By George Devine, Sr.

The Warriors showed great promise at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, including a 12-2 run in the second period, only to lose to the Kings at the end, 91-90.

At one point Golden State led by 17, and even had a 14-point advantage in the last period, but scored only 9 in that last quarter and came up a point short. The final frame was crucial, as the W’s made only 3 of 19 shots and were outgunned 21-9. David Lee was fouled with 1.2 seconds left and the Warriors were behind, 91-89. His two free throws could have put the game into overtime, but he missed the second.

Breaking down the game by quarters: at the end of the first, Golden State trailed 23-20 but at the half led 51-48. At the end of the third the Warriors’ lead was 81-70 but it was a game of endurance and Sacramento squeaked by.

Isaiah Thomas came off the bench to tally 21 points — the high for Sacramento — and excited the hometown crowd, still giddy over the retention of the Kings’ franchise. Darrell Cousins had 9. For the Warriors, Curry led the scoring with 24, Klay Thompson had 18, and Andrew Bogut had 12 in addition to 7 rebounds. Lee had 11 points. Andre Iguodala had 8 points, 6 assists, 4 boards and 3 steals.