In the dynamic Western Conference playoff race, the Warriors and Kings faced contrasting outcomes on Friday night. The injury-plagued Warriors pulled off a significant victory over the Charlotte Hornets, 115-97, with Curry leading the way. This win improved their record to 39-34 and narrowed the gap between them and the ninth-place Lakers to just 1.5 games while maintaining their one-game edge over the Rockets.
On the other hand, the Kings struggled in their matchup against the Dallas Mavericks, surrendering a 15-point lead and losing 107-103. Despite all five Sacramento starters scoring in double figures, they were unable to stop Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic down the stretch, falling to eighth place in the Western Conference standings. They now trail Phoenix by a half-game.
As a result of these games, the updated Western Conference playoff picture has seen Golden State clinging onto the final playoff spot while Sacramento occupies eighth position. The top six teams in the conference are now Timberwolves, Thunder, Nuggets, Clippers, Pelicans, and Mavericks. The Suns, Kings, Lakers, and Warriors are now relegated to playoff contention spots. While elimination is no longer an option for either team or any of those eliminated from contention (Jazz, Grizzlies
