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Philippines, 04 May 2024 |
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Steph Curry paints 50-point masterpiece as Dubs K.O. Kings in Sacramento, 120-100 By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT PhilBoxing.com Mon, 01 May 2023  San Leandro, California The Warriors have proven, once again, why they are the reigning and defending 2021-22 NBA champions, on Sunday. Against a loaded team in (perhaps) the loudest, rowdiest NBA arena rife with numerous cowbells, the Warriors repulsed the surging Kings, 120-100, to bolster their quest in retaining their crown. Thanks to another brilliant performance by Steph Curry, who dropped 50-points from all angles (20-of-38 FG, 7-of-18 3-PT, 8 rebounds, 6 assists), the Warriors responded with an all-around effort that put an end to the Kings’ first playoff appearance in 17 years. Interestingly, Curry’s offensive deluge is most in NBA history in a Game 7, eclipsing former teammate Kevin Durant’s 48 for the Nets against Milwaukee back in 2021. Said Klay Thompson of his Splash Brother, “I’ll always remember this as the Stephen Curry game. Added Draymond Green, “There’s not many defenses in the world that can guard him.” Golden State could have ended the series in Game 6 at home where they seemed invincible (33-and-8), but the Kings had aspirations and evened the series 3-3 in a rout. In a dramatic turnaround, the Warriors bounced back today and posted one of their best road games despite having their worst road record (11-and-30). As a result, the Dubs definitely saved their season that was filled with doubt, asynchrony, trials and tribulations. They also built enough momentum for their date with the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Semifinals set for Tuesday at Chase Center. 
Collectively, the Warriors made 43-of-100 buckets (43% FG), sank 15-of-46 treys (32.6% 3-PT), controlled both boards grabbing more rebounds (55 to 49)— mainly because of Kevon Looney who posted with 21 rebounds, his third game with 20+ grabs in the series. The Dubs controlled the paint and scored more near the rim (42 to 36 points), burgled more (4 to 3 in steals), had more blocks (6 to 5), and led by as much as 24 points. The usually hot Klay Thompson, the reliable Andrew Wiggins, and streaky Jordan Poole summed up an uncharacteristic 12-of-44 total shots, posting 16,17, and 8 points, respectively. Off the bench, Draymond Green (8 points) and Kevin Looney (11 points) got some defensive help from Gary Payton II, Donte DiVincenzo, Moses Moody all chipped in 10 points and altogether helped contain the Kings to 37.5% field goal shooting and 25.5% treys. By contrast, the upstart Kings shot 36-of-96 from the field (37.5 FG), sniped a paltry 12-of-47 beyond the arc (25.5% 3-PT), and led by as much as 5 points. Domantas Sabonis led the Kings with 22 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. Playing with a fractured index finger on his shooting hand sustained in Game 4, De’Aaron Fox was limited to 16 points on just 5-of-19 shooting. The Kings seemed to have the Warriors under control in the first half and led by 2 points before halftime, but a desperate Warriors team exploded in the third-quarter and held on in the fourth to end Sacramento’s playoff run. It was a clean contest, with both teams committing equal amounts of fouls (23-all) with zero technical and flagrant infractions, as compared to the previous six games marred by physical and verbal altercations. What was a bit puzzling was both sides were horrible in the foul line— the Warriors converting only 19-of-30 (63.3%) and the Kings 16-of-27 (59.3%) free throws…the Kings were the only ones who scored on the fastbreak with 2 points. In retrospect, the Kings had a spectacular season despite the heartbreaking loss, and with the inaugural ‘Clutch Player of the Year” De’Aaron Fox and “Coach of the Year” Mike Brown, the future looks bright for Sacramento. Before today’s deciding game, I texted my good friend and fellow PhilBoxing.com NBA scribe Tom Macasaet who responded in kind, “Similar to 5-set Grand Slam tennis matches, the first sets are skill-based. The last two are experience-based, with the final set based on "heart". It comes down to who truly wants it more. That's what separates the elite from the rest. The Dubs have the heart and the will to grab that win— to dig deep and find that extra gear towards the finish line. What Sacramento lacks, what with all their talent and skill, is the heart of a champion… The Dubs will come out and show the world how they became the greatest Champs of the modern NBA— and why their game changed THE game.” Note of Appreciation: The collage photos, statistics and quotes in this article are courtesy of the NBA, Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors and brought to you by PhilBoxing.com. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Emmanuel Rivera, RRT.  |
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