Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: Raiders tough task face Chiefs Monday in KC; Ravens-49ers preview for Super Bowl?; plus more news

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers in the first half at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thu Dec 14, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Charlie, lets start with the Las Vegas Raiders who in their last game clobbered the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium 63-21. It was a game where the Raiders who previously lost 3-0 to the Minnesota Vikings just four days before saw quarterback Aidan O’Connell throw for four touchdowns on Thursday Night Football.

#2 The Raiders have tough task again when they visit the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs (9-5) have had their struggles they have lost four of their last seven games and quarterback Patrick Mahomes was fined $50,000 and head coach Andy Reid $100,000 for criticizing the officials from Sun Dec 10th’s game. The Chiefs turned it around beating the New England Patriots last Sun Dec 17th with a 27-17 win. How do you see this match up Raiders at Chiefs on Monday.

#3 Ever since their three game collapse earlier this season the 49ers have been one of the NFL’s unstoppable teams winning six straight. They crushed the Arizona Cardinals in their last game 45-29. 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy continues to roll with four touchdowns.

#4 The 49ers host the Ravens on Monday Night Football on Christmas night at Levi Stadium. The Ravens with and identical record as the 49ers 11-3 have quarterback LaMar Jackson under center who has a lot of confidence and success this season will the Ravens have success like the last six teams the 49ers have faced?

#5 Rob Manfred and MLB have some new rule changes for the 2024 season. Two seconds have been taken away from the pitcher who used to have 20 seconds now it’s 18 seconds to throw a pitch. Also the baserunner before had to run on the dirt from the foul line and three foot line or take a chance of being called out for interference. Now the base runners lane will go from the cut of the infield grass, the distance from foul line and the infield grass. The distance between the infield grass to the foul line will be 18 and 24 inches in all big league parks. It widens the runners path up the first base line.

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

Edwards leads Timberwolves with 34 pts in 110-98 win over Kings; Sac goes 4-2 to finish homestand

The Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) goes for a layup against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Sat Dec 23, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Saturday night in Sacramento! The Kings played host to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday after defeating the Phoenix Suns on Friday. The Kings were set to take on the Timberwolves at 7 PM PST on Saturday night. The Kings would fall to the Wolves 110-98.

In the first half, the Kings got started in the wrong foot. The Wolves started the game hot and jumped out to a lead. The Wolves would score 59 in the first half compared to only 47 from the Kings. The kings would need to turn up the intensity in the second half if they wanted to stay in the game.

In the second half, the Kings reigned in the game but it wasn’t enough to contain the Timberwolves. The Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards and his 34 points in the night the Wolves were able to hold onto their first half lead. The Timberwolves defeated the Kings 110-98.

The Kings got an impressive performance from De’Aaron Fox in the loss. De’Aaron scored 27 points. The King outscored the Wolves by one point in the third quarter but then had a one point deficit in the fourth to seal the deal.

Up Next: The Kings will travel to Portland to take on the TrailBlazers on the 26th at 7 PM PST.

Canucks move to top of Western Conference hand Sharks fifth straight loss 7-4; Kuzmenko lights the lamp twice in Vancouver offensive attack

The Vancouver Canucks Andrei Kuzmenko (96) and the San Jose Sharks Fabian Zetterlund (20) battle for the puck in the third period at Rogers Arena in Vancouver on Sat Dec 23, 2023 (Canadian Press photo via AP)

By Torben Rolfsen

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -What happens when a resistible force combines with a moveable object? We found out Saturday night as the San Jose Sharks brought their league-worst offense to Rogers Arena along with their league-worst defense.

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and the Sharks D got juked out of their stockings.

The league-leading Canucks scored five goals on their first sixteen shots to send the Sharks to their fifth straight loss, 7-4. Vancouver improved to 7-0-2 in its last nine.

After Jacob MacDonald pulled San Jose to within one goal with just under seven minutes remaining, the Canucks put the game away with two late goals, their seventh into an empty net courtesy of their captain Quinn Hughes.

