[Game] Sacramento Kings (3) @ Golden State Warriors (6) (WCDS Game 4, 2-1) 4/23/2023 12:30pm Pacific 3:30pm Eastern (ABC)
- Thread starter Tetsujin
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So far this series has played out exactly as expected. The defending champs came out assuming victory and got run off the court in Sacramento complete with Draymond throwing a tantrum and getting himself ejected and suspended. Then Golden State realized they needed to bring their A game and they bounced back in a must-win Game 3 at home. Game 4 was a complete draw where both teams had a shot to win. Steph blew their shot with the time-out mistake and HB's would-be game winner didn't fall through. So we're going to at least 6 games here and the winner is going to be a matter of whose offense wins the day.
As exhilarating as it is to think that we might actually have a shot at playing for a championship this year as a 3-seed with most of the West contenders looking uncharacteristically vulnerable, the reality is we're just not there yet on the defensive end. Keeping the score close enough to have the final shot to win it is how this team won 48 games and it still might win them this series. But we really shouldn't expect to win a playoff series until we find a way to be more consistent on the defensive end. The Warriors snuck in some excessive flop acting like they always do but for the most part, the officials were allowing a lot of contact to both teams and I think that works in our favor. There were some key plays where a defensive rebound or a tough contest under the basket would have helped us to get some separation and start to build a lead.
As exhilarating as it is to think that we might actually have a shot at playing for a championship this year as a 3-seed with most of the West contenders looking uncharacteristically vulnerable, the reality is we're just not there yet on the defensive end. Keeping the score close enough to have the final shot to win it is how this team won 48 games and it still might win them this series. But we really shouldn't expect to win a playoff series until we find a way to be more consistent on the defensive end. The Warriors snuck in some excessive flop acting like they always do but for the most part, the officials were allowing a lot of contact to both teams and I think that works in our favor. There were some key plays where a defensive rebound or a tough contest under the basket would have helped us to get some separation and start to build a lead.
I think our team is heading back to Sacramento knowing that they were one shot away from a 3-1 lead in the series and they'll hold down home court in Game 5 with a better all-around performance than we saw today. The Warriors acted like the result was never in doubt once the game had been decided but their MVP very nearly cost them the game because he forgot there had just been an unsuccessful challenge just over a minute of game-time earlier. I'm not seeing evidence of any kind of mental advantage from Golden State in this series. All they are is cocky. Sacramento was the better team in the regular season, has looked remarkably poised so far in the playoffs and still has the home court advantage.
I said it earlier, the ending to the game showed we're in their heads. Their team sucks away from Chase but has one of the best home court edges in the Association. We almost stole one. And now they have to go and try to steal one in Sac?
And Steph will have to play 44 minutes to keep them in the game and after Wednesday they don't get the extra day of rest.
I'd love to play the next game on only one day rest but I do think Domas is still not quite right since the stomp.
And Steph will have to play 44 minutes to keep them in the game and after Wednesday they don't get the extra day of rest.
I'd love to play the next game on only one day rest but I do think Domas is still not quite right since the stomp.
Well some thought he should after trading Hali for Domas too. And where did I say anything about trading Keegan for OG? I think if something like that did go down it would have to be under the assumption that something else would be involved to improve the team. That said, highly doubtful Keegan gets OG as the main part of a trade as is if reports of the Raptors value were true. Now for Siakam? Load up the assets and let them fly.
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Yeah, Poole's always reminded me more of Monta Ellis for some reason. Not the electric, quick twitch guy that Eliis was when he was younger but similar in the way that they're both absolutely horrible defenders who are point guard sized but not quite point guards. Poole coming after Steph is already a superstar and the Warriors have their rings just props up Poole's image while Monta got the "held Steph back/the Warriors turned into a dynasty after they moved him" label.
Neither guy is someone you probably want to build a team around but the Warriors seem like they're going to try with Poole over the next half decade anyways.
Neither guy is someone you probably want to build a team around but the Warriors seem like they're going to try with Poole over the next half decade anyways.
