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.

Kings Win A Third On the Road Beating Washington 132-118

Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija (9) passes the ball as Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) and guard De’Aaron Fox (5) defend during the first half the Capital One Center in DC on Sat Mar 18, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (43-27) are 2-0 on their latest road trip dismissing the Brooklyn Nets 101-96 and the Chicago Bulls (117-114). Saturday evening they took on the Washington Wizards (32-39) in the third game of this trip and came away with another road win 132-118. The Kings have had a terrific stretch in these latest games on the road and were looking for win number three in tonight’s game.

The Kings did fall behind in the opening quarter trailing with five minutes left 23-13. Despite that Sacramento turned this game around and led after the first twelve minutes 37-33. The Kings had 6 three pointers in the first quarter and Terrance Davis was driving the offense with some brilliant play.

The second quarter was highlighted by some great King defense. With 4:05 left in the half, the Kings had taken a ten point lead 61-51. The Wizards continued to play catch up but had cut the Kings lead to three points with 2:50 left in the half. Sacramento led after two quarters 71-60.

Domantas Sabonis led the offense with 18 points after two quarters. The Kings had hit twelve baskets from beyond the arc in the half and Terence Davis was 4 of 5 from downtown. The Kings really settled down after a slow start in this game. They only had two turnovers in the half and were 62.2% from the field and 66.7% from downtown.

The Kings continued to extend their lead in the third quarter and with 4:50 left in the quarter had a 92-79 lead. After three quarters the Kings led 104- 92. Sabonis continued to tear up the court offensively and defensively as did Terence Davis off the bench.

With 7:35 left in the game the Kings continued to dictate play leading 118-99. As the final quarter began to wind down the Kings displayed the defensive excellence that we have seen all season. The Kings were eyeing a franchise record as they went into the final 5:30 of the game. They had already hit 21 three’s; the record being 23. They did not break that record coming up just short with 22 three’s but recorded they’re 43rd win of the season.

Domantas Sabonis finished with 30 points and 9 rebounds and some excellence off the bench from Terence Davis (21 points) and Malik Monk (17 points). The Kings only had 9 turnovers. They won this game without starter Kevin Huerter which shows the depth and confidence that this team has right now. They have now won 7 road games in a row.

Monday night the Kings take on the Utah Jazz in another road game, their fourth, before returning home Tuesday to take on the Celtics. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 PM.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings first winning season in 17 years

That’s the money smile as Domantas Sabonis hits the floor in the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclay Center in Brooklyn on Thu Mar 16, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 The Sacramento Kings (42-27) clinched their first winning season in 17 years with a 101-96 win over the Brooklyn Nets (39-31) at Barclays Center on Thursday night.

#2 It was the first time that the Kings have finished above .500 since the 2005-06 season when they earned a 44-38 record. 

#3 The Kings made the playoffs eight straight times under then-head coach Rick Adelman, the last being in the 2005-06 season, but had a losing record all the other years since moving to Sacramento.  

#4 Sacramento led by as many as 17 points, and the Nets made a comeback effort in the second half that came close but fell short. De’Aaron Fox had 18 points. Kessler Edwards contributed 10 points.

#5 The Kings (42-27) are second in the western conference. They continue their road trip on Saturday against the Washington Wizards. Tipoff is at 5 p.m.

Join Jeremiah Salmonson for the Sacramento Kings podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

After 17 years of waiting Kings clinch first winning season with win over Nets 101-96

Brooklyn Nets’ Edmond Sumner (4) passes the ball away from Sacramento Kings’ Domantas Sabonis (10) during the second half at Barclay Center on Thu Mar 16, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jessica Kwong

BROOKLYN, NY. — The Sacramento Kings (42-27) clinched their first winning season in 17 years with a 101-96 win over the Brooklyn Nets (39-31) at Barclays Center on Thursday night.

It was the first time that the Kings have finished above .500 since the 2005-06 season when they earned a 44-38 record. 

Despite the milestone, Kings head coach Mike Brown said he doesn’t equate March 16 with 42 wins and making the playoffs. The Kings are focused on “trying to get as many wins as possible,” he said. 

The game was tied at 41 with less than 3 1/2 minutes to go in the first quarter. Domantas Sabonis made a triple that set off a 13-0 run for Sacramento. Domantas scored 24 points, including nearly 20 by halftime. 

Sacramento led by as many as 17 points, and the Nets made a comeback effort in the second half that came close but fell short. De’Aaron Fox had 18 points. Kessler Edwards contributed 10 points.

