Kings Fall Short Against Pacers 107-104

Sacramento Kings’ Kevin Huerter (9) goes to the basket against Indiana Pacers’ Buddy Hield (24) during the first half in Indianapolis on Fri Feb 3, 2023 (AP News photo)

Kings Fall Short Against Pacers 107-104

By Barbara Mason

Friday evening the Sacramento Kings (29-22) took on the Indiana Pacers (25-29) at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Pacers narrowly lost to the Los Angeles Lakers 112-111 Thursday night while the Kings are coming off a 119-109 win Wednesday against the San Antonio Spurs. De’Aaron Fox was ruled out in this game for personal reasons. The Kings fell short on Friday night 107-104 to the Pacers.

Game recap: The first quarter was a tight one with the Pacers coming out on top 28-27. Indiana continued to pile on the points and won the second quarter 32-21 and led at the half 60-48. The Kings just could not get this game rolling in their favor.

Sacramento had a better second half winning the third quarter 32-27 and after three quarters trailed 87-80. The Kings pulled to within four points in the early minutes of the fourth quarter. The Kings bench was heating up with Chimezie Metu, Terence Davis and Malik Monk all shooting in double digits through three quarters.

When it looked as if the Kings were rolling the Pacers began to push taking a nine point lead with nine minutes left in the game. There was still plenty of time for Sacramento but they had to contain the Pacers offense.

The Kings got to within one point 94-95 with six minutes left put just could not push it over the top. Every time the Kings made a push, the Pacers answered and Sacramento was running out of time with 2:09 left on the clock.

The Kings won the third and fourth quarters but just came up short. They missed Fox in this game but got some great shooting from their bench and starter Harrison Barnes who finished with 23 points. Domantas Sabonis had 16 rebounds and 15 points. Kevin Huerter also had double digits shooting for 16 points.

Sunday the Kings will travel to New Orleans to take on the Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM.

Warriors Fall Short On the Road Again Losing to Pacers 125-119

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) attempts a shot between Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) and forward Aaron Nesmith (23) during the first half in Indianapolis on Wed Dec 14, 2022 (AP News photo)

Warriors Fall Short On the Road Again Losing to Pacers 125-119

By Barbara Mason

Wednesday night the Golden State Warriors (14-15) took on the Indiana Pacers (15-14) at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. This is another road trip for the Warriors which has been a tough tough ride so far this season. The Pacers are 6-1 when leading after the first quarter and the Warriors are 1-9 when trailing after the first twelve minutes.

With four minutes left in the first quarter the Warriors had a 20-11 lead. Stephen Curry had been doing the majority of the heaving lifting. The Pacers crept right back into this game for the remainder of the quarter and lead 27-26 at the end of the first.

The Pacers poured it on in the second quarter leading after two quarters 74-54 in a total reversal. The Warriors began to turn the ball over and their shooting was erratic. With two minutes left in the half Indiana was 14 of 20 and had seven three’s. It was an amazing quarter for the Pacer’s after losing their last two games.

The Warriors gave up a 31-11 run in the quarter and Curry had scored half of Golden State’s points. The team needed the rest of the squad in the second half especially on the defensive end of the court. With the exception of Curry the rest of the team had gone pretty quiet.

The Warriors turned the tables on the Pacers after the half. They had been down 25 and cut the Indiana lead down to three 83-80 with under four minutes left in the third quarter. The Pacers led after three 93-87. The Warriors suffered a blow when Curry went to the locker room with an apparent shoulder injury.

The team would have to possibly finish this game without Curry. The absence of Curry, Klay Thompson and Andrew 12 Wiggins weighed heavily on Golden State. The turnovers continued for the Warriors and the five point deficit turned into . It did not get any easier for the Warriors when Draymond Green got ejected. Despite that Golden State fought to the end. They got to within a one possession game with 1:15 left on the clock. They just came up short losing 125-119.

The second quarter was the killer for the Warriors. They had not given up 47 points to any team in the entire league this season. Prior to his left shoulder injury Curry had shot for 38 points. The Warriors were missing some key components in this game but did play three amazing quarters.

Poole lit up in the second half shooting for 20 points. Donte Divincenzo and Moses Moody both finished with 15 points. Jonathan Kuminga did a great job guarding Tyrese Haliburton. This Golden State bench was outstanding in the second half. The team just got started far to late.

Friday night the Warriors travel to Philadelphia to take on the 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:30.

