Kings string back to back wins defeat Sixers 113-107 at Golden 1

Sacramento Kings guard DeAaron Fox (5) takes the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers forward Caleb Martin (16) in the first half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Wed Jan 1, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Wednesday night, fresh off their Monday victory against the visiting Dallas Mavericks. On Wednesday, the Kings hosted the Philadelphia 76ers at the Golden 1 Center, with tip-off set for 7 PM PST. The Kings emerged victorious, defeating the 76ers 113-107 to improve their record to 15-19 for the season. Meanwhile, Philadelphia dropped to 13-18 in the 2024-2025 campaign.

The first quarter saw the Kings start off somewhat flat. Defensively, they struggled to contain Paul George, who racked up an impressive 14 points in the opening period. The Kings’ three-point shooting was not much of a factor, as they converted just one of four attempts from deep. Domantas Sabonis led the Kings in scoring for the quarter with eight points. The 76ers outpaced the Kings, finishing the first quarter with a 30-25 advantage.

In the second quarter, the Kings played with increased urgency and sharper execution. They outscored the 76ers 32-27, highlighted by a buzzer-beating three-pointer from De’Aaron Fox to tie the game at 57-57 going into halftime. The Kings positioned themselves well for the second half by stepping up their intensity. Fox led all Kings scorers at halftime with 16 points, while Paul George led the 76ers with 20 points in the first half.

The third quarter proved challenging for the Kings, as the 76ers seized control. Philadelphia outscored Sacramento 32-23 in the quarter, taking a commanding 89-80 lead heading into the fourth. Paul George continued his stellar play, bringing his total to 30 points through three quarters, as the Kings struggled to find answers defensively.

The fourth quarter, however, was a different story. The Kings responded with a spirited 15-0 run to close out the game. Their defensive intensity surged, allowing them to secure critical stops and swing the momentum in their favor. Sacramento outscored Philadelphia 33-18 in the final period to clinch the 113-107 win.

De’Aaron Fox was unstoppable, finishing the game with an outstanding 35 points on an exceptionally efficient 13-of-16 shooting. Notably, Paul George, who had been dominant through three quarters, was held scoreless in the fourth.

After the game, Kings HC Doug Christie expressed his approval of the team’s performance, stating, “Super, super proud of our guys. That is the type of fight that we expect on a night-to-night basis.”

Up Next: The Kings remain at home to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday at 7 PM PST.

Carlsson scores twice to defeat the Gulls 4-3 in the first ever New Years Day matchup

Luke Grainger (57) and Josh Lopina (10) fighting for the puck during their game on Wednesday January 1st at Pechanga Arena (Via SDGullsAHL/x)

By Madison Montez

SAN JOSE- In the first New Year’s Day matchup in San Jose Barracuda history, San Jose defeated the San Diego Gulls in overtime 4-3 at SAP Center. Lucas Carlsson with two goals, one being the game winner in overtime.

In a great effort by Ethan Cardwell to out-skate the Gulls in their zone and grab the puck, Lucas Carlsson netted his 6th goal of the season at 12:24 of the firsrt. Cardwell registering the primary assist and Thomas Bordeleau with the secondary assist, Bordeleau now has 100 points in his career. On a turnover by Tristen Robins at 19:21, Samuel Colangelo tied the game at 1-1 netting his 12th goal of the season assisted by Jan Mysak.

After keeping the puck in San Jose’s zone, the Gulls took a 2-1 lead, their first of the game. Nikita Myatovic kept the puck on his stick, scoring just his second goal of the season, assisted by Roland McKeown and Tristan Luneau at 17:31 of the second.

Snapping a 15 game score-less drought, Tristen Robins netted his fourth goal of the season to tie the game at 2-2 at 3:40 of the third. Jack Thompson and Scott Sabourin registering the assists. Lucas Carlsson was called for a tripping penalty which gave Jan Mysak the opportunity for a penalty shot. Jan Mysak scored, giving San Diego the lead once again.

A minute and 17 seconds later, Donavan Houle scored his sixth of the season assisted by Ethan Frisch and Filip Bystedt to tie the game at 3-3 at 9:11 of the third.

Regulation wasn’t enough for the two teams as the game went into overtime. At 3:29, Ethan Cardwell dropped the puck for Lucas Carlsson who waited for a second to catch Calle Clang off balance and scored his second goal of the night to secure the win 4-3.