“We were trying to get a win like that all year,” said Brown.

The Kings made the playoffs eight straight times under then-head coach Rick Adelman, the last being in the 2005-06 season, but had a losing record all the other years since moving to Sacramento.  

“I think being here for over four years now, and seeing the bottom – the very bottom – and to see the frustration of fans and the people in the organization, I think it’s nice to be on the other side it,” said Kings forward Harrison Barnes. “A lot of people, they don’t get a chance to stay in an organization long enough to see the good times and the bad, they just see the bad side. So I consider myself fortunate to be able to be part of this moment.”

The Kings (42-27) are second in the western conference. They continue their road trip on Saturday against the Washington Wizards. Tipoff is at 5 p.m.

Kings Start Road Trip With Clutch Win Over Bulls 117-114; Fox gets 3 pt buzzer beater for win

Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine (8) gets Sacramento Kings’ De’Aaron Fox off his feet during the second half at the United Center in Chicago on Wed Mar 15, 2023 (AP News photo)

Kings Start Road Trip With Clutch Win Over Bulls 117-114

By Barbara Mason

Wednesday night the Sacramento Kings (41-27) took on the Chicago Bulls (31-37) at United Center in Chicago. The Bulls came into this game after a winning effort beating the Houston Rockets 119-111. The Kings had a tough loss against the best team in the NBA, the Milwaukee Bucks 133-124.

In Mondays loss to the Bucks the Kings were faced with the return of Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Kings had the lead at the half and mid-way through the fourth quarter the game was a tight one, the game tied at 108. Sacramento just couldn’t finish.

The Kings had some untimely turnovers in the final three minutes and too many empty possessions. They missed six shots in the closing minutes. The Kings just got by the Bulls on Wednesday night in a four point win 117-114.

In the opening quarter of this game, the Bulls took a 30-25 lead. The Kings had some early turnovers in the first twelve minutes, five in total.

At the half, the Bulls still had the lead 62-53 and the Kings had some work to do in the second half.

As the third quarter came to an end the Kings continued to trail 90-87 but had made up some ground in the quarter. They went into all-important fourth quarter, where the Kings have time and time again come up big.

Sacramento battled throughout the fourth quarter taking the lead with 38 seconds left on the clock. De’Aaron Fox, the NBA’s number one clutch player, came up big giving the Kings a 112-107 lead. The Bulls tied up the game with 12.1 left in the game. Again it was Fox who delivered the final blow with yet another shot from downtown to finish off the Bulls.

Fox finished the game with 32 points and as we have seen over and over this season Domantas Sabonis had yet another double double with 14 points and 17 rebounds. Fox turned out the lights in Chicago shooting a three with 0.7 left in the game for the game winner. Malik Monk finished with 19 points off the bench.

Thursday night the Kings continue their road trip traveling to Brooklyn to take on the Nets at Barclays Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:30 PM.

Buck Rumblings: Giannis nets 46 points Milwaukee in 9 pt win over Sac 133-124

The Milwaukee Bucks Giannis  Antetokounmpo (34) drives past Sacramento Kings forward Chimezie Metu (7) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Mon Mar 13, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings (40-27) were back in action on Monday night in Sacramento. The Kings were coming off an off day on Sunday after defeating the Phoenix Suns for the first time on Saturday night in Phoenix. The Kings played a great game on Saturday to defeat one of the best teams in the West. The win was a big statement for the Kings in the standings to keep pace in the Western Conference. On Monday, the best team in the NBA rolled into town to take on the Kings. That, of course, would be the Milwaukee Bucks (49-19) and Giannis.

GAME RESULT: In the first quarter, it was all Kings and Giannis. The Kings had a typical Kings showing on the offensive end of the floor as they scored 32 points in the first quarter. The Kings starters started hot, scoring 27 of the 32 points in the first. For the Bucks, Giannis was the only Buck with more than two points, as he scored 15 in the first quarter. The Bucks would almost certainly heat up on offense, and the Kings would look to keep them on earth. 

In the second quarter, the Kings continued to build their lead. The Kings were having their way on the offensive side of the court in the first half on Monday night. The Kings scored 30 in the second quarter en route to a nine-point 62-53 lead going into halftime. The Bucks scored 26 points in the second to try and stay in the game. Giannis was leading all scorers in the first half with 21 points doing everything in his power to keep the Bucks in reach. 

