Steph Curry's Golden State Warriors crushed by Kings in NBA play-in to end an era

The Golden State Warriors have contested the NBA finals six times over the past 10 years, though their absence from this year’s tournament is significant.

Keegan Murray carved up the Warriors' defence like a knife through butter as he led the Kings with 32 points on a famous night in Sacramento.

De’Aaron Fox brought a typical touch of scoring class to proceedings with 24 points, while Domantas Sabonis, plagued by foul trouble, still dropped 16.

Having suffered a heartbreaking game seven loss last year, the Kings will surely relish their revenge.

Steve Kerr, who has built a 519-274 record during the decade of domination, led his side to five consecutive finals culminating in the 2019 loss to the Toronto Raptors.

In a bizarre new world triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Warriors looked like yesterday’s news as they stumbled to a dismal 15-50 record in a shortened season.

But there was life in the old dog yet, twice coming from behind in the 2022 NBA finals to the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy.

It probably won’t be the last time the franchise claims silverware, certainly not with Kerr in tow, but it could be the end of an era with Klay Thompson’s status to be decided.

Draymond Green, Steph Curry and Thompson have travelled the country wreaking havoc on the hardcourt, though it's clear their powers are dwindling.

The former hindered the Warriors’ progress with a pair of suspensions this campaign, while the latter shot 0-for-10 during the play-in defeat to the Kings.

Klay’s shooting troubles aside, the team struggled on both ends of the floor. Notably, they were -25 with Andrew Wiggins on the floor.

The Kings march on to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night while the basketball world awaits the Warriors' next step, with or without Klay Thompson.