Kings game analyst Kayte Christensen joins the “Dubs Talk” podcast to discuss the first-round playoff series against the Warriors, and how the atmosphere will be interesting with Golden State fans at Golden 1 Center.
Unlike many of his Kings teammates, Harrison Barnes is no stranger to the NBA playoffs.
Barnes played 64 postseason games with the Warriors from 2012 to 2016, winning a championship ring in the Bay in 2015.
Nearly seven years after his most recent playoff appearance as a 24-year-old in June 2016, Barnes is a veteran leader on the up-and-coming Kings. His experience will be crucial in the Kings' first-round series against the Golden State Warriors.
"Despite having the No. 1 offense, despite all of these things they’ve accomplished throughout the year, there’s a lot of people that still don’t give [the Kings] their flowers," Kings analyst Kayte Christensen told NBC Sports Bay Area's Kerith Burke on the latest "Dubs Talk" podcast.
"Yeah, they haven’t done anything yet. They ended a drought; they’re going to the postseason. I think a lot of the mentality about this team, and through the leaders, is about silencing outside noise and going about your business.
"Harrison Barnes embodies that in a really perfect way," Christensen continued. "Warriors fans and the franchise definitely know him well from his time in Golden State. I think that trickles down throughout this team and the roster."
Coach Mike Brown said Wednesday after Kings practice that Barnes addressed the team earlier this week about the ins and outs of playoff basketball. Part of navigating that brand of high-intensity hoops is remaining cool, calm and collected in an electric atmosphere.
NBA
Golden 1 Center is, as the kids say, is going to be lit.
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"Game 1 will be exciting," Christensen told Burke. "I think a big question is going to be what is the environment in Golden 1 going to feel like? How many Kings season-ticket holders have sold their tickets to Warriors fans at a really increased price?
"It's always hard to tell if it’s a home game or an away game sometimes when the Warriors are in town, but I think the playoffs will feel very different. I’m excited for the vibe."
The Kings' first playoff game in 17 years is two days away. Is it Saturday yet?