What we learned in Warriors’ lifeless Game 6 loss to Kings originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
SAN FRANCISCO — To Game 7 we go, and the Warriors have nobody to blame but themselves.
The Kings were the better team Friday night at Chase Center and appeared to want it more as the Warriors fell 118-99 in Game 6 of this first-round NBA playoff series.
Steph Curry led the Warriors with 29 points on 9-of-21 shooting. Klay Thompson added 22 points on 8-of-20 shooting. Neither could find their usual Game 6 magic.
The Warriors were beaten in every aspect of the game. They only had 20 assists and turned the ball over 19 times, leading to 23 Kings points. The defending champions even struggled shooting free throws, missing 10 of their 35 attempts.
This was an ugly loss they’ll have to quickly forget.
Here are three takeaways from the Warriors’ Game 6 loss to the Kings.
No Energy
Blame the 5 pm PT tipoff all you want. No excuses. The Warriors and all of Dub Nation have some explaining to do.
For much of the night, the loudest the home crowd got was during the dance cam or booing Domantas Sabonis.
Aside from Moses Moody, who swiped a career-high three steals, and Donte DiVincenzo, the Warriors were busy watching the Kings outhustle them up and down the court. The numbers don’t lie, too.
The Warriors were outrebounded 53-42. The Kings had 18 offensive rebounds, seven more than the Warriors’ 11. Then there’s the second-chance points.
Sacramento scored 18, Golden State scored eight. Game over.
The Warriors’ entry passes were weak. Their focus lacked. They couldn’t find an extra gear, and they paid the price.
Help Wanted
Jordan Poole missed his first six shots. Andrew Wiggins missed his first five. Neither gave the Warriors a third scoring option they badly needed.
Poole scored a low seven points, going 2 of 11 from the field. His speed can get him to the basket every time. It can also be a detriment.
He was out of control all night and had no rhythm to his game.
Wiggins played 33 minutes and scored 13 points on 5-of-13 shooting. He missed all three of his 3-pointers and was 3 of 6 from the free-throw line. Wiggins did provide seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks, but his offense was missed.
Meanwhile, Malik Monk scored 28 points off the bench. Trey Lyles dropped 12 in reserve. Keegan Murray put up 15 points and Kevin Huerter had 12. The Kings’ secondary scorers showed up, and the Warriors’ didn’t.
Curry scored 11 points in the fourth quarter, and Thompson did not score once. Someone is going to have to step up Sunday in Sacramento.
Game 7 Change
Look no further than the Warriors’ 8-0 hole to begin Game 6. Now, what if that happens again in Game 7? The Warriors can’t afford an early letdown on the road.
Golden State will need to be locked in from the start defensively. That means Draymond Green has to be on the floor from the start.
Green coming off the bench in Game 4 and Game 5 worked wonders. Not so much this time around. Green did not bring his A-game Friday night, and was a minus-13 in plus/minus with four points and 10 assists but only four rebounds.
Nobody will be more geared up to get going than him two days from now.
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There might be spacing issues between Green and Kevon Looney. Having them on the court together essentially gives the Warriors two non-shooters. But also two winners who know what’s at stake.
Nothing is guaranteed. With a dynasty hanging in the balance, Steve Kerr might have to go with his best five as long as he can.