Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings need to shutdown Celtics offense tonight to have a chance

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) is fouled by Sacramento Kings forward Trey Lyles (41) at the Golden One Center in Sacramento on Wed Mar 16, 2022

On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 Jeremiah, it’s like you were saying in your column after Wednesday night’s game that the Milwaukee Bucks (44-26) Giannis Antetokounmpo was just too much for the Sacramento Kings (25-46) to handle.

#2 The Kings certainly looked a lot different than Monday night when they lead the visiting Chicago Bulls from wire to wire. With the Bucks there was very wiggle room to try and get the lead.

#3 All night Giannis and Kris Middleton proved too much for the Kings to overcome. Giannis scored 36 points followed by Kris Middleton who dropped 32 in the contest.

#4 For the Kings, Domantas Sabonis scored 22 points followed by De’Aaron Fox with 21 points. The Kings had six players in double figures in the loss.

#5 Tonight the Kings will try and get some that traction back from Monday night as they host the Boston Celtics are hot they have won six of their last seven games. They beat Golden State on Wednesday night 110-88. The Kings who played the Bucks Wednesday night in high scoring game will they have their hands full trying to defend the Celtics tonight?

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

Giannis, Bucks just too much for Kings 135-126

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) takes the ball up the floor against the Sacramento Kings on Wed Mar 16, 2022 at Golden One Center in Sacramento (photo from AP News)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings (25-46) were back in town on Wednesday night to take on the Milwaukee Bucks (44-26) at Golden One Center. The Kings last played on Monday night against the Chicago Bulls and beat them 112-103. On Wednesday, in what appeared to be a lopsided challenge, the Bucks beat the Kings 135-126.

In the first quarter, the Kings put up a surprisingly good start to the game. The Kings managed to start the offense on a high note scoring 31 points in the first quarter. On the other hand, the Bucks also put up a decent first quarter.

The Bucks scored 28 points in the first to keep the Kings within reach. Neither team played great defense in the first as it looked like they both came out with a focus on the offensive side of the ball.

In the second quarter, the Kings took a big lead early. However, the Bucks would come back and make the game close again as the second quarter came to a close. The Bucks ended up outscoring the Kings in the second quarter 40-30 to take a lead into halftime.

The Kings defense crumbled in the second quarter as the Bucks took advantage. Kris Middleton had a big first half leading the Bucks in scoring with 17.

Giannis trailed just behind him in points with 14. For the Kings, they received their best first-half contribution from Domantis Sabonis who had 13 points. The Kings would look to keep the game close or come back in the third quarter. The Kings went into halftime down 68-61.

In the third, the Kings continued to lose ground. The Kings were outscored by the Bucks 33-31 in the third to dig their hole a little bit deeper. The Kings couldn’t stop Giannis and the Bucks as they continued to have their way on the Kings defense. The Kings would end up down 101-92 heading into the final quarter of action. Could the Kings come back?

In the fourth quarter, the Kings weren’t able to mount a full comeback. The Kings put up a fight but ultimately fell to the Bucks 135-126 at Golden One Center. The Kings battled in the fourth all the way to within a few points of taking the lead.

The Kings and Bucks both scored 34 points in the fourth. All night Giannis and Kris Middleton proved too much for the Kings to overcome. Giannis scored 36 points followed by Kris Middleton who dropped 32 in the contest. For the Kings, Domantas Sabonis scored 22 points followed by De’Aaron Fox with 21 points. The Kings had six players in double figures in the loss.

Up Next: The Kings will stay home to take on the Boston Celtics on Friday at 7 PM PST in Sacramento.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Morris Phillips: Kings looking to snap four game skid against Bulls tonight

Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) gets airborne between Sacramento Kings defenders at the Golden One Center in Sacramento on Sat Mar 12, 2022. The Kings hope to improve their chances against the Chicago Bulls on Mon Mar 14, 2022 in Sacramento (AP News photo)

On the Kings podcast with Morris:

#1 The Chicago Bulls (41-26) fourth in the Eastern Conference against the Sacramento Kings (24-45) 13th in the Western Conference a 7:00 pm PDT tip at the Golden One Center in Sacramento. Kings are looking to end their four game losing streak.

#2 Morris, the Kings take on the Bulls tonight this is after De’Aaron Fox led the Kings with 41 points but Sacramento still lost to the Utah Jazz on Saturday night 134-125 in a high scoring game.

#3 The Kings are five games below .500 at home at 15-20 and showing not much of a chance to play catch up ball when they are down by ten or more points with a record of 11-25 in that category.

#4 The Bulls are a .500 team on the road this season at 16-16. The Bulls have the upper hand in the three points total leading the NBA with 37.5%. Patrick Williams leads the Bulls with 50% in six games.

