By Mark Haynes | OBSERVER Correspondent
The Sacramento Kings put on a show while eliminating the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the 2024 NBA Play-In tournament. The 118-94 victory set Golden 1 Center ablaze with the roars of the sold-out crowd, leaving the Warriors shocked and contemplating their future.
Keegan Murray scored 32 points and grabbed nine rebounds. After struggling against the Warriors last postseason, Murray was determined not to let it happen again this year.
“I just wanted to step up,” Murray said. “I just wanted to step up offensively and defensively.”
Murray’s defense helped hold Stephen Curry to just 22 points, and Klay Thompson finished the night without scoring.
Now, the Kings are one win from the playoffs, and they will have to beat the New Orleans Pelicans to advance. The Pelicans have defeated them five straight times this season. It will be a tough win for the Kings to obtain, but De’Aaron Fox feels optimistic.
“I’m confident in this team,” Fox said. “We know what’s on the line … it’s either put up or shut up.”
Fox scored 24 points and had six assists.
The Kings face the Pelicans in New Orleans on Friday, April 19. The winner plays the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs.