Collins and Hunter lead Hawks with 22 pts in 120-117 win over Kings

Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) is fouled by Sacramento Kings guard Kevin Huerte in second half action at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Wed Jan 4, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Wednesday night. The Kings were on the second night of a back-to-back. On Tuesday, the Kings narrowly defeated the Utah Jazz in Utah. Directly after the game, they returned to Sacramento for the game on Wednesday.

The Kings welcomed the Atlanta Hawks to town on Wednesday at 7 PM PST. Trae Young and former Kings guard Bogdan Bogdanovic. The Kings fell at home to the Hawks 120-117.

The first quarter was an underwhelming performance for the Kings on the offensive end. The Kings defense was playing well and forcing many errors on the Hawks. The Kings and Hawks both scored 30 points in the first quarter. The Kings and the Hawks couldn’t get into any sort of rhythm on the offensive end. Domas and De’Aaron supplied most of the Kings offense, starting with six points each.

The second quarter was more of the same for the Kings. The defense kept up, but the offense needed help finding a rhythm. The Kings shots seemed to be missing at the worst possible times, and were lagging behind Atlanta. The Hawks outscored the Kings in the second quarter 31-28. The Kings would take a 61-58 deficit into halftime. If they wanted to win the game, the offense would need to improve. Domas led the Kings in the first half with 14 points as John Collins did the same for the Hawks with 12 points.

In the third quarter, the Kings hung in the game. They didn’t make up any ground on the Atlanta Hawks but they also didn’t fall any furhter behind. On a night where the kings shooting seemed to be letting them down they hung in.

The Kings scored 30 points in the third quarter as they kept pace with the Hawks who also scored 30. The score going into the final quarter was the Kings down 91-88. Kevin Huerter led the Kings through three quarters with 18 points. De’Andre Hunter and John Collins were leading the Hawks in scoring; both players had 18 points. The Kings would need an offensive explosion on the final quarter to take down the Hawks.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings just couldn’t get it done. They battled but were unable to stop the Hawks offense. That doesn’t tell the whole story. The Kings did come back and take the lead late in the fourth quarter. In fact, they were up four points with just over a minute left. However, sloppy defense and some kissed free throws were the kiss of death for the Kings at they dropped the game.

The Kings and Hawks both scored 29 points in the final quarter. It was a disappointing game for the Kings after taking the lead but that is the way it goes in the NBA. It is a game of runs and clutch shots and the Hawks had one more than the Kings on Wednesday. De’Aaron Fox led the way for the Kings with 25 points. Hunter and Collins led the way for the Hawks in victory both scoring 22 points.

Up Next: The Kings will welcome “The King” Lebron James and the Lakers to the Golden 1 Center Saturday at 7 PM PST.

Barracuda snap losing streak with shootout win over Henderson Silver Knights 4-3

Photo courtesy of San Jose Barracuda Twitter. The Barracuda celebrate a goal in front of their home fans.

By Titus Wilkinson (@TitusWisme)

SAN JOSE- After going on a eight game losing streak the Barracuda finally snapped it with a victory in a shootout over their rival the Silver Knights by a final of 4-3.

In front of the home crowd the Barracuda got on the board quickly as just 3:43 in Luke Johnson scored his sixth goal of the season to make it 1-0. Ozzy Wiesblatt and Max Veronneau assisted on the goal.

Not too much later in the first period Jeffrey Viel followed that up with a goal his fifth on the year assisted by Brandon Coe and Darren Brady.

That ended up being all the scoring in the period as the shots in period favored San Jose at 10-9.

The second period took a little longer to find any scoring but 9:32 in Gage Quinney scored his 12th goal of the season making the score 2-1. Sheldon Rempal and Byron Froese assisted on the goal.

12:23 into the period Viel took a boarding penalty that would be a major giving Henderson a five minute power play.

A couple minutes into the power play Quinney scored his second of the game to tie the game at two with the goal being assisted by Froese and Jonas Rondbjerg.

