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Kings No Match For First Place Grizzlies

Published

10 years ago

November 30, 2014

Sacramento, CA – There’s a reason why they hold the best record in the NBA. The Memphis Grizzlies gave it their all when they faced a team without their best starter. DeMarcus Cousins was out with a virus for the second game straight game and the Grizzlies took advantage extending their winning streak to five by beating the Kings 97-85.

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“It was important for us to come out strong. We did,” said Memphis head coach Dave Joerger. “It was just a good game for us mentally to push through and finish in the second half.”

The Grizzlies dominated early in the first quarter hitting jump shots all over the perimeter. Good rebounding on both ends of the floor forced Sacramento to miss easy baskets and rush without following their shots. The Kings eventually found their rhythm, trimming the lead to two points by scoring off fastbreaks and playing defense.

“We dug ourselves a deep hole early in the game and it was one of those things we couldn’t get out of especially later,” Rudy Gay said. “We tried, we made a good run at it, but it was just one of those things if we didn’t have the hole go so deep in the first half we probably would’ve been in a better position.”

By the second quarter Vince Carter came off the bench with two 3-point shots to push the Grizzlies lead to 21 points. Zach Randolph recorded his 11th double-double scoring 22 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. A more slimmed down Marc Gasol added 18 points and six rebounds. Memphis made it look easy with good ball movement and shot selection.

“We’ve been playing together a long time and it’s finally coming together,” said Randolph. “The whole team is improving as one unit, I think it’s our year. Our bench has been playing great and everybody is on the same page.”

“I think everybody came into training camp with that mindset of coming in and being aggressive from the get-go and being the team that we want to be,” Gasol said.

The Grizzlies improved to an NBA’s best 15-2 record overall and 7-2 on the road. Memphis has won their last nine games against the Kings, including the last five meetings in Sacramento. The Grizzlies forced the Kings into 23 turnovers, matching a season-high 23 they recorded on October 29th against Minnesota.

“Well, when you look at the box score, obviously letting them shoot 48% in the field goals was too high,” said Kings head coach Michael Malone. “We shot 47% and outscored them in the paint but we had 23 turnovers for 23 points.”

Sacramento cut the lead down to three points midway through the fourth making it a 79-76 game but Memphis went on a 19-6 run. Without Cousins to block in the paint, the Grizzlies had there way with the Kings. The tandem of both Gay and Cousins on the floor proves to be a better match-up and their opponents know this.

“What’s wrong with DeMarcus? Why he ain’t playing?” asked Randolph pre-game. “This ain’t the game he need to be missing.”

Ryan Hollins who started in place for Cousins for the second straight game was ejected after receiving his second technical foul. Gay finished with 20 points leading all scores for Sacramento. Reggie Evans recorded his first double-double of the season with a season-high of 17 points and a game high 20 rebounds.

“I felt good, I was shocked to hear my name called but you got to be ready to go at any time,” said Evans.

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Oakland Post: Week of December 18 – 24, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of December 18 – 24, 2024

Published

1 day ago

December 20, 2024

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‘Donald Trump Is Not a God:’ Rep. Bennie Thompson Blasts Trump’s Call to Jail Him

“Donald Trump is not a god,” U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., told The Grio during a recent interview, reacting to Trump’s unsupported claims that the congressman, along with other committee members like vice chair and former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney, destroyed evidence throughout the investigation.

Published

4 days ago

December 18, 2024

Oakland Post

Congressman Bennie Thompson, D-Miss. Courtesy photo.

By Post Staff

U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., said he not intimidated by President-elect Donald Trump, who, during an interview on “Meet the Press,” called for the congressman to be jailed for his role as chairman of the special congressional committee investigating Trump’s role in the Jan. 6, 2021, mob attack on the U.S. Capitol.

“Donald Trump is not a god,” Thompson told The Grio during a recent interview, reacting to Trump’s unsupported claims that the congressman, along with other committee members like vice chair and former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney, destroyed evidence throughout the investigation.

“He can’t prove it, nor has there been any other proof offered, which tells me that he really doesn’t know what he’s talking about,” said the 76-year-old lawmaker, who maintained that he and the bipartisan Jan. 6 Select Committee – which referred Trump for criminal prosecution – were exercising their constitutional and legislative duties.

