Stunningly poor show vs. Kings halts Warriors’ chance at momentum

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Stunningly poor show vs. Kings halts Warriors’ chance at momentum originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO – The stir of momentum the Warriors built by winning their last two games at home came to a quick and emphatic halt Sunday night.

With a chance to achieve their first three-game win streak in seven weeks or donate aid to their Northern California neighbors in Sacramento, the Warriors chose the latter option. There was no sign of deliberation and only faint indication of protest.

The Kings were accepting gifts shortly after tipoff at Chase Center, taking donations and running with them, scoring 11 points off eight Golden State turnovers in the first quarter. They continued to thrive off charity, sticking the Warriors with a 129-99 loss that left Stephen Curry feeling a measure of shame.

“Nobody likes to get embarrassed like that,” Curry said, “especially the way we started the first quarter.”

Golden State’s performance, given the circumstances, indicates it continues to search for the level required to be certified as worthy of being in the NBA playoffs. This was an opportunity to make substantive gains, a small but significant statement, yet the Kings brought more intensity – and were greatly subsidized by the Warriors.

“That was the game to me,” Kerr said of the 22 turnovers that gave Sacramento 34 points. “Right from the start, we were turning it over. The turnovers didn’t feel forced, either. They felt more decision based. That’s what was disappointing. Knowing that Sacramento likes to play fast and get up and down the floor, you’ve got to come in with a purpose. That purpose has to be based on connecting the game. Offensive execution, taking care of the ball and that leads to transition defense and then you can play a game.”

The Warriors missed shots at the rim – a season-long issue, to be fair. They threw errant passes, wayward lobs and, in the end, the whole game. They often looked like a squad that sort of wanted to play but was indifferent about pursuing victory.

The Warriors handed out their first gift when Trayce Jackson-Davis committed a turnover 21…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/stunningly-poor-show-vs-kings-065128014.html

Author : NBC Sports BayArea

Publish date : 2025-01-06 06:51:00

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