Advertisement

Kings' Mitchell learns something new every matchup vs. Warriors' Curry

tom dierberger
·2 min read

Kings' Mitchell learns something new every matchup vs. Warriors' Curry originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Kings third-year guard Davion Mitchell is more than familiar with defending Warriors superstar Steph Curry.

Sacramento and Golden State matched up 11 times last season -- four regular-season games and the thrilling seven-game first-round playoff series. They played twice this preseason, and are just days away from another matchup Friday, the Kings' home opener at Golden 1 Center.

Mitchell is ready for yet another challenge against the nine-time NBA All-Star.

"I learn something every time," Mitchell said Sunday of guarding Curry [h/t "Deuce & Mo" podcast]. "He’s one of the greatest players to ever play basketball. He makes some tough shots."

Curry drained a few improbable shots Wednesday late in the Kings' 116-115 preseason loss to the Warriors. He knocked down the go-ahead 3-pointer with six seconds left. But his triple right before then -- a 26-footer with 37 seconds left -- might have been more impressive.

"Last preseason game he made a tough shot off the backboard," Mitchell said. "I asked him, ‘Did you mean to do that?’ And he said, ‘Would I be lying if I said I did?’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, whatever, you made it.' "

Mitchell has been on the winning side of a few battles against Curry in his career. He shadowed Curry for a good chunk of the Kings' Game 2 victory over the Warriors in April. Curry still led the Warriors with 28 points but missed 10 of 13 attempts from 3-point range.

After the game, Kings coach Mike Brown stated Mitchell couldn't have done a better job guarding Curry.

"He’s amazing, man," Mitchell said Sunday. "... Every time he plays I think he gets better and better, honestly. He don’t stop moving. He’s in shape more than anyone on the court. I learn something every time I play him."

Mitchell will get his next chance against Curry on Friday. But first, the Kings will prepare to open their season Wednesday against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center.