If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, starting (Mackenzie) Blackwood in goal might not be the best way to make your dreams come true.

Vancouver scored three goals in the second frame to break the game open. Fabian Zetterland scored on a nice passing play by Mario Ferraro at 11:08, but San Jose’s attack couldn’t keep pace with the leaks in the Sharks own end.

It was sort of a tale of two first periods. The first half belonged to the Canucks, who looked relaxed and in control. The hosts were up two goals before the Sharks even got their second shot on goal.

But at 13:32 the tide had turned and Anthony Duclair took advantage of an overly-relaxed Vancouver D to put one past California native Thatcher Demko, the NHL ‘s second star of the week.

Tomas Hertl tied it up less than three minutes later and backhanded it through the five-hole after a rebound scramble close to the net. It was Hertl’s team-leading 12th goal of the campaign.

Andrei Kuzmenko scored the Canucks first two goals on snappy wristers that found their way through, the second with Mike Hoffman off for interference.

Shots on goal ended up 26-25 for Vancouver, hits were 19-15 in favor of San Jose. . The large Vancouver crowd (sold out, 18,875), many in holiday attire, were in a festive mood.

Most random jersey sighting of the night was a guy in a Clark Griswold Blackhawks sweater, who was booed lustily when shown on the Jumbotron.

Sharks next game is at Los Angeles Wednesday, December 27 before returning home to the SAP Center for a tilt against the Edmonton Oilers Thursday, December 28.

Coastal Carolina Beats San Jose State 24-14 In The EasyPost Hawai’i Bowl

The San Jose State Spartans edged the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers at the Clarence T.C. Ching Complex in Manoa, HI in the EasyPost Hawai’i Bowl on Sat Dec 23, 2023 (SJSU Spartans photo)

Saturday, December 23rd, 2023

By Troy Ewer

San José State (7-5, 6-2 Mountain West) is Hawai‘i Bound in the EasyPost Hawai‘i Bowl and will take on Coastal Carolina (7-5, 5-3 Sun Belt) from the Clarence T.C. Ching Complex in Manoa, Hawai‘i as the Spartans look for their seventh straight win.

The co-regular season Mountain West Champions head to their third bowl game in four years for the first time in SJSU history and it’s the first time since 1986-87 the Spartans have been to back-to-back bowl games as they look for their seventh consecutive win for the first time since 2020.

First touchdown of the game came with three minutes left of the first quarter from a 2 yard pass from Ethan Vasko to Matt Alaimo of Coastal Carolina after a whole first quarter where no one was really moving the chains. 7-0 Coastal Carolina.

The quarter ended 7-0 Coastal Carolina with the ball and a clear advantage in the momentum. The Spartans struggled the first half trying to get in the end zone, but for a majority of the half it was a combination of factors between good defense from Coastal Carolina and SJSU not capitalizing on the fact that Coastal Carolina also wasn’t scoring that much either.

The first half ended 7-0 making it the lowest scoring half in Hawai’i Bowl history. Very quiet half with one touchdown and a bunch of punts. 

The third quarter was looking to be just as quiet as the rest of the half, but Vasko connected with Kendall Karr on a 2 yard TD pass that capped a 87 yard drive, 14-0 Coastal Carolina. The Spartans couldn’t find their way to water if they were on an island and with three minutes left in the third, they needed to find water fast, because the score may have been low, but it was a hole they needed to get out of.

On the following drive it looked like the Spartans were getting things together, but a forced fumble recovered by Coastal Carolina stopped that SJSU momentum right in their tracks. The third quarter ended 14-0 and this game felt oddly over even though there was one last quarter, but it certainly wasn’t. 

Coastal Carolina started the fourth quarter with a field goal, which made it a 17-0 score and a deeper hole for the Spartans. San Jose State finally got on the board with a Chevan Cordeiro 35 yard touchdown pass to Sam Olson. 17-7 and it was a sign that there was still life in the Spartans.

