Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings host Suns in first of back to back games Friday

Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) shoots over Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Tue Mar 21, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 After winning three straight games the Sacramento Kings (43-29) have lost two straight games do you view this just a lull and were the Utah Jazz and the Boston Celtics (50-23) just up to beat the Kings no matter what the cause in those two games?

#2 The Kings rank number three in the NBA Western Conference and once you make that climb to one of the top seeds everybody starts to come after you. In watching the Jazz and Celtics go after the Kings do you see those opponents doing some careful film study in trying to pick apart weaknesses on the Kings offense and defense?

#3 Kings head coach Mike Brown has a steady hand and also has watched these last two straight defeats carefully do you see him distributing the shots and also the defense differently or the talent will stay with their usual course of action?

#4 In the second half against the Celtics on Tuesday the Celts offense just came out and dominated scoring 40 in the third and 32 in the fourth quarter and held the Kings to just 31 in the third and 24 in the fourth quarter.

#5 The Kings hope to turn the tables tonight at Golden 1 Center as they host the Phoenix Suns (38-34). The Suns have struggled in their last two games as well losing the Oklahoma City Thunder Sunday and on Wednesday to the Los Angeles Lakers. You best bet both teams will be battling tonight in Sacramento.

Join Jeremiah for the Kings podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Warriors podcast with Jerry Feitelberg: Warriors host hot handed 76ers Friday night at Chase

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and Draymond Green (23), along with staff, celebrate a basket late in the second half in Dallas against the Dallas Mavericks on Wed Mar 22, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Jerry F:

#1 Mark Cuban owner and the Dallas Mavericks have filed a protest over an official’s ruling to allow the Golden State Warriors an inbound a ball in the third quarter where the Mavericks originally were to inbound the ball but that decision was changed during a time out. As the Mavs set up to defend on the other side of the court the Warriors inbounded the ball for a slam dunk two points. While the Mavericks lost the game it was noted that Golden State out hustled and out played Dallas and won by two points which Cuban and the Mavericks have filed a protest with the NBA over the inbound ruling.

#2  Wednesday night the Warriors faced a real challenge playing Luca Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks (36-37) at American Airlines Center to finish off this road trip. The Warriors took hold of that challenge to defeat the Mavericks for their second consecutive road win 127-126 in Dallas.

#3 The third quarter was a high-powered one with Golden State leading for most of it. The Warriors turnovers had become more infrequent and points in the paint were flowing. Golden State was shooting at 75% from the field in the third. They led after three quarters 96-93.

#4 Jonathan Kuminga was the high scorer with 22 points off the bench. Jordan Poole also had a nice game with 16 points, some of them critical points in the fourth quarter. Stephen Curry pushed this game over the top in the final quarter finishing with 20 points. 

#5 Friday night the Warriors will be back at Chase to take on the Philadelphia 76ers (49-23). The Sixers defeated the Chicago Bulls Wednesday 116-91. The 76ers have won nine of their last ten games. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Jerry Feitelberg does the Warriors podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kuminga Spearheads Warrior Win Over Dallas 127-125

Mark Cuban owner and the Dallas Mavericks have filed a protest over an official’s ruling to allow the Golden State Warriors an inbound a ball in the third quarter where the Mavericks originally were to inbound the ball but that decision was changed during a time out. While the Mavericks lost the game it was noted that Golden State out hustled and out played Dallas and won by two points which Cuban and the Mavericks have filed a protest with the NBA over the inbound ruling. (photo by USA Today)

Kuminga Spearheads Warrior Win Over Dallas 127-125

By Barbara Mason

This current road trip has been a rough one although the Golden State Warriors (38-36) finally broke their losing streak beating the Houston Rockets Monday night 121-108. Wednesday night they faced a real challenge playing Luca Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks (36-37) at American Airlines Center to finish off this road trip. They took hold of that challenge to defeat the Mavericks for their second consecutive road win 127-126 in Dallas.

The Warriors got a solid start in a very close first quarter. The Mavericks had a 33-30 after the first 12 minutes. The Warriors had committed five turnovers in the opening quarter which accounted in part for the Dallas lead.

The Warriors made up the difference at the end of the first quarter and led at the half 65-63. The first half was engineered by Jonathan Kuminga off the bench shooting for the high score with 14 points and keeping the Warriors in this game.

