did not start to play differently or start to peel back. We stayed engaged and we stayed in the moment. We just kept going.”

Utah, which finds itself just 2 points out of a Wild Card spot, has a chance to complete a perfect homestand on Saturday night when they host the New Jersey Devils. 

Canadiens Sink Sharks 4-3 in OT, Sharks Losing Streak at 7

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Montreal Canadians Alex Newhook (15) scores on the San Jose Sharks goaltender Alexander Geogiev in the third period at the Belle Centre in Montreal on Thu Feb 27, 2025 (Canadian Press via AP)

By Mary Walsh

The San Jose Sharks fell 4-3 in OT to the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday. Nick Suzuki, Alex Newhook and Cole Caulfield scored for Montreal. Sam Montembeault made 23 saves for the win. Fabian Zetterlund, Nico Sturm and Will Smith scored for San Jose. Alexandar Georgiev made 29 saves in the loss.

After the game, Sharks forward Will Smith said: “We gotta learn how to win. It’s been I don’t even know how many times this year so, it adds up and we’ve just gotta be better.”

Nico Sturm explained what was missing from the Sharks’ game at this point: “I think the one thing we haven’t done all year is score another goal. Either when we’re up or the game is tied, just score another goal and put a two goal lead or three goal lead. That’s what we haven’t done.”

The game got off to a flying start with four goals scored in the first period. At 3:56, Fabian Zetterlund scored to give San Jose the lead. Will Smith won the race for the puck and carried it behind the net. He passed it up to Zetterlund for a snap shot just outside the goal post. Assists went to Smith and Alexander Wennberg.

Nick Suzuki tied the game at 6:49 with a snap shot from high in the slot. Assists went to Cole Caulfield and Juraj Slafkovsky.

Nico Sturm made it 2-1 Sharks at 12:39. Sturm and Klim Kostin skated into the zone. Kostin carried the puck below the goal line before sending it back up to Sturm for the shot. Assists went to Kostin and Collin Graf.

Nick Suzuki tied it again in the final minute of the period. Suzuki won the offensive zone face-off, then caught Lane Hutson‘s pass from the blue line and took the shot from just above the hash marks. Assists went to Hutson and Jayden Struble.

Will Smith gave the Sharks their third lead of the game at 17:21 of the second period. Alexander Wennberg won a faceoff in the defensive zone and got the puck to Shakir Mukhamadullin. Mukhamadullin passed it to Smith, who carried it through the neutral zone, into the Canadiens’ zone, and scored with a shot from the hash marks.

Alex Newhook tied it 3-3 at 2:22 of the third period. Newhook, Patrik Laine and Owen Beck swarmed the crease and the puck ping-ponged around among them. Laine and Beck got the assists.

Cole Caulfield scored the game winner at 3:21 of OT. He caught Suzuki’s pass on the Canadiens’ blue line and carried the puck all the way down the ice for a snap shot from in close. Assists went to Suzuki and Montembeault.

The Sharks next play on Saturday at 4:00 PM PT in Ottawa against the Senators.

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: Raynaud leads Cardinal with 23 in win over Boston College

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Stanford Cardinal forward Maxime Raynaud (42) takes a jump shot against the Boston College Eagles Elijah Strong (31) at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Wed Feb 26, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal X photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 Michael, Stanford (18-10) in the first half left little doubt dominating with a 37-19 lead over Boston College (12-16) in an impressive start. Stanford is 8-1 at home with their 78-60 win.

#2 Michael, once again Maxime Raynaud led the way for Stanford with 23, he took the ball and was one of the big contributors for Stanford in this win.

#3 Oziyah Sellers finished second in scoring with 18 points and two rebounds. Sellers also another player in the line up who helps delivers for the Stanford offense.

#4 Also after 13 years as Stanford Athletics Director Bernard Muir is stepping down. The Cardinal have won 33 championships, 2021 NCAA women’s basketball title, 13 national titles, and 146 conference championships during Muir’s time as AD.

#5 The Cardinal tip off against the SMU Mustangs at Maples Pavilion on Sat Mar 1 a 2:00pm tip. The Mustangs are having a good season fourth in the ACC and did some damage to the Cal Bears in their game tonight in Berkeley with a 81-77 win. How do you see this match up between the Mustangs-Cardinal on Saturday afternoon?

