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Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Warriors tip off with Heat Tuesday in Miami

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Stephen Curry guard Golden State Warriors (30) takes a shot in the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center in Minneapolis on Sun Mar 24, 2024 (AP News photo)

On Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason:

  1. The Warriors are fighting for their playoff lives. They faced a tough game against the Minnesota Timberwolves who are currently playing without Karl-Anthony Towns. They will be facing the Miami Heat and the Orlando Magic this coming week so they are facing a lot right.

2. The Timberwolves struggled early in Sunday’s game while the Warriors came out strong. Both teams played very well throughout the game but it was the crazy triples that the Timberwolves hit that spelled the difference as well as their defense.

3. The Warriors had a great first half but started to stumble in the second half. They needed to avoid a mental lapse and unfortunately they had a lapse to start the fourth quarter. Both teams had lapses in this game but it was Minnesota that pulled it all together in the final minutes of the fourth quarter.

4. Although the Warriors lost this game, they had four of their starters in double digits as well as Klay Thomson with 16 off the bench. They put out a great effort but just fell short.

5. The Warriors now face a couple of tough assignments on the road in Florida. First up will be the Miami Heat on Tuesday night. With 12 games left in the season every game matters and the Warriors are faced with some huge challenges. They are looking at roughly nine really tough games but no team can be overlooked right now.

Listen to the Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Giants spanked by Triple-A affiliate River Cats 8-1 in Exhibition Game in Sacramento

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San Francisco Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval take a few cuts at their game against the Sacramento River Cats at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento on Sun Mar 24, 2024 (San Francisco Giants X photo)

Sunday, March 24, 2024

Sutter Health Park, West Sacramento, California

Sacramento River Cats 8

San Francisco Giants 1

Win: Darren McCaugham (5-4)

Loss: Miguel Yajure (0-2)

Time: 2:40

Attendance: 14,014* (No official attendance was given for tonight’s game, but since the game was sold out, and the seating capacity of Sutter Health Park is 14,014, it can be assumed that it was the attendance tonight.)

By Stephen Ruderman

SACRAMENTO–The Giants came to Sacramento for the third Giants vs. River Cats exhibition game, and were smoked by their Triple-A affiliate, 8-1.

The Giants broke camp on Saturday after an 11-5 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks at Scottsdale Stadium, the Giants’ spring training ballpark. They flew home to San Francisco after the game, got some rest and then took the bus to Sacramento, where they would be the home team, to play their Triple-A affiliate, the Sacramento River Cats.

This was the third time the two teams matched up for an exhibition game at Sutter Health Park. The first contest came on March 30, 2016, when the Giants as the home team beat the River Cats 8-4. The Giants returned to Sacramento on March 24, 2018, this time as the road team, and lost a tight one by a final of 6-5.

There was a lot of excitement in the air at Sutter Health Park. This stemmed from Giants fans in Sacramento getting to see their team play in their hometown for the first six years, as well as the fact that the team had a strong off-season, and greatly improved the team. Fans in Northern California were also going to get to see Jung-hoo Lee up close and in person for the first time, which generated plenty of excitement.

Dusty Baker, a Sacramento kid, who had retired from managing at the end of the 2023 season, and who has returned to the Giants as a Special Advisor to Baseball Operations, was on hand to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Baker received a standing ovation from the soldout crowd at Sutter Health Park as he walked out to the mound to throw the pitch.

The teams were interestingly divided, as most of the minor leaguers played for the River Cats, but a few suited up for the Giants. One of the minor leaguers who put on a Giants uniform tonight was Carson Seymour, who was the starting pitcher for San Francisco tonight. On the mound for Sacramento was Mason Black, who is much more likely to see time with the Giants than Seymour.

