Warriors Beat Lakers 121-106 to Stave off Elimination, Force Game 6

Photo credit: @warriors

By: Mary Anne

Wednesday night was do-or-die for the Golden State Warriors, who hosted the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals. The Warriors beat the Lakers 121-106 at the Chase Center.

There was star power in the building, as NBA on TNT analyst and former NBA player Baron Davis rang Wednesday’s bell ahead of Game 5. That said, Golden State was good to go.

The Warriors’ starting five featured Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Gary Payton II, and Draymond Green. Curry scored from downtown to get the Warriors going early in the first quarter. Curry and Green weren’t the Splash Brothers, per se, but the two were the first-quarter kings. The Warriors led 32-28 after the first quarter.

The Warriors continued to pour in the points in the second quarter. Jordan Poole took in the basket to score a layup, Andrew Wiggins provided an offensive spark, and Gary Payton II was so good in scoring in the paint. The Warriors led 70-59 at the half.

The second half saw a superb statistic. Stephen Curry passed Mark Jackson for 22nd most assists in NBA playoff history. Jackson is a former NBA player who played point guard for the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers, Indiana Pacers, Denver Nuggets, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz, and Houston Rockets. Jackson also served as the Warriors head coach from 2011 to 2014.

Andrew Wiggins continued to deliver his offensive energy, and the Warriors led 93-82 after three quarters.

The Warriors came in hot in the fourth quarter. Andrew Wiggins was a key offensive player from start to finish, while Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green all contributed offensively.

The Warriors survived a win-or-go-home Game 5 for a 121-106 victory.

Stephen Curry led the Warriors in scoring with 27 points, three rebounds, eight assists, and one block.

Andrew Wiggins recorded 25 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and one steal. Draymond Green scored 20 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block.

Gary Payton II had 13 points, six rebounds, one assist, and one steal. Jordan Poole had 11 points, one rebound, and four assists. Klay Thompson had 10 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two blocks. Moses Moody had six points and four rebounds. Jonathan Kuminga had five points, one rebound, and one assist. Kevon Looney had four points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block.

Donte DiVincenzo added two rebounds, two assists, and one steal.

The Warriors head to Los Angeles to take on the Lakers in Game 6 on Friday at 7:00 pm Pacific.

Dallas Beats Kings in Final Minutes 123-119 To Stay Alive For Playoff Berth

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) drives the ball against Sacramento Kings guard Davion Mitchell (15) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Dallas at American Airlines Arena on Wed Apr 5, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Wednesday night the Sacramento Kings (48-32) took on the Dallas Mavericks (38-42) at American Airlines Center. The Kings have secured their spot in the playoffs and are chasing 50 wins with a possibility of 51 wins when all is said and done heading into the playoffs. The Mavericks picked up the win against the Kings playing desperately to stay alive for a 123-119.

The Mavericks have a distinctly different future. The Mavericks are currently in 11th place in the Western Conference and will be fighting for a play in spot. Dallas does not have any injured players and the Kings are very close to full strength. Bench player Matthew Dellavedova underwent surgery to repair a fractured index finger. There is no timetable right now for him. Two teams with vastly different agendas.

The two teams battled throughout the first quarter. After the first 12 minutes the Mavericks had a slim lead 28-27. Keegan Murray had a quiet opening quarter but he really began to heat up in the second quarter. He had eleven points at the half with two triples.

The teams two power houses De’Aaron Fox and Luca Doncic both finished the half with 17 points. Domantas Sabonis had a terrific first half with seven rebounds, eight assists and 14 points. The Kings outscored the Mavericks in the second quarter 44-32. They led at the half 71-60 with a lot of ball still to play.

After an amazing game against the Hawks on Sunday Kyrie Irving had a quiet first half in this game with 6 points. It was a far cry from the 41 points he scored against the Hawks Sunday but it was only one half of basketball.

The Mavericks came roaring back in the third quarter outscoring the Kings 32-21 taking the lead mid-way through the quarter. The teams traded the lead in the final minutes of the quarter. The game was tied at 92 after three.

Kyrie Irving got hot in the second half and with 6:09 left in the game had shot for 24 points. Tim Hardaway Jr. also had 24 points and Luca Doncic does what he typically does and that is control the game shooting for 29 points. Dallas was fighting for their playoff lives and they were playing like it.

Kyrie Irving scored 19 points in the final twelve minutes and willed his team to a 123-119 win keeping them alive although barely. The Kings were hoping to administer the last rites in Dallas but the Mavericks were on fire in the second half and refused to go away.

