Kings Win A Third On the Road Beating Washington 132-118

Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija (9) passes the ball as Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) and guard De’Aaron Fox (5) defend during the first half the Capital One Center in DC on Sat Mar 18, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (43-27) are 2-0 on their latest road trip dismissing the Brooklyn Nets 101-96 and the Chicago Bulls (117-114). Saturday evening they took on the Washington Wizards (32-39) in the third game of this trip and came away with another road win 132-118. The Kings have had a terrific stretch in these latest games on the road and were looking for win number three in tonight’s game.

The Kings did fall behind in the opening quarter trailing with five minutes left 23-13. Despite that Sacramento turned this game around and led after the first twelve minutes 37-33. The Kings had 6 three pointers in the first quarter and Terrance Davis was driving the offense with some brilliant play.

The second quarter was highlighted by some great King defense. With 4:05 left in the half, the Kings had taken a ten point lead 61-51. The Wizards continued to play catch up but had cut the Kings lead to three points with 2:50 left in the half. Sacramento led after two quarters 71-60.

Domantas Sabonis led the offense with 18 points after two quarters. The Kings had hit twelve baskets from beyond the arc in the half and Terence Davis was 4 of 5 from downtown. The Kings really settled down after a slow start in this game. They only had two turnovers in the half and were 62.2% from the field and 66.7% from downtown.

The Kings continued to extend their lead in the third quarter and with 4:50 left in the quarter had a 92-79 lead. After three quarters the Kings led 104- 92. Sabonis continued to tear up the court offensively and defensively as did Terence Davis off the bench.

With 7:35 left in the game the Kings continued to dictate play leading 118-99. As the final quarter began to wind down the Kings displayed the defensive excellence that we have seen all season. The Kings were eyeing a franchise record as they went into the final 5:30 of the game. They had already hit 21 three’s; the record being 23. They did not break that record coming up just short with 22 three’s but recorded they’re 43rd win of the season.

Domantas Sabonis finished with 30 points and 9 rebounds and some excellence off the bench from Terence Davis (21 points) and Malik Monk (17 points). The Kings only had 9 turnovers. They won this game without starter Kevin Huerter which shows the depth and confidence that this team has right now. They have now won 7 road games in a row.

Monday night the Kings take on the Utah Jazz in another road game, their fourth, before returning home Tuesday to take on the Celtics. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 PM.

Warriors Continue Losing Ways drop 29th road game to Memphis 133-119

Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) defends against Golden State Warriors center Kevin Looney (5) during the first half at Memphis on Sat Mar 18, 2023 (AP News photo)

Warriors Continue Losing Ways drop 29th road game to Memphis 133-119

By Barbara Mason

The Golden State Warriors (36-36) continued on what has been a most disappointing road trip dropping the first two games, one against the Hawks and the first game of this recent trip to the Los Angeles Clippers. Tonight they faced another very tough opponent in the Memphis Grizzlies (43-27) and once again lost another road game 133-119.

Memphis is a power house sitting in second place in the Western Conference. These two teams do not like each other and have clashed all season. Golden State continues to struggle on the road and are facing some major challenges right now as the season begins to wind down.

Game recap: The Grizzlies jumped all over Golden State in the first quarter leading after the first twelve minutes 33-23. The second quarter was a close one with Memphis coming out on top 38-36 and leading at the half 71-59. The Grizzlies outscored the Warriors from beyond the arc 60% to Golden State’s 40.%.

Jonathan Kuminga kept the Warriors competitive in the first quarter hitting three shots from beyond the arc and finishing the half with 15 points.

The Warriors got within striking distance in the third quarter, and with 6:54 left in the quarter trailed by four points 80-76. Golden State worked hard to get oh so close only to let the Grizzlies off the hook. With 5:17 left on the clock in the quarter Memphis was back on top 90-76.