If there's one thing the Warriors aren't particularly known for it's actually their "killer" mentality. I mean, we literally just watched Steph poop himself and slip on the diarrhea by calling a timeout he didn't have. They rather infamous ously gave up a 3-1 lead.
They're a great team but much of their success comes via avalanche and not by grindset.
They're a great team but much of their success comes via avalanche and not by grindset.
Yes that mistake surprised me. I thought we were done at the end of the third.
My worry is more first quarter nerves. Coming out and being down 10 after 1 and blowing it.
Whatever happens. This has been a blast already. The stuff we have sat through to get here doesn't bare thinking about. Got to enjoy it.
My worry is more first quarter nerves. Coming out and being down 10 after 1 and blowing it.
Whatever happens. This has been a blast already. The stuff we have sat through to get here doesn't bare thinking about. Got to enjoy it.
The Kings desperately need game 6 Kevin Huerter from a few seasons ago to show up for at least one of the last 2-3 games. Sabonis is literally Mankind in the playoffs with the amount of chair shots and abuse he takes in the paint, it's actually insane I've never seen a guy get hammered on every play like him and not get calls.
I'am loving playoffs Mitchell much better than regular season Mitchell, this series is over in 4 without him imo (and Fox insane play obviously).
I'am loving playoffs Mitchell much better than regular season Mitchell, this series is over in 4 without him imo (and Fox insane play obviously).
Yep. Kings are only in year one of being a relevant team again. We have a young superstar, a relatively young roster around him, and the ability to build things smartly going forward (I.e. not trading everything for Rudy Gobert). Whatever happens I’m happy with this season (barring the kings laying some absolute eggs in game 5 and 6)
More than decent. He has been excellent around the rim, with amazing footwork that I watch for every game. His mid-range jumper is usually money, not as much as Fox's, but I never say "oh no" when he lets it go.
During the regular season Sabonis shot: .762 at 0-3 feet; .500 at 3-10 feet; .512 at 10-16 feet. During the playoffs, he has shot: .538, .500, 1.000 from the same distances. That is a big drop-off for shots around the rim, but exactly the same at 3-10 feet.
During the regular season Sabonis shot: .762 at 0-3 feet; .500 at 3-10 feet; .512 at 10-16 feet. During the playoffs, he has shot: .538, .500, 1.000 from the same distances. That is a big drop-off for shots around the rim, but exactly the same at 3-10 feet.
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This part is so important, you don't really know how to take that next step until your there experiencing in the PO's. This will give Monte valuable data in the off season. I am not surprised about Dawg Fox, but holy double hockey sticks, I have been really impressed with Mitchell, he is one we need to hold on too, he is def a playoff Dawg!
This part is so important, you don't really know how to take that next step until your there experiencing in the PO's. This will give Monte valuable data in the off season. I am not surprised about Dawg Fox, but holy double hockey sticks, I have been really impressed with Mitchell, he is one we need to hold on too, he is def a playoff Dawg!
Throw in Domas not playing up to his standard, Keegan only being alive for 1 of the 4 games.... It's a damn miracle we're 2-2. These are the three guys who have been to the playoffs before too and they're just not up severely underperforming for where we need them to be.
Shout-out Fox for keeping us afloat and quickly ascending to "superstar" status and major shout-out to Davion for breaking out on the biggest stage of his career vs a legend in Steph. His defense is a major reason we're in this position.
I think Brown should seriously consider starting him and start matching him minute for minute with Steph as much as possible. I don't think any defender can take a 40 minute assignment on Steph, but Davion's defense on him is about as good as we've honestly ever seen in the playoffs. Steph really did struggle in the half-court to get anything going vs Davion.
When Huerter (and HB) keep bricking shots, there's no reason to keep hitting our head against the wall. Let's put the premium defender on him all game which also allows Fox to save a little bit more of his energy for the offensive end.
When Huerter (and HB) keep bricking shots, there's no reason to keep hitting our head against the wall. Let's put the premium defender on him all game which also allows Fox to save a little bit more of his energy for the offensive end.
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