The Golden State Warriors improved on the best start in NBA history last night, moving to 18-0 with a blowout over the Sacramento Kings. The win gives them a 3.5 game lead in the Western Conference, while the Kings fell to 6-12, the third-worst mark in the conference. Here's everyone you need to know from the game:
Notes:
Warriors forward Draymond Green become the first player in franchise history to record back-to-back triple-doubles, giving him three total on the year. He recorded 13 points, 12 assists, and 11 rebounds.
Kings center DeMarcus Cousins missed his third straight game with a strained back. Kosta Koufos recorded 14 points and seven rebounds in his place.
Stephen Curry's 19 points was his lowest output of the season, though he played less than 30 minutes. He shot 4-7 from the field, including 3-6 from three-point range.
Quotes:
"They're on a magic carpet ride right now. They're playing great. They're just playing well right now. They're moving the ball and everybody's shooting the ball. Their defense is great. You hate to be on the losing side of it, but it's impressive.'' - Kings forward Rudy Gay on the Warriors.
"I'm sure Steph doesn't like it, but the coaching staff and the training staff, we're thrilled to get him that rest.'' - Warriors interim head coach Luke Walton on Curry playing less than 30 minutes.
"He got a huge contract this summer and he came back a better player. He's playing at an All-Star level right now." - Walton on Green.
Observations:
Golden State's slow starts are behind them. After going through an 11-game stretch where Golden State was trailing in the second quarter or later, they've responded by reeling off three straight blowout wins where they didn't trail outside of the first few minutes of the game. That's showing an increased level of focus by the defending champs - a scary proposition for the rest of the NFL.
Sacramento desperately needs a third scoring option to complement Cousins and Gay. Gay played well in Cousins' absense, but they failed to get efficient production from anyone else on the roster. Rondo is a great piece, but he's not really a legitimate scoring threat. The Kings really need Ben McLemore to improve if they have any chance to turning this season around.
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