NBA Playoffs podcast with Joe Hawkes: Bucks stop Nets on defense for game 4 win 107-96 tie series 2-2

The Brooklyn Nets Kyrie Irving steals the ball away from the Milwaukee Bucks Khris Middleton in game 4 in the first half on Sun Jun 13, 2021 in Milwaukee (AP News photo0

On the NBA Playoffs with J Hawkes:

#1 The Milwaukee Bucks (2-2) held the lead for most of game 4 over the Brooklyn Nets (2-2) to end up tying the series at 2-2. This was a must win for the Bucks and they did with some great offensive play.

#2 One thing the Bucks didn’t want to do is go down 1-3 but tying the series pretty much give Milwaukee a new look on the series.

#3 Giannis Antetokounmpo lead all scorers and the Bucks and he’s been the big key for the Bucks all along to get them this far.

#4 How surprising is it for you to see a loaded Nets team with Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Blake Griffin get held down on scoring and talk about how long Irving could be out with today’s ankle injury?

#5 Net and Bucks tip off for game 5 on Tue Jun 15th in Brooklyn this will give either team a chance to go one game up at the Barclay Center.

Join J Hawkes for NBA Playoffs podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NBA Playoffs podcast with Joe Hawkes: A look at Knicks-Hawks, Sun-Lakers, Nets-Celtics, Clippers-Mavericks

The Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins (20) is fouled trying to make a basket by the New York Knicks forward Taj Gibson (67) on Sun May 30, 2021 in Atlanta in game 4 of the NBA Playoffs (AP News photo)

J Hawkes on the NBA podcast takes a look at today’s playoffs games:

#1 New York Knicks 96 @ Atlanta Hawks 113 game 4 Atlanta leads the series 3-1

#2 Phoenix Suns 100 @ Los Angeles 92 Lakers game 4 series is tied 2-2

#3 Brooklyn Nets @ Boston Celtics game 4

#4 Los Angeles Clippers @ Dallas Mavericks game 4

Joe Hawkes does the NBA podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings can’t control worst offense in NBA as Knicks score 140 points

The New York Knicks leading scorer Immanuel Quickley guard (5) is congratulated by forward Obbi Toppin (1) after scoring on the Sacramento Kings on Thu Feb 25, 2021 at Madison Square Garden New York (AP News photo

On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 Jeremiah nine straight loses in the row how bad does it have to get for Sacramento (12-20)?

#2 140 points by one of the worst offenses in the NBA the New York Knicks (16-17) was this a game the Kings defense just let down or was it a Knicks team that just keep running up the score and doing the right thing to move the ball?

#3 Immanuel Quickley led New York with 25 points, Alec Burks 24 points, Julius Randall 21 points, and Derrick Rose followed up with 18 points they made it look easier than in other games with previous opponents.

#4 If De’Aaron Fox 29 points and Harrison Barnes 22 points carried the team last night  and no one is helping out on the defense end and everyone is at a lose for the Kings right now?

#5 Tonight the Kings are in Detroit to face the Pistons (9-23). The Pistons have won four of their last ten games which includes a win over the Brooklyn Nets 122-111 on Feb 9th. How do you see this match up tonight turning out at Little Caesar’s Arena?

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

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson Fri Feb 26, 2021 by Sports Radio Service | Free Listening on SoundCloud

Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony Renteria: Will Kings be able to snap 8 game loss streak tonight against Knicks?

The Sacramento Kings forward Marvin Bagley III tries to get his hand on the ball as the Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving tries to go for the score at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn on Tue Feb 23, 2021 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony R:

#1 Anytime you look at the schedule and it says your going to play in Milwaukee (18-13) and Brooklyn (21-12) and in the case of the Sacramento Kings (12-19) instead of bringing your A game you bring your A for effort game.

#2 The game in Brooklyn on Tuesday night started out rough for the Kings but in the second half they actually made a game of it in the third quarter before Brooklyn was able to pull away in the fourth quarter for the 127-118 win.

