By winning 48 regular-season games and securing the No. 3 seed, the Kings soon realized they could compete with other Western Conference heavyweights.T
They anticipated learning more about themselves during their first postseason contest in 17 years. And five games into the playoff series between the Sacramento Kings and the Golden State Warriors, these teachings are pouring in.
“For us, it’s just realizing how close we are to where we want to be,” Kings forward Harrison Barnes said Thursday after practice. “Additionally, just focusing on the mental domains.
“[The Warriors] will make excellent goals. They will execute difficult plays. That is simply a component of who they are. However, look at any current player in the league. You view excellent performances. But, can we continue doing what we do if that occurs?”
Kings coach Mike Brown reflects on his team’s playoff experience.
The Kings won the first two games at Golden 1 Center in front of a playoff-hungry, sold-out crowd. They faltered in Game 3, came within a Barnes buzzer-beater of stealing Game 4, and lost Game 5 at home on Wednesday.
Brown made it obvious prior to the start of the playoffs that the Kings are not content with merely ending Sacramento’s 17-year postseason drought. Even if the season ends in Friday night’s Game 6 at Chase Center, it will be viewed as a successful first step for a team that is expected to be a title contender in the near future.
Brown stated, “We are more than capable of being a physical defensive team when we so choose.” “This is the greatest issue. In addition, the urgency is being displayed for nearly 48 minutes longer than at any point during the regular season.
“You saw some of our resiliency during the regular season in our ability to compete regardless of the score, and now to see it in this environment against a championship-caliber team is also a good sign, in my opinion.”