On the weekend, fans of the Kings had already gathered early outside Golden 1 Center, lining up at the entrances waiting to get in.
"Last year, we were blown out on this court. But this year is different."
In the visitors' locker room, Kerr stood upright and spoke firmly.
"This year, the Kings have lost key rotation players, and we've added George. This is our best chance to win the championship!"
As he spoke, Kerr swept his gaze across everyone seated in the locker room.
"Four years ago, we set out from Oracle Arena and began our title run—Crabapple… ah, no. We cruised to the championship! But what happened after that? LeBron's comeback. The rise of the Kings. It was like we were forgotten, like nobody cared about us anymore.
"But we know better! This year, we have only one goal—championship! They boast about building a dynasty? I won't allow it! We'll use this series to drag them off their throne!"
Sensing the passion in Kerr's words, the Warriors players all rose to their feet in response.
"Even though the road's been bumpy, we finally made it back,"
Thompson said as he adjusted his sneakers, glancing at the locker room full of fired-up teammates.
"A whole year,"
Curry said, looking over at his partner.
"This year, I won't let the chance slip through my fingers again."
"Yeah!"
Thompson nodded hard. "Let's settle last year's regrets this season."
For some reason, Curry had a lingering feeling: if he couldn't get past the Kings this year, he might never get past them again.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the 2017–2018 Western Conference Finals!"
As the arena DJ finished the announcement, thunderous cheers erupted throughout Golden 1 Center.
"It's that time again."
Gay said casually while standing in the players' tunnel. "Ready to see our old friends?"
"I've been ready for a while!"
Butler grinned as he followed behind, his tone casual and irreverent. "This year's Warriors aren't easy to deal with. Everyone stay sharp—don't screw it up!"
The Kings rolled out their usual starting lineup.
The Warriors countered with Curry, Thompson, Green, George, and Andre Iguodala.
"Starting with small ball right away."
Watching the Warriors players jog onto the court, Coach Malone chuckled with a hint of amusement.
"So Kerr still won't let go of his small-ball lineup."
Monty, standing beside him, smiled faintly as he spoke.
"No choice. Small ball is Kerr's foundation. Once he abandons it, he becomes a toothless tiger."
In truth, Kerr wasn't unaware that since Jokić's rise, his once-proud small-ball system had begun to decline.
The Kings, with a high-post playmaker, were a natural counter to his lineup.
But Kerr had no solution. Green, the Warriors' second offensive initiator, was a franchise stalwart, and there was no viable replacement for him.
Under these circumstances, Kerr could only charge forward down the same path. Letting Gasol go in the offseason and reinforcing the roster with George was his final move.
Only with this lineup—completely abandoning interior size and fully exposing their weakness—could the Warriors trade everything for maximum spacing.
The game tipped off, and the Kings struck first.
Richardson brought the ball past half court. Using Jokić's high screen, he slid laterally and made a convincing move as if to shoot a three.
In theory, as a young player who had just finished his rookie contract, Richardson's three-point shot was still a work in progress.
Offensively, he had long been considered a weaker point for the Kings.
But with nerves stretched tight, the Warriors didn't dare give him any space.
Green, trailing Jokić, immediately fought around the screen to contest Richardson's shot.
But Richardson never intended to shoot. Seeing Green drawn toward him, he instantly kicked the ball to Jokić near the 45-degree angle.
At that moment, Jokić's defender had switched to Curry.
The instant the pass left Richardson's hands, Butler—who had been setting up a decoy cut nearby—suddenly spun around and set a back screen for Richardson off the ball.
The sudden screen completely disrupted the Warriors' defensive setup.
Richardson burst through the space Butler created, cutting in a sharp V toward the rim.
On the perimeter, Jokić immediately lofted the ball high into the air. Richardson caught it in stride and finished the alley-oop with ease.
Effortless.
That was the clearest impression the Kings' offense gave on that possession.
From initiating the set to scoring, they needed just two screens.
"The Kings' tactical execution is simply beautiful to watch!"
Mike Breen couldn't help praising from the broadcast booth.
As a well-known domestic commentator, Mike Breen never hid his personal leanings. In this broadcast, whenever he found an opening, he was more than happy to shower the Kings with praise.
"Mike Breen, could you explain why the Kings' offense is flowing so smoothly?"
Jeff Van Gundy chimed in at just the right moment from the other side.
"Of course."
Mike Breen nodded and continued.
"The issue lies with the Warriors' defensive strategy. Because of Jokić's perimeter scoring ability, Green is forced to step out and help. From the Warriors' setup today, it's clear their defensive priority is still to limit the Kings' outside shooting."
"But every gain comes with a loss. By strengthening their perimeter defense, the Warriors inevitably leave the interior more exposed. The Kings—and Jokić in particular—have keenly identified this, which is why they keep attacking the paint."
As Mike Breen was speaking, the Warriors were once again punished inside by the Kings.
"We can't hold them!"
George said in frustration.
"I can't even sag off to help. The moment I take one step inside, they're wide open for three!"
"Don't rush it,"
Curry said, trying to calm him down.
"Let them attack inside. We absolutely can't let the Kings get hot from the perimeter! Otherwise, it'll be even harder to play."
As he spoke, Curry took the pass and began orchestrating the offense himself.
After weaving through a double screen set by Green and Andre Iguodala, Curry finally carved out a sliver of space and buried the three.
Watching the Warriors' response, Malone remained calm in his seat.
"I'm not afraid of you playing well," he said quietly. "I'm afraid of you not playing at all."