Golden State Warriors game wrap: 11 game road skid is over; Warriors Get Hot in Fourth Beat Rockets 121-108

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) shoots as Houston Rockets’ Usman Garuba (16) defends during the second half at the Toyota Center in Houston on Mon Mar 20, 2023 (AP News photo)

Warriors Get Hot in Fourth Beat Rockets 121-108

By Barbara Mason

Monday night the Golden State Warriors (37-36) took on the Rockets 18-54) in Houston at the Toyota Center and came away with a 121-108. The Rockets sit at the bottom of the Western Conference but have beaten some very good teams of late they even had a three winning steak before losing to the New Orleans Pelicans Sunday 117-107 . The Warriors have everything to play for with playoff ramifications at risk. They do not want to have to play in so the win tonight was an additional must win.

The Warriors had a decent start but could not put much distance between themselves and the Rockets. Golden State won the opening quarter 26-21 but the second quarter was dead even at 29. The Warriors had a slim lead at the half 55-50.

The third quarter was a good one for the Rockets. This game was tied for much of the first half of the quarter. Houston refused to go away and with under six minutes left in the third had taken the lead 69-67. Both Stephen Curry and Jordan Poole got banged up in the quarter and Curry actually left the floor taking a breather on the bench.

The Warriors were unable to take any kind of a significant lead. The turnovers were mounting with 17 through three quarters. The Warriors led 84-80 after three. Houston did win the third quarter 30-29 and every starter for Houston had double digits.

The Warriors went on a nice run in the fourth quarter and two minutes into the quarter had a 95-87 lead. At 8:55 the Warriors had their biggest lead of the night 98-87. Golden State continued to extend their lead and with Curry back on the floor took a 102-89 lead.

With just over three minutes left in the quarter, the Rockets had pulled to within ten points 111-101. The Warriors went on a tear in the final minutes winning the game and snapping an 11 game road skid. This was the fourth win over Houston without a loss this season.

The Warriors won this game despite the 20 turnovers that resulted in 25 Rocket points. Curry finished with 30 points and Klay Thompson was right behind him with 29. Jonathan Kuminga had 17 off the bench. This was a badly needed win for Golden State with only 10 games left in the season.

On Wednesday night the Warriors will travel to Dallas to take on the Mavericks. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:30 PM.

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: 11 straight road loses and piling up as Warriors face Houston tonight

Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. defends against Golden State Warriors center Draymond Green (23) during the first half at Memphis on Sat Mar 18, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Barbara:

#1 Barbara, 11 consecutive road loses for the Golden State Warriors (36-36) number 11 coming last Saturday night to the Memphis Grizzlies (43-27) 133-111 in Memphis. Now a 7-29 road record.

#2 On Friday night the Warriors were without Draymond Green against the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth quarter the Warriors were within one possession a couple times but couldn’t seal deal and lost that game by eight points 127-119. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said after that game “It’s mental” and “were competing, were playing well.”

#3 The game in Memphis Saturday had the Warriors Klay Thompson and Grizzlie Dillion Brooks trading words and gestures in the closing minutes in the fourth quarter. Thompson put up four fingers indicating four World Championships while sitting on the Warriors bench all the while the Brooks from the Grizzlies bench was yelling “you suck” to Thompson.

#4 One other note the Grizzlies Jaren Jackson led the Grizzlies on Saturday with 31 points with four blocks who was key in the Grizzlies win. Desmond Bane added 26 points, Brooks had 18 points. The Grizzlies came on to finish off the Warriors in the fourth quarter.

#5 The Warriors are in Houston to face the Rockets (18-52) tonight the Rockets have had their struggles this season but have won three straight before going into this game tonight they did snap the brief streak with a loss on Sunday. How do you see the match up between these two teams for a 5:00pm tip off at the Toyota Center in Houston.

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

Headline Sports podcast with Jessica Kwong: Giants Jones gets four year deal $106 million; Knicks-Kings toe to toe Thursday night; plus more

The New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) hands off to running back Saquon Barkley (26) as both players have re-upped their contracts with the Giants this week (AP News photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with Jessica Kwong:

#1 The New York Giants were quite happy with signing quarterback Daniel Jones in a four year $160 million deal. The Giants likewise used their non exclusive franchise tag in signing running back Saquon Barkley for $10.09 million in the 2023 season.

#2 The red hot Sacramento Kings (38-26) will be hosting the red hot New York Knicks (39-27) Thursday night at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. Both the Knicks and Kings have won nine of their last ten games. Both teams came into Sacramento having won their last games. The Knicks won in overtime over Charlotte on Tuesday and the Kings defeating New Orleans on Monday night.