The third quarter was a high-powered one with Golden State leading for most of it. The Warriors turnovers had become more infrequent and points in the paint were flowing. Golden State was shooting at 75% from the field in the third. They led after three quarters 96-93.

As the fourth quarter got underway, the question was, can the Warriors finish this game? This has been a problem in the past and with the end of season so close, this is another must win game for Golden State. The quarter was a back and forth affair with the Warriors leading by as much as eight points.

With 4:22 left in the game the score was tied at 115. This nail biter went down to the wire. With 08.5 left on the clock the Warriors had a 125-122 lead. Golden State had finally won a back to back road game for the first time this season.

Jonathan Kuminga was the high score for the team with 22 points off the bench. Jordan Poole also had a nice game with 16 points, some of them critical points in the fourth quarter. Stephen Curry pushed this game over the top in the final quarter finishing with 20 points. He had 13 assists mixing up his play-making in a great overall team effort.

Friday night the Warriors will be back at Chase to take on the Philadelphia 76ers. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Giants pitching combines for 10-hit, 4-0 Cactus League shutout over Rangers

The San Francisco Giants Bryce Johnson slides ahead of the throw against the Texas Rangers for his 12th stolen base of spring training at Scottsdale Stadium on Wed Mar 22, 2023 (@NBCSGiants photo)

By Daniel Dullum
Wednesday, March 22, 2023

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – With overcast skies and 57 degrees at game time, the crowd at Scottsdale Stadium was bundled up Wednesday like it was a night game at Candlestick Park, the kind of Turn Back The Clock promotion the local chamber of commerce didn’t have in mind.

The weather for exhibition baseball has been very unseasonable for the fourth week of March in the Valley of the Sun.

Light rain in the morning limited pregame activity, but the show went on, and San Francisco pitching combined for a 10-hit shutout over the Texas Rangers split-squad 4-0.

The Giants are 11-12-1 in Cactus League play.

San Francisco starter Ross Stripling (1-1) worked 4 2/3 scoreless innings, giving up six hits while striking out four without a walk. He thew 73 pitches, 44 strikes. He has a two-year, $25 million contract with a player opt-out clause after 2023.

After Stripling, Scott Alexander, Jakob Junis and Taylor Rogers threw the remaining 3 1/3 innings. Taylor Rogers struck out the side in the ninth, and Junis fanned four in 2 1/3 innings while being credited with a hold.

Blake Sabol, who is competing for one of the two Giants roster spots for catchers, was 2-for-3. Sabol, a Rule 5 selection, leads the Cactus League with a .477 on-base percentage, a .697 slugging percentage, and a 1.174 OPS. He’s also second in the CL in batting (.333), tied for second in runs (11), and tied for third in walks (nine).

Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford was 1-for-1 with a walk in his first spring appearance since March 10. Crawford was sidelined with left knee inflammation.

Marcus Semien, Jonah Heim and Cory Seager each had two hits for Texas, which is 11-13-1.

Texas starter Jon Gray (2-1) went 4 2/3 innings, giving up three unearned runs four hits with two strikeouts and two walks. The Rangers’ bullpen crew of Brock Burke, Jacob Barnes, John King, Josh Sborz, and Joe Barlow allowed one unearned run on three hits and three walks.

San Francisco took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the third on a pair of unearned runs. Texas pitcher Jon Gray’s throwing error on a pickoff attempt allowed Brett Wisely and Michael Conforto to score.

The Giants came up with another unearned run in the fourth to take a 3-0 lead. Rangers shortstop Corey Seager’s throwing error on a single by Joey Bart allowed Bryce Johnson to score.

San Francisco extended its lead to 4-0 with one more unearned run in the bottom of the sixth when Johnson’s fourth double of the spring drove in Casey Schmitt.

GIANTS JOTTINGS: Because this was a split-squad game, the Giants didn’t get a chance to renew acquaintances with former manager Bruce Bochy, who now pilots the Rangers. Bochy ran the other Texas squad at their spring home in Surprise, while associate manager Will Venable was managing the Giants’ opponent in Scottsdale. The Rangers visit San Francisco for a three-game interleague series in August. … The Giants lead MLB with 38 stolen bases on 48 attempts in 24 exhibition games. … The Giants have two more Cactus League games in Scottsdale – Thursday vs. Cleveland (split-squad) and Saturday vs. Seattle. … Attendance on Wednesday was 8,119. Time of game was 2:30.