Wade Meckler led off the game for Sacramento, and lined a double down the right-field line. Heliot Ramos got an infield hit that moved Meckler to third-base, and David Villar singled to right to knock in Meckler. Trenton Brooks walked to load the bases, and that brought up Casey Schmitt, who hit a ground ball to the Giants’ shortstop, Nick Ahmed, who was able to help turn a 6-4-3 double play for the first two outs. That scored Ramos, but since it was a double play, Schmitt did not get an RBI.

Black survived a pair of walks in the bottom of the first inning, and Seymour settled down to throw a 1-2-3 innings in top of the second, as well as the top of the third.

The Giants did not get their first hit off Black until Lee legged out an infield single to start the bottom of the third. Lee advanced to second on a wild pitch, and got to third on a ground out by Austin Slater, but was caught in a rundown for the second out of the inning on a ground ball off the bat of LaMonte Wade Jr.

For Black, he ended up pitching three and two thirds shutout innings. He gave up two hits, but walked five guys.

Juan Sanchez, who has pitched nicely in camp for the Giants this spring, came in to relieve Seymour in the top of the fourth. Sanchez walked two, but struckout two in a scoreless inning of work.

The 6’8” right-hander Carson Ragsdale came in for the Giants in the top of the fifth, and the River Cats rocked him for three runs to extend their lead to 5-0. Ragsdale went two and two thirds, and Nick Garcia got the final out of the top of the seventh.

Eric Silva pitched a 1-2-3 top of the eighth for the Giants, and Pablo Sandoval pinch-hit for Austin Slater, and laced a base-hit to right off the left-hander John Bertrand to start the bottom of the eighth. Sandoval would be out at second after Blake Sabol reached on a 4-6 fielder’s choice, but Tyler Fitzgerald singled in Sabol with two outs to finally put the Giants on the board.

The River Cats tacked on three more runs in the top off the ninth off Spencer Bivens to blow it open, and Nick Avila pitched a scoreless bottom of the ninth for Sacramento to close it out, as the River Cats won it 8-1.

The River Cats now lead the all-time exhibition series two games to one against the Giants, and with the excitement and success of tonight’s game for both organizations and the city of Sacramento, it would be easy to assume that fans will not have to wait too long before the two teams square off at Sutter Health Park again.

Since this game was against a minor league game, it does not count towards the Giants’ overall spring training record. The Giants will close out their spring training schedule with two games against their crossbay rival A’s. The first will be at 6:40 p.m. on Monday at the Oakland Coliseum, followed by the Giants’ spring training finale when they host the A’s Tuesday night at Oracle Park.

Other Notes:

Logan Webb, who was born and raised in the Sacramento suburb of Rocklin was back in town, but with Webb set to make his third-straight opening day start when the Giants open the Regular Season in San Diego on Thursday, he did not pitch tonight.

“[I] came down this morning to see my family, [and] say hi to everybody,” said Webb. “I couldn’t miss out on coming back here…..I know how much pride this area has in their sports teams; the Giants’ ties run deep [here].”

“It’s always special coming here,” Webb continued. “Honestly, I wish there was a [major league] baseball team here…..I think [Sacramento] can have one…..You see how much Kings fans show up, [and] how much River Cats show up. I love it here.”

Webb expressed his excitement for being back in Sacramento, as well as being able to convert two of his teammates into Kings fans.

“Alex Cobb is a Kings fan now,” Webb said. “Ryan Walker, I think, is following [them] a little more. [The Kings have] been fun to watch, and hopefully, they keep going.”

Webb has struggled this spring, but is trying to put it behind him.

“Obviously, as a competitor, you don’t want to go out there and hear all the cliches, ‘it’s just spring training,’” said Webb. “Everything feels good; it’s just [not] the results I’ve been looking for.”

Pablo Sandoval who has been back in camp hoping for a third stint with the Giants has hit .178 this spring, and Tuesday’s spring training finale as the A’s is rumored to be a final farewell for Sandoval, who despite the odds being stacked against him, has been humble, and has made his excitement and gratitude to get one last chance with the Giants clear.