#3 The Brooklyn Nets (37-28) picked up their fifth win in 11 games after defeating the Houston Rockets (15-50) on Tuesday night in Houston. The Nets had lost four straight games before winning these last three games including against the Rockets. Have they found their way after dealing Kevin Durant to Phoenix and Kyrie Irving to Boston.

#4 Two time Kansas City Royals All Star Lorenzo Cain has hung it up he will make it official by retiring as a Kansas City Royal this May when the team gives him a day at Kaufman Stadium. Cain is going to make the Hall of Fame came home and asked his two sons if he should hang it up and they both said they wanted him home.

#5 Jessica, were getting a little of everything this spring first the Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani so far in two games hit two three run home runs and hit a home run while on one knee for the Japanese baseball team. Also the New York Yankees Aaron Judge belted his first spring training home run a 347 foot blast and he did it swinging on one knee on Monday night.

Join Jessica for Headline Sports every other Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Jessica Kwong: Jones joins Giants signs for $160 million; Red hot Knicks and Kings battle Thursday; plus more

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) hands off the ball to New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP file photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with Jessica Kwong:

#1 The New York Giants were quite happy with signing quarterback Daniel Jones in a four year $160 million deal. The Giants likewise used their non exclusive franchise tag in signing running back Saquon Barkley for $10.09 million in the 2023 season.

#2 The red hot Sacramento Kings (38-26) will be hosting the red hot New York Knicks (39-27) Thursday night at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. Both the Knicks and Kings have won nine of their last ten games. Both teams come into Sacramento having won their last game. The Knicks lost in over time to Charlotte on Tuesday and the Kings defeating New Orleans on Monday night.

#3 The Brooklyn Nets (37-28) picked up their fifth win in 11 games after defeating the Houston Rockets (15-50) on Tuesday night in Houston. The Nets had lost four straight games before winning these last three games including against the Rockets. Have they found their way after dealing Kevin Durant to Phoenix and Kyrie Irving to Boston.

#4 Two time Kansas City Royals All Star Lorenzo Cain has hung it up he will make it official by retiring as a Kansas City Royal this May when the team gives him a day at Kaufman Stadium. Cain is going to make the Hall of Fame came home and asked his two sons if he should hang it up and they both said they wanted him home.

#5 Jessica, were getting a little of everything this spring first the Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani so far in two games hit two three run home runs and hit a home run while on one knee for the Japanese baseball team. Also the New York Yankees Aaron Judge belted his first spring training home run a 347 foot blast and he did it on Monday night.

Join Jessica for Headline Sports every other Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Thompson’s big night leads Warriors to win over Rockets; Understaffed Golden State defeats Houston 116-101

Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole (3) celebrates with Klay Thompson, left, after scoring a 3-point basket against the Houston Rockets during the first half at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Fri Feb 24, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

The understaffed Golden State Warriors faced off against the young Houston Rockets Friday night at the Chase Chase. The Warriors were without Stephen Curry, Andrew Wiggins(for personal reasons), and Draymond Green, out with a knee contusion suffered in the loss to the Lakers Thursday night in Los Angeles. 

Warriors’ head coach Steve Kerr had Jonathan Kuminga fill in for Green. Donte DiVincenzo replaced Andrew Wiggins in the lineup. Poole and Klay Thompson were in the backcourt. The Rockets arrived in town owning a seven-game losing streak. Their coach, Stephen Silas, hoped his young troops could pull off the upset. The Rockets gave the Warriors a tussle in the first quarter, but the defending NBA champions, behind Thompson’s stellar performance, pulled out a win beating Houston 116-101.

The Rockets had an early lead, 12-5. The Warriors regained the lead 17-16, and the fans started thinking that the Warriors would easily beat the Rockets. That didn’t happen as the teams battled to a 26-26 tie at the end of the first quarter.

Things changed in the second quarter. Thompson got into a rhythm and knocked down four threes to lead the Warriors to a 66-49 advantage at the end of the first half. Poole had two threes, and DiVincenzo made four threes. The Warriors outscored the Rockets 40-23 in the second period.

The Warriors did not put the game away in the third quarter. The Warriors started giving the Rockets opportunities to score points. The Warriors committed too many turnovers, allowing the Rockets to shave eight points off the Warriors halftime advantage. The Warriors led by nine heading into the fourth quarter.

The Warriors had an answer. His name is Klay Thompson. Thompson, playing in back-to-back games for just the second time this season, continued to knock down three-point shots. With his 12th three of the night, the Warriors led 116-99. The game was over. The Warriors went on to win.