Warriors Lose Second Home Game To Pacers 112-104

Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard shoots while defended by Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney (5) during the first half at Chase Center in San Francisco on Mon Dec 5, 2022 (AP News photo)

Warriors Lose Second Home Game To Pacers 112-104

By Barbara Mason

Monday night the Golden State Warriors (13-12) took on the Indiana Pacers (13-11) looking to extend their winning streak at Chase Center. With some strong offense and holding the Pacers back on great defense the Warriors defeated the Pacers 112-104.

The Warriors had a cool start in the opening quarter and trailed after the first 12 minutes 34-21. The Warriors won the second quarter 29-25 but continued to trail at the half 59-50 playing from behind for most of the first two quarters.

After three quarters the Pacers continued to lead 89-81. Golden State did get to within five points but the lead had eluded them so far. Stephen Curry who had a very quiet first half hit his first two three’s in the quarter. The team would need Curry, Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole in the fourth quarter to pull this game out. The Warriors were only shooting at 39%. Golden State shot 31 points in the quarter to the Pacers 30.

Indiana called a quick time-out in the fourth quarter after one minute of play. The Warriors had pulled to within four points 89-85 looking to take the lead. The Pacers have been a fourth quarter team this season, the best in the league, but with 9:13 left in the game the Warriors took their second lead of the game 93-92.

The Pacers had done a great job guarding Curry all night and took a 109-102 lead with under three minutes left in the game. The Warriors just didn’t have the legs to finish the game and the Warriors lost their second home game of the season.

The Pacers played a great game. They came out on fire shooting 55% and never let down. The high score for Indiana was Andrew Nembhard the rookie out of Gonzaga. He finished with a career high 31 points.

The Warriors couldn’t get anything going in the game trailing for most of it. The three’s were not falling going 11 of 44. Thompson had 28 points in this game and Poole finished with 23. It was just an off night for the Warriors rarely shooting as poorly as they did tonight. Ball movement was stagnant at times for Golden State and they will need to bounce back quickly for their next game Wednesday.

The Warriors will head out on the road to take on the Utah Jazz Wednesday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 PM.

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

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings battle Clippers in the Southland Saturday

Indiana Pacers guard Buddy Hield (24) tries to defend a pass between Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) and guard Kevin Huerter (9) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Wed Nov 30, 20222 (AP News photo)

On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 The Sacramento Kings (11-9) had there way with a 137-111 win over the Indiana Pacers (12-9) at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Wednesday night

#2 The Kings got key scoring from top scorers Harrison Barnes and Malik Monk both who finished with 22 points to beat the Pacers.

#3 Monk has been going good in the last five games Monk has scored 20 points.

#4 The Kings before Wednesday night’s win they were on a three game loss streak previous to that the Kings had won seven straight games and looked to be back on track after their win over the Pacers.

#5 Kings are in the Southland to face the Los Angeles Clippers (13-10) on Sat Dec 3. The Clippers have won six of their last ten and dropped their last game to the Utah Jazz (13-11) 125-112 in Utah.

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

Barnes and Monk lead Kings in scoring defeat Pacers 137-114

Sacramento Kings De’Aaron Fox (right) welcomes former teammate and Indiana Pacer guard Buddy Heild (24) back to Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Wed Nov 30, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Wednesday night. However, it was no ordinary weeknight game. Wednesday marked the return of Tyrese Haliburton. Haliburton was the subject of much controversy last year as he was moved at the trade deadline for former All-Star Domas Sabonis.

The NBA community and Haliburton himself have widely scrutinized the trade. Haliburton quickly became a fan favorite before the surprise trade. Haliburton has been very vocal on Twitter about his displeasure about leaving Sacramento, and he has backed that up with excellent play. The Kings were set to take on the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday at 7 PM PST. The King dominated the Pacers 137-114.

In the first quarter, the Sacramento faithful were out in full force. Every time Buddy Hield got the ball, they would reign down boos from the rafters. On the court, the Kings played one of the better quarters of the season so far. The Kings outscored the Pacers 33-20 in a solid offensive show. However, the defense is what stood out. Harrison Barnes started the game out hot, scoring eight points in the first.

In the second quarter, the Kings continued to put up a formidable fight on the defensive end. The Pacers picked up the offensive pressure in the second quarter, but the Kings continued to play solid defense. The Kings limited the Pacers to 28 points in the second quarter.

