Warriors Use Late Run to Beat Kings, TJD Trade Looks Even Better

Stephen Curry returns from injury as Warriors rally past Sacramento

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:28am by Ben Kaplan

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An abstract expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the frenetic action of an NBA basketball game, with players' forms dissolving into vibrant brushstrokes and splatters of paint.The Warriors' late-game surge showcases the team's explosive offensive firepower as they battle for playoff positioning.San Francisco Today

The Golden State Warriors used a 9-1 closing run to beat the Sacramento Kings 110-105 on Tuesday at Chase Center. In his second game back from a 27-game absence, Stephen Curry had 17 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists. De'Anthony Melton led the Warriors with 21 points, while Brandin Podziemski added 20. The Kings were paced by Killian Hayes' 18 points.

Why it matters

The Warriors' trade of Trayce Jackson-Davis for a 2026 second-round pick is looking even better after the team signed Charles Bassey, who had an impressive 14-point, 12-rebound, 2-steal, 2-block performance against the Kings. Bassey's combination of size and athleticism is a better fit for the Warriors than Jackson-Davis. Curry's return to action is also a positive sign as the Warriors prepare for the play-in tournament.

The details

With the Warriors dealing with injuries to their center rotation, they signed Omer Yurtseven to two 10-day contracts, but he did not impress. The team then replaced Yurtseven with Charles Bassey, who immediately paid dividends with his strong performance against the Kings. Before the game, Warriors coach Steve Kerr said Curry would play around 26 minutes, which is exactly what happened. Curry struggled in the third quarter but hit a game-tying 3-pointer late. De'Anthony Melton also broke out of a recent shooting slump, scoring 21 points on 7-of-12 shooting and 4-of-6 from 3-point range.

  • On Sunday, the Warriors signed Charles Bassey to replace Omer Yurtseven.
  • Before the game, Steve Kerr said Curry would play around 26 minutes.

The players

Stephen Curry

A star point guard for the Golden State Warriors who returned from a 27-game absence in this game.

De'Anthony Melton

A guard for the Golden State Warriors who scored a team-high 21 points and broke out of a recent shooting slump.

Charles Bassey

A center signed by the Golden State Warriors who had an impressive 14-point, 12-rebound, 2-steal, 2-block performance against the Kings.

Killian Hayes

A guard for the Sacramento Kings who led his team with 18 points.

Steve Kerr

The head coach of the Golden State Warriors who said Curry would play around 26 minutes before the game.

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What’s next

The Warriors will look to build on this win when they face the Lakers on Thursday.

The takeaway

The Warriors' trade of Trayce Jackson-Davis is looking even better after the team signed Charles Bassey, who has provided a different skill set and physicality at the center position. Curry's return to action is also a positive sign as the Warriors prepare for the play-in tournament.