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.

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Warriors host Pacers Monday night; Golden State going for three straight wins

The Houston Rockets forward Kenyon Martin Jr (6) drives to the basket and past Golden State Warrior defenders Jordon Poole (3) and Stephen Curry (30) at the Chase Center on Sat Dec 3, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Barbara:

#1 On Saturday night the Golden State Warriors Andrew Wiggins scored 36 points and shot eight 3’s to tie his career high.

#2 Both Houston Rockets and Warriors were coming off back to back nights. The Warriors just simply had an unstoppable offense with their 120-111 win.

#3 Guard Stephen Curry hit eight 3’s as well and scored 30 points and was a big contributor to the Warriors offense on Saturday.

#4 In the third quarter Wiggins hit consecutive threes and went 14-19 as the Warriors picked up their tenth straight win on their home floor.

#5 The Warriors host the Indiana Pacers on Monday night the Pacers have won three of their last five games how do you see this match up Monday?

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

Golden State Wins Number Ten At Home Beating Rockets 120-101

Golden State Warriors guard Andre Iguodala (22) defends against the Houston Rockets guard Ty Ty Washington Jr at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Sat Dec 3, 2022 (AP News photo)

Golden State Wins Number Ten At Home Beating Rockets 120-101

By Barbara Mason

Saturday night the Golden State Warriors (13-11) took on the Houston Rockets (6-17) at Chase Center. The Rockets are struggling and Golden State is close to unbeatable at home. The Warriors still have their problems on the road and lost to the Dallas Mavericks Tuesday night. The Warriors were able to hold on Saturday with a 120-101 win against the Rockets at Chase Center.

Golden State had a miserable first quarter on Tuesday night against the Dallas Mavericks but only lost 116-113. A good start to open that game would have most certainly have won the game for them. That loss was on the road. Most recently the Warriors beat the Chicago Bulls 119-111on Friday, a home game for Golden State.

Saturday game recap: The first quarter of this game set the pace for the remainder of the game in favor of the Warriors. They won the opening quarter decisively 39-23. The Rockets made quite a run in the second quarter, a 18-3 run. The Warriors had four turnovers in 2 1/2 minutes and the tide began to change in favor of the Rockets.

Houston had erased the 25 point lead that Golden State once had in the half. With two minutes left before halftime the score was 61-50. The Warriors have the ability to change the course of the game when things start to go south. This game was no exception. The Rockets got to within ten points but the Warriors had a solid end to the half and extended their lead 68-52.

The third quarter was a back and forth affair. Andrew Wiggins had a career high in the quarter. With two minutes left, Wiggins had shot 34 points and was eight of ten from downtown. Every time the Rockets made a run the Warriors shut them down. Golden State led after three quarters 94-80.

Going into the fourth quarter the Warriors were looking for ten straight wins at home. Stephen Curry tweaked his ankle in the third quarter and sat to start the quarter. With under seven minutes left in the game a nervous tone blanketed Chase Center. Houston had pulled to within four points.

This game got a bit dicey in the final minutes of the game but Golden State managed to come out on top. Every time the Rockets challenged the Warriors answered with a barrage of three’s. The final was 120-101.

Curry finished with 30 points and Jordan Poole had 21. The star of this game was Andrew Wiggins who scored a career high 36 points and was 8 of 10 from beyond the arc. Kevon Looney had a great defensive effort with 12 rebounds.

The high for the Rockets was Kevin Porter Jr. with 20 points. Houston threatened at times but couldn’t overcome the depth of the Warriors roster.

Golden State will take on the Indiana Pacers Monday night at Chase Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Warriors Win First Road Game Against Young Rocket Team 127-120

Warriors Win First Road Game Against Young Rocket Team 127-120

Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson led the way with ten threes and 41 points in the Warriors first road win of 2022-23 in Houston on Sun Nov 20, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Sunday the Golden State Warriors (8-9) took on the Houston Rockets (3-14) finally picked up their first road win of the season. The Rockets are a young team that the Warriors handled in Houston. Houston with the exception of Eric Gordon is an extremely young bunch of players that just do not have the experience and depth that the Warriors have. Golden State came away with a 127-120 win in this game.

The Warriors came out on a blistering pace leading after the opening quarter 40-28. The Warriors led 11-0 in the first quarter before the Rockets even scored. Golden State led by as much as 18 points in the first 12 minutes.

