Warriors Get Past Rival Grizzlies 122-120

Golden State Warriors power forward Andrew Wiggins (22) looks for someone to pass to against the Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Wed Jan 25, 2023 (USA Today photo)

Warriors Get Past Rival Grizzlies 122-120

By Barbara Mason

Wednesday night the Golden State Warriors (24-24) took on the Memphis Grizzlies (31-17). Two teams with two differing styles: the Warriors leaning on outside shooting and the Grizzlies excellent play from inside. Ja Morant re-joined Memphis and the Warriors found a way to clog up the paint in this game to contain him as Golden State came up a winner by a bucket 122-120 at the Chase Center in San Francisco.

The Grizzlies had a couple of scores to settle, one back on Christmas Day and the other in last year’s playoffs. This was without a doubt a highly physical game. The Grizzlies came in as the number one defensive team in the league and Golden State had to contend with that.

Game Recap: The first quarter got underway and 59 seconds into the game Stephen Curry already had two personal fouls. Early turnovers and early fouls was not the way the Warriors wanted to start this game. Despite five turnovers and eight personals, Golden State had a 24-22 lead after the first 12 minutes.

The Warriors trailed by a single point at halftime 54-53. That was a triumph in itself considering the fact that Golden State had 14 turnovers. It was a choppy first half that lacked rhythm. The entire starting roster had two personal fouls each and so trailing by a single point was fortunate.

The Grizzlies, an excellent second half team, won the third quarter 42-37 leading 96-90.

With three minutes left in the game the Warriors made a push trailing by two points 113-111. Golden State tied the game at 113 with 2:06 left on the clock.

The Warriors would have to fight for this game when Curry was ejected in a tragic turn of events. It came down to the final thirty seconds with Golden State leading 117-116. Klay Thompson gave the Warriors the lead 120-118 with 14.1 seconds left. With 2.6 Jordan Poole dropped a lay-in to win the game by two points.

This was a hard fought win for the Warriors. Curry finished with 34 points and Thompson had a great game with 24. Poole who had the game winner finished with 21 points. This game was downright ugly at times with 22 turnovers but Golden State hung in to the end and pulled this one out.

Friday night the Warriors will play the Toronto Raptors at Chase. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM

Lyles lead Kings with 24 pts in 133-100 win over Memphis

Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr., left, and Desmond Bane, second from left, guard against Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox, second from right, during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Mon Jan 23, 2023 (AP News phot)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Monday night. The Kings last played Saturday in Golden 1 Center as they competed against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Kings finished disappointingly on Saturday, losing to the undermanned 76ers by two points. On Monday, the Kings welcomed the Memphis Grizzlies to town.

The Grizzlies had been hot as of late until losing their last two games. On Monday, stars Ja Morant and Steven Adams were out of the ballgame. The Kings defeated the Grizzlies 133-100 at Golden 1 Center.

In the first quarter, the Kings put on a show! The Kings opened the game red hot from behind the arc. Harrison Barnes and Keegan Murray both started the hot shooting starting 5/5 and 3/3, respectively, from three-point land.

The Kings, all in all, would score a massive 47 points to take the commanding lead early. The Grizzlies were able to score 33 points in the first. The Kings took a 47-33 lead into the second quarter.

Both teams fought in the second quarter, and the score drew closer. However, the Kings would retain the lead. Granted, with a smaller margin. The Kings would only score 19 points in the second quarter as the offense went dormant. On the other hand, the Grizzlies scored 28 in the quarter to pull within five points of the Kings.

The score going into halftime was 66-61, with the Kings in the lead. Harrison Barnes led the way for the Kings scoring 15 points. Tyus Jones led the way for the Grizzlies with 10 points.

In the third quarter, the Kings expanded the lead a bit. The Kings offense got back on track and were able to score 34 points in the quarter. On the other end of the floor, the Grizzlies were able to score 29 points.

The Kings were able to open back up the lead to double digits as they took the 100-90 lead into the final quarter. The Kings had been mistake-prone all night, and it would be paramount to limit the turnovers and rebound in the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings roared back! On the Golden 1 Center before the game, a large “Roar with us” sign illuminated the stadium; roaring is exactly what Kings fans did in the final quarter. The Kings dominated in the fourth quarter outscoring Memphis 33-10.

It was an incredible performance from the Kings on both ends of the floor. The Kings did what they needed to do against a Memphis team missing Ja Morrant and Steven Adams. Six Kings players finished the game in double figures as Trey Lyles led the way with 24 points. The Grizzlies were led by Desmond Bane, who scored 21 points. The Kings improved to 27-19 on the season.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday at 7 PM PST.

