A few weeks before Roland-Garros, we use the expression “bicycle wheel” (6-0) to evoke the situation of the Kings. Winners of the Warriors, De'Aaron Fox's partners are moving to New Orleans, and they will challenge a team that is really not working for them. As proof, this season, they have lost 5 out of 5 matches against the Pelicans, including four by 10 points or more! A 6th defeat this evening would be synonymous with elimination, and “bicycle wheel”.
“We're down to zero wins in five games against this team, and at some point you have to let it go… You just have to beat a team that beat you. And then, it's difficult to beat a team six times in a row.” reassures the All-Star leader. “You just have to play better. What happened before no longer matters. It's a one-match series. We have to win there, and deserve it.”
To read >>> The presentation of Pelicans – Kings
For Keegan Murray, executioner of the Warriors, no one thinks about this record. ” Absolutely not ! We are just focused on this match. It's a one-match series. We know that if we win this one, we pass. The matches before don’t count, and they aren’t as important as this one.”
The young Kings winger assures that he does not feel any particular pressure or apprehension at the idea of facing a team that has beaten them by 33 and 36 points this season, with more than 128 points conceded on average! “To be honest, not really” Murray responds about a possible concern. “It’s still basketball and we just want to give the maximum. My goal is to leave the field without regrets, and I want to know what happens next, whatever it is, without regrets. »
The Kings ready to play their season in one game
His teammate Davion Mitchell is a bit more vengeful. He hasn't forgotten the Pelicans' arrogance. ” We can not wait to be there. During the regular season, they kept beating us. There was some trash talking, and that's why we can't wait to play. The Warriors were one of the teams we wanted to play because of Game 7, and it's the same with this team. »
For Mike Brown, the end of the season allowed him to prepare for a decisive match. “I feel that our guys are ready… The fact that at the end of the season, we almost had to win every match allowed us to progress and have the right approach for this type of match” explains the Sacramento coach, before evoking the vengeful spirit of his young rear.
“Davion had talked about a rematch against the Warriors… If the guys feel that way, and it motivates them, that's what we have to do. Personally, I don't care if it was Golden State. I don't care if it's New Orleans. Whoever the opponent is, we must win. And whatever the motivation is to get a win, that’s fine with me.”
