Western Conference Playoffs Recaps, April 15: De’Aaron Fox, Malik Monk Shined In Playoff Debuts To Lead Sacramento Kings Past Golden State Warriors

De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk combined for 70 points to lead the Sacramento Kings to a victory against the Golden State Warriors

The Sacramento Kings didn’t let their fans down in their first playoff game in 17 years.

De’Aaron Fox adjusted to the playoffs quickly, scoring 38 points to lead the Kings to a 126-123 victory against the Golden State Warriors. He scored 29 of them in the second half.

“Sacramento showed out tonight,” Fox said. “But doing this for the fans, just knowing the way that they support this team through thick and thin — really thin. It’s just a testament to the way they are."

It took Fox six years to make his playoff debut, but he wasn't intimidated by facing the defending champion Warriors. He is second to only Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic for most points in first playoff game. 

“You need guys like that on your side because they know everything that we’re throwing at them," coach Mike Brown said. "There’s no secrets. You have to have guys on your team that can go make plays and Foxy went and made plays tonight.”

Malik Monk recorded 32 points off the bench but Domantas Sabonis struggled. He had just 12 points while recording 16 rebounds.

Stephen Curry’s 30 points led the Warriors while Klay Thompson had 21. After missing 25 games due to personal reasons, Andrew Wiggins scored 17 points off the bench.

Cory Nelson is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson. You can also check out his personal blog HERE.