Trey Lyles emphasizes next man up approach for Kings vs. Warriors

Apr 15, 2024, 2:24 PM

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 28: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors goes for a rebound against Keegan Murray #13 and Trey Lyles #41 of the Sacramento Kings during Game Six of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Chase Center on April 28, 2023 in San Francisco, 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

BY FRANKIE CARTOSCELLI

Sacramento Kings Beat Writer

The Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors will clash in a win-or-go-home NBA Play-In game on Tuesday night at Golden 1 Center in the latest chapter in this growing Northern California rivalry.

Just under one year ago, the Kings experienced a heart-wrenching end to their remarkable 2022-23 season at the hands of Stephen Curry and the Warriors, who completed a Game 7 win on Sacramento’s home floor. Now, the Kings stand on the precipice of a thrilling opportunity for redemption against their Pacific Division foe.

Sacramento and Golden State aren’t strangers to one another, as the two teams will meet for the fifth time this season, with both teams having claimed two wins in the head-to-head series.

Following Monday’s practice, Kings forward Trey Lyles spoke to the media about the upcoming Play-In game–and the veteran could only laugh when asked what his thoughts were on facing the Warriors in another eliminator game:

“Typical. Of course,” Lyles said with a laugh. “It’s all good. We know the challenge ahead of us. We just have to go out there and play.”

Lyles’ importance in Sacramento’s second unit has been magnified in light of the team’s recent injury bug, with starting guard Kevin Huerter (shoulder surgery) and Malik Monk (MCL sprain) ruled out of Tuesday’s game.

With Lyles, the emergence of undrafted guard Keon Ellis, and the improved offense out of defensive-minded guard Davion Mitchell, the Kings have benefited from getting productive minutes out of three players that were either on the bench or out of the rotation for much of this season.

For a single-game elimination scenario, Lyles emphasized the importance of the team’s “next man up” mentality, a phrase that head coach Mike Brown uses often when addressing the media.

“Any team can have a good night. We’ve been playing well with the guys that we’ve had,” Lyles said. “Next man up mentality. Just have to continue to go out there and and be confident in one another, be confident as a team, and and guys will step up and make shots, do things that we’re supposed to do, no matter the outcome.”

Lyles and the Kings will hope to avenge last April’s tough Game 7 loss when the two teams meet in Sacramento, where an electric atmosphere inside of Golden 1 Center awaits.

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The stage is set for a Kings vs. Warriors rematch.

Sacramento will get a chance at redemption on Tuesday night when it faces Golden State in another win-or-go-home showdown. The ninth-seed Kings will look to send the tenth-seed Warriors home when the two teams meet at Golden 1 Center.

Not even one year ago, Stephen Curry’s 50-point performance eliminated Sacramento in Game 7 of the NBA Playoffs’ opening round, which also took place on the Kings’ home floor.

Sacramento and Golden State split the regular season series 2-2 this season, with both teams winning one game at home and on the road.

Be sure to tune in right here on Sactown Sports 1140 for all of your Kings vs. Warriors coverage, beginning at 5:30 PM PST on Game Night before a 7:00 PM PST tip-off from Golden 1 Center.

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