It’s just so hard to understand how so much can go wrong so quickly and then in a blink of an eye, get back within six points with 2:26 left in the quarter. The Warriors were showing a lot of fight but their play was just so inconsistent. Every time they got close, Memphis put the stops on Golden State.

After three quarters, the Warriors had cut the Grizzlies lead to four points 104-100. Jonathan Kuminga was having a terrific game with 24 points and 7 rebounds through three quarters.

The Warriors got close at times in this game but could not push it over the top. The Grizzlies handing the Warriors their third loss on this road trip. The struggles for Golden State continue as the team is now 36-36 and hanging by their fingernails onto a playoff spot tied for sixth with the Mavericks.

Jonathan Kuminga finished with 24 points, the high tonight. Also off the bench, Jordan Poole had 21 points. It was a slow night for Stephen Curry with 16 points and Klay Thompson with 14.

Monday night the Warriors will take on the Rockets in Houston. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings first winning season in 17 years

That’s the money smile as Domantas Sabonis hits the floor in the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclay Center in Brooklyn on Thu Mar 16, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 The Sacramento Kings (42-27) clinched their first winning season in 17 years with a 101-96 win over the Brooklyn Nets (39-31) at Barclays Center on Thursday night.

#2 It was the first time that the Kings have finished above .500 since the 2005-06 season when they earned a 44-38 record. 

#3 The Kings made the playoffs eight straight times under then-head coach Rick Adelman, the last being in the 2005-06 season, but had a losing record all the other years since moving to Sacramento.  

#4 Sacramento led by as many as 17 points, and the Nets made a comeback effort in the second half that came close but fell short. De’Aaron Fox had 18 points. Kessler Edwards contributed 10 points.

#5 The Kings (42-27) are second in the western conference. They continue their road trip on Saturday against the Washington Wizards. Tipoff is at 5 p.m.

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

Road Loses Continue To Pile Up For Warriors – Lose To Hawks 127-119

Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson, right, shoots a 3-point basket against Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins during the first half at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Fri Mar 17, 2023 (AP News photo)

Road Loses Continue To Pile Up For Warriors – Lose To Hawks 127-119

By Barbara Mason

Friday night the Golden State Warriors (36-35) met the Atlanta Hawks (35-35) at State Farm Arena. The Warriors dropped the first game of this road trip to the Los Angeles Clippers 134-126. Every road loss pushes the Warriors further and further away from their ultimate goal a playoff spot.

At home the Warriors are the number two team shooting from beyond the arc but on the road they make whoever they are playing look like world champions. The differential is uncanny as the Warriors seven wins on the road this season and they didn’t get their eighth road win against the Hawks losing 127-119.

Game recap: The Warriors got off to a good start in the first quarter taking a 16-4 lead in the opening minutes. With three minutes left in the quarter the game was tied at 27 and the Hawks had turned this game completely around leading after the first 12 minutes 39-31. There was a bit of trouble brewing after the first quarter for Golden State.

The Hawks continued to lead through most of the second quarter. With 3:25 left in the first half, the Warriors trailed 61-58 and were looking to take the lead into the locker room. Golden State could not get anything going even though they had more rebounds and more field goals.

They struggled from beyond the arc and that was the difference. The Warriors shot at 26.3% while the Hawks had a 39.1% winning the battle from outside. The Hawks led after two quarters 71-66. The Warriors also had nine turnovers in the first half. The Golden State starters all had double digits with the exception of Jonathan Kuminga who was right on the edge with eight points. The Warriors had some work to do in the second half in this must win game.

The Warriors continued to trail in the third quarter. While they did have numerous open shots not a lot of them were dropping. At 5:42 in the third quarter the Warriors trailed 89-77 in yet another shocker on the road. The Warriors were having a miserable three-point shooting night. After three the Hawks led 104-96.

The Warriors did pull to within one point in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter but just could not get over the hump. Golden State was 11 of 40 on three’s a shocking stat.

