The Golden State Warriors played inspired basketball in Game 3 with their controversial forward Draymond Green out for suspension, whooping the Sacramento Kings in a one-sided affair, 114-97. With Green back on deck, can they tie the series?
Catch the game tomorrow, April 24, at 3:30 AM, Manila time.
HOME: Golden State Warriors (1-2)
Projected starting five:
- Stephen Curry
- Klay Thompson
- Andrew Wiggins
- Draymond Green
- Kevon Looney
The Warriors were not going to go down in a 0-3 hole, especially in front of their home crowd, so in what was expected by many, even with Draymond Green out, they finally returned fire in Game 3 and whooped the Kings, 114-97.
Superstar Stephen Curry led the way with 36 points that included six three-pointers, as well as a full line of six rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block. He’s averaging 31.3 points per game in the series, and should be up for another high-scoring performance.
No other Warrior had a significantly great game offensively, not even Klay Thompon as he was 5-for-15 for 13 points, but it was filled with solid efforts, especially Andrew Wiggins, who had 20 points and seven boards, and seldom-used Moses Moody, who chipped in 13 points in 16 minutes off the bench.
Kevon Looney, meanwhile, starred in the hustle department as he hauled in 20 rebounds, nine of which were on the offensive side. He was an x-factor and the Kings ought to have a better approach on the big man.
AWAY: Sacramento Kings (2-1)
Projected starting five:
- De’Aaron Fox
- Kevin Huerter
- Harrison Barnes
- Keegan Murray
- Domantas Sabonis
The Kings had momentum in Game 3, but you could probably say that they were due for a loss against the defending champs. Plus, it might’ve been impossible to match the Warriors and its fans’ energy coming off all the drama from the previous game.
All-Stars De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis did their thing, with the former going for a near triple double of 26 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists, and the latter adding 15 points, 16 boards, four dimes, and a pair of steals. However, they also combined for 10 turnovers, and were -20 and -22, respectively. We’ll see if they can be more efficient after dusting off the drama-filled Game 3.
The other thing that hurt was the shortage of production from one particular guy. While Harrison Barnes (17 pts) and Kevin Huerter (13 pts) were in their usual form, the energizer bunny from the bench, Malik Monk, was grounded, scoring just four points on 1-for-9 shooting. He needs to redeem himself tomorrow.
Speaking of “redeeming,” the Kings should hope to be on a better rebounding mode. They’ll face the same outcome if they keep watching Looney snatch rebounds.
PREDICTION:
Handicap: The Warriors (-7.5) win and cover the spread.
Over/Under: The total goes under (236.5).