With still some time left on the major Henderson scored again this time Ivan Morozov got his third of the season to give the Silver Knights the lead. Both Connor Corcoran and Connor Ford assisted on the goal.

Less than a minute after the power play goal though San Jose answered this time Jasper Weatherby tallied his third goal of the season to tie things right back up. Nick Cicek and Brandon Coe assisted on the goal.

Heading into the third now all tied up the shots now favored Henderson at 21-18.

The third period ended up being a close affair with neither team being able to get the go ahead goal. There were also no penalties called in the period forcing extra hockey.

The shots at the end of the third still favored the Silver Knights at 31-25.

In overtime both starting goalies were not particularly busy as Aaron Dell and Laurent Brossoit only had to turn aside a few shots each.

However with both goalies playing perfect this meant it was time for a shootout.

For Henderson both Quinney and Brendan Brisson had attempts in the shootout and were turned aside by Dell.

San Jose however picked both Danil Gushchin and Luke Johnson to shoot and both of them scored to give the Barracuda the victory.

The shots at the end of the game favored Henderson 35-29.

The three stars of the game were: 1st: Luke Johnson 2nd: Gage Quinney 3rd: Brandon Coe.

The Barracuda will be heading out on the road for their next game on Friday against the Ontario Reign which will be played at 7 p.m.

Warriors Lose to Pistons in Final Second of Game 122-119; Green ejected on second technical

Detroit Pistons forward Bojan Bogdanovic (44) shoots against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the second half at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Wed Jan 4, 2023 (AP News photo)

Warriors Lose to Pistons in Final Second of the Game 122-119

By Barbara Mason

Going for their sixth win in a row, the Golden State Warriors (20-19) took on the young upstart Detroit Pistons (11-30) Wednesday night at Chase Center in San Francisco. Andrew Wiggins was still unable to play tonight as was Jonathan Kuminga and James Wiseman. The Warriors had a five game winning streak snapped as the Pistons stayed the course against Golden State coming away with a 122-119 victory.

The Warriors got off to a very disconcerting start. Luckily for Golden State they got on track after the first few minutes of the first quarter. The Pistons were shooting a shocking 67%, crazy for a team that is 28th on offense in the league. After the first twelve minutes of play Detroit led 34-26.

Leading after the first quarter gave the Pistons a lot of confidence that they took into the second quarter. Bojan Bogdanovic was leading the Pistons in points with 17. The Pistons finished the first quarter on an 8-0 run and were looking to put an end to the Warriors win streak at Chase.

The Warriors took a brief one point lead in the second quarter 39-38 at 9:17 but it was short-lived. At the half the Pistons continued to hold the lead 60-56.

Jordan Poole had 13 points in the half but it was the bench that came out hot in this game. They accounted for 30 points in the half between Anthony Lamb, Ty Jerome and Moses Moody. They had kept Golden State in this game. The Warriors continued to struggle with turnovers committing nine and they desperately needed to tighten up they’re defense in the second half.

The rhythm and flow that we are used to seeing from Golden State was absent and one wondered if the double overtime Monday night had taken a toll.

The Warriors took another brief lead in the third quarter but couldn’t get on top of Detroit. The Pistons led after three 91-88.

With 7:33 left in the fourth quarter the Warriors had come from ten down to take the lead 99-98. The Warriors could not sink a three to save their life and were 11 of 33. They were climbing uphill the entire evening. With 5:06 left Klay Thompson hit his first three of the night followed by a second three.

The Warriors had 3:45 to turn this game around. The Pistons had 15 shots from downtown to their credit and with 1:24 left in the game had a 117-112. The hoped for sixth win in a row was on shaky ground. It got even worse when Draymond Green was ejected with his second technical.

With 04.2 left on the clock the Warriors had the ball trailing 119-116. Thompson hit from downtown and we had a tie game at 119 with one second left in regulation. Detroit would end the Warriors perfect home stand with a shot from downtown winning it 122-119.

Thompson had the high with 30 followed by Jordan Poole with 24. The bench had a great game with a combined 48 points.