The second quarter was a tale of two quarters. The Rockets turned this game around and erased the Warriors lead and led at the half 65-61. Houston is not a great offensive team and the Warriors were not taking advantage of that. Golden State’s defensive effort was lacking and they were sending the Rockets to the line far too often.

On the bright side, Klay Thompson was great with 25 points in the first half. After the great start that the Warriors had this game had turned into a real shocker. Golden State would need to turn things around in the second half.

The Warriors got back on track and the Rockets youth and inexperience started to weight on Houston. They got sloppy and started missing shots partially due to the Warriors defensive effort. Golden State led after three quarters 97-94 and were twelve minutes away from their first road win.

The youngsters started the fourth quarter while Stephen Curry and Thompson sat out. The Rockets tied up the game at 104 with 6:59 left in the game. The Warriors had been really good from distance in this game and they also starting forcing a lot of Houston turnovers.

It was nice to see some Rocket turnovers since the Warriors had been having a heap of turnovers themselves in this game. With 2:35 left in the game the Warriors were clinging to a three point lead. Golden State hung on and the Warriors had their first road win 127-120. The drought had come to an end.

It was a banner night for Thompson who had his first thirty plus game of the season finishing with 41 points. He was 10 of 13 from downtown. Curry had 33 and Andrew Wiggins finished with 22. The young Rockets sure gave the Warriors a run for their money but came up short.

Monday night the Warriors will take on the New Orleans Pelicans in the Big Easy at Smoothie King Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM.

Kings win fourth in five games defeat Rockets 122-117

The Sacramento Kings Harrison Barnes (40) goes high above the Houston Rockets Kevin Porter Jr (3) but is grabbed by Porter on the arm for a foul in first half action at the Toyota Center in Houston on Fri Apr 1, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Sacramento Kings (29-49) continue to roll with their second straight win over the Houston Rockets (20-58) completing the two game series at the Toyota Center on Friday night 122-117. The Kings also defeated the Rockets on Wednesday night by four points 121-118. The loss on Friday was the Rockets third straight defeat and the Kings have now won four of their last five games.

Onto Friday, the Kings Harrison Barnes led with 25 points. It’s rare to have on the schedule but the two teams met for the second time in three days in Houston. The Kings Damion Jones had himself a good game with 17 points, 17 rebounds, and six blocks, Donte DiVincenzo played 30 minutes got 19 points, nine assists and nine rebounds.

The Kings  Chimezie Metu scored 18 in 27 minutes, but it was Barnes who had the hot hand with ten out of 16 shooting from the field and hitting four three pointers. All around Kings head coach Alvin Gentry was satisfied with the Kings play, “I thought everybody contributed, and when we needed a stop or a basket, different guys did it for us,” Gentry said. “We had guys stepping up, and I think that’s the main thing. It was a really good team win.”

The Kings will try to keep it going at the Golden One Center in Sacramento when they return to play the Golden State Warriors (48-29) on Sunday for a 6:00 pm PDT tip. Like the Miami Heat who were in a slump when the Kings came into Miami the Kings got trounced 123-100 on Mon Mar 28th.

The Warriors are not in the best of moods and have lost four straight games before defeating the Utah Jazz on Saturday night. The Warriors had lost to the powerful Phoenix Suns 107-103 last Wednesday. The Suns Mikal Bridges and Devon Booker both led with 22 points. The Warriors also have lost their star player Stephen Curry for the next five games meaning the rest of the regular season and have shown they’ve been badly handicapped by his absence.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremaiah Salmonson: Kings and Rockets close out two game set tonight at Toyota Center

Sacramento Kings guard Davion Mitchell (15) throws down on Houston Rockets forwards Usman Garuba, left, and Kenyon Martin Jr., right, at the Toyota Center in Houston on Wed Mar 30, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 Jeremiah, the Sacramento Kings (28-49) have won three out of their last four games beating such teams as the Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic, and the Houston Rockets. The Kings also gave the Phoenix Suns fits March 20th only to lose to them by three points.

#2 On Wednesday night the Kings last game against the Houston Rockets (20-57) in Houston Davion Mitchell, Damian Jones and Trey Lyles each scored 24 points and that’s the kind of offense the Kings need to win games.

#3 The Rockets gave the Kings a run for their money with each team trading off double digit lead and narrowing it down in the fourth quarter in the four point 121-118 win for the Kings.