The Kings did not have the fourth quarter magic that we have seen so often this season. Fox finished with the high score shooting for 28 points. Every starter finished with double digits and Sabonis had yet another triple double with 14 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists.

Friday night the Kings will be back home taking on the Golden State Warriors at Golden One Center. This will be yet another team that is fighting for position in the playoffs. The Warriors do not want to have to end up in a play in game and so this is a critical game for them. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 pm.

Dallas Beats Kings in Final Minutes To Stay Alive For Playoff Berth

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

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

On the Warriors podcast with Jerry F:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On the Warriors podcast with David Zizmor:

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

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

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

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

Kings Best Dallas In Overtime 133-128

The Dallas Mavericks Kyrie Irving in the air (left) can watch the Sacramento Kings DeAaron Fox (5) right gets some hang time after throwing down at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Sat Feb 11, 2023 (@SacramentoKings photo)

Kings Best Dallas In Overtime 133-128

By Barbara Mason

After losing to the Dallas Mavericks (31-27) Friday night 122-114, the Sacramento Kings (32-24) played the Mavericks Saturday night in a back-to-back and ended up with a split taking game two 133-128.

Last night the Kings had a forgettable first quarter losing it 45-25 which made all the difference in the game. The Kings won the remaining quarters but it was the first quarter that set them behind the eight ball for the remainder of the game.

The Kings were determined to play an improved first quarter in tonight’s game but they would face another challenge with the return of Luca Doncic.

The first quarter was indeed improved for Sacramento winning it 34-32. They did not win the second quarter but it was another close one with Dallas winning it 32-28 and leading at the half 64-62.

It was a toss-up at the end of the third quarter with the two teams deadlocked at 24 and the Mavericks hanging onto a 88-86 lead. It was anybody’s game going into the fourth quarter.

With 52.3 left on the clock this game was tied at 112. As the clock expired at the end of the fourth quarter the score remained knotted at 114 apiece. De’Aaron Fox took the final shot in regulation, a three-point jumper that missed.

Overtime was a dog fight as the two teams fought for the lead . The Kings took a 123-119 lead with two minutes left in overtime. The Kings had a 127-123 lead with less than a minute left in the game.

The Mavericks Kyrie Irving hit a 26-foot three pointer and with18.4 left on the clock the Kings had a 127-126 lead. De’Aaron Fox hit a couple of free throws to extend the Kings lead to 129-126. In the end it was Doncic who missed a game tying shot. It was a wild and crazy game that brought out the best of both teams.

Again it was Fox at the line winning the game for Sacramento finishing with 36 points. Fox hit two shots at the line with 18.4 left. Domantas Sabonis had 14 rebounds, every one of them critical, and 22 points. Terence Davis had 22 points off the bench and Trey Lyles had 14. This was a great team effort after the disappointing game last night. Sacramento more than made up for it.

The Kings defense had their hands full with Doncic (27 points),Irving (28 points) and Josh Green (23 points). They handled Dallas in a great defensive and offensive effort.

The Kings will next take on the Phoenix Suns Tuesday night leading up to the All-Star game. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 PM.

Kings Drop Game One To Dallas After a Sluggish Start 122-114

Sacramento Kings’ De’Aaron Fox, left, and Harrison Barnes guard Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving during the second half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Fri Feb 10, 2023 (AP News photo)

Kings Drop Game To Dallas After a Sluggish Start 122-114

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (31-24) came into Friday night’s game against the Dallas Mavericks ( 31-26) riding high after a most improbable win Wednesday night in Houston. De’Aaron Fox hit not one, or two but three free throws with one second left on the clock to win the game 130-128.

The Kings are also playing this game at home another bonus but just couldn’t get this first of back to back games against the Mavericks in a 122-114 loss at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.

The first quarter was a real shocker as the Mavericks won the first twelve minutes by a landslide 45-25. Trailing by 20 points is not the way the Kings wanted to start this game. The Mavericks had hit 12 shots from beyond the arc while the Kings had only three shots from downtown. Sacramento had shot 50% from the field and Dallas had 51% but it was the long ball that was killing the Kings.

The Kings did win the second quarter by two points 31-29 but when you drop a first quarter by 20 points there is a lot of catching up to do. The Mavericks led at the half 74-56.

It would be an uphill climb for the Kings in the third quarter. They had to try and chip away at the deficit a basket at a time and a stop at a time and it just was not happening for Sacramento. The Kings did win the third quarter 31-27 but continued to trail 101-87. They had made up a bit of ground but had a real challenge ahead of them in the fourth quarter.

