The Golden State Warriors suffered a disappointing 118-94 loss in their Play-In game against the Sacramento Kings. Despite having the legendary Steph Curry on their side, the Dubs were not able to contain the Kings, who played without the potential Sixth Man of the Year Malik Monk. The Kings dominated right from the tip-off and put on a show to set up a game against the New Orleans Pelicans on April 19.
Steph Curry scored 22 points, but he failed to get any support from his Splash Brother, Klay Thompson. The four-time NBA champion went scoreless in 31:36 minutes of action. Although Draymond Green had 12 points and 6 assists, the Warriors looked miles off their best.
The 2023-24 season has been a disappointing one for the Dubs. They traded Jordan Poole to bring in an experienced Chris Paul, but that did not seem to work out well. CP3 was moved to the bench after a few games, but even after that Steve Kerr’s team failed to be on the same page throughout the season.
Is it time to officially split the Big 3 of the Warriors?
The Warriors Big 3 consisting of Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson have won four NBA championships together. They have been terrific and produced a playing style different from the other teams in the NBA. Steph is certainly the star, but the Warriors would not have won the championships without the presence of Green and Thompson.
However, after over a decade of brilliance, it looks like the Big 3 has run its course and it is time for a change. Having finished the 2023-24 season with a 46-36 record, the Dubs had a lot going on within the team. Draymond Green was seen choke holding opponents on the court, while Klay expressed his disappointment to being given limited playing time in the clutch.
Amidst all of this, Curry was playing great basketball and carrying the hopes of the franchise. However, the 36-year-old needs some help and the recent turn of events will force the management to think if he will get that anymore from Green and Thompson. Draymond signed a four-year $100 million deal before the start of the season, but Klay still hasn’t signed the contract and is entering the final year of his current deal.
Expect a lot of changes on the Warriors roster
After the crushing defeat to the Sacramento Kings, coach Steve Kerr opined that the Warriors need Klay Thompson back on the roster. They certainly have a chance of bringing him back by offering him a new contract, but only time will tell if that happens. An array of young talent showed up this season for the Warriors. Rookies Bradon Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis have been splendid and could see their roles increased next season.
Chris Paul is one of the best veterans the Dubs could ask for, but it is going to be difficult for the franchise to keep him beyond this season. Jonathan Kuminga took a leap with the Warriors and this will give him some leverage in the new contract talks with the Dubs. If the Warriors are to fight for a championship, they will have to make some big moves as the Western Conference has become increasingly competitive. The franchise has a lot of young stars and they could use them to bring in an All-Star calibre player in the offseason. Steph has a lot of basketball left in his tank, but if he is to deliver another title, the four-time champion will need some more backing from the franchise.
