Warriors Take Series Lead Versus Kings

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Golden State Warriors v Sacramento Kings - Game Five
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 26: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles past Kevin Huerter #9 of the Sacramento Kings during the second half of Game Five of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Golden 1 Center on April 26, 2023 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Warriors have bounced back from 0-2 down to take the series lead.

Ten days ago, the Sacramento Kings had the Golden State Warriors on the ropes. The Kings led 2-0 in their first-round playoff series and the stacked Warriors looked lost. And then Draymond Green was suspended. It was arguably a deserved suspension, given the brutal stomp he gave Domantas Sabonis. However, it changed something in the Warriors. The team admitted as much, but the results soon became clear on the court as well.

The Warriors crushed the Kings 114-97 in their Green-less Game 3. Then they managed to hold onto a late lead to take Game 4 126-125. All of a sudden, the series was tied at 2 as things headed back to Sacramento. The Kings had lost just 18 games at home while the Warriors had won just 11 games on the road during the regular season. It was the perfect opportunity for the Kings to right the ship.

Warriors Dominate Game 5 To Set Up Potential Home Clinch

Game 5 was yet another high-scoring affair. The two California teams combined for 116 points by the half. However, the Warriors never let go of the reins and took a seven-point win. Steph Curry led all scorers with 31 points, with Splash Brother Klay Thompson also putting up 25. That said, the pair were cold from three, going a combined 7-21 from beyond the arc. The Warriors also got big performances from Andrew Wiggins (20 points) and Draymond Green (21 points).

The Kings did what they could, but ultimately couldn't outshoot the Warriors. De'Aaron Fox led Sacramento with 24 points, followed by Sabonis and Malik Monk with 21 apiece. However, outside of Monk, the Kings' bench contributed just 18 points. Now having lost three in a row, the Kings need to find a solution, and fast. The Warriors have gotten better and better with each playoff game, and now resemble the team we have always expected from them. The win sends the series back to the Chase Center, which is bad news for the Kings. The Warriors lost just eight games at home during the regular season. The Chase Center is well and truly their fortress. Do you think the Warriors win at home? Or will the Kings force Game 7 back in Sacramento?

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About The Author
Ben Mock
Benjamin Mock (they/them) is a sports and culture writer working out of Philadelphia. Previously writing for the likes of Fixture, Dexerto, Fragster, and Jaxon, Ben has dedicated themselves to engaging and accessible articles about sports, esports, and internet culture. With a love for the weirder stories, you never quite know what to expect from their work.
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