Game Notes: With the win, the Warriors are now 30-30. The Rockets lost their eighth in a row, and their season record in now 13-46.

The Warriors had four players in double-figures. Thompson led the way with 42 points. His 12 three-pointers were two short of his NBA record of 14. Thompson did not have a two-point bucket all night. His other six points were free throws. Poole and DiVincenzo each had 15. Poole made two threes, while DiVincenzo had five. The other player in double-figure was Patrick Baldwin, Jr. PBJ made three threes.

The Rockets had five players in double figures. Jabari Smith, in his rookie season, had 13. Kenyon Marttin, Jr., 22. Jae’Sean Tate, 14, TyTy Washington, Jr., 15, and Josh Christoper, 13.

The Warriors shot 47% from the floor. They made 26 three in 47 tries. The big negative of the night was the 18 turnovers.

The Warriors meet the Minnesota Timberwolves Sunday night at the Chase Center. The game will start at 5:30m 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

Kings Edge Rockets 130-128

Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (13) has his dunk attempt broken up by Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (1) while center Alperen Sengun, left, watches during the first half in Houston on Wed Feb 8, 2023 (AP News photo)

Kings Edge Rockets 130-128

By Barbara Mason

After beating the Houston Rockets 140-120 (13-42) at Toyota Center in Houston on Monday, the Sacramento Kings (31-23) were back to inflict another beatdown Wednesday night taking on the Rockets in a back-to-back. The Kings again had their complete starting roster. As it turned out there would not be a beat down in this game by either team. It would be a fight to the buzzer as the Kings edged the Rockets on Wednesday night 130-128.

The Rockets came out in the first quarter strong winning it 37-30. After losing Monday’s game in convincing fashion Houston wanted to get a quick start. The Kings won the opening quarter of Monday’s game and so the Rockets saw a much better start in this game.

The Kings made up the difference in the second quarter winning it 28-25 but still trailed 62-58 at the half. De’Aaron Fox had a great start with 12 points in the first two quarters and Domantas Sabonis came in with 11 points. The Rockets really challenged the Kings in the first half. They out rebounded them and shot 50% from beyond the arc. Sacramento was 23.5% from downtown.

The Kings took the third quarter 41-35 and led after three quarters 99-97. The Kings had a real fight on their hands in the fourth quarter. At 6:52 the Kings had managed to tie the game at 112. This game could not have been closer and with two minutes left in the game the Kings trailed 123-124. This game went down to the wire and despite trailing for much of the night, the Kings pulled this game out.

Fox finished the game with 31 points. “They had a hell of a game,” said Fox after the game. “We had an ugly game but it was good to get a road win,” he said. With 0.1 left in the game Fox shot three free throws for the win. Sabonis, Harrison Barnes and Keegan Murray all shot in double digits.

The Rockets Jalen Green had an amazing game. The 20 year-old had 41 points and very nearly put this game away for Houston.

On Friday night the Kings will be back home at Golden 1 Center to take on the Dallas Mavericks. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00

Kings send Rockets into orbit sweep two game set 139-114 at Golden 1

Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green knocks the ball away from Sacramento Kings guard Terence Davis (3) during the first quarter at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Fri Jan 13, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings (23-18) were back in action on Friday night in Sacramento. The Kings last played Wednesday night in Sacramento against the Houston Rockets (10-32) as the Kings handled the Rockets by the final 135-115. However, the Rockets didn’t leave town. The Rockets stayed in Sacramento with an off day on Thursday. The Rockets and Kings were set to play again on Friday at 7 PM PST, the second of a two-game series. The Kings handled the Rockets on Friday night 139-114.

In the first quarter, neither team shined. The Rockets and Kings were trading baskets all quarter, with neither of the teams going on much of a run. However, Malik Monk hit three consecutive three-pointers near the end of the quarter to propel the Kings into the lead. The Kings outscored the Rockets in the first quarter 36-32. Malik Monk led the way in the first quarter with nine points. The Kings would look to have a more consistent quarter in the second to build the lead. 

In the second quarter, the game stayed tight. The Kings and Rockets played little defense as the offenses had their way. When it was all said and done, the Rockets would outscore the Kings in the second quarter 34-31. The Kings defense continued to struggle to put up stops.

It is no secret the Kings weakness is getting stops and that was on full display on Friday night. Leading the way for the Kings in the first half was Malik Monk, who had 15 points. Jalen Green was doing the damage early for the Rockets with a 25-point first half. The Kings led at halftime 69-66.

