LOS ANGELES – The Golden State Warriors clawed back in their NBA playoff series against Sacramento with a 114-97 rout of the Kings at the Chase Center in San Francisco Thurday (Friday, Manila time).
The reigning champions avoided a 3-0 hole despite the absence of star Draymond Green, who was suspended one game for stamping on Sacramento's Domantas Sabonis in Game Two.
The Warriors, who were 33-8 at home in the regular season, led wire-to-wire, pushing the advantage to as many as 23 points to cut the series deficit to 2-1.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 36 points. Center Kevon Looney pulled down 20 rebounds — including nine offensive boards — winning the battle with Sabonis.
Sabonis scored 15 points and grabbed 16 rebounds for the Kings, who were led by De'Aaron Fox's 26 points.
"Losing both games (in Sacramento) was a tough way to start," said Curry, leader of the Warriors' four-title dynasty but who had never before been down 2-0 in a series.
Curry said the Warriors were stung by Green's suspension but knew "we couldn't change the decision that we knew was wrong.
"But," he added, "if we could come out and win tonight and change the momentum of the series, that gives us an opportunity to make it about basketball."