This was a collective horror show for the Warriors. The three’s failed hitting 11 of 40. They are now seven and 28 on the road. Six players had double digits in the game with Stephen Curry hitting the high with 31 points. Kevon Looney had 16 rebounds and 18 points. Golden State will have to pull it together as they head to Memphis tonight.

There will be little time for the Warriors to digest this one as they take on the Memphis Grizzlies tomorrow with tipoff scheduled for 5:00 PM.

After 17 years of waiting Kings clinch first winning season with win over Nets 101-96

Brooklyn Nets’ Edmond Sumner (4) passes the ball away from Sacramento Kings’ Domantas Sabonis (10) during the second half at Barclay Center on Thu Mar 16, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jessica Kwong

BROOKLYN, NY. — The Sacramento Kings (42-27) clinched their first winning season in 17 years with a 101-96 win over the Brooklyn Nets (39-31) at Barclays Center on Thursday night.

It was the first time that the Kings have finished above .500 since the 2005-06 season when they earned a 44-38 record. 

Despite the milestone, Kings head coach Mike Brown said he doesn’t equate March 16 with 42 wins and making the playoffs. The Kings are focused on “trying to get as many wins as possible,” he said. 

The game was tied at 41 with less than 3 1/2 minutes to go in the first quarter. Domantas Sabonis made a triple that set off a 13-0 run for Sacramento. Domantas scored 24 points, including nearly 20 by halftime. 

Sacramento led by as many as 17 points, and the Nets made a comeback effort in the second half that came close but fell short. De’Aaron Fox had 18 points. Kessler Edwards contributed 10 points.

“We were trying to get a win like that all year,” said Brown.

The Kings made the playoffs eight straight times under then-head coach Rick Adelman, the last being in the 2005-06 season, but had a losing record all the other years since moving to Sacramento.  

“I think being here for over four years now, and seeing the bottom – the very bottom – and to see the frustration of fans and the people in the organization, I think it’s nice to be on the other side it,” said Kings forward Harrison Barnes. “A lot of people, they don’t get a chance to stay in an organization long enough to see the good times and the bad, they just see the bad side. So I consider myself fortunate to be able to be part of this moment.”

The Kings (42-27) are second in the western conference. They continue their road trip on Saturday against the Washington Wizards. Tipoff is at 5 p.m.

Golden State Warriors podcast with Jerry Feitelberg: Warriors without Green due to suspension in Atlanta tonight

The Los Angeles Clippers Russell Westbrook (0) and the Golden State Warriors Draymond Green (23) jump for the ball at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Wed Mar 15, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Jerry Feitelberg:

#1 The Golden State Warriors (36-34) guard Stephen Curry carried the Warriors on his back scoring 50 points but it wasn’t enough as Golden State lost their 27th road game of the season dropping their road record to 7-27. 

#2 Regardless the Clippers were able to get their own offensive house in order and keep up with Golden State with the Clippers Kawhi Leonard who led with 30 points and was followed up by guard Paul George with 24 points. 

#3 Nonetheless the Clippers Leonard kept the Warriors at bay on the scoreboard and the Clippers defense well enough to keep the Warriors away for the win with the help of George. In spite of all the hard work by Curry the Warriors just couldn’t keep up and lost by eight 134-126.

#4 Losing Draymond Green for their next game in Atlanta on Friday suspended for accruing his 16th technical foul. At 40.8 seconds left in the contest Green picked up the technical after throwing a ball against the Clippers Russell Westbrook’s face after Westbrook scored a layup.

#5 The Warriors will try to pick up their eighth road win in Atlanta this Friday a 4:30 pm tip. The Hawks (34-35) have won five of their last ten games and are slightly over .500 for their season home record at 18-15.

Join Jerry for the Warriors podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Warriors game wrap: Curry can’t save Golden State in 134-126 loss; Green suspended after 16th technical; Iguodala to have wrist surgery

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry, left, defends against Los Angeles Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard during the first half at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Wed Mar 15, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Golden State Warriors (36-34) guard Stephen Curry carried the Warriors on his back scoring 50 points but it wasn’t enough as Golden State lost their 27th road game of the season dropping their road record to 7-27. The Warriors took a beating at Crypto.com Arena to the Los Angeles Clippers (37-33).