Sandoval has made an impact in camp, as he has been the connection to the Giants’ world championships in 2010, 2012 and 2014, and he has had an effect on the young players, who are set to be the team’s future.

According to Manager Bob Melvin, Sandoval has gotten the biggest ovations of any player. Melvin also said that he has specifically sent in Sandoval as a pinch-runner in games this spring to get more of the ovations.

Melvin also discussed the final cuts the Giants are set to make as they prepare to set their 26-man roster for Opening Day. Melvin told the team at the start of camp that even the players who were going to get cut were going to be needed at some point during the Regular Season.

“[With] the way our roster’s constructed, it’s gonna take an army to win,” said Melvin.” “These guys have to know that there’s a good chance they’re gonna be part of this.”

Warriors Fall Short From Downtown Losing to the Timberwolves 114-110; Minnesota ties season high of 3’s with 21

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Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Ried (11) celebrates his three pointer against the Golden State Warriors in the first half at the Target Center in Minneapolis on Sun Mar 24, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Golden State Warriors (36-33) played a terrific game for three quarters but fell short in the fourth losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves (48-22) 114-110. Despite playing without Karl-Anthony Towns Minnesota played very well after struggling through the first quarter.

It was the triples that the Timberwolves hit that sealed the win for Minnesota. They hit 21 in this game while the Warriors only had 14. Stephen Curry finished with 31 points but it was not enough to get past the Timberwolves.

Sunday evening the Warriors traveled to Minnesota to take on the Timberwolves. The Warriors have lost both games they have played against the Timberwolves this season and that was back in November. Both games were close.

On November 12 they lost by six points 116-110 and days later Golden State lost by the score of 104-101. The Warriors were having their struggles in late 2023 and they have turned things around in 2024 so all bets are off in this one.

The Timberwolves are having struggles of their own missing Karl-Anthony Towns who is dealing with a torn left knee meniscus. He had surgery to repair the knee in early March and will be re-evaluated in a month. This pushes his return into the month of April when the regular season will be winding down.

Towns has been a huge part of the Timberwolves rise into the top tier of the Western Conference and he has been missed. The Warriors had a great opportunity to handle this team without Towns as well as their solid starting roster along with their improved play.

Golden State needed this win trailing the Lakers by a game and a half and the Rockets on their heels a mere game and a half behind them but Golden State just couldn’t over come the Timberwolves in a four point 114-110 loss.

Game recap: The Warriors won the first quarter leading after the first 12 minutes 27-18 and by the half had forced 13 Minnesota turnovers. The Timberwolves got going in the second quarter winning the quarter by a single point 28-27.

Golden State took a 54-46 lead into the locker room at the half. Minnesota began to heat up in the first half hitting nine triples and out-rebounding the Warriors 24 to 18. Ball protection was huge for the Warriors who only had five turnovers so far in the game as well as hitting 46% from the field.

The Warriors 12-2 run in the first half and containing Rudy Gobert was a huge part of their halftime lead. Curry, Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins were all in double digits; Curry leading the pack with 14 points.

The Warriors had as much as a dozen point lead in the first half but the Timberwolves were hanging tight in the third quarter but still trailing 60-57. Golden State had their work cut out for them against the number one defensive team in the league.

Minnesota is also fourth in the league from downtown pushing their triple count to 12 in this game. The Warriors established a seven point lead 74-67 with 2:55 left in the third quarter. Minnesota got to within one point in the closing minute but Golden State pushed their lead back out to 81-78.

A single triple by the Timberwolves would tie up this game and so far the Warriors had been outscored by 18 points from the 3-point line. Curry had scored 22 points through three quarters. Golden State could not afford a mental lapse as this game went into the fourth quarter.

The Warriors started the fourth quarter with a couple of turnovers that the Timberwolves turned into two more triples taking a 84-81 lead. With ten minutes left in the game it was tied at 84 in another close game between the two conference foes.

