For me, knocking off the Warriors went a long way.
Had the Warriors been a barely .500 team this season and the Kings way worse than I wouldn’t care…but Kings were nearly identical record wise short a couple key players, and the Warriors were 2 games better than last season.
It really felt like a continuation from last postseason and the Kings setting it right against a team I felt they were better than last season. Ultimately both teams were eliminated just like last season. So for
me that is a strong consolation to an otherwise disappointing season.
Somehow disappointed because I think the Kings matchup well with the Thunder but they better team went on.
I had built up some optimism but deep down had no reason to think the Kings were going to win this game.
A team beats you 5 times handily in the season. Chances are they’ll beat you the 6th time.
In the NFL, I’m not really a believer of the “you don’t want to a play a team you already beat two times easily a third time”…nah, chances are you’ll beat them again.
I would say the same for a 5-0 regular season. Kings weren’t going to crack that code in less than 2 weeks after it last shown to be too much for them.
Domas and Fox played well. Barnes played himself in the game. The defensive energy was good mostly through the first half but the Kings failed to capitalize on slowing down the Pelicans early.
This was a game they needed to build a big early lead and couldn’t do it. Running theme of the season with the Pelicans. Outside of their length and shutting down the Kings offense…is the bench play. Once it went to the benches the Kings lost control of the game and never got it back.
Kings need to balance their roster and every move this offseason will need to be approached with length, speed, and athleticism in mind.
Kings also need another 20+ scoring threat. I’m not writing off Keegan for that role full time just because he stunk tonight but most guys don’t fully hit their stride until near the start of their second contract anyway..but just in case, the Kings need another guy who can create his own shot.
Also, I hope we don’t ask the Hawks to take the draft pick anyway so we have something to look forward to