In the third quarter, it was all Bucks. The Kings offense struggled, and the Bucks took advantage of the weak Kings defense to roar back and take the lead. Led by Giannis, the Bucks scored 37 points in the third quarter to take a 90-87 lead going into the final quarter of play. In the third, the Kings only managed to score 25 points as fewer shots were falling for them. The Kings were showing little signs of life headed into the fourth. They would need a massive offensive fourth quarter to win the game. 

In the fourth quarter, the Kings battled but weren’t able to get the win. Giannis and the Bucks were just too much to handle. The Kings couldn’t handle the dominance of Giannis inside and ultimately lost the game. The Kings and Bucks showed their intensity in the final 15 seconds as Trey Lyles, and Brook Lopez got into it.

When the game finally ended, the Bucks secured a 133-124 victory. If not for Giannis, Domas Sabonis would have been the player of the game. Sabonis amassed a 23-point,17 rebound, and 15 assist night to lead the Kings. On the other hand, Giannis scored 46 points with 12 rebounds. It was a good game that showed the Kings heart, but they ultimately couldn’t finish the job after a dominant first half. 

Up Next: The Kings travel to take on the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday at 5 PM PST.

Barnes leads with 19 pts in Kings third straight win over Suns 128-119

Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) pressures Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) during the first half at the Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sat Mar 11, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Saturday night the Sacramento Kings (40-26) traveled to Phoenix to take on the Suns (37-30). It was a battle between the second and fourth place teams in the Western Conference. The Kings picked up their third straight win 128-119.

The Kings fell behind early in the first quarter trailing 17-6 at 6:53. As the first 12 minutes came to an end, the Kings had made up a lot of ground trailing by a single point 32-31.

The Kings started the second quarter on a great note tying up the game at 36 in the early minutes of the quarter. The Kings would take the lead with nine minutes left in the half 39-38 and continue to maintain a slim lead throughout the remainder of the second quarter.

As the quarter wound down Sacramento extended their lead. They had turned the slow start around and led at the half 67-59. The Kings went to the line 26 times in the first half, forced turnovers and outshot the Suns from downtown 38% to the Suns 22%.

After two quarters the Kings bench was outstanding collectively scoring 37 points. De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis and Harrison Barnes each had 8 points in the opening half.

The Suns began to chip away at the Kings lead in the third quarter. At 3:29 Phoenix took the lead 85-81. Sacramento had some untimely turnovers and empty possessions. With under three minutes left in the third the score was tied at 85. The Kings held onto a slim one point lead after three quarters 96-95. Malik Monk had 15 points going into the fourth quarter. He was three of four from downtown and was a huge part of the Kings lead.

The Kings have the best offense in clutch situations and they would go on to prove just that. This game continued to see-saw with both teams trading the lead. With seven minutes left the score was tied at 105. With 1:22 left in the game the Kings were clinging to a one point lead 119-118. Fox made a 17 foot jump shot to push the lead to 121-118 with 58 seconds left on the clock. Kessler Edwards hit a three-point jumper to seal the win 128-119.

Sabonis was terrific on the pick and roll defense. He finished the game with 8 rebounds and 15 points. The clutch player on the floor tonight and quite frankly almost every night Fox had 18 points and six assists. The bench was a huge part of this win with 65 points. Seven Kings scored in double digits in this game. The Kings just punched they’re 40th win of the season.

Monday night the Kings will be challenged as they take on the Milwaukee Bucks at Golden 1 Center. The Bucks come into this game after losing in overtime to the Golden State Warriors Saturday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Giannis and the Bucks match up with Kings Monday night at Golden 1

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Anteokoumpo (34) will pay the Sacramento Kings a visit this Mon Mar 13, 2023 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento (AP News file)

On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 On Tuesday, the New York Knicks (39-29) traveled to Sacramento to take on the Kings (39-26). In addition, the game was broadcast on TNT for the whole nation to watch. On Thursday, the Kings beat the Knicks 122-117.

#2 The Kings scored 30 points in the first quarter to jump out to a quick seven-point lead. The Knicks scored 23 points in the first quarter. Domantas Sabonis started the game hot, getting whatever shot he wanted in the first quarter with 11 points.

#3 In the second quarter, the Kings went on a run. The Kings put up a massive second quarter scoring 39 points. On the other hand, the Knicks didn’t have an awful quarter, as they scored 30 points. 

#4 The Kings were outscored by the Knicks 33-31 in the final quarter. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome the lead the Kings had built during the game.

