That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Angels owner Moreno takes Halos off the sales market; The passing of A’s great Sal Bando; plus more

Umpire Tom Gorman signals out after Oakland Athletic’s Sal Bando, left, collided with Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Steve Yeager at home plate during the World Series in Los Angeles on Oct. 12, 1974. This would be the the third consecutive World Series won by Bando and the Oakland A’s from 1972-74. Bando passed away Jan 20, 2023 in Oconomowoc, Wis. at age 78. (AP News File photo)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Los Angeles Angels owner Artie Moreno announced on Monday that he has taken the Angels off the sale market. After the Angels have been on the market for the last five months Moreno said he was not ready to part ways with the fans, players and employees. Moreno after last season put the team up for sale after discussing it with his family. The Angels had troubles with the mayor of Anaheim resigning over the stadium scandal, Mike Trout’s career threatening back injury and the death of Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs from a cocaine overdose.

#2 Former Oakland A’s Captain, four time All Star, and third baseman Sal Bando who passed away from cancer on Friday was 78 years old and was also a general manager for the Milwaukee Brewers. Bando was part of the A’s three consecutive championships of 1972-74. Bando led the American League in extra base hits (64), doubles (32) and total bases (295) in the 1973 season.

#3 The Chicago White Sox Eloy Jimenez said he could make the adjustment of being the designated hitter but Jimenez is preparing to play more games in the outfield and in right field this happening after the Sox signed Andrew Benintendi for $75 million. The Sox also have Luis Robert playing in center with Gavin Sheets and Oscar Colas who will trading off in right with Jimenez.

#4 Turning to football Amaury just wanted to get your picks for the NFC and AFC games coming up we’ll start with the NFC as the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles match up. The 49ers are coming off a well defended game by the Dallas Cowboys just losing by a touchdown 19-12. 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has led San Francisco to ten consecutive wins.

#5 The Cincinnati Bengals who are coming off a pretty convincing win against the Buffalo Bills Sunday 27-10 will play in Kansas City against the Chiefs this coming Sunday. The Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was 23-36 for 242 yards and two touchdowns last Sunday against the Bills. The Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will have to steady himself as he’s suffering a high ankle injury.

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

Lyles lead Kings with 24 pts in 133-100 win over Memphis

Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr., left, and Desmond Bane, second from left, guard against Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox, second from right, during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Mon Jan 23, 2023 (AP News phot)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Monday night. The Kings last played Saturday in Golden 1 Center as they competed against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Kings finished disappointingly on Saturday, losing to the undermanned 76ers by two points. On Monday, the Kings welcomed the Memphis Grizzlies to town.

The Grizzlies had been hot as of late until losing their last two games. On Monday, stars Ja Morant and Steven Adams were out of the ballgame. The Kings defeated the Grizzlies 133-100 at Golden 1 Center.

In the first quarter, the Kings put on a show! The Kings opened the game red hot from behind the arc. Harrison Barnes and Keegan Murray both started the hot shooting starting 5/5 and 3/3, respectively, from three-point land.

The Kings, all in all, would score a massive 47 points to take the commanding lead early. The Grizzlies were able to score 33 points in the first. The Kings took a 47-33 lead into the second quarter.

Both teams fought in the second quarter, and the score drew closer. However, the Kings would retain the lead. Granted, with a smaller margin. The Kings would only score 19 points in the second quarter as the offense went dormant. On the other hand, the Grizzlies scored 28 in the quarter to pull within five points of the Kings.

The score going into halftime was 66-61, with the Kings in the lead. Harrison Barnes led the way for the Kings scoring 15 points. Tyus Jones led the way for the Grizzlies with 10 points.

In the third quarter, the Kings expanded the lead a bit. The Kings offense got back on track and were able to score 34 points in the quarter. On the other end of the floor, the Grizzlies were able to score 29 points.

The Kings were able to open back up the lead to double digits as they took the 100-90 lead into the final quarter. The Kings had been mistake-prone all night, and it would be paramount to limit the turnovers and rebound in the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings roared back! On the Golden 1 Center before the game, a large “Roar with us” sign illuminated the stadium; roaring is exactly what Kings fans did in the final quarter. The Kings dominated in the fourth quarter outscoring Memphis 33-10.

