Warriors-Kings Rivalry Takes Another Twist

BYTyler Reed3.2K Views
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Golden State Warriors v Sacramento Kings - Game Two
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 17: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors is fouled by Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings in the second half during Game Two of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Golden 1 Center on April 17, 2023 in Sacramento, California. The play was originally called an offensive foul, but was overturned upon review. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

The Warriors latest claim is only heating up the rivalry with the Kings.

The Golden State Warriors will be without Draymond Green for Game 3. In case you've been hiding under a rock, the NBA has suspended Green for stomping Kings forward Domantas Sabonis in Game 2. The news of the suspension came on Wednesday evening. Green's past history with on the court issues didn't help his case in avoiding suspension. However, now Golden State is shifting the focus to Sabonis. The team is now claiming that the Kings star is playing with no intent on safety.

According to senior ESPN writer Zach Lowe, Golden State has expressed major concern for Sabonis' play in this series. “There is some anger within the organization toward the league. There's a sense in the organization that Sabonis is shoving people on offensive rebounds and playing with his elbows out and using the ball as a weapon on offense.” Using the term weapon is for sure to get some eyes on Sabonis when Game 3 takes place. With Sabonis' latest altercation with Green, officials were bound to be watching him closely anyway.

Warriors Claim Sabonis Is Using Basketball As Weapon

The series has been a very physical one. Even JJ Redick has called out the officiating for letting the game become too physical. However, now the series has become more than just a game. If the Golden State organization is comparing a basketball to a weapon, then we could be walking down a dangerous path. However, one has to think that Sabonis will not be changing his playing style any time soon. But it does beg the question of how Game 3 will be officiated.

Don't expect Game 3 to match the physicality of the first two games in this series. Obviously, the players realize how many people will be looking for the next physical altercation. However, the Kings are just worried about putting another nail in the Golden State coffin. Do you believe the series between the Warriors and Kings will now be tightly called by the officials? If it is, which team will have the leg up in a game with a lot of whistles? Let us know your thoughts on the situation in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

About The Author
Tyler Reed is a current Sports Writer for HotNewHipHop. He started back in March of 2023 with the company. During his time Tyler has shown his expertise in all things sports. Ranging from NBA news, all the way to boxing and MMA. He has bylines with several outlets, such as Busted Coverage, where Tyler has covered the NFL, College Football, WWE and beyond. Tyler has also written for Detroit Jock City, Wildcat Blue Nation and Swarm and Sting for the FanSided Network. Tyler is a massive Detroit Lions and Cincinnati Reds fan. Being from Kentucky, he chose connections to sports franchises that he enjoyed watching as a child. Unfortunately, his professional fandoms have only brought him pain. Tyler's hobbies outside of work include exercising and binge-watching the same shows he has watched for the last decade while endlessly scrolling through social media. His favorite hip-hop artists are Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and Kentucky's own Jack Harlow.