The Sacramento Kings may be the playoff newcomers this season, but they sure aren’t playing like newbies. Last night, the Kings won their second straight game against the defending champions, Golden State Warriors, 114-106.
Outside of the Draymond Green drama – when he was ejected for stomping on Domantas Sabonis’ chest – the Game 02 matchup was exciting to watch. Despite a rough start to the game, shooting 0-for-11 from 3-point range, the Kings didn’t back down. De’Aaron Fox would eventually drain the first 3-pointer to close out the first quarter, which would also set the tone for the rest of the game.
By the second quarter, coach Mike Brown had already gone 10 deep in his line-up, trying to find the perfect combination. Monk would finally spark a run, knocking down three 3-pointers in under two minutes; putting the Kings on a 13-4 run to open the quarter. From there, the Kings would outscore the Warriors, 23-8, in just the first five minutes, alone. Trying not to fall behind too far at the half, Steph Curry tied the game with a 3-pointer – of course – but the Kings would earn some points at the free throw line, for a six-point lead at the half.
As the fourth quarter rolled in, the Kings were up 83-75, but the Warriors cut the lead to four right before Green got ejected. Klay Thompson would knock down a 3-pointer to get within just one point, but the Kings quickly responded and went on an 8-2 run – eventually sealing the game.
