How We Got Here

Despite finishing with the third-best record in the western conference, few thought the Kings would be able to keep pace with the Warriors in this playoff series. After all, the team had not been to the playoffs in 16 years. That, and the fact that the Warriors are an experienced, battle-tested playoff team looking to defend their crown, it didn’t look good for Sacramento coming into this first-round matchup. 

The series opener came right down to the wire. Although the Kings led by two points in the game’s final moments, the Warriors still had a chance to send the game into overtime. However, Stephen Curry missed a three-pointer at the buzzer, allowing the Kings to come away with a 126-123 win. 

De’Aaron Fox – who is making his playoff debut – scored 38 points, including 29 points in the second half. He also tallied five assists and three steals, while connecting on four of his eight attempts from distance. 

How impressive was Fox’s performance? Well, although he was one of three starters that scored in double figures, Fox outscored the remaining starting five 38-33. Malik Monk chipped in with 32 points off the bench, including a 14-for-14 effort from the charity stripe. 

The series opener is regarded as a feel-out game for both teams. But for those of us who thought that Sacramento’s win in Game 1 was an anomaly, we were shown otherwise. As was the case in the series opener, the game was tight. Fox (24 points, nine assists, five rebounds, and four steals) hit a three-pointer with the Kings leading 104-101 to push the lead to 107-101 at the 2:17 mark. Davion Mitchell hit another crucial 3-point shot for the Kings, extending the home team’s lead to 112-103 en route to a 114-106 victory and a 2-0 lead in the series. 

With their backs against the proverbial wall, the Warriors refused to go away quietly. And in Game 3, they showed their championship mettle. Despite the absence of Draymond Green – who was suspended for stepping on Domantas Sabonis in Game 2 – the Warriors emerged victorious with a 114-97 lead, cutting the deficit to 2-1. 

As expected, Curry led all scorers with 36 points, including six 3-pointers. He also tallied six rebounds, two assists, and three steals. 

While Curry’s performance was just what the doctor ordered, he did have some help. Kevon Looney hauled in 20 rebounds (11 on the offensive glass) to go along with nine dimes. Anthony Wiggins, who just recently returned to the team’s rotation, contributed 20 points seven rebounds, and three assists. Jordan Poole also turned in a solid, all-around performance, scoring 16 points to go along with five rebounds, four assists, and three steals. 

Here are my predictions for Game 4.