A bad pass forced Coastal Carolina to punt and SJSU now had a chance to capitalize and close the gap. Quali Conley got the second touchdown for SJSU with a 12 yard rushing TD and Coastal Carolina fans were deflated in the stands in Hawai’i. 17-14 with 8:30 left in the game.

Coastal Carolina ran the ball down the field and the minutes off the clock, but in the red zone Vasko threw an 8 yard TD pass to Sam Pinckney and that left the Spartans 2:43 to try to comeback and get a big bowl victory.

The Spartans missed a field goal and Coastal Carolina took a knee to run the clock down. Coastal Carolina wins 24-14!!! A hard fought season for San Jose State and that roster and they have high hopes for next season, but for now the Spartans will enjoy their holiday break in Hawai’i as well as their offseason. Happy Holidays everyone.

Warriors Reserves Close Out Game Against Portland 126-106

Portland Trail Blazers center Deandrye Ayton (center) battles with Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and forward Trayce Jackson-Davis (right) at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Sat Dec 23, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Golden State Warriors (15-14) beat the Portland Trail Blazers (7-21) Saturday night 126-106 at Chase Center in San Francisco. Once again the reserves closed out this game. Guards Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson had terrific showings as they won their fifth game in a row and their eighth straight home game.

After beating the Washington Wizards Friday night, the Warriors were back at work Saturday night taking on the Blazers and picked up their fifth win in a row. The Warriors are still without Andrew Wiggins missing his second game. The Trail Blazers are, much like the Wizards, trying to figure the season out struggling along the way. 

The game Saturday night was similar to the Warriors start Friday night. It was not at all what they wanted to see and despite shooting at 57 % they trailed 28-19 with under two minutes left in the first quarter. 

They had seemed to have resolved the turnover problem lately but in this game they already had nine in the first 12 minutes. Portland led after one quarter 30-23 and the Warriors were lucky that the deficit was not a whole lot worse. 

It was a terrible start for Golden State with the turnovers. It was the 15 rebounds that saved them from being even further behind the eight ball. They needed to pick it up on both ends of the ball in the second quarter.

Golden State went on a 13-3 run and this was a one point game 34-33 in favor of the Warriors. They had turned this game in a completely different direction. After being 11 down, the Warriors led 42-39 with under five minutes left in the half. 

This game had taken a 20 point swing in the closing minutes of the second quarter. They took a 57-46 lead going into the locker room after a brilliant quarter with the reserves coming up big. They did clean up the turnovers committing only four with a running total of 13. 

The Warriors took their largest lead of the game mid-way through the third quarter as the Splash Brothers really took charge 77-63. At 5:20 Curry and Thompson each had scored 23 points. Golden State only had two turnovers in the third quarter both of them coming because of eight second violations. The Warriors were looking for their eighth straight home win closing out the quarter leading 89-77.

Two minutes into the final quarter the Warriors had a 19 point lead. Portland continued to threaten throughout the fourth quarter but Golden State answered every time. 

The Trail Blazers could not keep up with the Warriors as Golden State matched them point for point and then some. The reserves once again closed out this game as the starters took the bench for the remainder of the game. Portland has some really scrappy young players but they came up short against the experience and skill of the Warriors. 

Thompson had the high for the Warriors with 28 points closely followed by Curry with 27. Bradin Podziemski finished with 15 points and bench player Trayce Jackson-Davis continues to impress with 13 points and five rebounds. 

They will need a lot of fire power as they travel to Denver on Christmas Day taking on the Nuggets. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 11:30 AM. 

  

  

   

San Jose Sharks podcast with Mary Lisa: Sharks hope to right ship open two game road trip tonight in Vancouver

Arizona Coyotes center Alexander Kerfoot (15) scores on the San Jose Sharks goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood (29) in the second period at SAP Center in San Jose on Thu Dec 21, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the SJ Sharks podcast with Mary Lisa:

#1 The Sharks lost on home ice on Thursday night to the Coyotes for their fourth straight loss 5-2 at SAP Center.