Golden State Warriors podcast with David Zizmor: Can Warriors put together two wins in row on the road tonight?

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) drives to the basket as Houston Rockets’ Jabari Smith Jr. defends during the second half at the Toyota Center in Houston on Mon Mar 20, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with David Zizmor:

#1 Dave, the long road to the Golden State Warriors 11 game losing streak on the road mercifully ended on Monday night in Houston with a victory. What would you say was the Warriors top reasons for just not being able to win games on the road.

#2 The Warriors first three quarters against the Rockets saw plenty of turnovers and the Rockets took advantage of Warrior turnovers and taking them to the rim for slam dunks which they put on quite a display. The Warriors Stephen Curry in the third quarter came to the rescue scoring 15 of his 30 points but teammate Jordan Poole fell on Curry’s leg and Curry had to leave the game. The Warriors regrouped in the fourth quarter to put away the Rockets.

#3 The Warriors finish off this road trip tonight in Dallas against the Dallas Mavericks (36-36). The Mavericks always a tough place for the Warriors to play, can the Warriors get that second consecutive road win tonight against Mark Cuban and the Mavericks?

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

Kings can’t shut down Tatum and Celtics at Golden 1 go down to defeat 132-109

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives past Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (left) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center at Sacramento on Tue Mar 21, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings(43-29) were back in action on Tuesday night. The Kings last played on Monday night when they took on the Utah Jazz in Utah. The Kings played an abysmal first quarter in the game against the Jazz that ultimately led to the loss.

The Kings first quarter was the worst of the season as they lost to the Jazz. It was a critical loss for the Kings, who were slated for a back-to-back against the Boston Celtics (50-23). On Tuesday, the Kings looked to defeat the Celtics on the second night of the back-to-back. Unfortunately, the Kings lost the game 132-109.

In the first quarter of the game, the Kings and Celtics were firing on all cylinders. The first quarter was a solid mix of good defense and solid shot-making. Overall, it was a great quarter of basketball for both teams. The Kings outscored the Celtics in the first quarter 32-30. Domantas Sabonis led the way with nine first-quarter points as Jayson Tatum dropped 15.

In the second quarter, it was a different story. The Celtics outplayed the Kings in the second quarter as they roared back to take the lead. The Celtics outscored the Kings in the second quarter 30-22; at the Kings, the offense disappeared in the quarter, and the defense couldn’t pick up the slack. The Kings would be down going into halftime, 60-54. However, the Celtics appeared to be picking up momentum, and it would be challenging for the Kings to stop them in the second half.

The third quarter did not go according to plan for the Kings. The third quarter was even worse for the Kings than the second. The King’s defense couldn’t keep pace with the power of the Celtics offense. The Celtics put up a massive 40 points in the third quarter to take a commanding lead over the Kings going into the fourth quarter. Jayson Tatum had 29 points through three-quarters of play as he led the Celtics. The Kings entered the final quarter down 100-85.

In the fourth quarter, ts battled early, but it was a hopeless venture. The better team won the game. The Celtics offense and defense were too dominant for the Kings to handle as the Kings lost the game 132-109. The Kings melted down in the game, unable to score or hold the Celtics down either. In the win, Jayson Tatum led the way for the Celtics with 36 points. De’Aaron Fox led the way for the Kings with 18 points in the game. The Kings will look to avoid a three-game skid in their next game.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on Phoenix Suns on Friday at 7 PM PST in Sacramento. It will be the first night of a back-to-back.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Murakami whacks walk off double for 6-5 Japan win over Mexico in WBC; Reds Votto could be heading to Toronto; plus more

Japan players celebrate after Masataka Yoshida hit a home run scoring Kensuke Kondoh and Shohei Ohtani during the seventh inning of a World Baseball Classic game against Mexico, Monday, March 20, 2023, in Miami. (AP News photo)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary:

#1 Amaury, I got to ask you team owners, general managers, managers, and coaches just to name a few have to be a little concerned when loaning some of their key star players to future World Baseball Classics after what happened to Team Venezuela and Houston Astro Jose Altuve getting hit on the hand and suffering a finger fracture.