THREE STARS OF THE GAME:

  • 1. Jan Mysak 1G, 1A
  • 2. Lucas Carlsson 2G
  • 3. Nico Myatovic 1G

The Barracuda will be back in action on Saturday January 4th to host the Colorado Eagles for a two game series. The last time these two teams faced off was on November 10th where San Jose avoided the sweep. Houle, Frisch, Poturalski, and Robins (2) all registering goals in the 5-3 win.

Stanford Cardinal MBB podcast with Michael Roberson: Cardinal couldn’t keep up in second half against Clemson in 85-71 loss

Clemson Tigers guard Jake Heidbreder (3) takes a jump shot against Stanford Cardinal guard Oziyah Sellers (4) at LittleJohn Coliseum at Clemson on Wed Jan 1, 2025 (Clemson Tigers photo)

On Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 The Clemson Tigers Chase Hunter scored 22 points, Chauncy Wiggins scored 17 points his most for the season as the Tigers gave no space to the Stanford Cardinal in the second half of the game for a 85-71 win.

#2 Hunter was hard to defend for the Cardinal and just shutting him down a bit could have made a huge difference as the Cardinal were beaten by 14 points and Hunter had 22 points.

#3 The game was all tied at 52-52 with 14:37 left in the ball game when the Tigers turned the tables going on a 10-0 run which pretty much put Stanford behind the eight ball.

#4 What hurt the Cardinal were the turnovers as Stanford allowed 16 turnovers which converted into 25 points.

#5 Up next for the Cardinal the Pittsburgh Panthers next Sat Jan 4 for a 3:30pm PST tip in Pittsburgh. The Panthers are fourth in the Atlantic Coast at 11-2 and have won four in a row. The Panthers could be a hand full for the Cardinal this Saturday?

Michael Roberson does the Stanford Cardinal podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria: Pierce surviving will he save his job? Raiders can make it 3 in row against Chargers Sunday

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) celebrates with tight end Brock Bowers (89) after catching a 3 yard touchdown in the first half against the New Orleans Saints at the Super Dome in New Orleans on Sun Dec 29, 2024 (AP News photo)

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria:

#1 Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce and the Las Vegas Raiders won their second straight game in row this time at the Super Dome in New Orleans 25-10. The win stunned both Raider and Saints nations for different reasons, the Raiders have struggled all season and the Saints had home field and thought they could win this one.

#2 Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell had an afternoon throwing for two touchdowns these were big in helping the Raiders win this one.

#3 The Raiders Brock Bowers set a two rookie records breaking a record held by catching seven passes for 77 yards and that gave him 108 receptions for 1144 yards in 16 games that passes Mike Ditka’s 1961 rookie tight end record of 1067 yards,  it also breaks Puka Nacua’s 2023 record of 105 catches by a rookie at any position.

#4 The big key for this game was the Raiders defense they shutout the Saints in the first, third and fourth quarters to help with the win.

#5 The Raiders face the Los Angeles Chargers next Sunday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas for the last game of the season. Talk about how you see this game and the Raiders wrapping up the season.

Tony Renteria does the Raiders podcasts each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: 20 MLB teams seeking Sasaki’s services; Williams signs 2 year deal worth $14 million with Nats; plus more news

Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki winds up to deliver the pitch against the Czech Republic at the World Baseball Classic at the Tokyo Dome on Sat Mar 11, 2023. Sasaki is being sought by 20 different teams he’s well sought after. Sasaki and his agent are looking over the offer sheets. (AP News file photo)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Amaury, Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki is in Japan contemplating of the 20 Major League teams reaching out to Sasaki for his services. Sasaki and his agent Joel Wolfe are looking at the offer sheets. Sasaki no doubt is well sought after last season had a 2.10 ERA, with 505 strikeouts, 88 walks, in 394 2/3 innings looks like he can help a team.

#2 The Washington Nationals signed pitcher Trevor Williams to a two year $14 million deal. Williams has a 4.30 ERA in 202 games. Williams pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs and New York Mets. How do you see him helping the Nats next season?