#3 The Nets usual suspects led by James Harden and Bruce Brown each scored 29 points each and Kyrie Irving scored 21.

#4 The Kings had four scorers in double figures on Thursday night led by De’Aaron Fox with 27 points and Richaun Holmes and Harrison Barnes had 18 points but not good enough to catch the Nets.

#5 With the loss the Kings are on a eight game losing streak their next task is against is against the New York Knicks (15-6) at the Garden tonight for a 4:30pm jump time. The Knicks are coming off a tough loss to Golden State on Tuesday night 127-118. The Knicks have won five of their last nine games how do you see this match at MSG tonight.

Join Tony for the Kings podcasts every other Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony Renteria Thu Feb 25, 2021 by Sports Radio Service | Free Listening on SoundCloud

Sacramento Kings game wrap: Kings lose eighth straight bow to Nets 127-118

The Sacramento Kings Buddy Hield (24) takes a shot over the Brooklyn Nets defense on Tue Feb 23, 2021 at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn (photo from ca.sports.yahoo.com)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

Tuesday night in Brooklyn: The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Tuesday night! The Kings, who are coming off a seven game losing streak were looking to break the tide and get a win. The opponent was the mighty Brooklyn Nets. The Nets appear to be poised to make a run at a title, and the Kings ran into them at an inopportune time. The Nets dominated in scoring and offense and handed the Kings their eighth straight loss 127-118.

Sunday night flashback: Before we dive into Tuesday night’s game, let’s take a look at Sunday’s game. On Sunday, the Kings lost to the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks handled the Kings first easily as they beat them 128-115. The Kings struggled on defense which has been the theme of late, and needed to pick it up to stop the streak on Tuesday night. The Kings were set to take on the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday at 4:30 PM PST in New York.

Tuesday night game wrap: In the first half, it was an embarrassing sight for the Kings. The Nets hammered the Kings 42-28 in the first quarter as the Kings didn’t play any defense. The Nets ran all over the Kings in the early minutes as the Kings looked to bounce back in the second quarter.

The Kings did play better in the second. The Kings outscored the Nets 38-30 in the second quarter to get back into the game. The Kings entered halftime down 72-66. It was a much better position than what it looked like it was going to be early in the game.

In the second half, the Kings started out strong. The Kings managed to outscore the Nets 30-26 in the third quarter to cut the second once massive Nets lead to two points. In the fourth, the Kings weren’t able to complete the comeback.

The fourth quarter led to the Kings being outscored by the Nets 29-22 as the Nets beat the Kings 127-118. For a game that started out so ugly for the Kings they ended the game well.

The Kings battled in the middle quarters to get back within two points. The Nets may be the best team in basketball so it was good to see the Kings battle. Nonetheless, the Kings losing streak now stands at eight games and the Kings playoff hopes are fading away.

The Kings were led in defeat by De’Aaron Fox who had 27 points as Bruce Brown led the Nets with 29 points. The Kings will look to snap their losing streak against the team across town, the New York Knicks.

Up Next: The Kings will take on the Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Thursday at 4:30 PM PST.

 

 

Sacramento Kings game wrap: Too much Antetokounmpo Bucks hand Kings 7th straight loss 128-115

The Milwaukee Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) scores on Sacramento Kings defender Marvin Bagley III (35) during the first half Sun Feb 21, 2021 in Milwaukee (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

Flashback Saturday: The Sacramento Kings and their fans are going through a rough time right now. Entering the game on Sunday night, the Kings record sat at 12-17. The Kings had lost six in a row and were looking to get the season back on track. The Kings last game didn’t go well. The Kings took on the Chicago Bulls in Chicago. The Kings weren’t able to snap the losing streak as the defense suffered. The Kings lost 122-114.

Last night in Milwaukee: The Kings would look to snap the losing streak against the Bucks in Milwaukee on Sunday night. Tip-off was set for 6 PM PST. Unfortunately the Kings continued their long losing streak and  would fall to the Bucks 128-115 on the road.