Join Michael Roberson for the Stanford Cardinal podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cardinal Grounded the Eagles 78-60 inside Maples; Raynaud School’s Double-Double King

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Stanford Cardinal forward Chisom Okpara (10) takes a jump shot against the Boston College Eagles at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Wed Feb 26, 2025 (Stanford X photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD. Calif. — Maxime Raynaud’s record breaking 21st Double-Double helped his Stanford Cardinal (18-10, 10-7 ACC) preserve Palo Alto as a NO-FLY Zone for the visiting Boston College Eagles (12-16, 4-13 ACC) 78-60, while maintaining their home-court conference dominance (8-1) on the Farm..

Raynaud was on a mission right away from the scoring side of his game.  He not only converted the first bucket of the game, but the initial seven points for the Cardinal.  He was on fire from beyond the Arc, and making hook shots from either hand.

Stanford’s defense was also steller and sturdy as their mascot (Tree).  They held their Massachusetts opponent to a putrid 27% from the field, and 18% from threeland, in the first 20 minutes of gameplay.  The Cardinal, on the other hand, shot 54% & 46% respectively for the home squad.

When the recess horn went off, the Cardinal held their largest lead of 18 points, 37-19.  This was assisted with an 8-0 run and controlling the clock, by leading for more than 18 minutes (90%) of the first stanza,

Raynaud led all players with 16 points, and was the lone player in double figures.  However, he had a low count of rebounds (3), possibly interrupting his chance to eclipse school history.  Junior guard Dion Brown led the Eagles in scoring with a mild five points.

In the second half, Stanford scratched first again with a Jaylin Blakes bucket.  That immediately put the Cardinal up by 20 points.  By the end of the conference battle, Stanford increased their advantage to as high as 27 points, but settled for an 18-point victory (78-60), after 40 minutes of regulation action.  This was also the same margin at halftime.

Boston College shot an impressive 50% from the field in the second half, while hitting a sizzling 56% from behind the 3-point line.  They equaled the Cardinal in points production (41) in the last half; however, being down by 18 midway through the contest, that effort will keep you in the same hole, down by 18 after 20 minutes.

Several players joined Raynaud in the double-figures stratosphere, including three of his teammates.  Maxime totaled 23 points, and grabbed 10 rebounds (7 in 2nd Half), placing him on top of the Cardinal’s list of double-doubles in a single season. Twenty-One D-D’s surpasses Stanford legend Adam Keefe, with several games still left in the season’

Oziyah Sellers (18), Chisom Okpara (15) and Jaylin Blakes all joined their Senior record-breaker in double-digit scoring.  As for Boston College, two players reached that plateau.  Senior Chad Venning led the Eagles with 13 points, while his fellow senior teammate Roger McFarlane chipped in 11 points of his own efforts.

The Cardinal will next be in action, Saturday, March 1, as they host the Southern Methodist Mustangs at 2:00 P M PT on the ACC Network.  Boston College heads across the Bay on the same date to take on Cal at 7:00 PM PT on ESPN2/U.

Kings Beat Jazz Despite Utah Challenge 118-101

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Sacramento Kings guard Zack LaVine (8) scored 22 points against the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center on Wed Feb 26, 2025 (Sacramento Kings X photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (30-28) won their second game in a row beating the Utah Jazz (14-44) 118-101. After Monday night’s demolition of the Hornets, the Kings Keegan Murray had the hot hand tonight scoring 26 points, the game high.

Zach LaVine who had scored 42 points in their win over the Hornets Monday had another nice game scoring 22 points. DeMar DeRozan finished the game with 19 points. The Kings hit 15 triples and for a second game in a row, Domantas Sabonis did not finish with a double double. He came close with nine rebounds and 12 points. Malik Monk had 11 points and also had nine rebounds.

Game recap: The first quarter came to an end with the game all knotted up at 22. Sacramento had a very slow start in the first 12 minutes of play lacking the energy that we so often see from them.

The Kings had a more productive second quarter outscoring the Jazz 33-24 and taking a 55-46 lead into the half. Despite the lead there was not a lot of high caliber fireworks from Sacramento. They would be looking to pump it up in the second half.

The Jazz continued to hang around in the third quarter and at 7:45 the Kings were clinging to a one-point lead 60-59. Sacramento was having an awful third quarter giving the Jazz a lot of opportunity to do some damage.

