Dream up this: The Golden 1 Center erupts in chants of “Light the Beam!” as the Sacramento Kings dismantle the Golden State Warriors, a team synonymous with NBA dominance for a decade. The final score—118-94—wasn’t just a loss for the Warriors; it felt like the closing chapter of an era. This game wasn’t just about stats; it was a symbolic shift in the Western Conference’s power dynamics. Let’s break down the numbers, the heroes, and the heartbreaks that defined this historic Play-In clash.
The Game at a Glance
| Stat | Warriors | Kings |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 94 | 118 |
| Field Goal % | 41.3% | 43.9% |
| 3-Point % | 31.3% | 46.2% |
| Rebounds | 42 | 49 |
| Turnovers | 16 | 8 |
| Key Player | Stephen Curry (22 PTS) | Keegan Murray (32 PTS) |
Data sourced from ESPN and Basketball Reference 15.
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Kings’ Dominance: A Statistical Breakdown
Keegan Murray’s Breakout Moment
Keegan Murray wasn’t just good—he was transcendent. The second-year forward dropped 32 points on 8/13 three-pointers, tying a Play-In record for most threes in a game 39. His performance was a masterclass in clutch shooting, silencing critics who questioned his playoff readiness.
Murray’s Shot Chart:
- Contested Threes: 6/9
- Catch-and-Shoot: 7/10
- Clutch Moments: 12 points in the 3rd quarter
Fox and Sabonis: The Engine of Sacramento’s Offense
- De’Aaron Fox: 24 points, 6 assists. Fox’s speed dismantled the Warriors’ defense, particularly in transition 313.
- Domantas Sabonis: 16 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists. Sabonis dominated the paint, setting screens that freed Murray for open threes 1113.
Keon Ellis: The Unsung Hero
The undrafted guard delivered 15 points, 3 steals, and 3 blocks, hounding Stephen Curry into six turnovers. His defensive rating of 89.3 was the best of the night 13.
Warriors’ Collapse: Where Did It Go Wrong?
Stephen Curry’s Lone Fight
Curry managed 22 points on 50% shooting, but the Kings’ double-teams and Ellis’s pesky defense forced him into six turnovers. Without support, Curry’s efforts felt like “pushing a boulder uphill” 113.
Klay Thompson’s Nightmare
Klay Thompson went 0/10 from the field, including 0/6 from three—the worst playoff-like performance of his career. His -25 plus/minus highlighted his defensive struggles too 113.
Bench Spark, But No Flame
- Jonathan Kuminga: 16 points, 7 rebounds. His athleticism provided glimpses of hope.
- Moses Moody: 16 points on 5/8 shooting. Yet, the bench’s 34 points couldn’t offset the starters’ woes 1113.
Tactical Takeaways: Coaching and Adjustments
Kings’ Defensive Blueprint
Sacramento blitzed Curry on pick-and-rolls, forcing the ball out of his hands. The result? Golden State’s role players shot just 28% from deep 11.
Warriors’ Turnover Troubles
Golden State’s 16 turnovers led to 22 Kings’ points. Draymond Green (3 turnovers) and Curry (6) struggled under pressure 13.
The Bigger Picture: Implications for Both Teams
Sacramento’s Rising Contention
The Kings’ win sets up a showdown with the Pelicans for the 8th seed. With Murray’s emergence and Fox’s leadership, Sacramento looks poised for long-term relevance 39.
Golden State’s Crossroads
The Warriors face existential questions:
- Klay Thompson’s Future: A free agent this summer, his playoff no-show raises doubts 3.
- Aging Core: Curry (36), Green (34), and Thompson (34) may need a youth infusion 4.
FAQs
1. Who was the MVP of the game?
Keegan Murray, with 32 points and 8 three-pointers, was unstoppable 911.
2. Did Klay Thompson score any points?
No. Thompson went 0/10, marking one of his worst performances ever 13.
3. What’s next for the Kings?
They face the Pelicans for the 8th seed and a playoff matchup against the Thunder 11.
4. How many points did Stephen Curry score?
Curry led the Warriors with 22 points but had little support 113.
5. Why did the Warriors lose?
Poor shooting (31% from three), turnovers (16), and Klay’s slump sealed their fate 13.
Final Thoughts
The Kings didn’t just win a game—they signaled a new era. For the Warriors, this loss is a wake-up call. As Sacramento’s beam lights up the sky, Golden State’s dynasty flickers. The 2024 Play-In may be remembered as the night the throne was challenged, and the challengers triumphed.
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