Sacramento Kings Eliminate Golden State Warriors in Play-In Tournament
Revenge Sweet for Kings After Last Year's Playoff Heartbreak
Keegan Murray Shines with Game-High 32 Points in Kings' 118-94 Victory
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The Sacramento Kings exacted some postseason revenge on the Golden State Warriors on Monday night, defeating the defending champions 118-94 in the Western Conference Play-In Tournament.
The Kings, who were eliminated by the Warriors in a memorable seven-game series in the first round of last year's playoffs, got their payback in emphatic fashion. Star sophomore Keegan Murray led the way with a game-high 32 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 made three-pointers.
Murray's backcourt counterpart, Keon Ellis, has emerged as one of the league's most promising young players and contributed 26 points and 6 assists. The Kings' defense also stepped up, holding the Warriors to just 38.5% shooting from the field.
Stephen Curry, the Warriors' superstar point guard, was held to just 24 points on 8-of-23 shooting. The Warriors, who were without injured star Klay Thompson, never led in the game.
The Kings will now face the New Orleans Pelicans in the second Play-In game on Wednesday night. The winner of that game will advance to the playoffs, while the loser will see their season come to an end.
Monday night's victory was a sweet one for the Kings, who have been waiting all season to get another shot at the Warriors. After falling short last year, the Kings proved that they are a team on the rise and are ready to compete for a championship.
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