Utah was just unable to take the advantage thrown their way. The Kings had an 18-5 run in the quarter to put an end to a Utah comeback. The Kings took a 14 point lead into the fourth quarter 83-69.

For a second night in a row, Sabonis was quiet with eight rebounds and eight points. Murray had the team high through three quarters with 20 points. Sacramento was looking for a strong fourth quarter to put this game away.

The Kings were on their way to another game with significant turnovers going into the final quarter with 14. It had been a very frustrating night for the Utah Jazz as they struggled with missed shots at the line and a string of air balls throughout the first three quarters.

Sacramento cranked it into high gear in the fourth quarter taking a 102-80 lead at 7:37. It took them three quarters to find their stride but they had it all going mid-way through the final quarter. The Kings were getting some solid production off their bench from Jonas Valanciunas and Keon Ellis.

The Jazz refused to throw in the towel however, cutting the Kings 22 point to 13 points 104-91 with 5:34 left in the game. Sacramento pushed right back taking a 112-91 lead as time was running out for Utah.

With under three minutes left in the game, the Kings took a time out when the Jazz again threatened a run. Sacramento extended their lead and with under a minute left in the game it was a done deal with the Kings leading 116-99. The final was 118-101.

Sacramento had their hands full in the first half of this game. At times the Jazz really challenged but they were unable to sustain that in the fourth quarter. Every starter for the Kings had double figures.

Murray had a great game finishing with 26 points, the game high, and six rebounds. Lavine had 22 points, eight rebounds and DeRozan with 19 points and six rebounds. The Kings were really zoned in defensively in the fourth quarter; they just had a very slow first quarter to start the game.

Again Sacramento had high numbers when it came to turnovers with 16 something they have to address as they head into Houston to take on the Rockets.

The high for the Jazz was Walker Kessler, the 23 yr-old who shows a lot of promise. He had 25 points. KJ Martin finished the game with 16 points but not much else was going on for Utah. Their bench finished with 37 points more than double the Kings bench. More Jazz bench players took the court than Sacramento’s.

Game notes: Wednesday night, the Kings began a four-game road trip, their first stop in Salt Lake City taking on the Jazz. The Kings came into this game after demolishing the Hornets Monday night at Golden 1 Center by the score of 130-88.

Zach LaVine was on fire for that game scoring 42 points. The Jazz are another sub-par team that has struggled mightily this season losing to the Trail Blazers Monday night by two points 114-112. They came close to a win but could not pull the game out suffering yet another loss. The Kings got a second win in a row and more high caliber stuff from Zach LaVine and company.

Saturday night the Kings will take on the Houston Rockets in a much tougher contest. They will need all hands on deck for this one if they want to extend their win streak to three. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 5:00PM.

G League Action: Kings crush Hustle 120-108 at Adventist Health Arena

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Stockton Kings guard Isaac Jones (3) takes aim for the basket against the Memphis Hustle at Adventist Health Arena in Stockton on Wed Feb 26, 2025 (Stockton Kings X photo)

By William Espy

STOCKTON–The Stockton Kings were back at Adventist Health Arena for the first and only time in the month of February, as they hosted the Memphis Hustle in a matinee matchup on Wednesday. The Kings got the best of the Hustle with a convincing 120-108 win.

The Kings got out to a dominant start, leading the Hustle by double digits at the end of the first quarter, making it 38-27 after 12 minutes. They continued their offensive dominance in the second quarter as well, scoring 40 points while only allowing the Hustle to get 29 of their own.

At halftime, Stockton had a commanding 78-56 lead and seemed to be on a clear path to victory. The Hustle didn’t stop fighting though. While they weren’t able to reduce the gap by much in the third quarter, Memphis did outscore the Kings by three points, cutting the lead to 19 with 12 minutes remaining in the game. The Hustle closed the game out with another strong quarter, but it was too little too late as the Kings walked away with a victory on their home court.

The Sacramento Kings’ top prospect Devin Carter had a phenomenal outing for Stockton, scoring a career-high 34 points while also grabbing nine rebounds. Isaac Jones scored 24 of his own, and also made an impact with rebounding, picking up eight boards as well.

