Klay Thompson Game Winner leads to Warriors victory vs Kings

Liam O'Connor

November 1st, 2023

(Warriors forward Draymond Green celebrates making a 3 pointer)

The Golden State Warriors have played against their California rivals, the Sacramento Kings, a remarkable 11 times in their last 17 games, including both regular season and preseason games.

Warriors' coach Steve Kerr remarked, "That's probably never happened in the history of the NBA."

The Warriors secured a close 102-101 victory on a Wednesday night when Klay Thompson sank a 17-footer with less than a second remaining, fending off a spirited second-half surge by the Sacramento Kings.

Moments earlier, Domantas Sabonis had briefly put the Kings ahead with a jumper, just 16 seconds before Stephen Curry's layup in the midst of a frenzied final minute. Curry scored with 33 seconds left, following a 24-second shot clock violation by Sacramento, giving the Golden State another opportunity with 38.4 seconds remaining, while trailing 99-98.

Stephen Curry, scored 21 points in the game and extended his NBA-leading total of 3-pointers to 28. Notably, the Kings were missing their top scorer, De'Aaron Fox, due to a sprained right ankle sustained in a previous game against the Lakers.

Although Curry's performance against the Kings wasn't as dominant as in their previous encounters, he had recently delivered outstanding performances against them. He had scored 41 points in a recent game in Sacramento, leading the Warriors to a 122-114 victory in a thrilling first-round playoff series, ultimately won by the Warriors in seven games. In the climactic Game 7, Curry had an astonishing 50 points.

The Warriors have maintained a seven-game winning streak at home against the Kings, who are coached by the former top assistant, Mike Brown.

Dario Saric played a crucial role on both ends of the court for the Warriors, contributing 15 points and six rebounds. He made it challenging for Domantas Sabonis, the Sacramento star, when he drove into the paint. Sabonis managed to get 23 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists.

(Stephen Curry and Kevon Looney try to stop Kings Star Forward Domantis Sabonis from scoring under the basket)

Coach Kerr praised Saric, stating, "Dario was a significant addition to our team, a player with exceptional skills. He was outstanding tonight."

During the fourth quarter, Saric made a timely 3-pointer from long range, courtesy of a well-executed pass by Chris Paul, who recorded eight assists.

Saric and Paul had previously played together as teammates in Phoenix, and their chemistry was evident on the court. Saric was prepared and focused, knowing that the ball would come from Paul, who consistently made him shine.

This grueling schedule involved playing eight games in eight different cities over a span of 13 days, a situation that Coach Kerr described as "making zero sense."

Draymond Green emphasized the significance of emerging victorious in this game before hitting the road again, acknowledging that the odds were stacked against them.

The Warriors are set to face Oklahoma City on Friday for their first game of the brand new in-season tournament.