And just like that, the 2022 NBA champions have been eliminated from playoffs contention.
For the Sacramento Kings, it's sweet payback from the 2023 playoff defeat.
For the Golden State Warriors, it's the end of a troubled season that saw Draymond Green slapped with a prolonged suspension and Klay Thompson contemplate on an unfamiliar role off the bench.
"We obviously understand you can't win it every year, but there is so much belief that we could make something of this season and and keep our hopes alive and trying to get a win tonight and taking them from there," Stephen Curry said after their loss.
He had a team-high 22 points, shooting three of seven triples, while making four rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks.
It wasn't enough as the ninth-ranked Kings beat the tenth-ranked Warriors in the West Play-In, 118-94.
"Sacramento played unbelievable. Tonight they played aggressive and Keegan's making shots. De'Aaron Fox is creating. It seemed like they got every 50/50 loose ball, offensive rebound, and it was a a tough way to end our year for sure, because obviously been through so much all year," Curry reflected.
"But we're going home, so definitely frustrating, frustrating and disappointing to say the least."
Coach Steve Kerr shared that after four NBA titles with the Warriors, the high wasn't going to last for long.
"It's so emotional. It's, you know, the highs and lows of this business are incredible. That's why we're all kind of addicted to it. You can't find this anywhere else in in life. I know I can't," he shared to the media after the game. "And you have to absorb the the lows. We've been really blessed here with some amazing players and you know, multiple championships and finals appearances and the highest of highs. And this is the flip side. This is life. This is how it works."
"You don't get to stay on top forever."
The loss begs the question--what would happen next to the Warriors?
The NBA's all-time three-point scoring leader assured fans he wants more.
"There's a lot more in the tank and for me personally, that's the mindset," Curry said.
It would have been fun for him if he managed to play further this week. Curry boasts, he's built for this. It would have been fun.
But the future isn't so clear-cut with Thompson, who was rendered scoreless in 31 minutes of action. He missed 10 field goals--six of them from the three-point line.
"I thought they were really physical early in the game, so his first few shots weren't great looks. And so I think he fell out of rhythm. It can happen as a shooter. You miss your first few and and the game isn't coming as as easily. And I give them credit for their defense," Kerr admitted. "I've watched him this year, really flip his season around with his approach. And I saw him enjoy the the second-half of the season and play with a little more freedom, a little more joy. And so tonight was tough to, you know, to see him struggle."
Thompson is also going into unrestricted free agency.
"I know he wanted to play better," Curry emphasized. "The spotlight is bright and you have to accept you know the highs and lows of what we do but not lose confidence in yourself. And I think Klay's been a walking model of that. It's a tough way to end the season, but I'm sure he'll be back strong."
The veteran shooter though hopes the season has instilled confidence in the Warriors' young players like Brandin Podziemski, Jonathan Kuminga, and Trayce Jackson-Davis, and how important it is to stay consistent.
The 34-year-old Draymond Green, 36-year-old Curry, and 34-year-old Thompson aren't going to be in the league forever, so the youth has to step in.
But for now, Curry and the rest of the Warriors just want to have Thompson back next season.
"Can never see myself, you know, not with those two guys," he said. "We're not going to play forever, but we've experienced so much together and at the end of the day, I know they wanna win. I know I wanna win."