#3 Well Amaury do the Arizona Diamondbacks get high marks for signing pitcher Corbin Burnes who passed his physical on Monday signed for $210 million, a six year deal. Burnes pitched for the Baltimore Orioles last season going 15-9 with a 2.92 ERA.

#4 The Los Angeles Angels who at one time were one of the premier teams in MLB between 2002-2009 have made bad decisions, have had poor player signings and finished last in the AL West last season. Angels owner Artie Moreno at one time considered moving the team out of Anaheim to Long Beach. Amaury how much dysfunction do you see the Halos having going into spring training in February.

#5 The FBI has warned professional athletes that burglaries are becoming rampant or the target of thieves and break ins of players home. This has been more frequent at NBA and NFL players. Burglars target players home thinking high end property would be at the homes such as jewels, designing hand bags, watches and money.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez does News and Commentary podcasts Tuesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: Will Shanahan rest starters in season finale in Arizona? Purdy out with injury replaced by Dobbs

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) runs for a touchdown in first half action against the Detroit Lions at Levi Stadium at Santa Clara on Monday Night Football Dec 30, 2024 (AP News photo)

On San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor:

#1 David, the Detroit Lions are the hottest team in the NFL at 14-2, how surprised were you that they were behind the San Francisco 49ers (6-10) after the first half 21-13. At that point in the game did the 49ers have to think we might have a shot at this thing or these are the Lions this thing is far from over?

#2 In the second half the Lions shutdown the 49ers offense allowing them just a touchdown in the third quarter and six points in the fourth quarter. Despite the lack of scoring in the second half San Francisco just lost by a close margin 40-34.

#3 The 49ers close out their regular season in Arizona against the Cardinals. Do you see coach Kyle Shanahan using most of his bench and resting his starters including quarterback Brock Purdy to conclude this 2024 season?

David Zizmor does the San Francisco 49ers podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kings snap six game skid with 110-100 win over Mavs; Sac coach Christie picks up first win

Sacramento Kings head coach Doug Christie goes over the floor chart. Christie picked up his first win as Kings head coach against the Dallas Mavericks at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Mon Dec 30, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–Game two of the Doug Christie era took center stage at the Golden 1 Center on Monday night. The Kings hosted the Dallas Mavericks, aiming to snap a six-game losing streak at home. The Mavericks were shorthanded, missing key players Luka Dončić, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, and Dereck Lively due to injuries or illness. The Kings defeated the Mavericks 110-100 on Thursday at home.

The first quarter saw the Kings caught off guard as P.J. Washington stepped up in the absence of Dallas’s star players. Washington dominated, scoring an impressive 19 points in the opening quarter. The Kings appeared disorganized and overmatched in the second game of the Doug Christie era. They were outscored 37-23 in the first quarter, quickly falling into a deep hole. De’Aaron Fox led the Kings’ efforts with eight points in the period.

In the second quarter, the Kings rallied early, clawing their way back to take the lead at 45-44 with 5:10 remaining in the half. The Mavericks’ offense cooled off, while the Kings found their rhythm. Despite the comeback, the Kings couldn’t hold their lead heading into halftime. They outscored the Mavericks 33-23 in the second quarter, but Dallas still held a narrow 60-56 advantage at the break. P.J. Washington led all scorers at halftime with 21 points, while De’Aaron Fox paced the Kings with 15 points.

The third quarter marked a turning point for the Kings. They elevated their play, overtaking the Mavericks as their shooting significantly improved. Outscoring Dallas 27-17 in the quarter, the Kings entered the fourth with an 83-77 lead. De’Aaron Fox continued to shine, leading the Kings with 23 points by the end of the period. Washington remained the game’s top scorer with 28 points. The Kings’ increased physicality and determination were instrumental in their third-quarter surge.

Building on their momentum, the Kings closed out the game strong in the fourth quarter. They maintained their intensity, sealing a 110-100 victory and snapping their six-game losing streak. The Kings outscored the Mavericks 27-23 in the final quarter. De’Aaron Fox finished as the game’s leading scorer with 33 points, while Spencer Dinwiddie led the Mavericks with 30 points in defeat. The win improved the Kings’ record to 14-19, while the Mavericks fell to 20-13 on the season.

Postgame, Doug Christie, along with Domas Sabonis and Malik Monk, each echoed the sentiment that the team “badly” needed this win.

Up Next: The Kings remain at home to face the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night at 7 PM PST.