The Detroit Pistons played a great game, a high caliber game. The high for the Pistons was Bojan Bogdanovic with 29.

Saturday night the Warriors will take on the Magic playing their seventh home game in a row. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30.

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: Big Game Friday as Cal hosts Stanford at Haas Pavilion

The Stanford Cardinal forward Spencer Jones (14) who led all scorers on Sat Dec 31, 2023 against the Utah Utes takes a shot against the Utes center Branden Carlson (35) (photo by Stanford Cardinal MBB)

On Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 It wasn’t a rocking New Years eve for the Stanford Cardinal (5-9) last Saturday as the visiting Utah Utes (11-4) defeated the Stanford Cardinal 71-66 at Maples Pavilion.

#2 Michael, the Cardinal who were down by as much as double digits closed in the Utes lead within two but couldn’t seal the deal.

#3 Despite the Cardinal making a charge and closing the game to just two points that speaks to the Utes defense and they were able to bring up the score to five points over the Cardinal to pull away from the Stanford surge.

#4 All things considered the Cardinal Spencer Jones led with 16, Isa Silva 11, and Max Murrell 10, these three players played key roles in the Cardinal keeping up with the Utes in that second half.

#5 Michael it’s off for the Big Game at Cal Berkeley you’ll be on hand covering the Cardinal and our very own Morris Phillips will be doing coverage for our page on the Cal Bears (2-13). The Cardinal go into Berkeley having lost three of their last five games and Cal has won two of their last three games. Michael tell us how you see the outcome of this game on Fri Jan 6th.

Join Michael Roberson for Stanford Cardinal podcasts Wednesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: Will players be more cautious after Hamlin hit?

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) catches a pass while being defended by San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir (38) during the second half at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sun Jan 1, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the 49ers podcast with David:

#1 David, how cautious and very concerned do you see NFL players being after the Damar Hamlin hit on Monday Night Football?

#3 Brock Purdy was involved in the 49ers fifth straight win since taking over as starting quarterback and the Niners ninth straight win. Purdy under center helped get the 49ers in the post season with the win over the Las Vegas Raiders in overtime edging out Vegas 37-34.

#3 Dave, the 49ers play host to the Arizona Cardinals who are on a six game losing streak and the press in Glendale have said the Cardinals look like they need a huge off season overhaul. Quarterback Kyler Murray has a torn ACL and will miss the rest of the season. What’s the future for the Cardinals and also do you see this game being a walk in the park for the 49ers on Sunday?

Join David for the 49ers podcasts Wednesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Brian Sabean, Giants Architect of 3 World Series Titles, with the Yankees

Former San Francisco Giants team president Brian Sabean speaking at one of the Giants World Series celebrations at San Francisco City Hall is now New York Yankees team senior vice president (photo from Amaury Pi Gonzalez)

Brian Sabean, Giants Architect of 3 World Series Titles, with the Yankees

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

SAN FRANCISCO–The main brain trust that brought the first World Series title to the Giants, and a total of three World Series in 2010, 2012 and 2014, has rejoined his original team, the New York Yankees. Sabean is now an executive advisor to senior vice president to the general manager of the Yankees  Brian Cashman.

Sabean is the man that was credited with shaping the New York Yankees during their dynasty of the late 1990s. “Saves” (one of his nicknames) for the past 30 years with the Giants, including as senior vice president and general manager from 1996 until 2015, He scouted well in New York and also in San Francisco. Brian Sabean is one of the most accomplished baseball executives in recent history.

Giants fans might remember some of  these names, who came to San Francisco under Brian Sabean reign, many via trades; J.T. Snow, Jeff Kent, Benito Santiago, Juan Uribe, Edgar Rentería, Ellis Burks, Pat Burell, Kenny Lofton, Robb Nen and others. About returning to work for the Yankees he said:  “It’s humbling. At my age, I really appreciate being wanted and needed,” Sabean said. “As I talked to Cash, I think it became organic as to how I could help the organization. I’m all in. I’ll do anything to help the Yankees win another World Series. Our family is thrilled, and we’re totally invested.”

