Domantas Sabonis Dishes on Kings’ Vehement Rivalry With Warriors

After the Sacramento Kings dropped two early games this season to the Golden State Warriors, the team has the opportunity to get back to their winning ways in Tuesday night’s final In-Season Tournament game.

As the Kings lead with a 3-0 record in their respective group, a win tonight would cement an undefeated record through the tourney, along with a first seed in the West side of the tournament bracket. A tall challenge awaits with a team like the Warriors, though, a team that’s gathered a regular season win/loss rate of a whopping 80% across the past decade.

Add the Kings’ seven-game series loss against them earlier this year, and it just adds fuel to the fire. Simply put, Sacramento is hungry for a win tonight.

All-NBA center Domantas Sabonis spoke with the media today surrounding the upcoming matchup, voicing the significance of what a victory over Golden State would mean, via Sean Cunningham of FOX40 Sports:

Domantas Sabonis looks ahead to tonight's game against the Warriors, his Kings leading their group in the In-Season Tournament, having Trey Lyles back from injury, anticipating a rowdy Sacramento crowd and Draymond Green rturning to the Warriors after suspension. pic.twitter.com/MLAS46sj5Z
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) November 28, 2023

“It’s a whole new season. Last year, they were our rivals in the playoffs, but right now, they’ve beaten us twice this season. It’s also important for us to win because of the tiebreaker, not just the In-Season Tournament. We’re looking into the future, and if we can get this win it’ll mean a lot. I feel like we just need to go out there and compete."

Sabonis was asked if this matchup was considered a rivalry considering the recent history between these two, in which Sabonis nonchalantly brushed things off as just another game:

“I mean, I think you guys in the media make it a rivalry, but for us, it’s another game. You’re going against a lot of Hall of Famers on that team so it’s always a lot of fun to do that. So, I don’t know. It’s exciting. They’re a dynasty, and you always want to play better against great teams."

While Golden State has remained as a team that has struggled to kick off their 2023-24 season, a fully healthy lineup with Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green will not be an easy task to contain. However, it seems the Kings are eager to bounce back after an early two losses to this club.

The Kings are set to take on the Warriors on Tuesday in the Golden One Center at 7 PM PT, looking to light the beam for what could be their tenth win of the year.

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