SACRAMENTO – Make it 28 series in a row.
Even before the Warriors won their first title of the current dynasty run, road wins in the playoffs had become a staple of their DNA. Dating back to the first round of the 2013 NBA postseason, the Warriors have won at least one game away from home in each series.
Golden State didn’t wait until Game 7 to make a statement. Instead, they put together a solid team victory to take one in Sacramento, claiming a 123-116 victory over the Kings to take a 3-2 series lead.
Of course the game wasn’t decided until the final minute. But Steph Curry’s roar sent the cowbells home early, after he hit a clutch and-one layup with 22 seconds remaining. Steph scored 10 of his 31 points in the fourth quarter, as he logged 42 minutes of action.
Look at Klay Thompson’s reaction if you wanted to know how much this one mattered to the Dubs. Klay was clutch, Steph was clutch and Draymond was clutch. Kevon Looney did the dirty work. Just like old times.
"It’s a great feeling to still be riding the train with the guys that you rode in with," Draymond said. "There’s no better feeling."
As for the decade of road playoff success? Klay wasn't even aware until a reporter told him after the game.
"I had no idea that’s a thing," Thompson said. "That’s amazing."
The Warriors have firm grasp of the series now after losing the first two games. Curry said he loves being able to make another postseason run with his guys like Thompson, Green and Looney.
"It's everything," Curry said. "Because each one of us has gone through a lot to sustain the level that we’re at. ... We’re doing something that is very unique and is something that can change at any point. For us to still be out there creating results is really dope.
Now the series will head back to San Francisco. It might not be at Oracle Arena levels of home-court advantage, but the Warriors definitely have an edge at Chase Center. Last season, the Warriors went 11-1 at home in the playoffs. They’ve won both of their home games so far this series after posting a 33-8 home record in the regular season.
Once again, the game featured some intense moments in the fourth quarter, as the Warriors entered with a 99-90 lead but the Kings closed it to within 1 point with 4:14 remaining. Playing amidst a chorus of boos and even a “F–k you, Dray-mond!’ chant that echoed around Golden 1 Center, Green reluctantly played the role as public enemy No. 1.
"Being a villain is no fun," Green said. "It’s not enjoyable. But I’m also never ducking any smoke."
Green came up with two of his four steals on back-to-back possessions in a crucial sequence that swayed the game the Warriors’ way. He also hit a fadeaway mid-range shot that had his teammates calling him Dray Nowitzki after the game.
Draymond posted a season-high 21 points (8-of-10 shooting) with seven rebounds and four assists and four steals, while Looney put together another vintage performance with 22 rebounds and four points, becoming just the third player in franchise history to record his second 20-rebound game in the same series. Andrew Wiggins also hit a clutch jumper in the final minute and dropped 20 points, while Klay added 25 and kept the Warriors afloat in the first half with his shooting. Klay also hit a huge, high-difficulty 3-pointer down the stretch.
Klay said he never gets tired of sending opposing fans to the exits early.
"It's very familiar and it never gets old," Klay said.
The series is now in the palm of the Warriors’ hands after three straight victories by the reigning champs.
"It’s a lot of fun to see everybody back, healthy," Looney said. "Everybody had big moments … Just to see everybody contribute is what our team has been about."
