The Golden State Warriors continued their impressive run as they faced off against the Sacramento Kings on February 22, 2025, at the Golden 1 Center. After acquiring six-time NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline, the Warriors aimed to build upon their recent successes. Prior to facing the Kings, Golden State had won three out of four games since Butler joined the lineup, bolstered significantly by the play of star guard Stephen Curry.
During the game, the Warriors took early control, leading at halftime with 68-53 on the scoreboard. Curry, ever the maestro, contributed seven points, six assists, and two steals within his first 17 minutes on the court. With these assists, Curry achieved yet another milestone, becoming the 33rd player in NBA history to record 6,400 career assists. His performance showcased his enduring prowess as he inches closer to surpassing Reggie Theus, who holds the 32nd position with 6,453 assists.
While the team operated well, some absences were felt on the court. Golden State opted to rest forward Jonathan Kuminga, who has been nursing a sprained right ankle since January 4, marking his 23rd consecutive absence. Although the news of Kuminga's return to practice offered fans hope, he was unfortunately still sidelined for this pivotal game.
Despite Kuminga's absence, Quinten Post, the rookie center from the Netherlands, stole the spotlight. For the first time, his father attended his NBA game, which provided extra motivation for the young athlete. Post erupted with nine points on three-of-four shooting from beyond the arc during the first half, becoming instrumental off the bench. "My dad is in the building today... Great to be back after the All-Star Game and feels good," Post exalted during the breaks of the match, clearly cherishing the moment.
The game reached its final stretches, with the Warriors leading 123-100, thanks to contributions from various players including Jimmy Butler and Malik Monk. Monk exhibited impressive skill as he orchestrated plays, contributing effectively to the offensive charge. For the Kings, Zach LaVine made notable efforts, executing both assists and points to keep the game competitive.
While the Kings struggled to gain traction, they were able to execute key plays, including DeMar DeRozan’s signature step-back jumper and Keegan Murray’s attempts from beyond the line. Yet, as the clock wound down, the Warriors maintained their lead without faltering.
This performance not only signifies the Warriors’ attempts to solidify their position amid playoff contention; it also reflects their resilience after recent injury struggles. The excitement surrounding their acquisition of Butler, coupled with Curry's leadership, has reinvigorated squad dynamics, leading to promising outcomes on the court. Entering this matchup, the Warriors stood with a record of 28-27, currently seated at the 10th position within the Western Conference.
After the victory against the Kings, the Warriors prepared to face the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday, marking another opportunity for the team to build upon their newly found momentum. With the energy introduced by Butler and the efforts of up-and-coming talent like Post, the Golden State Warriors seem poised to make waves as they enter the final stretch of the season.