Kings' Upset Win Over Warriors Boosts Young Core

Sacramento's young players shine in victory over defending champions

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:18pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball game, with overlapping planes of color and shape representing the intensity and physicality of the matchup between the Kings and Warriors.A cubist interpretation of the Kings' surprise victory over the Warriors, highlighting the raw energy and competitive spirit of the young Sacramento squad.Today in Sacramento

The Sacramento Kings, already eliminated from playoff contention, pulled off a surprising 124-118 upset win over the Golden State Warriors on Friday night. Led by their young core of Devin Carter, Daeqwon Plowden, Nique Clifford, and Maxime Raynaud, the Kings were able to take down the veteran-led Warriors squad.

Why it matters

While the Kings have struggled overall this season, this win provides a major confidence boost for their young players and showcases the team's potential for the future. Getting this level of competition against an elite team will be invaluable for the development of Sacramento's young core.

The details

The Kings came into the game as heavy underdogs, but their young players stepped up in a big way. Carter, Plowden, Clifford, and Raynaud each scored 20 or more points, leading the team to victory over a Warriors squad featuring Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Kristaps Porzingis.

  • The Kings hosted the Warriors for their final home game of the season on Friday, April 11, 2026.

The players

Devin Carter

A second-year guard for the Sacramento Kings.

Daeqwon Plowden

A second-year wing for the Sacramento Kings.

Nique Clifford

A rookie guard for the Sacramento Kings.

Maxime Raynaud

A rookie center for the Sacramento Kings.

Steph Curry

A veteran guard for the Golden State Warriors.

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What they’re saying

“The level of physicality, we always want to be the aggressor. We want to bomb first, as I say. We want to be physical and play the right way.”

— Doug Christie, Head Coach, Sacramento Kings

What’s next

With improved health and a developed young core, the Kings could be a much better team next season.

The takeaway

This win showcases the potential of Sacramento's young players and provides a major confidence boost as they look to build towards the future. The Kings' young core has stepped up despite the team's struggles, and this victory against the defending champions demonstrates their ability to compete at the highest level.