By Michael Roberson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings lost control and home-court advantage of the NBA Western Conference Quarterfinals with a 123-116 loss to the Golden State Warriors.

Sacramento got off to a 6-0 start and seemed in total control, leading by as much as 10 points the first 12 minutes of the game.

The Warriors used the second quarter to flex their muscles and flipped the 10-point deficit to an advantage of six on their behalf, leading by four at recess, 60-56.

De’ Aaron Fox led the Kings with 17 points, five rebounds and five assists, apparently not adversely affected by the broken finger. Two of his teammates also eclipsed double-figures: Center Domantis Sabonis (11) and forward Keegan Murray (10).

The Bay Area Boys had four hoopers over ten points: Forward Klay Thompson (16) , guard Stephen Curry (12), forward Andrew Wiggins (11) and forward Draymond Green (11).

The Kings opened the third quarter on a 5-0 run, temporarily taking the lead back, 61-60, but the Warriors didn’t want to relinquish their margin and earned their largest lead of nine points, 99-90 after 36 minutes.

The Warriors increased the gap to 12 points in the final stanza, and held on to a seven-point victory, 123-116, and captured the Golden1 Castle, while seizing the momentum in the Northern California Series, 3-2.

The Warriors got over their Road Futility Woes at the perfect time, and Kings’ guard De’ Aaron Fox credits their defense for the away win.

Sacramento Head Coach, Mike Brown praises the Warriors great play, but is confident the Kings will bring it in San Francisco Friday Night.

Fox led the Kings with 24 points, 9 assists and 7 assists. Domantas Sabonis contributed 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds and Malik Monk also tallied 21 points.

The Warriors had four players with at least 20 points. Curry hit 31 points and gave eight assists, Thompson (25), Green (21) and Wiggins (20).

The Kings have to go to Chase Center and wrestle back home court advantage from the defending champs, then regain control of their Kingdom in the California State Capital city on Sunday, April 30, to advance to the second round against either the Los Angeles Lakers or the Memphis Grizzlies.

The series has officially begun, because a road team won on the opposing team’s court. NBA Action is FANTASTIC!