The tide began to turn with under seven minutes left in the game. Minnesota continued to hit triples, 19 in total, taking a 97-89 lead. With 6 1/2 minutes left in the game Curry came back on the court instantly hitting a triple and cutting the Minnesota lead to 97-92.

With under six minutes left on the clock triples began to fly from both sides. With 41.0 seconds left in the game Minnesota had a five point lead 111-106.

The Warriors cut the Timberwolves lead to 111-110 with 14.9 seconds and the ball in Minnesota’s possession. This game was going down to the wire. Klay Thompson got a decent look at 11.2 and missed and that was the game 114-110 in favor of Minnesota.

The Minnesota Timberwolves dictated the pace of the game after the first quarter and their shooting from downtown was a huge part of tonight’s win for Minnesota. The Timberwolves had won all three games against Golden State this season. Anthony Edwards made some key shots in the game finishing with 23 points. They are now 25-9 at home this season.

It does not get any easier for the Warriors as they head into Florida to take on the Miami Heat Tuesday night followed by a matchup with the Orlando Magic Wednesday night. Both of these games are critical and both of them will be a tough call. Tipoff for the first of the two games Tuesday night is scheduled for 4:30 PM. 12 games are left in the season and it is going to be a photo finish.

Headline Sports with Charlie O: Can Ohtani interpreter stay in Japan avoid extradition?; Ex-O’s owner Angelos dead at 94 great accomplishments; plus more news

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Former Los Angeles Dodgers interpreter Ippei Mizuhara (left) and Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani no longer will be working together after Mizuhara was fired by the Dodgers for allegedly massive theft of Ohtani’s money for gambling (photo from ESPN)

On Headline Sports with Charlie O:

#1 Charlie, how bad of a look is it for baseball to have Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter allegedly stealing some $4.5 million from Ohtani to use it to gamble with an illegal bookmaker with Ohtani’s name on it. The big question is from the face of the story and everything we know does it look like or appear that Ohtani could have had a hand in this scandal based on the money transfers being in Ohtani’s name? Ippei Mizuhara the interpreter reportedly has said that Ohtani didn’t have anything to do with gambling which is being investigated by the US Attorney’s office.

#2 Baltimore Orioles former owner Peter Angelos has passed away at age 94. He oversaw an Orioles organization that had it’s highs and lows but the one thing everyone will remember him by his when got the plans together in the early 90s to build Camden Yards which opened in 1992. It was the ballpark that started other major league franchises to want a new ballpark for themselves. Angelos commandeered the idea of having the Orioles play a exhibition series against the Cuban National team in Havana Cuba on March 28, 1999. It was the first time that any team from the US played in Cuba since 1959. Later that season the the same two teams met again on May 3 at Camden Yards.

#3 The Philadelphia Phillies Bryce Harper who hasn’t played in a exhibition game since Mar 14th was in the line up against the New York Yankees yesterday. Harper had been out with sore back. Harper played in a simulated game on Friday and got in the line up on Saturday. Harper had back spasms last season.

#4 The San Francisco Giants announced that they will begin looking for a new PA announcer to replace the popular Renel Brooks Moon who had been the Giants PA announcer for 24 seasons. The Giants plan to rotate PA announcers during the season until they settle on someone they will hire. The Giants said they couldn’t reach a deal with Renel and sources say she wasn’t rehired because she was outspoken on social injustice issues.

#5 The Oakland 68s and the Last Dive Bar two Oakland A’s fan groups have voice their displeasure regarding the Oakland A’s cutting the usual opening night parking lot time from four hours down to two hours. The A’s say that the expect a low attendance for Thu Mar 28th and that opening the lot for four hours before the game would not be necessary. The 68s and the Last Dive Bar call the A’s decision “mind games” and a deliberate way to cut into their parking lot boycott that they planned.