It was an incredible performance from the Kings on both ends of the floor. The Kings did what they needed to do against a Memphis team missing Ja Morrant and Steven Adams. Six Kings players finished the game in double figures as Trey Lyles led the way with 24 points. The Grizzlies were led by Desmond Bane, who scored 21 points. The Kings improved to 27-19 on the season.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday at 7 PM PST.

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Warriors host Grizzlies Wednesday; Golden State trying to avoid a fifth straight home loss

Brooklyn Nets guard Seth Curry defends Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) during the first quarter at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn on Sun Jan 22, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Barbara:

#1 After having the night off in Cleveland, hopes were high that the Golden State Warriors (23-24) starting roster would bring some great energy in Sunday night’s game. How did that go against the Brooklyn Nets (29-17)?

#2 It was an especially tough night for Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins. They were six for 26. Talk a little bit about that.

#3 The 23 and 24 record simply says that right now the Warriors are just not good enough to close out these kind of tight games.

#4 The one thing that kept the Warriors in this game was the bench scoring a collective 50 points.

#5 Wednesday night the Memphis Grizzlies (31-15) come to Chase and they will be looking to hand the Warriors their fifth straight loss at Chase. How do you see this game?

Join Barbara for the Warriors podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic: Barracuda open three game road trip on Wednesday in Henderson

The San Jose Barracuda had lots to be excited about on Fri Jan 20, 2023 at Tech CU Arena matching a season high six goals against the visiting San Diego Gulls (photo by the San Jose Barracuda)

On the San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko:

#1 The San Jose Barracuda (17-21-0-1) had a tremendous game last Friday shutting out the San Diego Gulls (11-28-0-0) 6-0 at Tech CU Arena in San Jose. The Barracuda got two goals from Kyle Criscuolo in his first game with San Jose.

#2 The Barracuda also got great goaltending Eetu Makiniemi stopping 20 San Diego shots for San Jose’s fourth shutout this season.

#3 The Barracuda’s six goals matched a season high and it was a performance that Barracuda head coach John McCarthy would hope to be a break out for the offense the rest of this season.

#4 San Diego has been a struggling team with some 17 games below .500 and allowing the six goals. Was this a matter of the Barracuda catching fire and showing that they do have a superior offense or they just met an opponent that’s having trouble with their defense.

#5 The Barracuda return to action Wednesday night to face the Henderson Silver Knights for the first of three road games. The Barracuda host the Abbottsford Canucks when they return to San Jose Feb 3.

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

Warriors Offense Sputters Lose To Nets 120-116

Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (10) looks to pass away from defensive pressure by Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson and forward Draymond Green (23) during the first quarter at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn on Sun Jan 22, 2023 (AP News photo)

Warriors Offense Sputters Losing To the Nets 120-116

By Barbara Mason

Sunday evening the Golden State Warriors (23-24) took on the Brooklyn Nets (29-17) back home at Chase. The Warriors are coming off an amazing win over the Cleveland Cavaliers Friday night won for the most part by the Golden State bench. Such was not the story on Sunday as the Brooklyn Nets took a four point 120-116 win over Golden State at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn.

Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green all sat out the game in Cleveland and so come into this game rested and ready to take on the Nets. The Warriors did not see Kevin Durant who is still out with a sprained ligament in his right knee.

The Warriors came out on fire winning the first quarter 33-28 and going on to win the second quarter as well 39-32. They led at the half 72-60. Golden State had some great ball control with only foir turnovers in the half. The Nets have a history of some great second half comebacks and the Warriors needed to keep their foot on the pedal and not let the Nets back into the game.

Brooklyn started their comeback in the early minutes of the third quarter cutting their twelve point deficit to three points; trailing 75-72 with seven minutes left in the quarter. The 17 point lead the Warriors had previously had in the first half was gone when the Nets tied up the game at 75 with 6:45 left on the clock in the third.

Golden State had a real battle on their hands coming away with mounting empty possessions. In the final minutes of the quarter everything started going the Nets way. The Warriors offense got a bit of life finishing the quarter on a 10-2 run and led 90-86.

