The NBA Playoffs have so far been in vogue. And a series between the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings that had fans terrified the moment it was set did not disappoint.
To say the Kings have come such a long way is an understatement on steroids. Considering that the last time they played after the regular season was when NBA players wore jerseys resembling a parachute, this team’s nickname “the beam team” is quite apt. Not only did they break their 16-year drought—the longest in league history—they did so in convincing fashion. A young team led by head coach Mike Brown boasted the best offense in the NBA this season to clinch a comfortable third seed in the playoffs.
After four Chiefs, the Kings returned to be greeted by the defending champions Golden State. After opening the series with a 126-123 Nailbiter win on Saturday, the Kings sealed Game 2, 114-106 to take a 2-0 lead over the Dubs.
Defense was the key
While the best offense in the league faced off with the best backcourt shooting the game had seen, the defense became the difference maker in game two. Monday night. The task was to contain De’Aaron Fox, who buried the Warriors by 38 points in Game 1.
Wiggins and the Warriors defense held Fox to 24 points, but Stephen Curry’s 28-point effort fell a bit short because of the Kings defense. Golden State’s 20 turns and Sacramento’s 14 were clear indications of the pressure these teams put on one another. The Warriors recorded six steals and two blocks, while the Kings rallied for 11 and five steals of their own.
The key to Sacramento’s victory over defense was eliminating Curry from the equation. While he was close to 30 points, Curry went 3/13 from three-point territory where he is most dangerous. Sacramento managed to get into his space to force hard shots or force him to let go of the ball. Malik Monk, on the other hand, had one of the most impressive 18-point performances, simply shooting when it mattered most.
Should warriors panic?
Nothing, are the warriors in trouble? Yes and no. While getting a zero is never comfortable, everyone knows how bad Golden State has struggled on the road this season with an 11-30 away record. However, they are between the ages of 33 and 8 at home. Admittedly, you can’t discount Carrie and company.
This Warriors team is in uncharted territory, as the last time Golden State trailed 0-2 in a playoff series was in 2007. The Warriors “we believe” lost that series to the Utah Jazz in five games.
No matter what happens, Sacramento has already proven that they are not placeholders. Although at some points during Match 2 it looked like the pressure got the best of them, they were able to bounce back in a very physical and competitive tug of war. They’ve shown that they’re more than just their crushing offense – they can also shut down defense. Unlike the opposition, they have no problem playing as a visitor (25-16), and a 3-0 lead would put the reigning champions on life support.
The series has shown us that these two sides are neck and neck with their offense and defense. In the end, the win will belong to whoever gets sick of the chip on their shoulders. It could all end on Sunday, or it could turn into seven games. Either way, eyes are locked on these Northern California neighbors.