Regardless the Clippers were able to get their own offensive house in order and keep up with Golden State with the Clippers Kawhi Leonard who led with 30 points and was followed up by guard Paul George with 24 points. Curry tried to save the game by going on a scoring clinic in the fourth quarter of the game.

Nonetheless the Clippers Leonard kept the Warriors at bay on the scoreboard and the Clippers defense well enough to keep the Warriors away for the win with the help of George. In spite of all the hard work by Curry the Warriors just couldn’t keep up and lost by eight 134-126.

“You know they are going to make big runs, but we kept our composure, stayed steady and executed on the offensive end,” Leonard said in the post game presser. Leonard has been hot of late this was his fourth 30 point game in the last eight games he also went 10-19, had eight rebounds and five assists on Wednesday night.

This was a crucial game for Golden State they were on the Clippers heels placing fifth place in the NBA Western Conference standings but their issues of winning road games continue and having won only seven games on the road is just a little more than a snake bitten problem. Losing Draymond Green for their next game in Atlanta on Friday suspended for accruing his 16th technical foul. The Clippers on other hand have won four straight and move into fourth place in Western Conference.

Players who receive 16 technical fouls plus two additional technical fouls are suspended for one game. At 40.8 seconds left in the contest Green picked up the technical after throwing a ball against the Clippers Russell Westbrook’s face after Westbrook scored a layup.

Andre Iguodala will have wrist surgery. Iguodala injured his wrist on Mon Mar 13th at the Chase Center while playing against the Phoenix Suns. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr did not know when Iguodala will return and said that his injury is a great loss for the team.

The Warriors will try to pick up their eighth road win in Atlanta this Friday a 4:30 pm tip. The Hawks (34-35) have won five of their last ten games and are slightly over .500 for their season home record at 18-15.

Kings Start Road Trip With Clutch Win Over Bulls 117-114; Fox gets 3 pt buzzer beater for win

Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine (8) gets Sacramento Kings’ De’Aaron Fox off his feet during the second half at the United Center in Chicago on Wed Mar 15, 2023 (AP News photo)

Kings Start Road Trip With Clutch Win Over Bulls 117-114

By Barbara Mason

Wednesday night the Sacramento Kings (41-27) took on the Chicago Bulls (31-37) at United Center in Chicago. The Bulls came into this game after a winning effort beating the Houston Rockets 119-111. The Kings had a tough loss against the best team in the NBA, the Milwaukee Bucks 133-124.

In Mondays loss to the Bucks the Kings were faced with the return of Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Kings had the lead at the half and mid-way through the fourth quarter the game was a tight one, the game tied at 108. Sacramento just couldn’t finish.

The Kings had some untimely turnovers in the final three minutes and too many empty possessions. They missed six shots in the closing minutes. The Kings just got by the Bulls on Wednesday night in a four point win 117-114.

In the opening quarter of this game, the Bulls took a 30-25 lead. The Kings had some early turnovers in the first twelve minutes, five in total.

At the half, the Bulls still had the lead 62-53 and the Kings had some work to do in the second half.

As the third quarter came to an end the Kings continued to trail 90-87 but had made up some ground in the quarter. They went into all-important fourth quarter, where the Kings have time and time again come up big.

Sacramento battled throughout the fourth quarter taking the lead with 38 seconds left on the clock. De’Aaron Fox, the NBA’s number one clutch player, came up big giving the Kings a 112-107 lead. The Bulls tied up the game with 12.1 left in the game. Again it was Fox who delivered the final blow with yet another shot from downtown to finish off the Bulls.

