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Jeff Van Gundy says if whole, the Warriors are the worst matchup for the Kings

Apr 11, 2023, 5:00 PM

Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings goes up to shoot and gets fouled by Ivica Zubac #40 of...

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 22: Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings goes up to shoot and gets fouled by Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers during the first quarter of the game at Golden 1 Center on October 22, 2022 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

ESPN broadcaster and former NBA coach Jeff Van Gundy joined Cattles and Ramie Tuesday to talk about the matchup of round one between the Sacramento Kings and the Golden State Warriors and how the Eastern and Western Conferences can play out.

“If whole, it’s the worst matchup for the Kings in the first round because of [Stephen] Curry’s greatness and if [Andrew] Wiggins makes it back, they could be better defensively on the road than they’ve been,” Van Gundy said. “But Sacramento is a lethal offense. [Domantas] Sabonis, who was highly criticized in that trade for [Tyrese] Haliburton, has been like a [Nikola] Jokic-light and then [De’Aaron] Fox has been phenomenal and they surround them with good shooting.”

Additional topics discussed include:

  • Thoughts on the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors matchup for the first round
  • “It’s just going to be great for the Bay Area and the Sacramento Area. And it’s going to be loud and I really think it’s going to be the best environment for a first-round playoff series.”
  • Can the Warriors get over their 11-30 road record when facing the Kings at Golden 1 Center?
  • “Nothing the Warriors have done on the road this year gives you any confidence, but they have Steph Curry. So that gives me confidence no matter where they play.”
  • Are there any Eastern Conference teams not in the top three that could exceed expectations?
  • Is the Western Conference as wide open as it seems?
  • “I really think six or seven teams could win the West.”
  • What are Jeff’s NBA Finals predictions?

Click here to watch and listen to the full interview with Jeff Van Gundy.

YouTube video

Listen to Cattles & Ramie from 2 – 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, right here on Sactown Sports 1140. Subscribe to their podcast here. Thank you for reading SactownSports.com. Follow us on Twitter, and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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