Is that a foul? The announcers think it’s a foul, but they aren’t calling it. Are the Kings physically imposing their will against the Warriors? Yes, they are. The Sacramento Kings turned in their best defensive display I can remember (I’m 25). There have never been so many Kings flying to the ball or flying on the floor. The Kings soared for 15 offensive rebounds. That was supposed to be the Warriors thing that helped them beat the wide-eyed Kings in their first-round playoff series last year. This culminated in a 118-94 win against the Golden State Warriors, which will set up a matchup for the eighth seed with the New Orleans Pelicans. The Sacramento Kings are 0-5 against the Pelicans this season.
Keegan Murray
Finally! This is what Kings fans have wanted from Keegan Murray all season. A fan favorite, but in his second season Kings fans wanted a more aggressive Murray. He started on a heater with 14 points in the first quarter. He looked confident, and like he belonged in this moment. After a missed wide-open three, Domantas Sabonis could be seen telling him to keep shooting. The Kings have made a concerted effort all season to boost Keegan’s offensive confidence. Murray ended with 20 shots and 32 points.
On defense, well, there has been no need to boost Keegan’s confidence. He has been the Kings’ best, most consistent, and at some points, only defender this season. He guarded Curry, Thompson, and Kuminga. Like many other Kings players, his constant ball pressure was the key to setting the physical tone on defense.
Keon al-gaib
Is he a part of the prophecy? The one who shall lead his people to the promised land? Dune references aside, undrafted second-year guard Keon Ellis was inspiring last night. He played in the biggest game of his career and was the Kings’ best player. He along with Murray held Steph Curry 22 points, only 16 field goal attempts, and six turnovers. His six stocks (steals plus blocks) were a team-high. His relentless energy was infectious among his teammates and he stayed out of foul trouble despite guarding Curry the whole game.
On offense, Ellis has come a long way since being left wide open at the start of the season. Ellis made three of four three-pointers, had 15 points, and added five assists. He seemed to play with the control that is usually associated with injured (should be) sixth man of the year Malik Monk. Monk is out with a knee injury. Ellis has stepped up in his absence. Without starting guard Kevin Huerter as well, the Kings have improved on defense, yet without those two, their offense doesn’t have many options.
The End For the Warriors
The graphics TNT ran of the Warriors’ run included four championships and six championship appearances. Klay Thompson is a free agent this offseason and many suspect he could leave for the right price. The Warriors did a great job drafting last year snagging two rotation players in Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis. Along with Jonathan Kuminga who emerged this season, the Warriors have something to work with. Oh, the problem you ask? Well, that’s the age of their core players. Curry is 36, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson are 34. The Warriors still have all their first-round picks so the potential of an all-in type trade for an angry superstar is possible. Old teams don’t win championships without a young emerging star, i.e. the 2014 San Antonio Spurs.
I mentioned an all-in trade for the Warriors, and I have a possible candidate. Donovan Mitchell, come on down. He hasn’t necessarily committed to the Cavs beyond next season and that team is at a crossroads anyway with emerging talent Darius Garland and Evan Mobley. Could a package of a couple first first-round picks and one or two of those young players I mentioned earlier work? Yes, it could; Mitchell only has one year left on his contract, so the price won’t be too high. It would seem like a great place to resign as well, being able to continue the Warriors dynasty and live in the Bay Area sounds appealing to me. This would mean losing Klay most likely, but easier to stomach with Mitchell coming in.
The Fans
A quick shoutout to Sacramento Kings fans. Like usual in these big games, they showed up and showed out. At a point in the game, the ref called a reach-in foul on the Warriors, Keegan Murray continued to drive to the basket and the ref on the baseline blew his whistle for a foul as Kevon Looney jumped to contest Murray. Three individuals, Murray, Looney, and the ref baseline didn’t hear the whistle. The building was that loud. In between the third and fourth periods, the TNT broadcast had to use an audio track to facilitate a Mike Brown coach interview. All you could hear was reporter Chris Haynes and Kings head coach Mike Brown. Again, the building was that loud.
Kings Versus the Pelicans
The Sacramento Kings have lost to the Pelicans five times this season. Five! That’s a peculiar number, considering that most teams play at most four times a season. However, due to the In-Season Tournament, the Kings played the Pelicans in the quarter-finals, which also counted as a regular season game. In those five games, the Pelicans never failed to score less than 117 points. They beat the Kings by 33 and 36 points. These Kings will face an uphill battle, on the road, with a chance to play the top-seeded Thunder.
The Kings will need to get a similar game from Ellis and Murray, along with De’Aaron Fox and Sabonis dominating as usual. The Pelicans will be without star Zion Williamson who left their play-in game against the Lakers in the fourth quarter.
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Featured Image: Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Image