#5 Jeremiah the Kings are rolling having won eight of their last ten games. The Kings host the Milwaukee Bucks (48-18) and who occupy first place in the Eastern Conference. The Bucks have won nine of their last ten games. How do you see this match up Monday night in Sacramento.

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

Kings Sabonis 24 pts helps defeat Knicks 122-117

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Thursday night in Sacramento. The Kings last played on Monday night when the New Orleans Pelicans came to town. It was an important game for the Kings, who took care of business and beat the Pelicans 123-108. On Tuesday, the New York Knicks traveled to Sacramento to take on the Kings at 7 PM PST. In addition, the game was broadcast on TNT for the whole nation to watch. On Thursday, the Kings beat the Knicks 122-117.

In the first quarter, the Kings came out of the gate strong. The Kings played solid defense in the first as the Knicks were struggling to find the bottom of the net. The Kings scored 30 points in the first quarter to jump out to a quick seven-point lead. The Knicks scored 23 points in the first quarter. Domantas Sabonis started the game hot, getting whatever shot he wanted in the first quarter with 11 points.

In the second quarter, the Kings went on a run. The Kings put up a massive second quarter scoring 39 points. On the other hand, the Knicks didn’t have an awful quarter, as they scored 30 points. However, the power of the Kings offense was too much to handle as they went into halftime with a 69-53 lead over the Knicks. If the Knicks wanted to keep the game within reach, they would need to slow down the Kings offense in the second half.

In the third quarter, the Kings took their foot off the gas. They allowed the Knicks to get right back into the ballgame. The Kings were outscored by the Knicks 31-22 in the quarter as the offense went silent for the Kings. The Knicks did well with a sustained offensive attack in the quarter to close the deficit.

The Kings would go into the fourth quarter with a 91-84 lead over the Knicks. However, the Knicks had all the momentum over the Kings. Another important note was De’Aaron Fox had four fouls, and Sabonis had three going into the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, it was a typical fourth quarter this year in Sacramento. The fans were absolutely insane, and the game came down to the wire. The Kings were outscored by the Knicks 33-31 in the final quarter. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome the lead the Kings had built during the game. The Kings won the game 122-117 against the New York Knicks.

It was a wild game at Golden One Center, with every fan on their feet in the last minutes. Fox took over the game in the fourth to lead the Kings to victory. The Kings were led in scoring by Sabonis, who had 24 points. In defeat, the Knicks were led by R.J. Barrett, who had 25 points in the game.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday at 7 PM PST.

Kings Huerter leads with 25, Sabonis gets triple double in 123-108 win over Pelicans

Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) is defended by New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas in the first quarter at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Mon Mar 6, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

Sacramento Kings (38-26) Kevin Huerter scores 25 points to lead the Kings with Domantas Sabonis scoring a triple double which was his eighth triple double of the 2022-23 season. It was another home victory for the Kings defeating the visiting New Orleans Pelicans (31-34) 123-108 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.

Sabonis’ contribution paid off big in the scoring department helping out Huerter’s effort. Sabonis scored 19 and had 11 rebounds, 11 assists. Sabonis is the NBA leader with 52 double doubles. The Kings have now won six of their last seven games since All Star weekend back on Sun Feb 19th.

The Kings have been playing amazing ball and picking up wins that have now placed them in second seeding in the NBA Western Conference just behind the first seeded Memphis Grizzlies by a half game. Kings Keegan Murray hopes Sacramento can keep up the pace hoping they can get the home floor advantage through the post season.

Murray mentioned that the Kings have some tough stretches coming up facing teams like the New York Knicks this Thursday at Golden 1, then hit the road to face Phoenix Suns Sat Mar 11, then back in Sacramento on Mon Mar 13 against the Milwaukee Bucks.

“We want to play our first (playoff) game at home,” Murray said. “It’s not easy, we know we have a lot of tough stretches coming up. We know we have to be locked in every single night.” The third quarter was key as the Kings out scored the Pelicans by a 18 point margin 38-20 that pretty much clinched it for Sacramento. A great offensive third quarter performance considering the game was all tied up at 59 each at the half.

The Knicks have been on a roll winning nine of their last ten games and have won nine straight games defeating the Boston Celtics in their last game on 131-129 in overtime on Sunday at TD Garden in Boston. The Knicks are in fifth place in the NBA Eastern Conference. The win for the Kings is their seventh in ten games. The tip with the Knicks and Kings is at 7:00p this coming Thursday night at Golden 1.