The Warriors got a great start in the fourth quarter extending their lead 100-91in the opening minutes of the final quarter. Golden State got a ten point lead 106-96 without Curry with 6:41 left in the game which was huge for the team pending Curry’s return. With 3:26 left in the game the Warriors were clinging to a 112-107 lead and they were over the limit so they had to limit the fouls for the rest of the game.

With 1:48 left on the clock the game was tied at 112. With 27.1 left in the game the Nets had a 118-116 lead but Golden State had possession. Thompson attempted a three that failed and he had gone 0-7 from downtown. Brooklyn’s offense helped the Nets go on a 17-4 run.

It was a great night for the Warrior bench scoring 50 points in this game. It was tough night for the starting roster most notably Thompson and Wiggins. Thompson had ten points and Wiggins finished with a disappointing four points. Curry had the high finishing with 26 points.

Kyrie Irving was a challenge for the Warriors the entire game. He finished with 38 points and seven rebounds.

Wednesday night the Warriors will play the Memphis Grizzlies at Chase Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Sharks Shut Out By B’s 4-0; SJ’s fourth loss in five games

San Jose Sharks left wing Alexander Barabanov (94) is unable to get the puck past Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark (35) in the second period at TD Garden in Boston on Sun Jan 22, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Matthew Harrington

The San Jose Sharks were shut out by the the league leader Boston Bruins 4-0 Sunday from TD Garden, dropping their second game in as many nights to kick off an eight game road trip.

San Jose (14-25-9) managed just 18 shots on goal, failing to slip a puck past Linus Ullmark and a brief appearance by Jeremy Swayman while the starter was getting a skate blade repaired. San Jose managed just five shots in each of the first two periods. The Bruins (37-5-4) have now won 11 in a row against San Jose.

Hampus Lindholm beat James Reimer 7:16 into the first period and fellow defenseman Charlie McAvoy dangled through a trio of Sharks to score his fourth goal of the year 4:08 into the second.

Nick Foligno tipped a puck past James Reimer 7:46 into the second and David Pastrnak scored his 36th of the year on the power play 2:40 into the third.

The Sharks were able to limit the Bruins shot totals, suppressing them to 22 shots though four found their way behind the goalie. They did kill off two penalties, but went 0-for-2 on the power play. 

Up next is another Original Six match up for Team Teal. They face the Detroit Red Wings in Motown on Tuesday. They will then get a steady diet of playoff hopefuls starting with games in Carolina and Pittsburgh before heading to the Allstar Break.

Cardinal women set defensive record in 62-49 win over Colorado

Stanford forward Francesca Belibi (5) shoots against Colorado center Quay Miller (11) during the first quarter at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Sun Jan 22, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum
Sunday, January 22, 2023

No. 24 Colorado attempted 66 shots in Sunday’s women’s basketball game against Stanford. The No. 4 Cardinal blocked a school-record 14 of them on their way to a 62-49 Pac-12 win at Maples Pavilion.

With the win, Stanford (19-2 overall, 7-1 Pac-12) took over sole possession of first place in the conference. Along with a dominating defensive effort, the Cardinal also hit 17 of 22 free throws and scored 19 points off turnovers.

Cameron Brink had six of those blocked shots to go with 14 points and five rebounds. Hannah Jump led the Cardinal with 21 points, including five 3-pointers. Haley Jones had 11 points, three assists and a game-high 16 rebounds.

Jaylyn Sherrod was the Buffaloes’ scoring leader with 16 points, followed by Quay Miller with 14 and Aaronette Vonleh with 13 points and 10 rebounds for Colorado (15-4 overall, 5-2 Pac-12). Sherrod also had three steals.

The Cardinal opened the first quarter with a 12-0 run, eventually building a 16-4 lead. Colorado, which trailed by as many as 17, battled back to cut its deficit to 10 in the fourth quarter.

Stanford hosts Oregon State on Friday night.

That’s Amury News and Commentary: Why can Sports be Just Sports?