#2 San Jose outshot Arizona 12-7 in the first period it was a display that the Sharks had their foot on the necks of the Coyotes, but the goalies were on point keeping it scoreless. 

#3 The second period was rough for the Sharks as the Coyotes offense went to work getting three goals and taking a 3-1 lead.

#4 The Coyotes kept it up scoring two more goals and came away with a three goal 5-2 win for the Sharks fourth consecutive loss.

#5 The Sharks will try and hope that a change of scenery will be beneficial when the open the first of two road games on Saturday in Vancouver and then in head to the Southland and face the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. How do you see these match ups.

Join Mary Lisa for the Sharks podcasts each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

De’Aaron Fox breaks Kings’ assists record in 120-105 win over Suns

The Phoenix Suns guard Seben Lee (38) blocks a Sacramento Kings De’Aaron Fox (5) shot in the first quarter at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento (AP News photo)

Friday, Dec. 22, 2023

Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, California

Phoenix Suns 105 (14-14)

Sacramento Kings 120 (17-10)

By Stephen Ruderman

SACRAMENTO–De’Aaron Fox scored 23 points, and broke the Kings’ all-time assist record, as he led the way in Sacramento’s 120-105 win over the Phoenix Suns.

Coming off a loss Wednesday night to the Boston Celtics, the Kings were looking to bounce back against the Suns in the fifth game of their six-game homestand. It was a lively Friday night crowd at the Golden 1 Center, as the fans cheered on the Kings, and loudly booed the Suns, as they took the court.

The Suns won the opening tip, and got on the board right away, as Devin Booker alley-ooped to Drew Eubanks, who dunked it in to put Phoenix up 2-0. Domantas Sabonis responded with a pair of dunks to put the Kings up 4-2.

Grayson Allen hit a three-ball for the Suns to put Phoenix up 5-5, but that would prove to be their final lead of the night. The Kings maintained a steady lead throughout the remainder of the first quarter, but never led by more than nine points. The Kings would start to pull away a bit, but each time, the Suns would get back in it

Towards the end of the first quarter, the officials contacted the Replay Command Center, and even though the clock said there was a minute and 14 seconds remaining, it was determined that there were only 21 seconds remaining. The quarter, which was sarcastically described by Kings Public Address Announcer Scott Moak as the “longest quarter in NBA History,” ended with the Kings up 35-30.

The second quarter went mostly the same as the first. Sasha Vezenkov started the quarter with a three, and Fox followed it up with a jumper to put the Kings ahead 40-30. The Kings’ lead never fell below seven for the first half of the second quarter, but there was plenty of drama.

Following a dunk by Adoka Azubuike of the Suns with 6:47 remaining to make the score 47-40, Kevin Durant was called for a technical foul, and Booker was hit with a tech of his own as he argued Durant’s foul. Harrison Barnes shot both free throws from Sacramento, and hit them both.

Durant laid one in with 4:25 remaining to cut the Kings’ lead to 51-46, but from there, the Kings began to pull away, as they closed out the second quarter with a 14-8 run.

Suns Head Coach Frank Vogel was hit with the Suns’ third technical foul of the quarter after Durant was called for a backcourt violation with 18 seconds remaining. Durant was arguing as well, and had to be pulled away to prevent his second technical foul, which would have resulted in his ejection.

The Kings went into the half up 65-54, and then they hit the ground running in the third quarter, as they went on a 31-13 run to take a 96-67 lead with 5:54 remaining. During that run, Fox recorded his 1,581st-career assist to become the Kings’ all-time assists leader.

However, the Suns didn’t go down quietly, as they went on a 17-4 run to close the gap to 100-84. Barnes hit a fadeaway jumper, and hit a free throw after he was fouled on the play, and the Kings went into the fourth quarter up 103-84.

Despite the brief reprieve, the Suns kept their momentum going into the fourth quarter. Saben Lee laid one in, and Booker hit a jumper to cut the score to 103-88.