#5 The meeting tonight at Golden One will be the second meeting between the Bulls and Kings the last time they met Feb 16th the Bulls defeated the Kings 125-118 with the Bulls DeMar DeRozan leading with 38 points and Fox with 33 points.

Morris has the game recap tonight between the Bulls and Kings from the Golden One Center in Sacramento at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Warriors back into the swing of things after big win over Bucks

Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins, center, throws down between Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, left, and forward Jordan Nwora (13) at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Sat Mar 12, 2022 (AP News photo)

1. Saturday night the Golden State Warriors took on the reigning World Champion Bucks.  What challenges did they face in in this game?

2. Although superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 31 points in this game it was just not enough to get past the Warriors.

 3.Klay Thompson had his struggles off and on since his comeback but Saturday saw  an electric performance beating the Bucks.  Not only Thompson but Jordan Poole also had a light’s out game.

4. It was a very cool night for Stephen Curry who only scored eight points in the game but with the depth of this roster it was no problem.  Curry didn’t really get a chance to shoot being double teamed all night.

5. Tonight the Warriors take on the Washington Wizards who sit in 11th place in the Eastern Conference and have a lot to play for.  How will the Warriors handle this contest.

Barbara Mason does the Warriors podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Warriors Handle the World Champs 122-109; Thompson takes Bucks by the horns scores 38 points

The Golden State Warriors Klay Thompson (right) goes up against the Milwaukee Bucks Bobby Portis Jr (left) at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Sat Mar 12, 2022 (AP News photo)

Warriors Handle the World Champs 122-109

By Barbara Mason

Saturday night the Golden State Warriors (46-22) took on the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks (42-26). The talk of the town is the strength of the Bucks. Superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the Bucks and is coming off a crazy performance Wednesday night against Atlanta with 34 points. His has an incredible supporting cast with Kris Middleton, Bobby Portis, and Jrue Holiday.

The Warriors have some super strengths themselves with the Splash Brothers Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole off the merit of his excellent bench play averaging almost 24 points a game in his last five games.

Kevon Looney rounds out the starting roster. Looney has been great defensively in the absence of Draymond Green. Monday night Green is expected to be back on the court for Golden State.

Giannis got into some early foul trouble in the opening quarter and sat out the final six minutes of the first quarter. The first 12 minutes of this game were hotly contested. The teams started trading three’s and after the first quarter this game was tied at 28.

The second quarter really heated up for the Warriors as Thompson hit three consecutive shots from downtown. After six minutes in the second quarter the Warriors were lighting up the court as Thompson continued to hit three’s and the Warriors had taken a 50-41 lead.

At the half the Warriors had scored 38 points in the quarter, 17 of them coming from Thompson giving Golden State a 67-58 lead. The game had been tied six times in the half.

Thompson had 21 points in the half for the Warriors and for the Bucks the team leader after two quarters was Antetokounmpo with 17. With Curry attracting so much attention from the Bucks Thompson and Poole had a lot of open looks that they were taking full advantage of. The Warriors had an exceptional first half and would have to repeat it through two more quarters.

The Warriors would take an early 17 point lead in the third quarter, the largest of the game for Golden State. After two minutes the Warriors had a 20 point lead blistering the Bucks from the three point line.

Golden State continued to lead after three quarters 103-84. Every time the Bucks made a move, the Warriors would answer. After three, Thompson had 31 points closely followed by Poole with 30 points.

In the early fourth quarter Thompson had his high score since his returned to action with 36 points. The Warriors had only three turnovers so far in this game. Ball control, energy, effort and execution won this game for Golden State. Thompson finished with 38 points and Poole with 30. Andrew Wiggins really picked it up scoring 21 points.

The Warriors dominated throughout the second half. Curry had a season low in this game but his teammates picked up the slack to bring this one home, 122-109 Golden State has now won three games in a row.

Monday night the Warriors welcome back Green as they take on the Washington Wizards. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM as Golden State will be looking for a fourth win in a row.

Warriors Survive With a High Octane Finish against Nuggets 113-102

A late second half basket by the Golden State Warriors Jordan Poole gets Stephen Curry (30) excited against the Denver Nuggets at Chase Center in San Francisco on Thu Mar 10, 2022 (AP News photo)

Warriors Survive With a High Octane Finish against Nuggets 113-102

By Barbara Mason

Thursday night the Golden State Warriors (45-22) took on the Denver Nuggets (40-27) in a game that screams deja vu. if you said hey didn’t we just play these guys Monday night the answer would be a resounding yes and the Warriors lost that one. They didn’t lose on Thursday night with a 113-102 win.

So here are the Warriors back in Denver for a second time in less than a week. The Warriors will have to find a way to contain Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets are currently in a tie for fifth place and a single game out of fourth place. They have a lot to play for in tonight’s game as does Golden State. The Warriors would like to get back into second place in the standings.