Join Charlie O for Headline Sports each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sharks give up five unanswered goals to Chicago in 5-4 overtime loss

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Photo courtesy of San Jose Sharks. Thomas Bordeleau and his teammates celebrate his goal (taken on 3/23/24).

By Titus Wilkinson (@TitusWisme)

The Sharks continued their home stand against the other worst team in the league the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday night.

The hometown kid Devin Cooley would be getting his first start at SAP Center as he was in between the pipes. Cooley had played one game for the Sharks previous to this one also against Chicago where he gave up four goals in a loss.

For the Blackhawks, it was veteran Peter Mrazek in goal who heading into this one had a 3.09 GAA and .904 SV%.

There was only one goal scorer in the opening period and it was Thomas Bordealeau who lit the lamp twice.

The first one came on the powerplay off a beautiful tip out front by Bordealeau who got his fifth of the season.

Later in the period, Bordeleau ripped one top shelf around a Chicago defender extending their lead and putting him on hat-trick watch.

The Blackhawks had to feel deja vu in the second period as this time it was Fabian Zetterlund scoring a goal on the power play and even strength. The even-strength goal would come just 16 seconds in as he ripped one past the glove of Mrazek. The second goal came just over a minute later as William Eklund fead Zetterlund an incredible pass backdoor giving Fabian his first career 20-goal season.

After these four goals unfortunately for San Jose it would be all downhill.

It started with Ryan Donato who shoveled home a rebound past Cooley cutting the Sharks lead down to three.

A little later in the period, Tyler Johnson found himself wide open in front of the net and deposited home a pass from Donato.

San Jose was almost able to get a response in the third but Mrazek who has consistently been one of Chicago’s best players robbed Bordeleau of his hat-trick goal.

Chicago would then cut San Jose’s lead down to one as this time Seth Jones found the back of the net.

It looked like the Sharks were gonna be able to hold out until with just a little under a minute left Phillip Kurashev stuffed home his 15th of the season tying the game up at four. Kurashev had easily been one of Chicago’s best scorers as of late as he had 12 points in his past ten games heading into this one.

That meant overtime was next and Chicago wasted absolutely no time ending it just 18 seconds in as Jones wristed home his second of the game and robbed Cooley of his first career win.

The three stars of the game were: 1st: Ryan Donato 2nd: Fabian Zetterlund 3rd: Seth Jones

The shots in the game favored Chicago 31-30 San Jose dominated on the power play going 2/4 while the Blackhawks went 0/2.

San Jose will look to bounce back on their home ice against Dallas a team they have also blown big leads to. That game will be played on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

Bay FC loses in close battle to Washington 2-1 at Audi Field in DC

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Bay FC went all out against the Washington Spirit in a razor close game at Audi Field in Washington DC on Sat Mar 23, 2024 (Bay FC photo)

By William Espy

Bay FC visited the nation’s capital, Washington D.C, to take on the Washington Spirit at Audi Field. It was the home opener for the Spirit, who started their season in Seattle with a loss to the Seattle Reign and were looking to bounce back.

Bay FC on the other hand, started the season with a win against Angel City FC in Los Angeles. Their manager Albertin Montoya stuck with the 4-3-3 which worked well for them last time out, while Washington’s interim manager Adrian Gonzalez Morales countered with a 4-2-3-1 formation. The Spirit bounced back in with a one goal 2-1 win over Bay FC.

Bay FC Starting XI: Proulx, King, Beattie, Menges, Dydasco, Bailey, Anderson, Castellanos, Camberos, Blade, Oshoala

Washington Starting XI: Kingsbury, Krueger, Butel, McKeown, Carle, Hershfelt, Sullivan, Hatch, Bethune, Rodman, Sarr

Washington brought out quite a bit of pressure early, as they got a quality scoring chance less than a minute into the game. Bay FC would open the scoring though, as Dorian Bailey scored from the center of the box off of a pass from last game’s goal scorer Asisat Oshoala in the 11th minute.