#4 Mitchell in his rookie year said he hopes the Kings can keep this kind of momentum up and be competitive next season. See what head coach Alvin Gentry has done over this last month how impressed are you by what he’s done with the team?

#5 Jeremiah, the Kings visit the Rockets one more time to close out this two game series in Houston. The Kings and Rockets went back and forth on Wednesday night do you see them pretty much doing the same for tonight’s game in Houston?

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

Kings Squeeze Past the Rockets 121-118

Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green, right, gets the basketball around Sacramento Kings forward Justin Holiday (9) at the Toyota Center in Houston Wed Mar 30, 2022 (AP News photo)

Kings Squeeze Past the Rockets 121-118

By Barbara Mason

Wednesday night the Sacramento Kings (27-49) took on the last place Houston Rockets (20-56). This is a game that the Kings should be able to handle despite the fact that De’Aaron Fox has been ruled out with a hand injury.

Fox has been having a great season although once again the Kings will miss the playoffs. Sacramento has not seen a postseason since 2006. This is the longest drought of any team in the NBA. The Kings carried on without Fox tonight picking up their third win in their last four games at the Toyota Center in Houston 121-118 in a nail biter.

It has been another disappointing season for the Kings. Sacramento was active in February at the trade deadline. They added the two-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis. We may not see Fox or Sabonis reach their potential this season.

Head Coach Alvin Gentry all but confirmed that these guys are finished for the season. So between the hand injury for Fox and a bruised left knee for Sabonis it only makes sense for these guys to look ahead to next season. These two players could provide a lethal partnership but it looks as if that will be put on hold until 2022-23.

It was a great start for the Houston Rockets leading after the first quarter 39-28.

The Kings trailed by as much as thirteen points in the second quarter. The Rockets seemed to have the momentum until something within the Kings began to click. Sacramento turned the momentum completely around taking the lead 72-66 at halftime.

With three minutes left in the half they had tied the game at 57. The Rockets began missing and the Kings began hitting shots, blocking shots and forcing turnovers. Damian Jones had 17 points and both Davion Mitchell and Trey Lyles had 16. Harrison Barnes had a quiet half and the team would need him in the third and fourth quarters.

The Kings made a move in the third quarter leading by 11 but squandered it all away leading by a slim margin 104-103 as time elapsed in the quarter. Fouls and turnovers had turned the tide in favor of the Rockets. The Kings had some work to do to close out this game.

The fourth quarter was a tough one for both teams. In the first six minutes only four points were scored between both teams combined. With 5:30 left in the game the score was tied at 108. The score remained tied for the next two minutes.

With 1:11 left in the game the Kings took a 117-113 lead. This game would go down to the wire. With 10.4 left on the clock the Kings had a 119-118 lead. Two free throws from Trey Lyles and the Kings survived the challenge from the Rockets.

The Kings starters had a great game with Lyles, Jones and Mitchell each turning in 24 points and Harrison Barnes had a much improved second half with 13 points.

Next up for the Kings as they march toward the end of the season will be another matchup with Houston on Friday. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Outspoken Celtics Center traded and then Waived

Enes Kanter Freedom as he appeared on the cover of the New Yorker was vocal about China and it’s politics was traded from the Boston Celtics to the Houston Rockets later to be released by Houston and is now out of the NBA (photo by the New Yorker)

Outspoken Celtics Center traded and then Waived

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-Gonzalez

Enes Kanter Freedom is a good solid pro-basketball player, but we are living during days when free speech has become a liability and not something that should be cherish and respected. Kanter Freedom was traded to the Houston Rockets and soon immediately waived by the Rockets, ahead of the NBA trade deadline.

He has been a critic of China and their abuses of human rights (something that is also part of the narrative of the current Winter Olympics) in Beijing, China, which many are calling the “Genocide Olympics” where US imposed a diplomatic boycott).

The trade, which includes other players aside from Enes Freedom, could just be a coincidence? Or does it makes more sense to come to the simplest of conclusions that the very lucrative NBA associate with the Chinese market was the main reason he got this treatment.

Last month co-owner minority billionaire of the Golden State Warriors Chamath Palihapitiya during an interview said “nobody cares about the Uyghur genocide in China”, then later apologized after being widely slammed for his remarks. Who knows, maybe the NBA now considers Freedom toxic?