The Warriors had a fast start in this game and as expected Jokic was a huge presence throughout the quarter. The Warriors held a slim lead after the first quarter 30-29. The Nuggets came on strong in the second quarter winning it 31-21 and taking a 60-51 halftime lead.

The first two quarters were hotly contested. The Warriors were allowing too many open and uncontested Nugget looks which contributed to the Denver half time lead.

The Nuggets had taken a 14 point lead in the third quarter after the first four minutes of play. Momentum was clearly on their side. As we have seen so many time in the past however, momentum can turn on a dime. The Warriors waged a comeback as the quarter came to an end taking the lead in this game 88-84.

The fourth quarter was a high-octane affair for both teams. The Warriors led through seven minutes of the quarter. The Nuggets made a comeback tying up the game at 98. Denver would go one to take a slim lead before Jordan Poole iced the game.

Poole shot two from downtown with 54 seconds left on the clock and Golden State had survived a very tough challenge. They won this game.

Stephen Curry had a great game with 34 points and was five of 12 from downtown. Off the bench the hero of the game Jordan Poole had 21 points and was four of seven from downtown including the two critical shots in the final minute of the game. Golden State displayed some great defense especially in the fourth quarter.

Jokic was not hitting three’s tonight which made things awfully hard on Denver. The Warriors defense had a lot to do with the missed Jokic shots. He would finish with 23 points and zip from three point range.

This was a gritty, gutsy game that Golden State played, especially down the stretch. They did not fall apart, making critical baskets when desperately needed. The Warriors are now in second play tied with the Memphis Grizzlies in the Western Conference.

This is a second win in a row for the Warriors and they hope to string a third on Saturday against the Milwaukee Bucks at Chase Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 PM.

Kings lose third in a row to Bucks 133-127

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton, right, takes a shot against Sacramento Kings center Richaun Holmes at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee on Sat Jan 22, 2022 (AP News photo)

Kings Lose Third In A Row To Bucks 133-127

By Barbara Mason

Flashback Wednesday: After losing a very disappointing game Wednesday against the Detroit Pistons, the Sacramento Kings (18-30) traveled to Milwaukee to take on the Bucks (30-19). The Kings led in the Piston game by nine points with 2:34 left on the clock.

In the NBA two and a half minutes is a lot of time however the Kings did not score a single point for the rest of the game and the Pistons took full advantage. The Kings had two turnovers, three missed shots and a foul in those final two minutes. They needed to finish the game and they were unable too. This has been a problem for the Kings this year, finishing games.

Saturday night in Milwaukee: On Saturday night the Kings face a huge challenge taking on the fourth place Bucks at Fiserv Forum. They will have Tyrese Haliburton back on the court for this game a plus for Sacramento. There is bad news as well because De’Aaron Fox has been ruled out with an ankle injury. This is a tough loss for Sacramento, losing their leading scorer.

The Kings had a nice start winning the first quarter 35-27. Their lead did not last very long and mid-way through the second quarter the Bucks heated up taking the lead. At the half the Bucks led 62-54. Harrison Barnes led the shooting for the Kings with 14 points in the first half. He was the only King in double digits so far in the game.

The Bucks took their second quarter momentum into the third quarter extending their lead by as much as 15 points. The Kings would cut that deficit in half trailing after three quarters 94-86. Milwaukee’s Chris Middleton and Jrue Holiday led the Bucks in scoring, Middleton with 20 and Holiday with 18.

The Kings continued to hang around and got to within three points with under two minutes left in the game. That was as close as Sacramento would get losing their third game in a row 133-127.

The Kings got some great play from their starters. Harrison Barnes finished with 29 point, Tyrese Haliburton with 24, and Terence Davis had 22. All of their starters had double digits.

Tuesday the Kings will be playing the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:30 PM PT.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony Renteria: Kings latest loss close but not good enough to beat Detroit

Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) drives past Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) at Golden One Center on Wed Jan 19, 2022 the Kings play the Milwaukee Bucks on Sat Jan 22, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Kings podcast with Tony R:

#1 Tony, the Sacramento Kings (19-28) played a close game against the Detroit Pistons (10-34) on Wednesday night at Golden One but just couldn’t get past them for the loss 133-131.

#2 The Pistons who have one of the worse offenses in the league had five players in double figures and Saddiq Bey led the way with 30 points.

#3 The Kings were favored to win against the Pistons but lacked just enough depth to finish it. The Kings were certainly missing Tyrese Haliburton who was out of the line up as of three days ago with Covid 19 protocols.

#4 The win for Detroit was their tenth win of the season and they’re just getting into double figures for the win column but were able to off set the Kings and win by just two points.