#2 In the World Baseball Classic Japan’s Munetaka Murakami struggled in most of his at bats against Mexico but in the end Murakami after going 0-4 with three strikeouts. Murakami ripped a two run double off the centerfield fence that scored the game winning runs and won it for Team Japan 6-5 knocking in Shohei Ohtani and Masataka Yoshida for two RBIs.

#3 The Cincinnati Reds are considering trading Joey Votto to the Toronto Blue Jays if Votto would ask for the trade. The Reds would like to hold onto Votto but would seek a deal with the Blue Jays if Votto pushed for it if the Reds were out of the hunt later this season.

#4 Team USA teed off on Team Cuba on Sunday for a 14-2 win and they got home run help from Team USA’s Trea Turner. What went wrong with Cuba’s pitching they were in Team USA’s wheel house who pulled them over the fence.

#5 Amaury, San Francisco Giants pitcher Sergio Romo has just about one batter in him as he will go to the mound on Mon Mar 27th at Oracle Park to pitch to his last batter of his career as Romo will be retiring as a Giant when they face the Oakland A’s in the final exhibition game between the two clubs. Romo was on the 2012 and 2014 World Series Championship teams.

Join Amaury Pi Gonzalez and Manolo Hernandez Douen for the play by play action of 71 home games of the Oakland A’s on the A’s Spanish radio network 1010 KIQI San Francisco and 990 KATD Pittsburgh and read That’s Amaury News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sharks Fall to Oilers 5-4 in OT, Four Goals Overturned

San Jose Sharks’ Marc-Edouard Vlasic (44), Erik Karlsson (65), Fabian Zetterlund (20) and Logan Couture (39) celebrate after a goal against the Edmonton Oilers during second-period at Rogers Place in Edmonton on Mon Mar 20, 2023 (Canadian Press via AP photo)

By Matthew Harrington

The San Jose Sharks lost to the Edmonton Oilers 5-4 in overtime Monday night in a contest that saw an unofficial record four goals overturned. Erik Karlsson scored a pair of goals to set a career high and Alexander Barabanov and Steven Lorentz scored as well for San Jose (19-37-15). Darnell Nurse scored the OT winner for the hosting Oilers (40-23-8) and and Mattias Ekholm netted a pair. Connor McDavid was “limited” to just two points on assists.

Tomas Hertl had a goal wiped off early in the first when Barabanov was ruled offside, but the Russian winger would atone for rushing in too early at the 5:48 mark of the first period. Barabanov took a Hertl pass and clapped a slapshot past Jack Campbell for the 1-0 lead. Nick Bjugstad answered back with his 16th of the year 1:20 later. The Oilers would have goal number two erased later in the period on a goaltender interference call off a Zach Hyman chance.

Kailer Yamamoto scored just 30 seconds into the second period for a 2-1 lead, but the Sharks had an answer on a presumed Andreas Johnsson goal. It’d be erased on another goaltender interference call with Logan Couture grazing Campbell. Steven Lorentz would tie the game at the 8:32 mark when he batted the puck past Campbell. Andrew Agozzino, called up after serving as Barracuda captain all season, had the primary assist on a tap pass for the goal.

Erik Karlsson gave the Sharks a 3-2 lead at the 10:23 mark, beating Campbell on a set of back-hand fore-hand dekes that left jaws dropped. Fabian Zetterlund and Couture assisted on Karlsson’s 21st of the year. Ekholm answered back at the 11:48 mark on a back-hander, but Karlsson stepped up again with 5:37 left in the period.

Karlsson beat Campbell on a wrist shot, his 22nd goal of the year. Karlsson now has a career year in goals after topping his 2014-15 season total of 21 and a career past in points with 87. He sits just one assist shy of matching his career-best set in 2015-16.

Noah Gregor had a goal called off for offside as well, and Ekholm then made the Sharks pay for it by tying the game with just 3:47 left in regulation. Darnell Nurse scored just 15 seconds away from a shootout to finish off the comeback.

