When we walked into Chase Center, I felt a sort of electric charge. “There's no way we lose to the Kangz!” It was yelled out to me more than once, came out of my lips a few times, and was backed up on the court. But that was a week and a half ago.
On Friday, the Sacramento Kings waltzed onto the home court of the defending champion, Golden State Warriors and put them on notice. This could be as real as it gets. This is a weighty game today with only two possible outcomes.
Handle business and move on. Or;
Lose today, and it’s an offseason of tremendous uncertainty under the pressure of the knowledge that you just got bounced by the Kangz.
GAME DETAILS
Series is tied, 3-3
WHO: Golden State Warriors at Sacramento Kings
WHEN: Sunday, April 30th, 2023 // 12:30 ←early!!
WATCH: ABC
Adjust hard, or trust the machine?
Coach Steve Kerr has demonstrated time and time again that he is willing to adjust his strategy when it isn't working. The problem right now I'm this series is that it isn't entirely clear what exactly is going wrong.
As Daniel Hardee noted in his recap of Friday night's game, Poole is really struggling right now. 24% from deep. 33% overall shooting. And a scoring output that has shrunk from 20 points per game to a measly 13. If I'm in charge (and history will tell you that it's a good thing I am not) moving Poole to the bench and Green back into his starting role would be my first move.
But what do I know? As everyone looks for answers, Golden State’s coaching staff will also explore the “no project” answer. Adhering to the established rotations and roles is a valid option at this point and it's not necessarily a given that Kerr and his staff will tweak their rotations significantly.
One way or another, the winds of change are going to blow through this organization in the offseason. Draymond Green is due for an extension, and the NBA has revised their collective bargaining agreement in a way that is clearly targeting the Warriors’ dynasty. Whether the Warriors win today will set gears in motion - one way or another. A win is confirmation that the blueprint is still viable. Whatever else happens down the line, making out of the first round feels like the bottom level of performance measures.
If they don't? Welp. Let's see what's next and appreciate what has gotten us here.
Prediction
Win. That's all the Warriors can do. Come out with intent and close it out.
Whew. Big win! Let's party: https://dubnationhq.com/p/curry-goes-off-for-50-looney-grabs
I hate Austin Rivers, wait, I love him - only for now though:
Rivers predicts Dubs beat Kings in Game 7, go on to win Finals
https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/warriors/austin-rivers-predicts-warriors-beat-kings-game-7-go-win-nba-finals