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Warriors host Grizzlies Wednesday; Golden State trying to avoid a fifth straight home loss

Brooklyn Nets guard Seth Curry defends Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) during the first quarter at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn on Sun Jan 22, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Barbara:

#1 After having the night off in Cleveland, hopes were high that the Golden State Warriors (23-24) starting roster would bring some great energy in Sunday night’s game. How did that go against the Brooklyn Nets (29-17)?

#2 It was an especially tough night for Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins. They were six for 26. Talk a little bit about that.

#3 The 23 and 24 record simply says that right now the Warriors are just not good enough to close out these kind of tight games.

#4 The one thing that kept the Warriors in this game was the bench scoring a collective 50 points.

#5 Wednesday night the Memphis Grizzlies (31-15) come to Chase and they will be looking to hand the Warriors their fifth straight loss at Chase. How do you see this game?

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

Kings Fall To Morant and the Grizzlies 118-108

Memphis Grizzlies center Steven Adams (4) drives to the basket defended by Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) in the first half at FedEx Forum in Memphis on Sun Jan 1, 2023 (AP News photo)

Kings Fall To Morant and the Grizzlies 118-108

By Barbara Mason

Sunday evening the Sacramento Kings (19-16) started off 2023 taking on the Memphis Grizzlies (23-13) at FedExForum. Memphis is in third place in the Western Conference one game out of first place. The Kings currently sit in fifth place in the Conference.

The Grizzlies won their last two games putting a beat-down on the New Orleans Pelicans Saturday night 116-101. The Kings beat the Jazz by a single point Friday night 126-125. Last Wednesday night they had another one-point victory against the Nuggets 127-126. On New Years night the Kings took a hard fall to the Grizzlies 118-108.

The Kings remained close throughout the first quarter and trailed 27-26 after the first 12 minutes. The Grizzlies began to extend their lead and led after the first two minutes of the second quarter 34-26. At 9:59 Mike Brown called a timeout and at 8:18 the Kings had turned things around leading 35-34. Both teams scored 32 points in the second quarter and the Grizzlies continued to hold a slim lead 59-58 at halftime.

At the end of the third quarter the Grizzlies led 91-86 but the Kings continued to remain in striking distance. Unlike last season, Sacramento has proven that they can finish games and this game was by no means over or out of reach.

The Grizzlies were of a different mindset and really turned up the heat in the fourth quarter. Ja Morant was burning up the boards and Steven Adams already had 20 rebounds with five minutes of play left. (He would finish with 23 rebounds.) The Kings were falling further and further behind trailing 113-99 with four minutes left in the game.

Sacramento made a push with just under three minutes left on the clock. They had pulled to within seven points 113-106 after trailing by fourteen. With 2:18 left Memphis was burning up time while continuing to score. The Grizzlies finished Memphis off 118-108.

Every one of the Sacramento Kings scored in double digits, De’Aaron Fox the high with 19 points. Domantas Sabonis had 14 rebounds and 18 points. The King bench was quiet in this game.

Memphis’ Ja Morant finished with 35 points and the rest of the starting roster also had double digits and that was the difference in this game.

Tuesday night the Kings will travel to Utah to take on the Jazz. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 PM.

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Warriors start 8 game homestand with 123-109 win

Golden State Warriors forward Kevon Looney, center left, drives to the basket against Memphis Grizzlies center Steven Adams, center right in first half action at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sun Dec 25, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Barbara:

#1 The first half was a much needed “Poole Party” with Jordan Poole finishing the first two quarters with 20 points. At the half the Golden State Warriors (16-18) led 59-54.

#2 Golden State desperately needed more from Klay Thompson who had to step it up in the second half. He had seven points in the half and in the absence of Stephen Curry both of these guys, Thompson and Jordan had no choice but to step it up in every game.

#3 Golden State desperately needed more from Thompson who had to step it up in the second half. He had seven points in the half and in the absence of Curry both of these guys, Thompson and Jordan had no choice but to step it up in every game.

#4 Barbara, Poole was lights out against the Memphis Grizzlies (20-12), Poole led all scorers with 32 points and there was nothing the Grizzlies could do to shut him down this is a performance that lead the Warriors to start stringing wins together after they’ve really been struggling on the road.

#5 The Charlotte Hornets (9-24) who are 2-2 on this current road trip pay Golden State a visit on Tuesday night at Chase Center. The Warriors have lost seven of their last tem games but really turned it around on Christmas night. How do you see this match up Tuesday with the Hornets?

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

No Curry, No Wiggins, No Problem Warriors Beat Grizzlies 123-109

Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole (3) shoots a 3-point basket against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Sun Dec 25, 2022 (AP News photo)

No Curry, No Wiggins, No Problem Warriors Beat Grizzlies 123-109

By Barbara Mason

Christmas Day the Golden State Warriors (16-18) hosted the Memphis Grizzlies (20-13) at Chase Center. After being absolutely obliterated by the Nets Wednesday evening 143-113, taking the court back at Chase will be good for the team. Warriors guard Jordan Poole led with 32 points in the 123-109 win over the Grizzlies.