Bailey spent five seasons with the Spirit before being acquired by Bay FC during the winter. Despite playing quite a few games with their organization, she was unable to score a goal in each of the last three seasons. Often regarded as a defender by the Spirit, Bailey is playing more of an offensive role with her new team. Oshoala almost scored one of her own in the 13th minute but hit the bar.

The former member of FC Barcelona has been a major contributor for Bay FC so far this season, and although she was unable to score in this game, she’s probably going to find the net more often than she misses this season.

Bay FC continued to apply pressure for the next ten minutes but were unable to extend their lead to two. After Scarlett Camberos was caught offside in the 21st minute, the Spirit started launching an attack which ended with a goal by Hal Hertshfelt from the right side of the box.

Trinity Rodman found her wide open, as she had been able to get behind Bay FC defender Savy King and Lysianne Proulx had no chance of saving the well-placed shot. It was Hershfelt’s first career NWSL goal in only her second career game, as she was selected by the Spirit in the first round of the 2024 draft.

For Bay FC, it was the first goal they had conceded since joining the league as well. Following the goal, momentum swung in Washington’s favor as they were able to maintain possession for the next few minutes and turned it into a couple more scoring chances.

Proulx faced a big test in the 34th minute, as Ouleymata Sarr took the ball from the defense in Washington’s offensive third of the pitch and got a shot off from just outside the box, as she has in most cases this season though, Proulx came through and made the save.

In the 36th minute, Casey Krueger collided with her teammate Hershfelt and went down with an apparent head injury. After a three-minute delay, she left the pitch under her own power and was eventually subbed off, with Anna Heilferty coming into the game. Due to the injury, officials would add six minutes of stoppage time but the game would head to halftime tied 1-1.

Neither team was able to get an advantage early in the second half, there was an occasional scoring chance but a lot of time was spent attempting to break through the defense on both ends. Bay in particular was maintaining considerable possession time, but were unable to get set up in the offensive third and were often regrouping in their own half of the pitch.

In the 58th minute, Deyna Castellanos took a hard foul after making contact with two Spirit players but would remain in the game. Just a few moments later, Rodman would be booked, the second yellow card of the game, the first was given to Camberos in the 48th minute.

Looking to break the tie, Washington took off their striker Sarr for Brittany Ratcliffe who had started in their two previous matches. In the 65th minute, Washington got the best opportunity of the half so far, when Croix Bethune hit the crossbar, if it were slightly lower it would’ve undoubtedly been the go-ahead goal.

In the 68th minute, Bay FC made their first substitution of the night as Jen Beattie was replaced by Alyssa Malonson on defense. At that point, momentum was certainly in the favor of the Spirit and Montoya hoped adding some energy to the backline could help settle things down a bit.

It did help, as Bay maintained possession in the offensive third a little more after the substitution, but the half was still scoreless when Rachel Hill replaced Cambreros in the 76th minute for Montoya’s second substitution of the night.

Injury struck again in the 83rd minute for the Spirit, as Rodman went down with apparent leg cramping and although she wanted to remain in the match, Courtney Brown took her spot for the remainder of the night.

Since Washington had used their three windows, they were done with substitutions for the night after Brown came on. In the 88th minute, Castellanos went down with an injury in the middle of play for Bay FC but she ended up remaining in the game.

The officials granted five minutes of stoppage time, and the game remained tied 1-1 after 90 minutes. That would change in the 95th though, as Bethune scored shortly after a set piece to give the Spirit a 2-1 lead and the victory. It was a heartbreaking first loss for Bay FC who could’ve easily walked away with a point on the road, but now they’ll look to bounce back in their home opener next weekend.

William Espy is a Bay FC beat writer for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kings Win Cliff-Hanger Beating Orlando 109-107

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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.

