Watch: Golden State Warriors' Donte DiVincenzo hits an insane buzzer-beater to end the first quarter
The Golden State Warriors had a rip-roaring start to Game 3 of their first-round series against the Sacramento Kings at Chase Center. In front of a loud home crowd, Donte DiVincenzo punctuated the team's superb first 12 minutes with a sensational buzzer-beater.
Donte didn't have to do 'em like that 😱😱😱 https://t.co/JW3xbYBJN3
DiVincenzo received the ball with seven seconds left in the quarter. He took his time dribbling past Trey Lyles before going into the lane and finishing over Alex Len.
After the shooting guard's silky smooth floater, the Bay Area team took a 29-20 lead into the second frame.
DiVincenzo, who was acquired by the Golden State Warriors in the offseason, has played a big role for the defending champions. He's played 72 games, starting in 36, and averaged 9.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.3 steals.
Donte DiVincenzo's 43.5% shooting, including 39.7% from behind the arc, has been invaluable. Coach Steve Kerr has also transformed the shooting guard into a defensive menace, which helped the team cope without Andrew Wiggins for most of the season.
The Golden State Warriors have often asked him to guard the opposing team's best perimeter player. While DiVincenzo is not superbly athletic and long, he's energetic and driven.
In the series against the Sacramento Kings, "The Big Ragu's" main assignment has been to shadow De'Aaron Fox. While the All-Star guard has still been able to put up points, he has had to work hard by DiVincenzo.
The Golden State Warriors hold a 53-41 lead at halftime
Despite playing without four-time All-Star Draymond Green, the Golden State Warriors cruised to a 53-41 lead at halftime.
Steph Curry, who had a sub-par Game 2, has already dropped 18 points, highlighted by 3-6 shooting from deep.
Andrew Wiggins has come up big as well, supporting Curry with 11 points.
Kevon Looney proved in the first half that he could take care of the interior without Draymond Green. Looney only has two points but he has 12 rebounds, six of them on the offensive end, and five assists.
Jordan Poole, who was inserted into the starting lineup in place of Green, has tossed in seven points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Golden State Warriors have not faced a 0-2 deficit since Steph Curry was drafted by the team. They're hoping to get out of that hole starting with a win tonight against the Sacramento Kings.
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