The Kings scored 29 points in the second quarter to take a 62-48 lead into halftime. Barnes led the way for the Kings in the first half, scoring 13 points. Former King Hield scored 13 for the Pacers. If the Kings kept up the defensive intensity, they would come away with a win.

In the third quarter, the defense was not great for the Kings. However, it wouldn’t matter because the Kings offense took over. The Kings scored a massive 45 points in the third compared to the Pacers’ 35. The Kings would take a 106-83 lead into the final 12 minutes of the game. It was all but a done deal in Sacramento. The only question was could the Kings seal the deal?

In the fourth quarter, the Kings did just that. The Kings finished the game strong and defeated the Pacers 137-114. It was maybe the best game played by the Kings this year. They played well in the first half, winning the defensive end of the floor and, in the second half turning up the offensive jets.

It was an impressive win for the Kings, who improved to 11-9 on the season. The Pacers fell to 12-9. The Kings and Pacers both scored 31 points in the fourth. Yet, that doesn’t tell the whole story before the Kings bench came into the game. The Kings ran away from the Pacers in the fourth at one point up more than 30 points.

Barnes led the Kings in victory, scoring 22 points. Jalen Smith led the way in defeat for the Pacers, scoring 22 points. It was a fabulous win for the Kings after a rough three-game losing streak.

Up Next: The Kings travel to LA to take on the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday at 1 PM PST.

Kings lose by 5 to Suns 122-117; Sac drops three straight games

The Sacramento Kings Malik Molnk (0) takes a jump shot against the Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) and guard Damion Lee (10) at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Mon Nov 28, 2022 (@ SacramentoKings photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Monday night in Sacramento. The Kings were fresh off multiple days of rest and a tough east coast road trip. The Kings had a three city swing that took them through Memphis, Atlanta, and Boston.

The Kings went 1-2 on the trip dropping the last two games in Atlanta and Boston. On Monday they hoped to reverse the tide against the Phoenix Suns. Tip off was set for 7 PM PST in Sacramento. The Kings lost to the Suns 122-117.

In the first quarter, it was a fairly even game for both sides. The Suns came out with a bit more offensive power than the Kings out scoring them 31-26 in the first quarter. Kevin Huerter was keeping the Kings in the game early.

In the second quarter, the Kings played very well. Defense was still to be wished for but the Kings managed to score 38 points on the Suns in the second quarter. The offensive showing was impressive given that the Suns are one of the top defenses in the league. The Suns scored 32 in the second. Heading into halftime the Kings led the Suns 64-63.

In the third quarter, it was all Suns. The Kings went from a high powered offense in the second to only managing 20 points against the Suns in the third quarter. The third quarter is really where the Kings lost the game. The Suns scored 28 points in the third to take a 91-84 lead into the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings put up a fight. However, it ultimately wasn’t enough to stop Devin Booker who lead with 44 points and led the Suns in scoring. The Kings outscored the Suns 33-31 in the final quarter but it wasn’t enough to overtake Phoenix. The Kings lost the game 122-117.

The Kings had a chance to have the last possession of the game only down three points but were unable to grab the rebound after a great defensive stop. It was a frustrating game for the Kings who received a sub par performance from star De’Aaron Fox. Domantas Sabonis had an impressive game with 17 points, 9 assists, and 10 rebounds.

Malik Monk led the way for the Kings with 30 points. However, the story of the night was the dominating performance from Devin Booker who scored 44 points. The Kings will turn their attention to the next game to rebound.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday at 7 PM PS

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Close win ends Kings three game loss streak over Pacers; Sac in Orlando Saturday

Indiana Pacers guard Buddy Hield (24) passes the ball past Sacramento Kings guard Davion Mitchell (15) at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Wed Mar 23, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 Jeremiah, the Sacramento Kings (26-48) got a last second tip in by Damian Jones that just got the Kings over the hump and defeated their hosts the Indiana Pacers (25-48) 110-109 on Wednesday night in Indiana.

#2 The Kings Trey Miles took a three point shot but with just 0.2 seconds left on the clock that missed and Jones jumped and tipped in the shot for the winner. Jones and the Kings have played much improved basketball of late.

#3 The Kings had lost three straight game previous to coming to Indiana and Kings head coach Alvin Gentry says the Kings have struggling on the road and winning Wednesday’s game against the Pacers was important.

#4 Gentry said he knows what Jones can do on being aggressive on the boards and Jones had a great block and got the winning tip.

