Kings crush Warriors as Trojans watch

The Golden State Warriors lost by an extensive 30 points on Jan. 5. The Sacramento Kings took the game by 129-99. 

The game was the second of a back-to-back game played over the weekend, with the Warriors winning the first game on Jan. 4 against the Memphis Grizzlies, scoring 121-113. 

Starter player Jonathan Kuminga was injured during the first game, spraining his right ankle. Entering the second game, the Warriors were optimistic with gaining some momentum. However, with Kuminga out, it negatively impacted the game against the Kings, both defensively and offensively. 

“He was playing at a high level before the injury; it’s unfortunate. I don’t know how long he will be out but we obviously miss his force,” teammate Steph Curry said. “He’s been really showing that he’s been able to see the defense better as of late and make them pay for how they want to guard him and us.”

The Kings were also looking for a momentum switch after a disappointing start to their season. They replaced head coach Mike Brown with former longtime Sacramento Kings player Doug Christie, and were on a three game winning streak up to their match-up with the Warriors. 

Additionally, Kings star De’Aaron Fox was out with a right glute contusion, leaving other players to step up. 

Throughout the game, the Kings stopped any Warriors momentum and Golden State never led in the game. 

With 22 turnovers from the Warriors, the Kings earned 34 points, which was especially damaging. 

“That was the game to me. Right from the start, we were turning it over; the turnovers didn’t feel forced either,” Coach Steve Kerr commented. “They felt more decision based and that’s what was disappointing.”

With such an unfortunate loss, the Warriors are hoping to improve their gameplay and do better in future games. 

“Just a sense of purpose to each possession of each game requires something game plan wise that you have to focus on,” Kerr said when asked what needs to be improved. “We lost that tonight and we’re going to do a better job.”

This season the Warriors have been a .500 winning team, with a win-loss record of 19-19. This season’s record asks the questions: How many years does Curry have left? What trades will the Warriors have to make in order to be competitive in Curry’s later years? 

CVHS Madrigals performed the national anthem before the game, and four Olympian reporters attended to document the event.