The 49ers lose to Lions in Scoring Marathon 40-34

Detroit Lions quarterback Jerod Goff (16) throws a pass against the San Francisco 49ers defense at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara on Monday Night Football Dec 30, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

In a high stakes game for the Detroit Lions (14-2), the San Francisco 49ers (6-10) were looking to tack on another win over the Lions. They led for all of the first half but two Brock Purdy interceptions turned the tide in this game.

San Francisco dictated the play in the first half; the Lions did not have a single stop in the first two quarters. Going into the second half this game was tight .

The final was 40-34 in favor of the playoff bound Lions. It was a rough night for San Francisco kicker Jake Moody who missed two field goals and one extra point attempt.

Game recap: San Francisco got a hot start scoring first and taking a 7-0 lead. At 8:37 Brock Purdy hit Ricky Pearsall for three yards and a touchdown. Jake Moody kicked the extra point and San Francisco was off and running.

At 3:42 the Lions answered. Jameson Williams rushed for three yards scoring the touchdown. The Jake Bates extra point attempt was blocked and the 49ers continued to lead going into the second quarter 7-6.

San Francisco extended their lead in the second quarter. Brock Purdy threw his second touchdown pass finding Kyle Juszczyk for nine yards. The Moody extra kick was good giving the 49ers a 14-13 lead.

Detroit kept pace moving the ball downfield with some razzle dazzle plays finishing the drive with a Jared Goff one yard pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown. The extra point was good and the 49ers were clinging to a 14-6 lead.

The Lions scored their second touchdown of the game continuing to trail by one point 13-14. San Francisco extended that lead at 6:13. The fifth touchdown of the game was a nine yard rush from Brock Purdy and he had his third touchdown of the game.

The extra point was good and San Francisco had a 21-13 lead in this see-saw game. This was the first game this season to start off with five touchdowns in the first half and there was still a lot of time left on the clock.

The Lions went back on offense in this fast-paced first half of football looking to make this a one-point game going into halftime. Deep in San Francisco territory the Lions went on a 4th and 3 and failed.

The 49ers had their first defensive stop of the game with 1:13 left in the half. Speedster Isaac Guerendo caught back to back passes on San Francisco’s final drive of the half putting together a perfect two minute drive looking for at least a field goal before the half. Jake Moody attempted a 51 yard field goal which failed and the score was 21-13 after the first two quarters. Detroit would start the second half still looking for their first stop of the game.

The Lions had the first possession in the third quarter. They wasted no time tying up this game. Quarterback Jared Goff found Sam LaPorta for six yards and the touchdown. The two point conversion was good and this game was all tied up at 21.

The 49ers went back to work driving downfield culminating in a Deebo Samuel catch, a five yard pass from Purdy taking back the lead 28-21. The craziness had continued in the third quarter of this marathon opening with two second half touchdowns.

The Lions stalled in their next possession and had to settle for the field goal. San Francisco had their second stop of the game. Lions kicker Jake Bates kicked a 57 yard field goal and the 49ers held onto a 28-24 lead.

With 4:25 left in the third quarter the 49ers would be looking for more. It didn’t turn out so good for Brock Purdy when he threw the first interception of the game and the Lions were back in business at the San Francisco 43 yard line.

Detroit would go for it on fourth and goal and this time came away with the touchdown taking the lead 31-28. Goff connected with Amon-Ra St. Brown for four yards and the extra point was good.

San Francisco had a nice drive to start the fourth quarter but it stalled out and the attempted 58 Yd field goal failed as Jake Moody continued to struggle. The Lions extended their lead driving deep into San Francisco territory but could not reach the end zone.

They settled for a Jake Bates 42 yard field goal and a 34-28 lead with 10:29 left in the game. Detroit finally got to Brock Purdy for their first sack of the game on their next possession. The San Francisco drive sputtered thanks to several penalties but came to a screeching halt when Brock Purdy threw his second interception of the game.

The Lions had given up a lot of yards but had the two takeaways that may have turned out to be the deciding factor in this game. Detroit took the pick back down into the end zone for their fifth touchdown of the game and a 40-28 lead.

Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 30 yards and the score. The Lions would finish off the game with a second Purdy sack. With 43 ticks left on the clock the 49ers would score one last touchdown. Joshua Dobbs rushed for seven yards and the final score of the game. The final was 40-34 in favor of Detroit.

