Kings at Warriors
The Golden State Warriors have ended their longest losing streak in over 5 1/2 years and aim to notch a second straight triumph when they host the Sacramento Kings on Saturday. Golden State posted a 125-97 home romp over Portland on Friday to halt a four-game slide that was the squad's longest since a six-game skid in February 2013.
Small forward Kevin Durant scored 32 points and Klay Thompson added 31 in a strong effort against Portland in which the Warriors shot 56.5 percent, including a stellar 17-for-32 from 3-point range. "Sometimes when the ball goes in, it makes the ball movement look better," Golden State coach Steve Kerr told reporters. "When the ball starts going in, the guys get confident." The Kings are coming off back-to-back impressive victories over Oklahoma City and Utah to match their best 18-game start since the 2004-05 campaign. "Winning brings so much joy to this team, especially a young team, and nobody expected us to be winning," Kings guard Buddy Hield told reporters. "So we've just got to stay together, stay humble, keep working and keep watching film."
TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Sacramento), NBCS Bay Area (Golden State)
ABOUT THE KINGS (10-8): Sacramento dropped five of seven games before bouncing back with the two victories to continue its surprising start. The Kings have been playing at a fast pace that has caused some opponents to wilt late in games, but they know they have a lot of work to do in order to maintain their early success. "We've just got to stay consistent," guard Iman Shumpert told reporters. "We've got to pick an identity, and you've just got to work to build. You can't hit a skid and then change who you are. We expect up and down in a season. It's a long season. Injuries happen. A lot of different things happen. You can't let it take you off track."
ABOUT THE WARRIORS (13-7): Star point guard Stephen Curry (groin) missed his eighth straight game on Friday and also avoided injury when involved in a car accident on a rain-soaked freeway earlier in the day. Quinn Cook put on a Curry-like shooting performance by matching his career best of five 3-pointers (in eight attempts) while contributing 19 points. Cook has scored in double digits in nine of his last 11 contests, including a season-best 27 points against Brooklyn on Nov. 10.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Kings won both of their road games in the series last season after Golden State captured 19 of the previous 22 matchups on its home floor.
2. Sacramento PG De'Aaron Fox has recorded 13 assists in each of his last two games and reached double digits six times this season.
3. Golden State PF Draymond Green (toe) likely will miss his fifth straight contest.