In the first half, the Kings started off strong. The first quarter was a dog fight between both teams. Marvin Bagley started the game hot as the Bucks narrowly outscored the Kings 28-25 in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Bucks offense took off. If there was a meltdown quarter to point to this would be the quarter. The Bucks hammered the Kings defense as they were able to out score them 42-31. The Kings would head into halftime trailing the Bucks 70-56.

In the second half, it wasn’t much better for the Kings. The Bucks continued to outscore the Kings in the third as they put up 29 points compared to the Kings 26. The Kings would need a miracle last quarter to come back.

Unfortunately, that miracle quarter was no where to be found. The Kings did manage to outscore the Bucks 33-29 in the final quarter but it wasn’t nearly enough to erase the lead the Bucks had amassed in the previous three quarters. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks in victory scoring 38 points.

A bright spot for the Kings was Tyrese Haliburton who scored 23 points and came alive in the fourth quarter. The Kings would look to their next game of the trip to try and right the ship.

Up Next: The schedule doesn’t get any easier for the Kings. They head to Brooklyn to take on Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, James Harden and the Nets on Tuesday at 4:30 PM PST.

 

 

Sacramento Kings game wrap: Nets Dominate in a Route of the Kings 136-125

The Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) leads the way with a drive on Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) in first half action at Golden One Center in Sacramento on Mon Feb 15, 2021 (AP News photo)

Nets Dominate in a Route of the Kings 136-125

By Barbara Mason

Monday night the Sacramento Kings took on the Brooklyn Nets at Golden 1 Arena. The Nets came into this game playing red hot ball while the Kings have lost three games in a row. Prior to their losing streak the Kings were the red hot team winning seven of eight games. The one game they lost during those eight games came at the hands of the Miami Heat and it was by a single point. The Kings played well during that stretch and they hope to find that winning formula tonight against the Nets.

The Nets came into this game with both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant being the difference maker for the team along with James Harden. Irving and Durant were responsible for 43 points in their last game but the bad news for the Nets was that Durant was out for this game with a hamstring injury. He will also miss tomorrow’s game which is bad news for the Nets since they have struggled without Durant on the floor but without Durant the Nets handled the Kings for a 136-125 victory at Golden One Center.

When the first half came to an end the Nets were leading by the score of 74-68. The Kings lead by a single point after one quarter 37-36 and were keeping pace with the Nets. They began to slip through the second quarter falling behind by six points at the half. They would have some ground to make up in the second half.

The third quarter was a great one for the Nets as Sacramento failed to keep up with Brooklyn at all. The Nets Kyrie Irving came unhinged in the third quarter scoring 37 points and James Harden also playing some great ball and contributing 26 points.

At the end of the third quarter the score was 107-88 in favor of the Nets. A fourth straight loss for the Kings was looking more and more inevitable. Buddy Hield was leading Sacramento scoring with 21 points and was 6 of 8 outside the arc. Fox and company could only muster 2 three pointers outside of Hield’s. Fox had a disappointing 13 points after three quarters. Off the bench for Sacramento Hassan Whiteside had a nice 16 point effort.

Trailing by 20 plus became the trend through the fourth quarter for the Kings although they surged in the latter minutes of the quarter. Sacramento had cut what had once been a 25 point Net lead to 11 but it was to little to late. The Kings Hassan Whiteside was great off the bench with 26 points scoring more points than any of their starters.

The Kings continue their struggles with outside shooting and defensive effort losing their fourth game in a row. This game was a close one in the first half but it was all Nets in the second. The Kings now drop to 12-15, three games under .500.

The Kings will be back on the court Thursday at Golden One to take on the Heat. Tipoff is 7:00.

 

Headline Sports podcast with Barbara Mason: Linsanity in the G league; Kings lose their third straight

Jeremey Lin prepares to pass against the Westchester Knicks Myles Powell on Sat Feb 13, 2021 at Kaiser Permanente Arena in Santa Cruz (photo from nypost.com)

On Headline Sports with Barbara:

#1 Will Jeremy Lin 32, make a return to the NBA? Lin had a great game against the New York Knicks G league team shooting for seven three pointers for the Santa Cruz Warriors on Saturday night.