Philadelphia Flyer Ivan Provorov who did not skate last Tuesday with teammates because of his religious reasons over the pre game Pride Night sweaters. Legal experts say that punishing Provorov for not skating with the team over the Pride sweaters are infringing on his rights. (AP News file photo)

Why can Sports be Just Sports?

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

National Hockey League, Philadelphia Flyers defense-man Ivan Provorov was criticized for refusing to wear LGBT colors on his uniform during Pride Night with the Flyers, sitting out their pregame warmups. Provorov cited his religion, Russian Orthodox, as he said: “I respect everybody, everybody’s choice” and “My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion”.

Flyers head coach John Tortorella defended Provorov; “Provy did nothing wrong,” he added. “Just because you don’t agree with his decision, doesn’t mean he did anything wrong.” Provorov did play in the eventual 5-2 win in which the Flyers wore their standard home jerseys, after skipping the warmups.

Most people that pay to see a sporting event (which is not cheap) are there to escape and enjoy themselves, most do not care what a hockey player believes or doesn’t believe, they want to see a good game, a few goals and maybe even a good fight. That’s the truth. Most of the time nobody cares, they are attending and paying good money for a sporting event, and they’re not there to debate sociopolitical issues, if they wanted that, Yale, Harvard or Stanford is the place.

However, things happen in sports that have little to do with sports, here are a few:

In 1967 Muhammad Ali was the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the world. On April 28 of that year, with the United States at war in Vietnam, Ali refused to be inducted into the armed forces, saying “I ain’t got no quarrel with those Vietcong.” On June 20, 1967, Ali was convicted of draft evasion, sentenced to five years in prison, fined $10,000, and banned from boxing for three years. Ali was at one time the most recognizable American on the face of the earth, in many countries much more than the President of the United States and Hollywood movie stars.

On August 2016. San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick sat down (took a knee) during the national anthem at an NFL preseason game between the 49ers and the Green Bay Packers. It divided the NFL and the country. Kaepernick said about his action: “It is to protest the injustices that are happening in America, the oppression that is happening in America”. Kaepernick played for the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2016, he did not get a chance to play again with the 49ers or any other NFL team after his famous knee.

Perhaps the most famous and memorable incident was during the 1968 Olympic Games in México City. US Athletes John Carlos and Tommie Smith were banned from the US team and the Olympic Village after holding up their fist during the American national anthem from the winner’s podium of the 200-meter. Smith and Carlos protested against racial discrimination in the US.

Enes Kanter Freedom was an NBA player who frequently spoke against the Chinese Communist government (not the people of China) for their repression and human rights abuses against minorities. This is well documented by Amnesty International, a Human Rights non-profit watchdog.

Human rights in China continue to deteriorate, with arbitrary mass detentions, torture, and forced labor against Muslims in various provinces of the country. Also, there is no secret China represents a huge money maker market for the NBA. Enes Kanter (born in Switzerland) became a US citizen last year and added Freedom to his last name.

I am not against protests, we have the right under the First Amendment of the US Constitution to protest, which falls under freedom of speech, as well as freedom of the press or the right for people peaceable to demonstrate. However, in a such complicated world, sports is one area that we should all enjoy, and leave our grievances at home.

During the recent World Cup in Qatar Iran’s soccer players refused to sing their national anthem ahead of the World Cup opening match. These players feared possible execution once they returned home. They were supporting worldwide demonstrations following the death of Kurdish-Iranian woman Mahsa Amini who was arrested by The Guidance Patrol, the religious morality police of Iran’s government for not wearing the hijab in accordance with government standards. She was killed for that, These Iranian Soccer players showed incredible courage, considering they were facing death when they returned home. One thing is to lose your job, another is to lose your life.

The world is complicated, what’s perfectly legal in the US could cost a person their life in other countries. That is why when we travel abroad we should also make sure we obey the laws of the country we are in. Just like if you get invited to a friend’s house and the host ask you “please do not smoke” it is simply common sense.

We all know what happened with basketball star Brittney Griner in Russia, who was arrested carrying a substance that in Russia is illegal, when she was impassioned for months and used as leverage for a deal with a world famous criminal, all in the middle of a war between Russia and Ukraine.