The Hustle were led by Armando Bacot, who scored 22 points and 11 rebounds however the most impressive performance was Yuki Kawamura who had a game-leading 16 assists on the night.

Efficiency was the main difference between the two teams, as the Kings’ field goal percentage was 7% higher than that of the Hustle.

The Kings continue the homestand on Sat Mar 1 against the Sioux Falls Skyforce for a 5:00pm PT tip off at Adventist Health Arena in Stockton

MLB podcast with Michael Duca: Giants Verlander helping out younger players; Webb starting opening day; plus more news

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San Francisco Giants pitcher Justin Verlander (35) watches the pitchers throw at the Giants Cactus League park in Scottsdale AZ on Wed Feb 26, 2025 (AP News photo)

On MLB podcast with Michael Duca:

#1 Your going to spring training what are some of the things that your looking forward to at the Cactus League.

#2 Your going to be in Scottsdale the spring training home of the Giants and you’ve host the San Francisco Giants podcasts for us what are some the things that you’ll be looking for in spring training.

#3 Justin Verlander is the big name on the Giants pitching staff but there is no surprise that Logan Webb got the call for opening day starter.

#4 Verlander will be helping out the young pitcher Yoda he will be. He’s already help Hayden Birdsong moving from one side of the rubber to the other.

#5 Mike Trout connected for a spring training home run on Wednesday it was his first home run in ten months and he’s recovered from his back problems and hopes to be swinging the bats for the Los Angeles Angels for 2025.

#6 Michael, talk about Anthony Rendon he’s expected in camp for the Angels and has had suffered injuries keeping him out of the line up at times over the last two seasons.

#7 The Dodgers owe eight players $1 billion did the Dodgers get into the red with the inflated payroll that they have.

#8 The salary cap has been a well talked about issue as the Collective Bargaining Agreement is up after the 2026 season it’s an issue that could trigger a players strike.

Join Michael Duca Thursdays for the MLB podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears podcast with Morris Phillips: Cal tips off against Georgia Tech Thursday nite in the battle for seventh place

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Cal Bears guard Lulu Twidale (10) takes the ball up the floor against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Cassell Coliseum at Blacksburg Virginia on Sun Feb 23, 2025 (Cal Bears X photo)

On the Cal Bears podcast with Morris Phillips:

#1 Tough loss for Cal last Sunday at Virginia Tech a close game 87-84.

#2 The Hokies just wouldn’t bend in that crucial fourth quarter edging out the Golden Bears 23-21 was just a matter of Cal having an off night or the Hokies hit the books on Cal and studied film and were prepared?

#3 How surprising was it that the Bears who had the better record at 22-8 were turned back by a Hokies team that was 18-10. Sometimes those records just don’t matter on any given night in the NCAA.

#4 Morris hard as they tried lets take a look at some of Cal’s top scorers from Sunday’s game Marta Suarez 20 points, Ioanna Krimili 19, and Kayla Williams with 17 points talk about their efforts to try and keep up with the Hokies on Sunday.

#5 Next up for the Cal Bears the Georgia Yellow Jackets who aren’t no slouch at 21-8. The Jackets are eighth and are just one game behind Cal in the ACC for seventh place. Do you see the Bears regrouping and coming after the Jackets at Haas Pavilion on Thursday night which could be a real battle?

Join Morris Phillips for the Cal podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Warriors podcast with David Zizmor: Warriors rolling with four straight wins, face Orlando Thursday

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Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives on the Charlotte Hornets guard Josh Green (10) in the first half at Chase Center in San Francisco on Tue Feb 25, 2025 (AP News photo)

Golden State Warriors podcast with David Zizmor:

#1 David, the contest wasn’t even close Tuesday night as the Golden State Warriors defeated the Charlotte Hornets by a wide margin 128-92 at the Chase Center in San Francisco.

#2 The Warriors got had six players in double figures with Buddy Hield leading in scoring with 16 points. The scoresheet reflected that the ball was distributed evenly and given the Hornets struggles the Warriors were able to do practically what they wanted to do against the Hornets defense.

#3 The Warriors face the Orlando Magic Thursday in Orlando. The Magic are seventh in the Eastern Conference and have won five of their last ten games. The Warriors are eighth in the Western Conference and have won four in a row and are closing in on the final sixth playoff spot.

David Zizmor does the Warriors podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com