San Jose Sharks podcast with Mary Lisa: Sharks host Bedard and Blackhawks tonight at SAP Center

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Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard (98) gets congratulations from the Chicago bench after scoring a second period goal at the Honda Center in Anaheim on Tue Mar 12, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the SJ Sharks podcast with Mary Lisa:

#1 Let’s face it everybody wants to see the Chicago Blackhawks Connor Bedard on Saturday night at SAP Center. It doesn’t matter that both the Blackhawks and Sharks are both dead last in their respective divisions the Blackhawks are a draw and fans want to see Connor Bedard.

#2 Bedard is having a rookie season with 21 goals, 33 assists, and 54 points. No telling how many goals and assists he would have if he didn’t get the broken jaw earlier this season but he’s no doubt having a great year.

#3 Bedard also won the Stellar Player of the week Award twice so far this season so that pretty much indicates that Bedard will no doubt be a mega star in the NHL and a huge impact for the Blackhawks.

#4 Meanwhile the San Jose Sharks have lost six straight games and they suffered a tough loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night. The Sharks tied the Lightning in the first period and they hoped to capitalize but the Lightning struck right back scoring three unanswered goals in the third period to shut down the Sharks.

#5 The Sharks are back the the drawing board again looking for that 17th win of the season as they face the Blackhawks at SAP Center in San Jose. The Blackhawks are 19-46-5 and the Hawks have lost two straight games going into this game tonight.

Mary Lisa does the San Jose Sharks podcasts Saturdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Pacers Offensive Effort Spurs Win Over Golden State 123-111

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Golden State Warriors forward Trayce Jackson Davis (32) drives against the Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) in the first half at Chase Center in San Francisco on Fri Mar 22, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Golden State Warriors (36-32) had a lot of trouble containing the Indiana Pacers (39-31) Tyrese Haliburton as they dropped their Friday night game at Chase 123-111. Haliburton dropped two triples, one a buzzer-beater to end the second quarter and another buzzer-beater to end the third. The Pacers took off in the fourth quarter and there was no looking back for Indiana. The final was 123-111.

Game recap: At the end of the first quarter this game was tied up at 38. It was indeed a hotly contested quarter of basketball. The Warriors guard Stephen Curry had a great quarter finishing with 13 points and his first quarter play pointed to a hot night for the superstar.

Both teams were shooting at 50% from beyond the arc and both teams were protecting the ball with only three turnovers between the two teams. Both teams displayed some amazing defense as well as offense.

Several minutes into the second quarter the Warriors had created some separation leading 48-41. If the first quarter was any indication the Pacers would push any lead that Golden State took.

The Warriors came up with some solid defense and continued to push their lead. Mid-way through the quarter Golden State continued to hold onto a ten point lead 58-48 and their defense was really disrupting the Pacers offense.

The Warriors had established a 12 point lead that the Pacers erased in the final two minutes of the quarter. With a one-point lead 64-63 the Warriors were hanging on with under two minutes until the half.

The Warriors had pushed the lead out to 67-63 with seconds left in the first half of play. The Pacers were not done as Haliburton hit a three-point buzzer beater to end the half with Golden State leading 67-66. The Pacers had erased a 12 point Warrior lead and Golden State would have their work cut out for them in the second half of play.

Both Curry and Klay Thompson (off the bench) finished the first half with 15 points apiece. They were both on course for some great numbers. Golden State was controlling the pace but needed more stops.

Most of the stats for these two teams were as close as they could possibly be. The Warriors would try to continue to contain Haliburton in the second half. The Pacers had three of their starters in double digits with Pascal Siakim leading the pack scoring 13 points with Haliburton close behind with 11 points. The second half of the game would have all the makings of an intense battle between two playoff bound teams.

The tables turned in the third quarter as the Pacers took their largest lead of the game 77-72 at 7:23. The Warriors pushed back as they attempted to take back the momentum trailing by a single point 77-76.

Every time the Warriors challenged in the second half, the Pacers came right back and more often then not they came back with a triple. The Pacers had flipped this game by 22 points leading at 4:55, 89-79 in a strong Indiana turnaround.