The trade was made between the Houston Rockets, going nowhere this year with a 15-40 record and the Boston Celtics positioned to be in the postseason with a 31-25 record. The trade was made official as Houston traded center Daniel Theis to Boston in exchange for guard Dennis Schroeder, center Bruno Fernando, and center Enes Kanter Freedom. Theis spent his first 3 years in the NBA with the Boston Celtics.

As a player (who recently became a Naturalized American citizens and added Freedom to his name) Enes Kanter Freedom, has become an outspoken critic of China and Turkey and has voiced his opinions on several other social issues.

He was not a superstar player and was not getting a lot play recently, but as any American citizen he is entitled to his opinion. He told the Boston Globe, how much he has learned as an American. Nobody knows if he will be picked up by another NBA team. I can only hope and pray we always honor and respect the First Amendment, a key component of our democracy. Where I was born such thing doesn’t exist.

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

Curry takes liberties against Rockets defense scores 40 in 122-108 win

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) pushes the ball up court against Houston Rockets center Christian Wood during first half action at the Toyota Center in Houston on Mon Jan 31, 2022 (AP News photo)

Warriors Add To Rockets Woes Winning 122-108

By Barbara Mason

Monday evening the Warriors (38-13) were on the road in Houston taking on the Rockets (14-36). This is the third meeting between these two teams this season.

The Rockets have lost ten home games in a row while the Warriors have won five games in a row. After completing a seven game home stand the Warriors will be challenged by the Rockets in their house. Golden State aimed for their sixth win in a row and got with a 122-108 victory.

With Andre Iguodala. Nemanja Bjelica, Otto Porter and Draymond Green all out for this game Moses Moody got the start. He would go on to finish with 11 points. Kevon Looney had picked up two quick fouls in the first quarter but that was the only disappointment for Golden State to start this game. They led 10-0 through the first five minutes.

The Rockets came storming back to take the lead 15-14 with five minutes left in the quarter. Having lost so many home games this Rocket team was definitely in desperation mode having not a whole lot to lose leading after 12 minutes 25-23. Looney already had seven rebounds but with two fouls he sat out the latter minutes of the quarter.

At the half the Warriors led 61-52. Looney came back in the game and registered nine rebounds. Once again Andrew Wiggins had a great half scoring 17 points with Stephen Curry shooting for ten points. The Rockets top man Christian Wood had 17 in the first half.

After three quarters the Warriors had distanced themselves from Houston leading 87-78. The Rockets refused to go away continually cutting into the Warriors lead.

Curry had a huge fourth quarter going nuclear with four from downtown. The Rockets had pulled to within four points in the final quarter and then Curry happened. He scored 21 points in the fourth quarter with five rebounds and nine assists.

Curry finished with 40 points. The 21 points was just another record for Curry. Right now he is simply trying to break his own records. There is no limit to what this guy is going to continue to do this season.

Wiggins shot for 23 points and Thompson and Moody had double digits. “Without Draymond it looks a lot different I’m just trying to keep things simple,” said Curry talking about their new defensive look right now.

It is onto San Antonio to play the Spurs tomorrow night. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30.

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Rockets vs. Warriors tip off at Chase tonight; Houston has never recovered after losing Harden

The Brooklyn Nets James Harden is excited for his team on Sat Jan 29, 2022 against the Golden State Warriors and his old team the Houston Rockets have never recovered since his departure. The Warriors host the Rockets Mon Jan 31, 2022 at the Chase Center in San Francisco (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Barbara:

#1 Barbara, tell us about what the Brooklyn Nets (29-20) Kyrie Irving told the Golden State Warriors (37-13) Klay Thompson Saturday night saying that Stephen Curry has “completely revolutionized the game.”

#2 Irving has much respect for Golden State for what they’ve accomplished saying, “Going against each other has been great, but I think studying each other has been even more of a special bond,”

#3 Anytime the Nets and Warriors match up and you could expect a tough, exciting game full of great defense and offense and the game Saturday night was no different in a four point win for the Warriors 110-106.

#4 Barbara, talk about Andrew Wiggins who been getting off some great shots, has been getting a lot of looks and during Curry’s short slump has made up the difference on some of the scoring.

#5 The Houston Rockets (14-35) are going Houston on tonight the Rockets have lost seven of their last 11 games losing their last game on Friday night to the Portland Trailblazers (21-28) 125-110. Houston has really not been the organization that they were since James Harden left for Brooklyn.

Join Barbara for the Warriors podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com