#2 Lin created the G league version of Linsanity scoring 29 points with nine assists. Some even said that when he left the NBA he still had game and there was no reason for him to have been cut from the league.

#3 After the Sacramento Kings dropped two straight games to the Philadelphia 76ers and the Orlando Magic the Kings hosted the Memphis Grizzlies at Golden One Center but struggled for their third straight loss Sunday night 112-98. The Kings had struggled with defense against the Grizzlies and couldn’t find the hoop on offense.

#4 The Kings are still competitive but could lose ground fast if they start compiling loses the Kings are ninth in the Western Conference and face Kyle Irving and James Harden, and the Brooklyn Nets tonight at Golden One. Kevin Durant will not play tonight out with a hamstring pull.

#5 One thing the Kings can say their getting offensive production out of guard De’Aaron Fox who has led Sacramento in scoring.

Join Barbara for Headline Sports Monday mornings at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Barbara Mason Mon Feb 15, 2021 by Sports Radio Service | Free Listening on SoundCloud

 

Nets rout the Warriors 134-117

Photo credit: @warriors

By Jerry Feitelberg

SAN FRANCISCO — The Warriors welcomed the Brooklyn Nets to the Chase Center Saturday night. Former Warrior Kevin Durant visited the Bay Area for the first time since rupturing his Achilles tendon in the 2019 NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors. His former teammates gave him a lovely welcome as they appreciated his efforts as a Warriors member. Durant won two titles and probably would have won a third had he not been injured in the series against Toronto. The Warriors had a nice tribute for Durant before the game.

“Tribute video was cool. I think about those moments daily,” Durant said. “Every single moment that I have had in this league, I think about it and try to analyze it and get better. My time here in Golden State was so much fun. It was such a big learning experience, especially learning basketball in a different philosophy. I’m gonna take that with me for the rest of my life.”

The Nets, in addition to superstars Kyrie Irving and Durant, traded for another outstanding player, James Harden. The Nets, if they stay healthy, should be in contention to make the NBA Finals this season.

The plucky Warriors, winner of two straight games, were still missing two key players. James Wiseman and Kevon Looney were not available Saturday night. The Warriors had to go with a small lineup. They needed to find a way to defend the three Brooklyn superstars and then make shots from downtown. It was too much to hope for as the Nets routed the Warriors 134-117.

The Warriors could not handle Brooklyn’s attack in the first half. The Nets won both quarters and finished the first half leading by 15 points, 66-51. The Warriors attempted 20 three-pointers, but only four went for a bucket.

Brooklyn won the third quarter 42-31 to put the Warriors back on their heels. The Warriors outscored the Nets in the fourth quarter, but it was too little, too late.

Game Notes and Stats: With the loss, the Warriors are now 14-13 for the season. The Nets improved to 16-12.

Steph led the Warriors with 27 points. He was 10 for 17 from the floor, and he connected on two threes in nine tries. Draymond Green injured his knee in the first half, but was able to return later. The Warriors had four other players in double figures. Andrew Wiggins and Kelly Oubre, Jr. each had 17. Eric Paschall had 16, and Kent Bazemore had 11. The team shot 48.9% from the floor. That would usually be good enough to win. However, the Nets shot 53.8% from the floor and made 16 threes. The Warriors were 9 for 34 from behind the three-point arc.

The Nets had six players in double figures. Kyrie Irving led with 23, Kevin Durant had 20, James Harden had 19, Bruce Brown had 18, Joe Harris had 15, and Jeff Green had 14.

The Nets outrebounded the Warriors 51-45. Brooklyn recorded 35 assists on 50 made baskets. James Harden had 16.

Up Next: The Warriors host the Cleveland Cavaliers Monday night at the Chase Center. The game will start at 7 pm PT.