Brock Purdy finished the game with 377 passing yards and three touchdowns going 27 of 35. It was the two interceptions that turned the tide for the 49ers. Ricky Pearsall had a great game with eight receptions, 141 yards and one touchdown. George Kittle also had eight receptions for 112 yards. San Francisco finished with 412 receiving yards. It was rough going for Jake Moody who missed a 51 and 58 yard field goal and an extra point.

Detroit quarterback Jared Goff finished the game with 303 passing yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. Jahmyr Gibbs had 117 receiving yards and one touchdown. Jameson Williams had a rushing and a receiving touchdown for the Lions. They will now head into a division showdown to close out the regular season taking on the Minnesota Vikings Sunday night at 5:20 PM.

Game notes: Monday night the 49ers took on the Lions at Levi’s Stadium. While there will be no playoffs for the 49ers this year they would love to put a bit of a wrench in the playoff plans of the Lions but it wasn’t in the cards as the Lions spoiled the 49ers half 21-13 half time lead with a second half comeback.

The Minnesota Vikings are fighting Detroit for the top spot in the NFC North. Monday night’s game was an important one for the Lions who are seeking the number one seed and kept pace with the Vikings.

San Francisco will finish the season off against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on Sunday. Kickoff for the game is scheduled for 1:25 PM.

San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic: Barracuda open the New Year in San Diego on Wednesday

San Jose Barracuda forward Luke Grainger (57) leads the way against the Henderson Silver Knights at Lee’s Family Forum in Henderson on Sun Dec 29, 2024 (San Jose Barracuda photo)

San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic:

#1 On Sunday the Henderson Silver Knights (8-21-0-0) never trailed and got a head start on the San Jose Barracuda (17-10-0-2) at Lee’s Family Forum in Henderson winning 5-2.

#2 Marko, First period the Knights jumped on the Barracuda getting two goals in the first period from Calen Addison his second of the season at 9:18 and Robert Hagg (3) at 12:38 for a 2-0 Henderson lead.

#3 The Barracuda’s Collin Graf scored his sixth goal of the season unassisted at 6:52 in the second period cutting the Knights’ lead to 2-1. Graf has had some offensive success this season.

#4 Henderson’s Braeden Bowman scored his sixth goal of the season at 6:07 Knights go up 3-1, at 10:55 Dysin Mayo scored his fourth goal of the season Knights up by three goals 4-1, at 13:31 the Barracuda’s Danil Gushchin scored his seventh goal of the season cutting the lead by two goals 4-2. The Knights finished their scoring for the night with Mitch McLain scoring his 14th goal of the season at 14:39 for a Knights 5-2 win.

#5 The Barracuda head to San Diego to face off against the Gulls at Pechanga Arena. The Gulls have won four of their last ten games. The Barracuda have won five of their last ten games. The Barracuda are second in the Pacific Division.

Join Marko for the San Jose Barracuda podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings podcast with Barbara Mason: NBA coaches reactions and comments of the Mike Brown firing

Sacramento Kings center Isaac Jones (left) talks things over with former Kings head coach Mike Brown (right) against the Denver Nuggets Mon Dec 16, 2024 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1 The Sacramento Kings firing former coach Mike Brown got a huge reaction for NBA coaches we haven’t had a chance to speak with you since the firing last week and wanted to go over those coaches reactions but also your reaction as well.

#2 Coach Brown was notified by the Kings that he had been fired while he was driving to the airport trying to get a flight last Friday after he had coached the team in a morning practice. Some NBA coaches commented that move was classless.

#3 Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said that the firing of Brown was shocking especially if you consider the job that he had done winning coach of the year in 2023. Your thought on coach Kerr’s comments.

#4 Denver Nuggets coach Mike Malone said that he’s not surprised by the firing of coach Brown saying that he was fired by the same person at the Kings. Brown had just coached the Friday practice and called him on the phone on the way to the airport and fired Brown. Malone said that was classless, no balls.

#5 The Kings host the Dallas Mavericks tonight 7:00pm PST. The Mavs are fourth in the Western Conference and have won six of their last ten games. Meanwhile the Kings have lost six in row and are 12th in the Western Conference.

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