I have always noticed: In sports, a lot is done in the arena in a short amount of time, but that is not possible with politics, they talk and talk and talk, and takes forever to get results. In the end, when it comes to the world of sports, that is one of the few places in this complicated world where we should be able to forget our problems. That is why I often wonder, Why can Sports be Just Sports?

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

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Joe Hawkes: How Purdy and Prescott match up in today’s Divisional game

The Dallas Cowboys Dak Prescott (4) threw four touchdowns in his last game and the San Francisco 49ers Brock Purdy (13) threw for three touchdowns in his last game. J Hawkes talks about the Prescott and Purdy match up on the 49ers podcast today. (photo from ESPN)

On the 49ers podcast with J Hawkes:

#1 Joe, one thing you could say about San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy he’s keeping his mistake ratio down a 1.6% turnover rate the best mark for a quarterback in 2022 and Purdy didn’t even play the entire season.

#2 Purdy is noted for not having big plays and having a throw rate but with the supporting cast around him it’s no problem and Purdy is getting the job done and making the throws when he has to.

#3 Joe, when you compare Jimmy Garoppolo to Purdy, Garoppolo didn’t protect the ball as much as Purdy so analysts are saying there is no reason why Purdy can’t take this team to the Superbowl.

#4 Purdy’s turnover rate since week 13 through 15th out of 30 quarterbacks not bad for a first year under center and called in in an emergency back on Dec 4th. In Purdy’s last four games his turnover rate had dropped 1.6% which is the best rate in the NFL.

#5 Joe, talk about what the Dallas Cowboys Dak Prescott in his last game he handled the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throwing 25-33 for 305 yards with four touchdowns. How do you see the Cowboys and Prescott matching up against the 49ers this afternoon.

Joe Hawkes does the San Francisco 49ers podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sixers edge Kings 129-127 ends Sac’s six game win streak

Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris (12) shoots over Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) during the first quarter at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Sat Jan 21, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Saturday night in Sacramento. The Kings were on the second night of a back-to-back Saturday night after playing the night before. The Kings faced the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night in Sacramento. The Kings managed to put the Thunder down to the final score of 118-113. The Kings welcomed the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday at 7 PM PST. The Kings fell to the 76ers 129-127 in a tough loss.

In the first quarter, the Kings started the game playing well. The Kings, immediately after tip-off, started to put pressure on the 76ers. The Kings offense started hot with 35 points in the first quarter. Kevin Huerter had seven points in the first quarter to get the Kings going. On the defensive end, the Kings played well. The Kings held the 76ers to 27 points in the first quarter to jump to the early 35-27 lead.

In the second quarter, The Kings continued to play well. Harrison Barnes was on fire from the perimeter in the first half, scoring 17 points. The Kings built a dominant lead early in the second quarter but then lost some of it heading into halftime. The Kings would end the half leading 74-64 after outscoring the 76ers 39-37 in the second quarter. The Kings looked in control of the game but would need to limit mistakes in the second half not to give away the lead.

In the third quarter, the Kings play was atrocious. The Kings fell apart in the third quarter to a 76ers team that was down James Harden and Joel Embiid. The Kings only managed to score 22 points in the third quarter. However, the Kings offensive woes were nothing compared to the defense.

The Kings allowed the 76ers to score 38 points in the third quarter as they rallied back and took the lead going into the final quarter of the game. The Kings and 76ers would go into the fourth quarter with the 76ers leading 102-96. It was a meltdown of historic proportions for the Kings who would look to get back on track in the last quarter of play.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings fought hard but could not come away with a win. The Kings outscored the 76ers 31-27 in the final quarter. However, the 76ers pulled out the 129-127 short-handed victory. It was a tough blow for the Kings who had a commanding lead in the first half just to see it evaporate.

The Kings biggest struggle was on the glass as they were outrebounded almost 2-1. Leading the way for the Kings in defeat was De’Aaron Fox who had 31 points.The 76ers best performance came from Tyrese Maxey who dropped 32 points in the game. The Kings would look to turn the page as they will face a tough opponent on Monday.

Up Next: The Kings welcome the red hot Memphis Grizzlies into Golden 1 Center on Monday at 7 PM PST.