The Kings then regained control, as the teams traded points throughout the fourth quarter, and the Kings easily won by a final of 120-105.

Despite Fox’s strong performance and historic night, Domantas Sabonis led the Kings tonight with 28 points. Keegan Murray scored 21 points.

The Kings improve to 17-10, and they will welcome in the Minnesota Timberwolves to close out the homestand for a 7:00 tip Saturday night.

Warriors Handle Washington 129-118; Former Warrior Poole leads Wizards with 25 points

Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole (left) and Golden State Warriors Klay Thompson (right) share a laugh before Fri Dec 22, 2023 at the Chase Center in San Francisco (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Friday night the Golden State Warriors (13-14) handled the Washington Wizards (5-22)129-118. Jordan Poole was greeted with cheers from the crowd. Considering what he did when he was with Golden State he more than deserved the accolade. He was clearly moved by the reaction from the fans.

Stephen Curry continues to roll and it has gotten even better with Klay Thompson really heating up. With the absence of Draymond Green, Jonathna Kuminga has added so much to the starting roster as has Brandin Podziemski. Andrew Wiggins will be out for this game due to general illness. The Warriors bench has been terrific with Chris Paul, Trayce Jackson-Davis and Moses Moody. The Warriors have been playing great ball lately winning three games in a row and looking to make it four.

The Warriors want to come out in the first quarter setting the tone; they want to dictate play from the get-go. It did not go exactly as they had wanted. Golden State really struggled to begin the quarter. Four minutes in, they got going but it was the Wizards who got going early leading 15-7 at 7:33. It took the Warriors nearly the entire quarter but after the first 12 minutes Golden State had taken the lead 28-25. The Warriors were being tested in the opening quarter. There was more good news for the Warriors; coming out of the quarter without a single turnover.

At the half, the Warriors continued to hold the lead 63-61, but the Wizards continued to hang around winning the second quarter 36-35. Curry had 17 points in the half and Kuminga finished the half with 16.  Jackson-Davis was terrific off the bench with 8 points and 9 rebounds looking for his second double double in a row.

The Warriors began to extend their lead as the clock began to wind down on the third quarter. The Wizards had continued to play close through much of the quarter until Golden State started to distance themselves from Washington. 

With under two minutes left in the third the Warriors had taken a 101-80 lead, their largest of the game. Offensive and defensive excellence told the story of the third quarter. They committed their first foul of the quarter with seconds left. Their two point lead at the half had ballooned into 18, 101-83. Through three quarters Golden State had protected the ball really well with only eight turnovers.

Defending without fouling was the key for Golden State in the fourth quarter as the bench took over to finish this game. An 11-0 Washington run sent this game in a Wizard direction with 2:14 left in the game. The Warrior 23 point lead had been cut to 13 with less than two minutes on the clock. The bench held on winning the game 129-118.

Curry had 30 points and Kuminga finished with 22 in another phenomenal game. Thompson added another 20 points and the Warriors put this game away in the second half. Jackson-Davis finished with 10 points and 15 rebounds. Rebounds made a huge difference in this game. Golden State had 57 while the Wizards had 39 quite a disparity. Great ball protection resulted in only 12 turnovers. The Warriors had a balanced attack and the result was a nice win.

Despite the loss, the Wizard’s Jordan Poole had a productive game with 25 points. He was greeted with a lot of enthusiasm from the fans which was great to see considering what he did for the Warriors in his years with Golden State.

Post game notes: Friday night the Warriors took on the Wizards at Chase Center. This game follows the Golden State overtime win 132-126 over the first place Boston Celtics on Wednesday night. Curry scored 33 points in this dramatic win taking out Jaylen Brown and Company. 

The season leader for the Wizards is Kyle Kuzma with a game average of 23.6 points per game. Washington also has a familiar face with the tenacious Poole who is also one of their main threats. The Wizards have been struggling this season and Golden State beat the odds to even their season record at .500. 