The Kings would make a nice run in the final quarter and with 7:41 left in the game trailed by ten points 104-94. They had made up a lot of ground and had to keep their foot on the pedal. There was still a lot of time left on the clock. Did the Kings have another “miracle win” left in the tank.

Late quarter turnovers and missed possessions were the culprits for Sacramento. They continued to fight hard but Dallas, although giving up some ground, hung onto the lead 110-100 with 3:55 left in the game. The Kings would get within six points but ran out of clock.

Sacramento played three winning quarters but it was the sluggish start in this game that was the difference. Fox had the high with 33 points. The Kings will be back on the court with the Mavericks Saturday night. Sacramento will need a better start but winning the last three quarters of tonight’s game speaks volumes. They need to get their shots from downtown going and limit the empty possessions. The Kings usually keep the turnovers to a minimum however in this game they had 14.

Kyrie Irving had 25 points for the Mavericks.

There will be no rest for the Kings as they take on the Mavericks in a back-to-back at Golden 1 Center Saturday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings host Kyrie Irving and Mavericks tonight at Golden 1

Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis, left, looks for a shot around Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun during the first half at the Toyota Center in Houston on Wed Feb 8, 2023 (AP News photo)

Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 The Sacramento Kings (31-23) De’Aaron Fox hit some key throws towards the end of Wednesday’s game in Houston. With three seconds left in the game Fox shot for a another three but missed and was fouled by the Rockets Eric Gordon allowing Fox two free throws to help defeat the Houston Rockets (13-42) by two 130-128.

#2 Kings head coach Mike Brown said that he didn’t want to belittle the free throws but that’s what Fox is suppose to do.

#3 The Rockets Jalen Green missed a shot and the Kings missed three of their shots but grabbed three rebounds after each miss.

#4 Fox said of the battle with the Rockets that the Kings need to gut it out on the road each time.

#5 The Kings host the Dallas Mavericks (30-26) tonight at Golden 1 a contest Barbara Mason will cover for us. The Mavericks have some shooters with Kyrie Irving, Tim Hardaway Jr, and Reggie Bullock. How do you see this match up tonight.

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

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Curry leg injury will force him out of action for next two weeks

Dallas Mavericks forward Reggie Bullock (25) shoots against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the first half at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Sat Feb 4, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1 The Golden State Warriors hosted the Dallas Mavericks Saturday night at the Chase Center. The Mavs came into town without the services of their All-World star Luka Doncic. Doncic suffered a heel contusion in his last game and could not play.

#2  Draymond Green and Klay Thompson were back in the lineup with Stephen Curry. However, Curry suffered a left leg injury late in the third quarter. X-rays were negative, but Curry went for an MRI and it was reported on Sunday that Curry will miss multiple weeks.

#3 The Warriors did everything right in the first half. They ran the court, making three-point shots as they sent a message to Dallas that the Mavericks were in for a rough night. The Warriors led by 15 at the end of the first half, 73-58.

#4 With just 1;28 left to play, Tim Hardaway, Jr. connected on a three-pointer to bring Dallas within five points, 116-111. Fortunately, the Warriors defense prevailed, and the Warriors were able to pick up the win.

#5 The Warriors meet the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight at the Chase Center with a 7:00pm tip. Barbara how do you see this match up between the two clubs tonight and can the Warriors squeak another game out tonight?

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

The Warriors hold on to beat the Dallas Mavericks 119-113

Dallas Mavericks guard Spencer Dinwiddie (26) drives to the basket against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the first half at the Chase Center on Sat Feb 4, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Golden State Warriors hosted the Dallas Mavericks Saturday night at the Chase Center. The Mavs came into town without the services of their All-World star Luka Doncic. Doncic suffered a heel contusion in his last game and could not play.

On the other hand, the Warriors had all their All-Star players back in the lineup. Draymond Green and Klay Thompson were back in the lineup with Stephen Curry. However, Curry suffered a knee injury late in the third quarter. X-rays were negative, but Curry will undergo an MRI to see if there was any damage.

At this point in the game, the Warriors led by 16. As in Minnesota last Wednesday night, the Warriors played poorly in the fourth quarter but held on to win 119-113.

The Warriors did everything right in the first half. They ran the court, making three-point shots as they sent a message to Dallas that the Mavericks were in for a rough night. The Warriors led by 15 at the end of the first half, 73-58.

The Mavs fought back in the third period but could not make any headway in closing the deficit as the Warriors won the quarter 29-28. Curry left the game with about two minutes to play in the third period.

