The number of players missing the first matchup of the 2025-26 NBA season between the Warriors and Sacramento Kings made the vibe feel closer to a Santa Cruz vs. Stockton G League game than two Northern California rivals battling each other Wednesday night at Golden 1 Center.

As the game progressed, though, so did the intensity. And inexperience eventually caught up to the Warriors in a 121-116 loss playing a Kings team that still featured two future Hall of Famers in their starting five.

The Kings were in the bonus with nearly nine minutes left in the third quarter, and went 14 of 18 from the free-throw line for the quarter after taking nine free throws in the first half. The Warriors in the third quarter were outscored 35-23, due in large part to having eight turnovers and being whis

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