#5 The Kings take on the mighty Milwaukee Bucks (28-19) on Sat Jan 22 in Milwaukee and if the Kings had a handful against the Pistons the Bucks should win this one by ten or more. Tony what’s your take on this Saturday’s game in Milwaukee.

Join Tony R for the Kings podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Bucks cruise past Warriors 118-99; Golden State has now lost four of last five games

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry attempts to find a teammate to pass to against the Milwaukee Bucks’ Bobby Portis and Wesley Matthews at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee on Thu Jan 13, 2022 (AP News photo)

Bucks Cruise Past Warriors 118-99

By Barbara Mason

It is not a happy time for the Golden State Warriors (30-11) of late. In their last four games they are at the bottom of the NBA for offensive rating, points per game and three-point FG.

They are averaging 95.5 points per game, they are shooting 25% from downtown and the offensive rating is 95.5. Very un-Warrior-like play; they are struggling right now immersed in a true winter chill. That chill continued like frozen bricks as Golden State lost their fourth out of five games 118-99 to the Milwaukee Bucks (27-17).

Thursday night the Warriors were facing yet another challenge traveling to Milwaukee to play the Bucks. The world champs are led by superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and once again Golden State will be missing Draymond Green out with a left calf issue. He is doubtful for the remainder of their road trip. This is a big loss for Golden State; taking the court without the defensive prowess and leadership that Green provides.

The Bucks came into the first quarter in a perfect start for Milwaukee. They established an early lead 37-21. In the early part of the second quarter the Bucks were shooting 62% to the Warriors 37% and Golden State was getting drummed out of the building.

They were four of 20 from downtown, missing open shot and had those turnover issues once again. It seemed that the Bucks could hardly miss a shot in the first half. They led 77-38 at the half and continued to shoot 62% while the Warriors could only manage 27% shooting by the end of two quarters.

Not a single Warrior had double digits at first half’s end while the Bucks had four players, Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis and Grayson Allen shooting at will practically unable to miss. These guys were going crazy having the time of their lives at the expense of Golden State. It was an unbelievable deficit going into the third quarter.

Mid-way through the third quarter two Warriors finally reached double digits. Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins had 10 and 14 respectively. By third quarters end the Warriors had cut their deficit to 97-72. They had really dialed their game up winning the third quarter 34-20. While it was too little too late it was certainly a positive in an otherwise disastrous game for the Warriors.

The Warriors went on to win the fourth quarter outscoring the Bucks in the second half by 20 points. When you allow 77 points in the first half odds are that you have little to no chance to come away with a win.

Curry, Wiggins, and Klay Thompson all had double digits and off the bench Jonathan Kuminga had a great game with 15 points in 19 minutes. He continues to improve and is showing a lot of promise,

The Warriors continue their road trip taking on the Chicago Bulls Friday night. Tipoff is schedule for 4:30.

Headline Sports podcast with Jessica Kwong: Yankees give Boone 3 more years; Nets will feel Irving’s absence; plus more

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone seen talking to the media before the AL Wild Card game on Mon Oct 4, 2021 at Fenway Park in Boston has signed a three year deal with the Yankees for three years to remain as manager. (AP News photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with Jessica:

#1 New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone will return next season. Boone signed for a three contract and has an option for 2025. Yankees managing partner Hal Steinbrenner said that Boone has acumen and brings respect in the clubhouse.

#2 Boone and the Yankees finished in third in the AL East and lost to the Boston Red Sox in the Wild Card game that put Boone’s future with the Yankees in jeopardy. Steinbrenner felt that Boone had the respect of the players to return and make a run at the post season.

#3 Jessica turning to the NBA the Brooklyn Nets and the Milwaukee Bucks who battled in an opening night game in Milwaukee. The Bucks held the lead for pretty much of the game later to win it 127-104. It’s early to tell but without Kyrie Irving in for the Nets does his absence from the team for Covid-19 protocol issues have an impact on the team?

#4 Taking a look at the MLB post season. The Atlanta Braves have had such a hold on the Dodgers winning the first two games of the series by two walk off hits in the ninth in Atlanta. The Braves taking a significant lead on the Dodgers on Tuesday night 5-2 in Los Angeles. The Dodgers made a comeback 6-5 to win game 3 with a 2-1 Braves margin. The Braves now with a 3-1 series lead won a laugher in game 4 on Wednesday night need one more win to sweep the series.

#5 It’s been a series the Houston Astros have a 3-2 lead on the Boston Red Sox taking a 9-1 laugher in Boston in game 5. The Astros had their biggest inning in the top of the sixth scoring five runs and now returning to Houston on Friday night for game 6 and they are the brink of eliminating the Red Sox needing just one more win.

Jessica Kwong does Headline Sports every other Wednesday night at http://www.sportsradioservice.com