Fox finished the game with 32 points and as we have seen over and over this season Domantas Sabonis had yet another double double with 14 points and 17 rebounds. Fox turned out the lights in Chicago shooting a three with 0.7 left in the game for the game winner. Malik Monk finished with 19 points off the bench.

Thursday night the Kings continue their road trip traveling to Brooklyn to take on the Nets at Barclays Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:30 PM.

Golden State Warriors podcast with David Zizmor: Warriors and Clippers battle for fourth spot tonight in Southland

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates after making a 3-point basket during the second half  at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Sat Mar 11, 2023 against the Milwaukee Bucks (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with David:

#1 Dave talk about Stephen Curry who virtually single handedly helped Golden State (36-33) come back during the overtime game against the Milwaukee Bucks (50-19) on Sat Mar 11th.

#2 Dave it was a fourth quarter where the Warriors came back and tied the score after going back and forth with the Bucks in the first three quarters. The Bucks are one if not the toughest customers in the NBA and the Warriors were able to pull off a win.

#3 The Warriors head to the Southland to face the Los Angeles Clippers (36-33) at Crypto.com Arena on tonight who are coming off a 106-95 win over the New York Knicks (39-30). The Clippers led by Kawhi Leonard have won five of their last ten games. How do you see this match up?

David Zizmor does the Golden State Warriors podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Buck Rumblings: Giannis nets 46 points Milwaukee in 9 pt win over Sac 133-124

The Milwaukee Bucks Giannis  Antetokounmpo (34) drives past Sacramento Kings forward Chimezie Metu (7) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Mon Mar 13, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings (40-27) were back in action on Monday night in Sacramento. The Kings were coming off an off day on Sunday after defeating the Phoenix Suns for the first time on Saturday night in Phoenix. The Kings played a great game on Saturday to defeat one of the best teams in the West. The win was a big statement for the Kings in the standings to keep pace in the Western Conference. On Monday, the best team in the NBA rolled into town to take on the Kings. That, of course, would be the Milwaukee Bucks (49-19) and Giannis.

GAME RESULT: In the first quarter, it was all Kings and Giannis. The Kings had a typical Kings showing on the offensive end of the floor as they scored 32 points in the first quarter. The Kings starters started hot, scoring 27 of the 32 points in the first. For the Bucks, Giannis was the only Buck with more than two points, as he scored 15 in the first quarter. The Bucks would almost certainly heat up on offense, and the Kings would look to keep them on earth. 

In the second quarter, the Kings continued to build their lead. The Kings were having their way on the offensive side of the court in the first half on Monday night. The Kings scored 30 in the second quarter en route to a nine-point 62-53 lead going into halftime. The Bucks scored 26 points in the second to try and stay in the game. Giannis was leading all scorers in the first half with 21 points doing everything in his power to keep the Bucks in reach. 

In the third quarter, it was all Bucks. The Kings offense struggled, and the Bucks took advantage of the weak Kings defense to roar back and take the lead. Led by Giannis, the Bucks scored 37 points in the third quarter to take a 90-87 lead going into the final quarter of play. In the third, the Kings only managed to score 25 points as fewer shots were falling for them. The Kings were showing little signs of life headed into the fourth. They would need a massive offensive fourth quarter to win the game. 

In the fourth quarter, the Kings battled but weren’t able to get the win. Giannis and the Bucks were just too much to handle. The Kings couldn’t handle the dominance of Giannis inside and ultimately lost the game. The Kings and Bucks showed their intensity in the final 15 seconds as Trey Lyles, and Brook Lopez got into it.

When the game finally ended, the Bucks secured a 133-124 victory. If not for Giannis, Domas Sabonis would have been the player of the game. Sabonis amassed a 23-point,17 rebound, and 15 assist night to lead the Kings. On the other hand, Giannis scored 46 points with 12 rebounds. It was a good game that showed the Kings heart, but they ultimately couldn’t finish the job after a dominant first half. 

Up Next: The Kings travel to take on the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday at 5 PM PST.