The Warriors lost the first quarter of that game 46-17 and trailed at the half 91-51. The absence of Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins weighed heavily on the team. Their most recent road trip was a real disaster with not only the loss of Curry but also going one of five. They will now have an extended home stand playing eight games at Chase.

Christmas day game recap: The Warriors led after the first quarter 33-29. In the opening quarter the Warrior were able to keep Ja Morant somewhat contained. The first half was a much needed “Poole Party” with Jordan finishing the first two quarters with 20 points. At the half the Warriors led 59-54.

Golden State desperately needed more from Thompson who had to step it up in the second half. He had seven points in the half and in the absence of Curry both of these guys, Thompson and Jordan had no choice but to step it up in every game.

They would be the anchor that rights this team until Curry is able to rejoin the team. Curry will be re-evaluated in two weeks. January 7th is a date that has been put out there but more will be revealed in a couple of weeks.

Golden State turned it on big time in the third quarter leading 99-84. Poole showed no signs of slowing down and Thompson had turned it up a notch more than doubling his point count in the entire first half.

Golden State kept their foot on the pedal in the fourth quarter finishing off the Grizzlies 123-109. Poole finished with 32 points and Thompson really stepped it up shooting for 24 points. Draymond Green had 13 rebounds for the game. The Warriors always shine at Chase and this game was no exception. Playing the next eight games at home is going to be a real positive.

Tuesday night the Warriors will meet the Hornets at Chase Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Grizzlies score 31 points in 3 quarters each conquer Kings 125-110

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacts after a foul call in the first quarter but things were looking up for the Grizzlies defeating the Sacramento Kings at Golden One in Sacramento on Thu Oct 27, 2022 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 Jeremiah, The Memphis Grizzlies opened up some offense on the Sacramento Kings scoring 31 points in each of the second, third, and fourth quarters.

#2 Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 31 points and the Kings tried to stop his scoring but trapping someone like Bane is not all that easy.

#3 The Grizzlies Ja Morant followed up with 22 points with five rebounds and six assists.

#4 The Kings De’Aaron Fox led with 27 points with Harrison Barnes followed up with 22 points but the Kings in the end fell short and couldn’t finish.

#5 The Miami Heat (2-4) are coming to Sacramento on Sat 29th. The Heat took a loss on Thursday night to the Golden State Warriors 123-110 and come in two games below .500 just wanted to see how you see the Heat and Kings matching up as the Kings are still looking for their first win.

Jeremiah does the Kings podcasts on Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kings remain winless drop fourth straight game to Grizzlies 125-110

The Memphis Grizzlies Ja Morant (12) gets a finger roll on a jumper for two against the Sacramento Kings Domantas Sobonis (10) at the Golden One Center in Sacramento on Thu Oct 27, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

The Sacramento Kings (0-4) were back in action on Thursday night at Golden one Center. The Kings were set to take on the Memphis Grizzlies (4-1) as Ja Morant came to town. The Kings after struggling early in the season, we’re looking to change the tone. Kings fans would leave the arena disappointed as the Kings lost the game 125–110.

The game wasn’t a blowout by any stretch of the imagination, but it was a steady and slow defeat by most accounts. There wasn’t really any quarter or moment that the Kings lost the game. It was just a compilation throughout the game that ended up, leading to defeat.

In the first quarter of the Grizzlies jumped out to an early lead outscoring the Kings 32–28. The Kings offense didn’t to get off to a good start, and the defense didn’t find a rhythm early either.

In the second quarter it was more of the same. The Kings were outscored 31–28. The game didn’t get out of hand of the Kings were slowly falling behind. In the first half, the Kings got themselves into a 63 to 56 deficit. In the first half the Kings were led by De’Aaron Fox who had 16 points. The Kings needed to bounce back in the second half to win the game.

The third quarter echoed much of the first half of the Kings. The offense wasn’t terrible however, the defense could not get stops. The Kings would be out scored in the third quarter 31–27.

Entering the fourth quarter, the Kings would need to mount a come back if they hoped to get their first win of the season. Unfortunately for King’s fans, the fourth quarter was almost identical to the third. In the fourth quarter the Kings were out scored 31-27 and lost the game.

The Kings were led by De’Aaron Fox, who scored 27 points, followed by Harrison Barnes, who managed 20 points in the contest. The Memphis grizzlies were led by an unlikely figure Desmond Bane, who scored 31 points. Ja Morant the resident star of the Grizzlies had 22 points.

The Kings will need to return to the drawing board to figure out how to get their first win on Saturday.

