The Sacramento Kings showed that they have no quit in them after dismantling the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center in Game 6. The series now shifts back to Golden One Center for a mouthwatering Game 7. Will the young upstarts send the defending champions home for good?

Catch the game tomorrow, May 1st, at 3:30 AM.

HOME: Sacramento Kings (3-3)

Projected starting five:

  • De’Aaron Fox
  • Kevin Huerter
  • Matt Barnes
  • Keegan Murray
  • Domantas Sabonis

Malik Monk detonated in Game 6 for 28 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two blocks, which was more than enough to back up his Kentucky brother De’Aaron Fox who produced 26 points and 11 assists while still playing with a broken finger in his shooting hand.

Mike Brown’s decision to play more small ball and give crucial minutes to Trey Lyles and Terrence Davis paid dividends as the Warriors seemed to have no answer for it. If the Kings can continue to harass the Warriors and keep them uncomfortable, then Golden State’s hopes of repeating as champions could come to a quick end.

It’s worth noting that the Warriors have helped neutralise Domantas Sabonis for most of the series, and he only had seven points on 3 of 12 shooting, but Sabonis still grabbed 11 rebounds and dished four assists. If there’s anything we’ve learned about the Kings in their first playoff appearance since 2006, it’s that they are incapable of giving up.

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AWAY: Golden State Warriors (3-3)

Projected starting five:

  • Jordan Poole
  • Steph Curry
  • Klay Thompson
  • Andrew Wiggins
  • Kevon Looney

The Warriors were held to just 99 points in Game 6 and managed to only score six points in the final eight minutes of the fourth quarter. Everyone seemed flummoxed by the Kings. Steph Curry had 29 points but shot 9 of 21 from the field, while Klay Thompson shot 8 of 20 overall to hit the 22 points mark.

Jordan Poole made a ton of mistakes in Game 6 as well and shot 2 of 11 overall for seven points. At this point, it’s clear that someone needs to step up to help Curry. The Dubs are facing a younger team that plays a fast paced offense, and the short rest time in between games is not going to do them any favors. 

They must still be respected as the defending champions, but they are now in a position where they have to shake off a blowout loss while focusing on trying to beat a young, hungry, and confident opponent. The Kings are not afraid, so the Warriors have to dig deep into their championship experience if they want to win away from home.

PREDICTION:

Handicap: The Kings should rally behind their home crowd and cover the (-1.5) spread.

Over/Under: The total hits the over (228.5).

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