In the third quarter, the Kings went off. The Kings offense led to defense as they held the Rockets to only 26 points in the third quarter. On the other hand, the Kings offense exploded for 43 points to break the game wide open. The Kings offense was firing on all cylinders.

The outburst would lead the Kings to a 112-92 advantage heading into the final quarter. Also worth noting was an altercation between Malik Monk and Garrison Mathews. Matthews and Monk were both ejected along with two other players for escalation. 

In the fourth quarter, the minutes were purely procedure. The Kings continued to play well until the bench was emptied for the end of the game minutes.  Leading the way for the Kings in the game was Harrison Barnes, who scored 27 points.

However, not to be overshadowed by Domantas Sabonis, who had a 19-point, 16 rebounds, and 16-assist game. Domas was incredible. Jalen Green led the way for the Rockets, scoring 27 points in the game. The Kings outscored the Rockets 27-22 in the final quarter; the Kings won the game.

Up Next: The Kings go on the road and travel to Texas as they take on the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday at 4 PM PST.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings go for the sweep concluding two game set with Rockets tonight in Sac

Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes is defended by Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (1) during the second half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Wed Jan 11, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1The Kings would turn up the heat on the Rockets and score 31 points in the first quarter. Granted, that was only good for a four-point lead as the Rockets scored 27 themselves.

#2 The Kings built on the lead early in the second quarter and then lost it. The Kings scored 36 points in the second quarter. That was a good number, but the defense suffered. The Kings Kryptonite all year has been defense.

#3 Wednesday was no exception to this rule. The Rockets scored 35 points in the second quarter to keep pace with the Kings. However, the Kings would take a five-point 67-62 lead into halftime.

#4 De’Aaron Fox led the way in the first half with 12 points, as Jalen Green led the way for the Rockets with 18.

#5 The Kings stay home to take on the Houston Rockets in the second game of the series on Friday at 7 PM PST at Golden 1 Center in downtown Sacramento.

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

Kings take out Rockets in 20 point win in first of two game series

By Jeremiah Salmonson

Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason, center, and forward Bruno Fernando (20) defend against Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk during the first half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Wed Jan 11, 2023 (AP News photo)

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings (22-18) were back in action on Wednesday at home. The Kings last game was Monday, where they took on the Orlando Magic. The Kings were able to handle the Magic with ease in the blowout win 136-111.

On Wednesday, the Kings welcomed the Houston Rockets (18-31) to Sacramento. The Rockets were in town for a two-game series with games to be played on Wednesday and Friday nights. The Rockets came in 10-30 on the season, as the Kings were 21-18. The tip-off was set for 7 PM PST in Sacramento. GAME RESULT The Kings took the first of the two game set with a 20 point win 135-115 at Golden 1 Center.

In the first quarter, the Rockets started strong. They scored the first eight points of the game to put the Kings on notice. However, that would be short-lived. The Kings would turn up the heat on the Rockets and score 31 points in the first quarter. Granted, that was only good for a four-point lead as the Rockets scored 27 themselves. The Kings would have a first-quarter lead and look to expand that in the second quarter.

The Kings built on the lead early in the second quarter and then lost it. The Kings scored 36 points in the second quarter. That was a good number, but the defense suffered. The Kings Kryptonite all year has been defense; Wednesday was no exception to this rule. The Rockets scored 35 points in the second quarter to keep pace with the Kings. However, the Kings would take a five-point 67-62 lead into halftime. De’Aaron Fox led the way in the first half with 12 points, as Jalen Green led the way for the Rockets with 18.

In the third quarter, the Kings did not play well. Not only did the Kings defense not show up the offense wasn’t able to pick them up. The Rockets outscored the Kings 33-27 in the third quarter to come back and take the lead from the Kings. The Rockets would head into the final quarter with a one-point lead over the Kings. The Kings would need someone to step up in the fourth quarter if they wanted to win the game.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings do what good teams do against a poor opponent; the Kings took over. The Kings offense and defense simultaneously exploded in the fourth quarter as the Kings outscored the Rockets 41-20. It was a massive quarter for the Kings and a welcome sight, given so many close games late this season.

Trey Lyles was the hero of the quarter, scoring 15 of his 20 points in the fourth to lead the Kings to a 20 point win over the Rockets. Leading the way for the Kings was Domantas Sabonis, who was an assist shy of a triple-double. The Rockets best performance came from Alperen Sengun, who had a 10, 10, and 10 triple-double in the loss. The Kings improved to 22-18 as the Rockets fell to 10-31.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the Houston Rockets in the second game of the series on Friday at 7 PM PST.