At 66 years of age Sabean looks to another chapter of his life. Prior to ascending to General Manager of the SF Giants he was head of their baseball division from 1977 to 2018, he brought to the Giants all the success they never had (as far as winning) since the team moved to San Francisco in 1958.

Although he will never have a statue at Oracle Park, Brian Sabean is the only General Manager in San Francisco Giants history with three World Series rings.

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

Fox & Company Win Thriller Over Utah 117-115

Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) dunks against Utah Jazz forward Jarred Vanderbilt (8) during the second half at the Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City on Tue Jan 3, 2023 (AP News photo)

Fox & Company Win Thriller Over Utah 117-115

By Barbara Mason

After losing to the Grizzlies in Memphis Sunday, the Sacramento Kings (20-16) traveled to Utah to take on the Jazz (19-21) at Vivint Arena and just got by with a 117-115 win in Salt Lake City. The Jazz have now lost five games in a row and were looking to get back on track at home. They were aiming to level the score after losing to the Kings in late December by a single point 126-125.

Game recap: Sacramento got off to a solid start winning the first quarter 35-23. The Jazz started to heat up in the second, winning it 28-25 but still trailing at the half 60-51. The Kings finished the first half shooting at 50% while the Jazz were close to 41%. Sacramento had seven turnovers. The King’s Kevin Huerter had the high score in the first two quarters with 14 points and Domantas Sabonis, Harrison Barnes and De’Aaron Fox all had double digits in the first half.

The Jazz only had two starters in double digits at the half. Jarred Vanderbilt had the high with 12 points and Lauri Markkanen had ten for Utah.

After leading by 12 points in the third quarter the Kings let the Jazz back into the game. Utah got to within two points 73-71 with 5:47 left in the third. The Jazz had challenged the Kings a number of times throughout the game but Sacramento roared back every time. Mounting turnovers and fouls started to hurt the Kings and gave Utah a real edge. With 35 seconds left on the clock the Jazz had tied up this game at 86. After three quarters, the Jazz had taken the lead 89-88.

This game would go to the team that was able to finish; it would go down to the wire. With 41.3 left in the game the Kings called a timeout. The score was 113-112 in favor of Sacramento. With 0.4 left in the game Fox made a driving layup giving the Kings the lead 117-115 which was the final.

Fox had a monster night with 37 points. Every starter on the roster had double digits in this collaborative effort. They were challenged over and over by the Jazz and fought to the very end of this intense game.

The Jazz’s high score was Lauri Markkanen with 28 points.

Wednesday night the Kings will take on the Atlanta Hawks back home at Golden One in downtown Sacramento. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez: NFL exec says Carr’s removal was “classless” and “trash”

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr throws one of his last passes for the Raiders in his last game with the team on Sat Dec 24, 2022 in Pittsburgh (AP News photo)

On the Raiders podcast with Rich:

#1 Rich an unnamed NFL executive said that the Las Vegas Raiders way of cutting Derek Carr was “classless” and that the organization treated him like “trash” after letting him go after the Raiders loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec 24th.

#2 The Raiders in releasing Carr incur $5.25 million of dead cap room and in all intensive purposes from all appearances the Raiders are set to release or trade Carr. Carr reportedly has blocked the Raiders on his social media accounts.

#3 Football is a business but benching Carr after being the starting quarterback for nine years and not letting him suit up and be with the team after some of the close games the Raiders had been in just didn’t make sense.

#4 Jarrett Stidham the new starting quarterback for the Raiders had a incredible first game against the San Francisco 49ers including a 60 yard touchdown pass that put the Raiders up by ten. The Raiders however couldn’t hold onto the lead and lost it by a field goal in overtime.

#5 The Raiders host the Kansas City Chiefs this Saturday at Allegiant Stadium to close out their regular season. The Chiefs are coming in hot they’ve won four straight games and are 13-3 Rich what is your prediction for this match up on Saturday?

