“What we learned as Klay’s game-winner lifts Warriors past Kings” originally appeared on
NBC Sports Bay Area
SAN FRANCISCO – In a postgame press conference, Steve Kerr referred to Wednesday night’s matchup against the Sacramento Kings as “the ultimate trap game,” considering the absence of injured star point guard De’Aaron Fox. As it turned out, Kerr’s assessment was accurate.
The game ended with Klay Thompson’s last-second jump shot, propelling the Warriors to a thrilling 102-101 victory over the Kings in front of a sold-out crowd at Chase Center.
Despite winning their fourth consecutive game, the Warriors (4-1) appeared fatigued from their recent three-game road trip. They struggled on the boards, played overly aggressive defense resulting in numerous fouls, and Steph Curry failed to display his usual shooting prowess.
Nevertheless, the Warriors showcased their tenacity and determination, proving that they were the grittier team that would do whatever it takes to secure a victory.
Curry led the Warriors with 21 points, while Thompson contributed 14 points, including the crucial game-winning shot.
Here are three key takeaways from the Warriors’ first home win of the season:
Magic Runs Out
In the previous four games, the Warriors dominated the third quarter, outscoring their opponents 142-95. However, this time, their magic seemed to fade.
During the first half of the third quarter, the Kings embarked on a 7-0 run, ultimately outscoring the Warriors 24-18 for the period. This left the Warriors trailing by five points going into the final quarter.
In the third quarter, the Warriors only shot 30 percent from the field (6 of 20). However, Dario Šarić made two crucial 3-pointers, with both plays facilitated by Chris Paul. The first brought the Warriors within one point, 72-71, while the second tied the game at 74 points apiece.
Super Dario
Šarić struggled in his previous three games, only scoring a total of 15 points on poor shooting percentages. However, in this game, he found his shooting touch.
Despite a few turnovers and defensive shortcomings, Šarić showcased his offensive skills. As a reserve, he scored a season-high 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including three 3-pointers. Additionally, his six rebounds led all bench players.
This performance highlighted the value of Šarić as a stretch big man who can contribute timely baskets for the team.
Wiggins’ Struggles
In their previous game against the Kings, Andrew Wiggins only managed to score 11 points. However, on Wednesday night, he started strong, tallying 12 points by halftime. Unfortunately, he couldn’t maintain his scoring momentum.
Wiggins failed to score again in the fourth quarter, resulting in a disappointing end to his night. Furthermore, he only grabbed two rebounds, repeating his lackluster rebounding performance from previous games.
Although there is still a long season ahead, Wiggins’ slow start presents a concern for the Warriors.
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