The Warriors will continue Saturday night with another home game playing the Portland Trail Blazers. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 5:30 PM. 

   

Oakland A’s relocation podcast with Daniel Dullum: A’s still need FAA approval regarding Las Vegas Airport; Vegas fans are not excited about A’s coming

The air traffic tower under construction at the Las Vegas Airport in this Aug 6, 2014 photo. The runways for take off and landings front where home plate will face at the Las Vegas ballpark and there are concerns if the stadium lights would be a distraction for pilots. The A’s and the Tropicana are waiting for FAA approval in that part of the venture. (AP News file photo)

On the Oakland A’s Relocation podcast with Daniel:

#1 Daniel, our talk show host Jimmy Price went on location at the Tropicana Casino and Hotel and did a close visual of the property and intersection. He confirmed that this will be a tight space for a retractable and the two towers at the Tropicana will need to be demoed and as of the end of December no renderings as of yet.

#2 Also Jimmy mentioned that some of the retail, businesses and people who work and live by the strip do not want the A’s to come to the Tropicana because it will create horrible congestion and a ballpark at Las Vegas Blvd and Tropicana will be more of hinderance. Don’t forget the FAA has to approve the stadium as well as home plate faces the landing and take off runway at Las Vegas Airport.

#3 The other point that was brought up was this thinking by the A’s that they’ll bring in attendance by depending on tourism and visiting teams fans will travel with the team like they do for the Raiders. In baseball it’s been brought up whose going to come on a Monday or Tuesday to see the Royals or Pittsburgh Pirates at Tropicana Field very few was the answer.

#4 The A’s ballpark in Las Vegas may not be a destination spot for visitors in Vegas because the product of the A’s just won’t attract visitors from coming. If the A’s were to rebrand themselves as say the Las Vegas Blackjacks or another name then promote themselves as such much in the same way the Washington Nationals did when they left Montreal that marketing strategy might work but using the A’s and their colors it’s not going to fool or excite too many fans.

#5 Once again the non existence of renderings have fans and Vegas residents wondering what is going to work at the park. The Texas Rangers it was said did a great job of their design at Globe Life Field with their luxury boxes and and stadium layout to attract fans in Arlington. The A’s trying to shoehorn a park in the Tropicana that will be tight fit it might not only be the smallest park in the Majors but it could turn into the biggest disaster development mistake in MLB.

Join Daniel for the Oakland A’s relocation podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Aztecs overwhelm Cardinal 74-60

Stanford Cardinal forward Max Murrell (10) and San Diego State Aztecs forward Miles Heide (40) grasp for the basketball at Viejas Arena in San Diego on Thu Dec 21, 2023 (photo by USA Today)

By Daniel Dullum

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Stanford hit the road for the final time before the start of conference play on Thursday, dropping a 74-60 non-league decision to San Diego State in front of 12,414 at Viejas Arena.

Lamont Butler led the Aztecs with a game-high 18 points on 7 of 13 field goal shooting, including three 3-pointers. He also had four assists and four steals.

Jaedon LeDee was next for San Diego State with 16 points, and Micah Parrish added 10 points.

Maxime Raynaud paced the Cardinal (5-5) with 15 points while grabbing a game-high seven rebounds, followed by Michael Jones and Brandon Angel with 14 and 10 points, respectively.

The Cardinal connected on only 3 of 20 from 3-point range, and 40.8 percent from the field. Stanford made 17 of 19 free throws.

Stanford led most of the first half and used six points by Raynaud to take an early 10-5 lead. From there the Aztecs took control of the contest, leading 34-32 at halftime

The Aztecs (6-3) used a 15-3 run to open the second half to pull away. Andrej Stockovic scored all six of his points in the second half to help Stanford cut its deficit to 10 on three different occasions. But San Diego State maintained its distance for the remainder of the game.

The Cardinal play their next game on Friday, Dec. 29, for its Pac-12 Conference opener against Arizona State.