Brooklyn Nets blow out Warriors to start 2020-2021 season 125-99

The Brooklyn Nets Kevin Durant (7) goes for the throw down against the Golden State Warriors Kelly Oubre (12) as Eric Paschall (7) watches at Barclay Center in Brooklyn on Tue Dec 22, 2020 (AP News photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Golden State Warriors opened the 2020-2021 season on a sour note Tuesday night against the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The Nets blew the game open in the first quarter, and the Warriors could never catch up as they lost by a score of 125-99.

It was a tale of two teams. The host team, the Brooklyn Nets, under the tutelage of new head coach Steve Nash, presented themselves as legitimate contenders for the Eastern Conference crown. They added two superstar players, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant.

Irving joined the club after a turbulent history when he was with the Boston Celtics. He didn’t play much last season as he suffered a shoulder injury. Durant, the former Warrior, also did not play last year due to an Achilles heel injury.

Durant entered the game hoping to show everyone that he was back and that he could return to his status as one of the best players in the NBA. D’Andre Jordan holds down the center position for Brooklyn.

Spencer Dinwiddie, who averaged 20 points a game last year, was the other guard. Forward Joe Harris adds punch to the lineup as he is an excellent three-point shooter. The Nets’ second unit has two players that could be starters elsewhere. Caris LeVert is one of the best sixth men in the league. Jarrett Allen is very tall and is a rim protector.

On the other hand, the Warriors were hoping to show the NBA that they were on the road back to respectability. They had the worst record in the NBA last year. Steph Curry played in five games before being injured.

Klay Thomson also missed the entire year with an ACL injury. Klay will miss this year with an Achilles heel injury. Draymond Green did not play Tuesday night due to a sore foot. He is expected back soon.

The Warriors’ first-round draft pick, nineteen-year-old James Wiseman, was making his debut in the NBA. He did not play in any preseason games and just three games in college. His excitement level must have been very high.

Kelly Oubre, Jr and Andrew Wiggins were playing with Curry for the first time. Questions abound about how they would fare against a team like the Nets. The answer Tuesday was not favorable. Neither one had a good game.

The Warriors offense seemed to be out of whack. One game does not make a season. The Warriors coaching staff know that it takes time for a team to gel. The Warriors have so many new players. Most of them are young and haven’t played together as a team for any time. 

The Warriors took the lead when Steph Curry tallied the first bucket of the night. The Nets, behind Durant and Irving, overwhelmed them in the first quarter. Durant and Irving scored 20 of the Nets’ first 21 points.

The Nets finished the first quarter with a 40-25 lead. The Warriors could not find a way to stop the Net’s offense. James Wiseman, a rookie, has a lot to learn about playing in the NBA.

The Warriors did play somewhat better in the second period. The Nets outscored them 23-20 to finish the first half of play with an 18-point advantage. Irving scored 24 for Brooklyn. Durant and LeVert each had 12. Curry led the Warriors with sixteen. Wiggins had eight. Wiseman kicked in with seven.

The Warriors were looking to turn things around in the third quarter. That didn’t happen as the Nets continued to hammer them. The Nets outscored them by ten points to increase the lead to 28, 99-77. The Nets’ head coach Steve Nash did not have to play Durant or Irving in the fourth quarter. The Warriors did win the quarter 28-26. It was too little, too late. The Nets win 125-99.

Game Notes and stats: Steph Curry led the Warriors with 20 points and ten assists. James Wiseman finished his debut with 19 points and six rebounds in 24 minutes of playing time.

Many of his points came in the fourth quarter when the game was out of reach. Kelly Oubre had a tough night. He did make two sensational dunks, but nothing else worked as he finished with just six points and seven rebounds. It was not for lack of effort. Andrew Wiggins had thirteen. 

Kevin Durant played 24 minutes and looked like the Durant of old. He knocked 22  points to go along with five rebounds and three assists. Kyrie Irving tallied 26. He connected on four three in 24 minutes of action. Caris LeVert had 20. Jarrett Allen’s line was eight points and seven rebounds. 

The Warriors travel to Milwaukee to play the Bucks on Christmas Day. It will be Game Two of the four-game road trip. The schedule has not been kind to the Warriors as the Bucks are among the best teams in the Eastern Conference. The game will start at 11:30 am.