The Warriors-Kings series to claim NorCal supremacy is heating up. Game 1 against these squads was a rollicking, up-and-down contest that featured 249 combined points. Game 2 began as a completely different affair that was part NBA game, part MMA sparring bout. Ultimately the Sacramento Kings earned a hard-fought victory, and took a commanding 2-0 series lead over 2022 champions.
Find out how the team that represents the best story in the NBA won the day and took one step closer to being considered a real NBA championship contender.
Warriors-Kings Game 2: Golden State on the Ropes
Warriors-Kings: Game 2 Recap
Game 2 started with both teams committing copious turnovers as the referees allowed a great deal of physical play. Each team coughed up the ball nine times. The Golden State Warriors won the quarter 23-17 after neither team scored fewer than 26 in a quarter in Game 1. Despite the deficit, the Sacramento crowd continued to burst eardrums.
Fox forces the turnover and HB catches a BODY on the other end 😱#FeelTheRoar pic.twitter.com/ZKGVnYnAuV
— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) April 18, 2023
The Kings took better control of the ball in the second quarter, and took control of the game as well. Domantas Sabonis was able to burrow his way into 12 first-half points as the Kings took a six-point lead into halftime. Malik Monk continued his hot shooting from Game 1, and Kevin Huerter drained a number of off-the-dribble midrange jumpers over Stephen Curry.
The referees allowed far less physicality in the second half, and the Kings were able to adjust quickly. Sacramento got into the bonus with 10:18 left in the third quarter. Draymond Green and Kevon Looney each picked up their fourth and fifth fouls, respectively, in the first half of the quarter.
The Kings took an eight-point lead into the fourth quarter. The teams continued playing at a furious pace as the Warriors gradually chipped away at Sacramento’s lead. The Kings led 91-87 with 7:03 left when Sabonis grabbed Green’s leg while on the ground. Green stomped on Sabonis’ midsection in response and was ejected after being given a flagrant two foul. Sabonis received a flagrant one for his actions.
Draymond has been given a Flagrant 2 and was ejected after this play pic.twitter.com/aKDqJ174Q0
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) April 18, 2023
The Warriors attempted a run, but were never able to take a lead. The Kings quelled runs with a balanced offensive attack led by De’Aaron Fox and finished with a 114-106 victory.
Warriors-Kings: Game 3 Preview
Sacramento poses issues that Golden State cannot simply solve with coaching adjustments. The guard-heavy Warriors cannot match the size of the Kings’ perimeter players. With Wiggins spending much of his time guarding Fox, the Warriors have their stable of 6’3” and under guards trying to contest against big shooters like Huerter, Harrison Barnes, and Keegan Murray. The lack of size has helped the Kings maintain a rebounding edge in both games.
Steve Kerr needs to consider starting Gary Payton II in place of Looney in Game 3. Wiggins defended Fox well, but Monk and Huerter hurt the Warriors by attacking Curry, Klay Thompson, and Jordan Poole. Increasing Payton’s minutes gives Golden State their best chance to survive on defense, and they can trust Green to guard Sabonis. This move could help the Kings bludgeon the Warriors on the boards, but there are no perfect solutions.
Curry also needs help getting loose against the Kings’ size. Having Curry hunt weaker defenders by attacking in isolation could allow him to dominate without the entire Kings roster swarm him at halfcourt.
Kings coach Mike Brown played Davion Mitchell 28 high intensity minutes, and he spent the majority of the time chasing Curry all over the court. The Warriors largely ignored him on offense, though, as he finished 2-6 on mostly wide open three pointers. One wonders if the Kings will be able to play such a non-threatening offensive player when the series moves to Chase Center.
Domantas Sabonis: “I fell and I was trying to protect myself and then obviously the incident happened. I feel like there’s no room for that in our game today.”
When I asked him if he grabbed Green’s ankle like Draymond said he did, he repeated that sentiment.
— Kendra Andrews (@kendra__andrews) April 18, 2023