Up Next: Kings will stay home to take on the Miami Heat at 3PM PST on Saturday.

Warriors Come Alive In Fourth Quarter Advance To Conference Finals 110-96

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry drives to the basket against Memphis Grizzlies center Steven Adams during the first half of Game 6 at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Fri May 13, 2022 (AP News photo)

Warriors Come Alive In Fourth Quarter Advance To Conference Finals 110-96

By Barbara Mason

Friday night the Golden State Warriors took on the Memphis Grizzlies looking to finish off this semifinal series against Memphis. The Warriors in game 6 did just that and pulled it off with a 110-96 win in a 4-2 series win.

The good news for the Warriors is that they played Game six at Chase Center. There was a lot of good news for the Grizzlies as well. They were playing at an incredible level in game 5 on Wednesday and their confident level was off the charts.

The Warriors on the other hand were playing very poorly before Friday night’s game after getting stomped on in Memphis in game 5. They played at an all-time low on Wednesday trailing at one point in the game by 55 points.

The final was 134-95 in favor of Memphis. There was no energy, no focus, no discipline and horrible ball protection by the Warriors in that game and that was cleaned up on Friday night advancing to the next round of the playoffs. Golden State did not want to take this series back to Memphis.

Game 6 recap: Golden State came out with better focus and energy to start the game. They led after the first quarter 30-26 in a highly competitive game. At the half the Warriors led 53-51 in a real dog fight. Protecting the ball continued to be a problem for the Warriors with 12 turnovers in the first half.

Steven Adams left the game late in the second quarter with a possible right leg issue but was able to play the second half which was great news for the Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies outscored the Warriors in the third quarter by a single point but the Warriors clung onto a 78-77 lead heading into the fourth quarter

What the Warriors have waited to see for a few games now was unleashed in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. A furious rally from Golden State finished off the Grizzlies. Golden State is headed to the third round of the Western Conference Finals.

The slow start in this game finished in a blaze of glory. The defense was amazing with Kevon Looney finishing with what has to be his all time high 22 rebounds. Draymond Green had 15 rebounds and 14 points.

Andrew Wiggins had 11 rebounds and 18 points. It was a brilliant defensive effort in the fourth quarter. The Splash Brothers came to play although it was Stephen Curry who really came to life to close out this game. Klay Thompson finished with 30 points and Curry with 29.

After all that he has been through the past two plus years it was a very happy Thompson after the game. “I tried to focus on the present . Another closeout game at Chase gave me butterflies,” he said. “I’m gonna kick my feet up and watch the Suns,” Thompson said.

They will now await the results of the Suns vs Mavericks in a game seven semifinal. ‘I am going in hungry when that time comes. You can’t take anything for granted,” said Thompson as they look ahead to the Western Conference finals. He had nothing but great things to say about the amazing game from Looney. “Kevon was big time. He is great at the rim, he is a Warrior for life.”

The team will now await their opponent in the Western Conference Finals having a few days to rest and digest this amazing win.

Warriors Suffer an Ugly Beat Down in Memphis 134-95

The Memphis Grizzlies Jaren Jackson Jr (13) and the Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry (30) take a spill in their battle for the basketball in first half action at the FedEx Forum in Memphis in game 5 on Wed May 11, 2022 (AP News photo)

Warriors Suffer An Ugly Beat Down In Memphis 134-95

By Barbara Mason

After the horrendous game that Golden State played on Monday night against the Memphis Grizzlies every expectation was that they would come out ready to put this series to bed.

They did just the opposite with 14 turnovers in the first half. They were traveling, throwing the ball out of bounds, stepping out of bounds and missing open shots.

Whatever they could do wrong, they did it. Memphis had 13 offensive rebounds in the first half and they were outplaying the Warriors in an obvious must win game for them.

Memphis won the first quarter 38-28 and then went on a crazy run winning the second quarter 39-22. The Grizzlies led by the score of 77-50 at halftime. Memphis dominated in every statistical category in this game.

The Warriors would have 22 turnovers when all was said and done. The Grizzlies would dominate the boards thought this entire game. Golden State had no rhythm, no focus, no energy; they didn’t have much of anything tonight.

Every single Warrior sitting on the sidelines at the end of the game were hanging their heads in shame. This was a very disappointing and embarrassing loss for the team. Thompson had 19 points for the high score followed by Kuminga with 17 points.

The Grizzlies had seven players in double digits. Jaren Jackson Jr., Tyus Jones and Desmond Bane each contributed 21 points in this game.

Friday night the Warriors will have to turn things around because they absolutely do not want to play a game seven in Memphis. Losing is not an option, this is a must win for Golden State. Tipoff is 7:00 PM PDT at the Chase Center in San Francisco for game 6.