“When someone disagrees with you, that doesn’t make it illegal; that doesn’t even make it wrong,” Thompson said, “The greatness of this country is that everyone can have their own opinion about any subject, and so for an incoming president who disagrees with the work of Congress to say ‘because I disagree, I want them jailed,’ is absolutely unbelievable.”

When asked by The Grio if he is concerned about his physical safety amid continued public ridicule from Trump, whose supporters have already proven to be violent, Thompson said, “I think every member of Congress here has to have some degree of concern, because you just never know.”

This story is based on a report from The Grio.

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City of Oakland Celebrates Reopening of Main Library

“Libraries are such critical facilities for all Oaklanders, whether it’s children coming to story-time, adults reading the newspapers or borrowing the latest novels, and people engaging with a range of services and programs that the library hosts,” said Council President and District 2 Councilmember Nikki Fortunato Bas. “Such library services and programs are only possible when the facility’s electricity, heating, roof, and lighting are fixed and running efficiently. I’m proud to join this re-opening of our Main Public Library.”

Published

4 days ago

December 18, 2024

Oakland Post

Left to Right- Jamie Turbak, Director of Library Services, LaTonda Simmons, Assistant City Administrator, Nikki Bas, President Oakland City Council, Shen Thao, Mayor of Oakland, Carroll Fife, Oakland City Councilmember District 3, Harold Duffey, Assistant City Administrator, Sean Maher, Projects Coordinator. Photo by Kevin Hicks.

The branch had been closed since May for critical infrastructure upgrades

Special to the Post

The City of Oakland leadership and community partners gathered to celebrate the reopening of the Main Library after completion of critical infrastructure upgrades to enhance the library’s facilities and provide a better experience for patrons.

Renovations include new roof installation, skylight repair, critical electrical system upgrades, new boiler control system installation, auditorium heating and cooling system installation, and improvements to lighting, flooring and ceilings throughout the building.

“This is truly something to celebrate, the reopening of our wonderful Main Library! I congratulate the staff and our partners for this important project to make the Main Library a more comfortable place for everyone for years to come, said Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao. “Thank you to Oakland voters and the California State Library for making these crucial improvements possible.”

“Public libraries are a wonderful resource for our residents, offering a safe space for learning and being,” said District 3 Councilmember Carroll Fife. “It is critical to improve and modernize our libraries so more members of our community can utilize and enjoy them. I’m excited that the necessary renovations to the Main Library have been completed successfully and thank everyone involved, particularly the City team, who helped secured the necessary grant funds for this work.”

“I am proud of the City staff and project partners who kept this important project on schedule and under budget,” said Assistant City Administrator G. Harold Duffey. “The library is an incredibly important resource for our community members, and this project is an investment into the library’s future.”

“December 2nd was a momentous occasion for Oakland Public Library as we proudly reopened the doors of the Main Library following extensive infrastructure repairs,” said Director of Library Services Jamie Turbak. “Closing the Main Library for six months was no easy decision, as it serves as the central hub for our library system and is truly the heart of Oakland. Yet, this renovation was essential, representing more than just physical upgrades—it reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a safe, welcoming space for everyone.”

The City Administrator Jestin Johnson also attended the press conference and signalled his support for the completion of the record-setting completion of the renovations. Gay Plair Cobb, a newly appointed Library Commissioner said the Library represents the soul and brains of our community.

The Oakland Public Library secured funding for these crititcal repairs through a variety of sources. The California State Library’s Building Forward Library Facilities Improvement Program awarded the Main Branch $4.2 million. To comply with the grant terms, the City of Oakland provided matching funds through Measures KK, as approved by the Oakland City Council in October 2023.

The Main Library will host an Open House to celebrate the reopening on February 22, 2025, 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

About the Oakland Public Library

The Oakland Public Library is a part of the City of Oakland in California and has been in existence since 1878. Locations include 16 neighborhood branches, a Main Library, a Second Start Adult Literacy Program, the Oakland Tool Lending Library, and the African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO). The Oakland Public Library empowers all people to explore, connect, and grow. Oaklandlibrary.org