The Warriors offense had slumped as the Pacers continued to extend their lead to 91-79 with under four minutes left in the quarter. Indiana came unleashed leading 100-85 with under a minutes left in the third as the Golden State offense continued to struggle.

The incomparable Haliburton ended the third quarter the way he ended the second; with a buzzer beating triple. Indiana had built a 102-88 lead going into the fourth quarter.

The Warriors looked disconnected and you could see the frustration etched on Curry’s face as the fourth quarter got underway. The Warriors had to make a push now or never because the Pacers were not letting down, they refused to go away.

The Warriors were 15 of 41 from downtown and that makes winning awful tough. At 6:37 the Warriors were in the bonus and they had a real shot provided they got some offense going. The Pacers offense faltered and with the Warriors flying all over the court hitting shots, the door had opened up for Golden State.

They had cut the Pacer lead to 116-109 with 3:07 left in this wild game. The Warriors had to be near perfect for the remainder of the game. They were not. Golden State fought so hard in the final quarter but it was the horrendous third quarter that did them. The final was 123-111. To make this even worse Chris Paul got ejected near the end of the game in a case of clear frustration. The Pacers were now 5-0 at Chase.

The hot start for Curry cooled in the second half. He had 13 points in the first quarter but only 12 points for the remainder of the game. The Warriors were 14 of 46 from downtown and Golden State continues to struggle at home. Golden State will be on the road for seven of their next eight games. The good news is that they have been a lot better on the road this year than they have been at home.

Game notes: Friday night the Warriors lost the Pacers to Chase Center in an east meets west matchup. The Pacers are currently in sixth place in the Eastern Conference and the Warriors are fighting to stay in playoff position hanging onto tenth place.

The Warriors ultimate goal is of course to move up in the standings. The Pacers are 43% three point shooters and Golden State needed solid defense to guard against that. It was very well hotly contested game but in the end the Warriors lost by 12 points. The Warriors have now lost five of their last ten games.

After this disappointing loss the Warriors head out on the road. Sunday the Warriors will take on the Minnesota Timberwolves looking for a more productive offensive effort. This will be another challenging game taking on the power house Timberwolves. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 4:00 PM.

Oakland A’s relocation podcast with Daniel Dullum: A’s meet with Coliseum Authority next week on April 2

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Oakland A’s officials are to meet with the Oakland Coliseum Joint Authority on Tue Apr 2, 2024 at the Oakland Coliseum (AP News file photo)

On the A’s Relocation podcast:

On the A’s podcast with Daniel:

#1 Sources are saying the Oakland A’s are no longer accepting comments from fans or the public on what their plans are for financing the Las Vegas Tropicana and other than the artists rendition of the Sydney Opera House ballpark people want to see the blue prints.

#2 Also it was reported that the Las Vegas community, businesses, and casinos who have been approached about becoming minority owners of the A’s have not taken the bait and have expressed no interest in entering a business with the A’s after observing how the stadium project has been handled.

#3 The A’s have tuned off their X comments page so the public cannot write to them with questions and comments as to what is happening with the relocation of the A’s. As of yet the A’s still have not decided where they will play for the 2025-27 seasons and have a scheduled meeting with the Oakland Coliseum Joint Authority on Tue Apr 2.

#4 Daniel with there being no tangible renderings and blue prints to back it up and no financing since the unveiling of the Sydney Opera House style ballpark A’s fans in both Las Vegas and Oakland are trying to find out what the A’s plans are and have not got a response.

#5 Vegas fans and the business community are really getting turned off after a Wall Street Journal article came out with a headline that read “The Oakland A’s have plans for a new home in Vegas. Now they need a plan to get there.” As this drags out and there is no financing things are becoming more doubtful if this will ever get off the ground.

Daniel does the Oakland A’s Relocation podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com