#5 The Orlando Magic (20-54) have been playing .500 ball of late winning four of their last eight they lost their last game Wednesday to the Oklahoma City Thunder (21-52) 118-102 but one thing about the Magic lately you just don’t know which team is going to show up. The Magic and Kings go at it Saturday night in Orlando.

Jeremiah does the Kings podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings podcast with Morris Phillips: Kings gave it their all in overtime loss to Suns on Sunday

The Phoenix Suns Landry Shamet takes a three point shot against the Sacramento Kings in the overtime stanza for what would be the game winner at Golden One Arena in Sacramento on Sun Mar 20, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Morris:

#1 Morris at one time during Sunday’s game against the Phoenix Suns (58-14) the Sacramento Kings (25-48) had a ten point lead in third period but with a whole fourth period left the Suns came back out scoring the Kings 27-23 to force a tie and go into overtime.

#2 The Suns Devin Booker fouled out of the game and that handicapped the Suns slightly and the Kings who tied things up at the end of the fourth period 124-124 looked as if they might have a shot at beating one of the best teams in the NBA.

#3 With 31 seconds left the Suns Landry Shamet hit a three pointer in the overtime stanza after missing an previous shot above the arc and the three pointer by Shamet proved to be the game winner.

#4 The Kings in their own right were short handed missing their key offensive star point guard De’Aaron Fox as Davion Mitchell started for Fox and scored 28 points and Domantas Sabonis had 18 points great effort tough loss for Sacramento.

#5 The Kings will tip off against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night at 4:00 pm PDT. The Pacers have won four of their last six games including a 129-98 win against the Portland Trailblazers on Sunday afternoon in Indianapolis. On the other hand the Kings have now lost six of their last seven games and Sunday’s game against the Suns could actually have been one of their best despite losing.

Join Morris for the Kings podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kings win third in five games defeat Timberwolves 132-119

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Anthony Edwards (1) shoots over Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes (40) at the Golden One Center in Sacramento on Wed Feb 9, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Wednesday night at Golden One Center. The Kings were fresh off their biggest acquisition since they landed Harrison Barnes in free agency.

On Monday, The Sacramento Kings (21-26) traded away Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield, and Triston Thompson to the Indiana Pacers in a deal headlined by Domantas Sabonis coming to Sacramento Kings (29-26). It was bitter sweet for the Kings who were excited to get a game changer like Sabonis who is also a two time all star.

On the other hand, the Kings will miss young up and coming Tyrese as well as Sacramento main stay Buddy Hield. Only time will tell how the trade works out. In the Kings last game they lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Sacramento 134-114.

On Wednesday the Kings would look to flip the script and beat the Timberwolves in the second night of a back to back. The Kings on Wednesday beat the Timberwolves by the final of 132-119.

In the first quarter, the Kings came out looking flat. The Kings offense appeared a bit scattered. The new additions to the Kings lineup didn’t looked a bit disjointed in the first quarter. The Timberwolves outscored the Kings 37-31 in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, it was a different story for the Kings. The Kings had a fire lit under theme after the first quarter.

The Kings exploded in the second quarter on the offensive end. The Kings scored an impressive 42 points in the second quarter to go from behind to take the lead going into halftime. The Timberwolves offense cooled from their first quarter start and only scored 27 points in the second half.

The Kings took a 71-64 lead into halftime as they looked to get back in the win column. Harrison Barnes led the way for the Kings with 18 points as Anthony Edwards scored 20 for the Timberwolves.

In the third quarter, it was all Minnesota again. The Kings didn’t completely meltdown but they didn’t play any defense. The Timberwolves manage to regain the lead after outscoring the Kings 37-28 in the third quarter.

The Timberwolves couldn’t miss in the quarter as the Kings defense seemed to regress a bit. If the Kings wanted to win the game they would need to tighten up the defensive end of the floor. The Kings entered the final quarter down 101-99.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings sealed their comeback by defeating the Timberwolves by the final of 132-119. The Kings showed great heart on the defensive end as they held the Timberwolves to only 18 points.

It wasn’t a great defensive game for the kings but they managed to put the clamps down when it mattered. Harrison Barnes led the Kings with 30 points in the game.

Newcomer Domantas Sabonis scored 22 points in his debut for the Kings. The Timberwolves were led by Di’Angelo Russell who dropped 29 points. It was a great feel good win for the Kings who are entering a new era of Kings basketball.

Up Next: The Kings head out in the road to take on the Washington Wizards on Saturday at 4 PM PST. The Kings will only play one more game at home for the next nearly four weeks.