Warriors Dominated by Malik Monk and the Kings in a 129-99 Blowout
The Golden State Warriors were no match for the Sacramento Kings in a 129-99 blowout loss on January 5, 2025. Even with star player Steph Curry back in action after missing a game, the Warriors could not find any rhythm, falling behind early and never recovering. The Kings, playing without their own star, De'Aaron Fox, displayed an impressive performance led by Malik Monk, who dropped 26 points and dished out 12 assists, alongside Domantas Sabonis' double-double (22 points and 13 rebounds).
The game started poorly for Golden State as Sacramento took a commanding 7-0 lead. The Warriors struggled to get going, with Curry not scoring until nearly halfway through the first quarter. During this time, the Kings exploded offensively, taking advantage of Golden State's careless play. The Warriors committed eight turnovers in the first quarter alone, a staggering number that set the tone for the entire game. By the time the first quarter ended, the Warriors trailed by 15 points, 36-21.
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In the second quarter, Golden State tried to fight back, going on a brief run to cut the deficit to four points. But Sacramento responded with an 11-0 run, quickly reminding the Warriors of their strength. While the Warriors showed flashes of offense, their defense could not keep up, allowing the Kings to extend their lead to 75-51 by halftime.
Things only got worse in the second half. Golden State struggled to stop the Kings, who were on fire, and could never put together a meaningful run. With the game well out of reach by the fourth quarter, head coach Steve Kerr sent out his bench players, including Gui Santos and Pat Spencer, to finish the game. Sacramento took full advantage of the situation, cruising to a 129-99 victory.
Malik Monk's 26-point performance was the highlight of the game. He was on fire from the field, making crucial shots, and his 12 assists helped guide Sacramento's offense. Alongside him, Domantas Sabonis was a force on both ends of the court, controlling the paint and contributing with his own solid scoring and rebounding efforts. For the Warriors, Curry led the team with 26 points, but his effort wasn't enough to overcome the team's defensive lapses and turnovers. Curry also had four turnovers and no assists, highlighting his own struggles in an overall dismal performance for the team.
Golden State was plagued by 22 turnovers, which the Kings converted into 34 points, further deepening the Warriors' woes. Andrew Wiggins added 18 points, but it was clear that Golden State had no answer for the Kings' balanced and efficient play. The loss marked the end of any hope for a third straight win for the Warriors, who now stand at 18-17 on the season.
Next up, the Warriors will need to regroup quickly, as they face the Miami Heat on Tuesday. They must win that game to salvage their home stand before heading out on a tough road trip. Meanwhile, the Kings, having secured their fourth consecutive win, continue to show promise as they push for a stronger season finish.
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