Edmonton outshot the Sharks 51-32 including a decisive 8-3 margin in OT. James Reimer still managed a .902 save percentage, saving 46 of 51 Oilers shots in his first game since Saturday night’s refusal to wear a themed warm up jersey in support of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The Sharks continue the Western Canada swing, facing the Canucks Thursday before returning to Alberta to face the Flames Saturday.

Sacramento Kings game wrap: Despite Amazing Second Half Comeback Kings Fall to Jazz 128-120

Despite Amazing Second Half Comeback Kings Fall to Jazz 128-120

Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes, right, defends against Utah Jazz forward Kelly Olynyk (41) during the first half at Salt Lake City on Mon Mar 20, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (43-28) took on the Utah Jazz (35-36) Monday night at Vivint Arena. They are currently having some great success on the road winning three in a row. The Jazz ended the Kings short streak with an eight point win 128-120. .

What the Kings saw in the first quarter was somewhat of a shocker with the Kings falling behind 40-19. They did win the second quarter 33-28 but trailed at the half 68-52. Sacramento had a miserable shooting first half and the Kings had a lot of work to do in the second half.

Sacramento made an amazing comeback in the third quarter. After trailing by as much as 25 points they had tied up this game at 88 with just over three minutes left in the quarter. The Sacramento offense had come to life in a big way erasing the huge lead the Jazz had built. After three quarters this game was tied at 95.

The Kings went into the fourth quarter and all eyes would turn to the NBA’s number one fourth quarter clutch player De’Aaron Fox. At the four minute mark this game was tied at 113 with both teams fighting for the lead. With 2:18 left in the game we had a one point game in favor of the Jazz 116-115. Utah would waltz away with this game.

The comeback that the Kings had was amazing but it was that deficit in the first quarter that ultimately lost this game for them. Fox had an amazing second half and finished with 37 points. The Kings only had six turnovers and down the stretch did not take advantage of late fourth quarter open shots and offensive rebounds.

Tuesday night the Kings will take on the Boston Celtics in Sacramento. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Golden State Warriors game wrap: 11 game road skid is over; Warriors Get Hot in Fourth Beat Rockets 121-108

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) shoots as Houston Rockets’ Usman Garuba (16) defends during the second half at the Toyota Center in Houston on Mon Mar 20, 2023 (AP News photo)

Warriors Get Hot in Fourth Beat Rockets 121-108

By Barbara Mason

Monday night the Golden State Warriors (37-36) took on the Rockets 18-54) in Houston at the Toyota Center and came away with a 121-108. The Rockets sit at the bottom of the Western Conference but have beaten some very good teams of late they even had a three winning steak before losing to the New Orleans Pelicans Sunday 117-107 . The Warriors have everything to play for with playoff ramifications at risk. They do not want to have to play in so the win tonight was an additional must win.

The Warriors had a decent start but could not put much distance between themselves and the Rockets. Golden State won the opening quarter 26-21 but the second quarter was dead even at 29. The Warriors had a slim lead at the half 55-50.

The third quarter was a good one for the Rockets. This game was tied for much of the first half of the quarter. Houston refused to go away and with under six minutes left in the third had taken the lead 69-67. Both Stephen Curry and Jordan Poole got banged up in the quarter and Curry actually left the floor taking a breather on the bench.

The Warriors were unable to take any kind of a significant lead. The turnovers were mounting with 17 through three quarters. The Warriors led 84-80 after three. Houston did win the third quarter 30-29 and every starter for Houston had double digits.

The Warriors went on a nice run in the fourth quarter and two minutes into the quarter had a 95-87 lead. At 8:55 the Warriors had their biggest lead of the night 98-87. Golden State continued to extend their lead and with Curry back on the floor took a 102-89 lead.

With just over three minutes left in the quarter, the Rockets had pulled to within ten points 111-101. The Warriors went on a tear in the final minutes winning the game and snapping an 11 game road skid. This was the fourth win over Houston without a loss this season.

The Warriors won this game despite the 20 turnovers that resulted in 25 Rocket points. Curry finished with 30 points and Klay Thompson was right behind him with 29. Jonathan Kuminga had 17 off the bench. This was a badly needed win for Golden State with only 10 games left in the season.

On Wednesday night the Warriors will travel to Dallas to take on the Mavericks. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:30 PM.