Then came the fateful fourth quarter. Knowing the Warriors blew large leads in several games this year, the Mavericks came out firing. Dallas was making stops on defense. The Warriors were committing turnovers, fouling, and their shot selection left much to be desired. The fans were getting nervous as Dallas kept creeping closer.

With just 1;28 left to play, Tim Hardaway, Jr. connected on a three-pointer to bring Dallas within five points, 116-111. Fortunately, the Warriors defense prevailed, and the Warriors were able to pick up the win.

Game Notes: With the win, the Warriors are 27-26 for the year. The Mavs are now 28-26. The Mavs are 0-7 in games without Doncic.

Curry led the team with 21 points. Green had a fantastic performance for the Warriors. Green knocked down 17 points and nine rebounds, and nine assists. Green made a terrific defensive play near the end of the fourth quarter that took the wind out of the Mavs’ sails.

The other Green on the Warriors, JaMychal Green, knocked down 14, and Thompson also had 15. Jonathan Kuniga and Donte DiVincenzz each had 13. Kevon Looney was solid again and added ten more for the Warriors.

Spencer Dinwiddie led the Maverick’s attack with 25. Hardaway, Jr. had 22, and Dorian Finney-Smith added 18.

After the game, Warriors coach Steve Kerr had this to say about the team’s performance “I think when we get down the stretch, we stop doing the things that worked,” Draymond said. “When you have something that works all game long, you don’t go away from it.”

The Warriors meet the Oklahoma City Thunder Monday night at the Chase Center. The game will start at 7 pm.

Warriors Lose A Close One to Mavericks 116-113

Dallas Mavericks forward Tim Hardaway Jr is fired up with the crowd after hitting a three pointer against the Golden State Warriors in Dallas on Tue Nov 29, 2022 (AP News photo)

Warriors Lose A Close One to Mavericks 116-113

By Barbara Mason

Tuesday evening the Golden State Warriors (11-11) traveled to American Airlines Center to take on the Dallas Mavericks (10-10). This match-up will be a clash between two super-stars Stephen Curry and Luca Doncic. Doncic is the number one shooter in the NBA and Curry is second.

The Mavericks have lost four in a row while the Warriors come into this game after beating the Minnesota Timberwolves Sunday 134-114 but just couldn’t hold and to beat the Mavericks and dropping the contest by three points 116-113 on Tuesday.

The Warriors got a slow start in the first quarter. They were getting some good looks but just were not shooting well. The Mavs came into this game very hungry after losing four and they were very aggressive to start this game. Mid-way through the quarter Dallas led 15-4. Golden State continued to miss shots and with four minutes left on the clock the Warriors trailed 23-6.

After the 47 point first quarter lead Sunday in Minnesota this quarter was a stark contrast. This was an extremely sloppy start for the Warriors. Dallas led after the opening quarter 36-24. The final minutes of the first saw Golden State starting to hit shots. They had held Dallas to 41 % but they were not protecting the ball. They had four turnovers in the early minutes of the game and would finish the game with 17.

In the second quarter the Warriors started to grind back into this game. They turned a 17 point deficit to two points with 5:48 until the half. They started keeping Doncic off the line turning this quarter around. At the two minute mark Golden State had tied the game at 50. With 0.30 left on the clock the Warriors took the lead 54-52. The Warriors owned the second quarter winning it 30-19 but did trail at the half 55-54.

After three quarters Dallas continued to lead 92-87. The Mavericks would hang onto the lead through most of the fourth quarter although the Warriors did have the lead several times. The Mavericks Spencer Dinwiddie was ejected in the final quarter for a flagrant foul two, a blow for Dallas but they managed to hold on to the game.

This game came down to the final shot. With 4.1 seconds left on the clock and trailing 116-113, the Warriors took a timeout. Golden State had the chance to tie up this game. The call made was a good one. A pass in to Klay Thompson who had an open look but just came up short. After a horrendous start the Warriors lost a winnable game. They fought hard to tie up the game and lead at times. The Warriors undoing was the lack of shots from the perimeter shooting at around 25%.

Curry had the high for the Warriors with 32 points and Jonathan Kuminga had his first double double of the season. He finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds. It was a tough night for Thompson who not only missed that critical shot from downtown at the end but finished 1 of 6 from deep and five points.

As expected Doncic was a force in this game finishing with his fifth triple double. He had 41 points, 12 assists, and 12 rebounds in this first meeting of the season with Golden State. Dallas had ended their four-game losing streak.

The Warriors will back home at Chase Friday taking on the Chicago Bulls. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.