Warriors secure victory over Kings for their first win after Steph Curry’s comeback

Warriors Secure Tight Win Against Kings

SAN FRANCISCO — To move past next week’s play-in tournament, the Warriors will need to triumph over two tougher teams than the one they faced Tuesday night.

Fortunately, they received more support than they did against the Kings before.

Even with a significant lead late in the third quarter, the Warriors managed to fend off the last-place team in the Western Conference, edging out a 110-105 victory.

Stephen Curry, returning from a 27-game absence, didn’t quite match the late-game magic that marked his comeback against the Rockets, but he still nailed a three-pointer in the latter half and assisted Brandin Podzemski’s crucial shot at the key, bringing the score to 107-104 with just under two minutes left.

Curry finished with 17 points in 25 minutes off the bench, while De’Anthony Melton had a standout performance with 21 points, contributing to a solid team effort.

Charles Bassey, in just his second game on a 10-day contract, led the boards with 12 rebounds, also scoring 14 points. Pat Spencer set a strong tone early, delivering 11 of his 14 points in the first half after stepping in for Will Richard, who got injured right before the game.

What It Means

The last matchup against the Kings saw the Warriors deliver their finest half of the season, winning 137-103 back in January, outpacing Sacramento by 30 points in the final two quarters—that was their largest margin of victory all season.

However, their struggle to finish off the Kings this time reflects significant changes within the team. They have lost key players like Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody for the season and were also missing Will Richard alongside three big men—Kristap Porzingis, Al Horford, and Quinten Post—on Tuesday.

While the game didn’t alter the standings, the Clippers could secure the 10th seed if they maintain a double-digit lead over the Mavericks.

MVP: Rick Celebrini

The Warriors’ VP of player health and performance played a crucial role in Curry’s recovery from an unexpected knee injury, allowing him to show no adverse effects in his second game back.

In fact, Curry appeared to be in even better form, skillfully maneuvering around defenders and even drawing a foul after landing in a defender’s space.

During one notable four-point play, Curry smiled while sitting on the floor, reflecting clearly his comfort on the court.

Match Result: 21 Points

In a positive sign heading into the playoffs, Melton displayed his best performance in weeks. After undergoing knee surgery in December, he has faced limits in recent games due to hip pain but scored 21 points in 29 minutes, resembling the dynamic playmaker the Warriors have missed.

Melton quickly made an impact, racking up 12 points in just the first six minutes of the second quarter, which helped establish a double-digit lead. This game marked a significant turnaround for him, as he doubled his previous career-high set just days earlier.