Rich Perez filled in for Tony Renteria who does the Raider podcasts Tuesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Bills Hamlin vitals normal on breathing tube; Nevin acquired by Tigers for cash; Plus more news

Buffalo Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin (right) takes a hit from the Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (left) in Cincinnati on Monday Night Football Mon Jan 2, 2023 (still photo from ESPN Monday Night Football)

On That’s Amaury podcast:

#1 Amaury, We’ll start the podcast with the tragic Monday Night Football story as last night the Buffalo Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin took a hit that appeared to be in head and upper body area from Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins who was charging full speed on a carry. Hamlin got up after the hit and then collapsed, medics applied CPR and he was taken immediately to a local Cincinnati hospital where it was learned that Hamlin listed in critical condition and was out to sleep to have a breathing tube down his throat according to his marketing agent Jordan Rooney.

#2 Staying with football Amaury, this a rough and tumble game if you stand on the sidelines no matter what league it is the CFL, Arena football, high school, college, or the NFL it’s a collision sport and guys know a serious injury can result and medics have to make quick decisions how to treat a player such as the case in Damar Hamlin last night.

#3 We switch to MLB, the Detroit Tigers have acquired infielder Tyler Nevin from the Baltimore Orioles for cash last Saturday. Nevin hit .197 in 58 games for the Orioles hit two home runs and 16 RBIs. Nevin is the son of Los Angeles Angels manager Phil Nevin.

#4 San Francisco Giants team president Farhan Zaidi said that the move to end their agreement with the Carlos Correa was not an 11th hour decision and that the Zaidi said the Giants that as soon as the Giants had the information regarding Correa not passing the physical he shared it with the media.

#5 The Giants are ready for the Taylor and Tyler Rogers bullpen show to begin. Taylor who did a introduction call with the media on zoom said that this was a too good to be true situation and that this just so happens to be with the Giants and he said that if happens great if not great too.

#6 New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge named as the 16th captain in Yankees history has been voted the Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year for 2022. Judge who set the American League record for the most home runs with 62 edged out other pro athletes Shohei Ohtani Los Angeles Angles who finished second and Golden State’s Stephen Curry finished in third.

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

No. 2 Cardinal women prevail over No, 15 Arizona 73-57

Hannah Jump (33) gets to jump for joy as the Stanford Cardinal defeat the Arizona Wildcats at Maples Pavilion on Mon Jan 2, 2023 (Bay Area News Group photo)

By Daniel Dullum
Monday, January 2, 2023

Stanford used a big second quarter surge to pull away from No, 15 Arizona Monday, as the No, 2 Cardinal earned a 73-57 Pac-12 women’s basketball victory at Maples Pavilion.

It was the Cardinal’s 10th consecutive win, as they held the high-scoring Wildcats to their lowest offensive output o the season. Arizona (12-2 overall, 2-1 Pac-12) had been averaging 81.2 points per game and had been winning by an average of 22.3 points.

Haley Jones led the Cardinal (15-1 overall, 3-0 Pac-12) with 18 points, a season-high 16 rebounds and five assists. Francesca Belibi had 14 points and 10 rebounds off the Stanford bench – both season highs, Hannah Jump bagged four 3-pointers on her way to finishing with 13 points.

Cameron Brink finished with 12 points, six rebounds and three blocked shots despite a cold shooting day. Brink was 3-for-15 from the field and missed all of her 3-point attempts.

The Cardinal were 20-for-34 at the free throw line, but had a 53-35 rebounding edge.

Jade Loville led U of A with 12 points. Helena Pueyo and Madison Connor each added 10 polints for the Wildcats, Pueyo also had seven rebounds,

Stanford used a 7-0 run to take a 17-11 lead in the first quarter, then outscored the Wildcats 17-7 in the second quarter to take a 36-22 halftime lead.

The Cardinal visit California this Sunday in Berkeley in their second matchup of the season. Stanford won the first game 90-69 at Maples Pavilion on Dec. 23 in the Pac-12 opener.