On Sunday, January 5, 2025, the Golden State Warriors suffered a tough defeat against the Sacramento Kings, who emerged victorious with a 129-99 score at the Chase Center. This game marked the Kings' fourth consecutive win since parting ways with former head coach Mike Brown. Under interim coach Doug Christie, the Kings improved their performance on the court, moving to 17-19 and climbing to 11th place in the Western Conference, all the way from the last spot just weeks prior.
The Warriors, now 18-17 and currently sitting at the 9th seed, are grappling with injuries and inconsistencies. Most significantly, the Warriors were without Jonathan Kuminga, who suffered a significant sprain to his right ankle just days before the game. Head coach Steve Kerr confirmed Kuminga's absence would last at least three weeks, which could hinder Golden State's playoff aspirations. Despite getting back star player Stephen Curry from rest, the Warriors struggled, particularly with their ball movement and defensive setups.
During the game, both teams dealt with injury issues. Sacramento was without De'Aaron Fox due to a right glute contusion, but coming together as a team, the Kings showcased their depth and skill, with Malik Monk leading the charge with 26 points. Domantas Sabonis also shined with 22 points and contributed significantly with rebounds and assists.
The Kings' shooting performance was nothing short of sensational, connecting on 51.8% of their field goals, 44.2% of their three-point attempts, and hitting 90.9% from the free-throw line. Their strong offensive output contrasted starkly with the Warriors, who managed only 45.7% shooting from the field and struggled to find effective scoring aside from Curry.
Key to the Kings' success was their increased ball movement and ability to exploit the Warriors' turnovers. Golden State coughed up 22 turnovers during the match—giving Sacramento numerous scoring opportunities—including 10 steals which led to fast-break points. Kerr made it clear how the lack of organization on offense hindered their chances: “There was no floor general for Golden State tonight. Our offense looked confused.”
Andrew Wiggins had 18 points, and Curry led the scoring for the Warriors with 26 points, but after him, they faced difficulties with consistent scoring, indicating the absence of other key contributors pushed the team toward their disarray. Warriors fans are left hoping for Kuminga's quick recovery, as recent performances indicate they will need every asset available to stay competitive.
The game also underscored the difficulty the Warriors would face without Kuminga. The young forward had stepped up considerably before his injury, averaging 26.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists over his last few games. With the team’s reliance on him, his absence highlighted what could be disastrous for the Warriors as the season wears on.
Looking at the standings, the Kings' recent surge following Brown’s firing has led to renewed optimism among their fans. They have demonstrated resilience and adaptability, especially on offense.
Overall, this matchup not only highlighted the Kings' current strong form but also cast doubt on the Warriors' prospects moving forward without one of their significantly talented players. The Kings have shown their ability to bounce back amid adversity, and it remains to be seen how the Warriors adjust to the continuous challenges they've faced. The organization may need to evaluate their strategies soon as they seem poised to fall behind within the playoff race.
With January shaping up to be a difficult month for the Warriors, their need for cohesion and productivity will be tested as they await Kuminga's return and strive to regain stability on the court.