Game fizzles in 2nd period

Golden State remains winless on road in 7 tries

SACRAMENTO — The Golden State Warriors led the Sacramento Kings by 13 points after one quarter behind a redhot Stephen Curry, an aggressive Jordan Poole and surprisingly formidable team defense. What transpired over the next 12 minutes of play, however, is probably the biggest reason why the defending NBA champions remain winless on the road in seven tries.

In a 122-115 loss, things began to unravel for the Warriors in the second quarter while Curry sat. Golden State led 32-21 when Klay Thompson subbed in for him with 1:58 left in the first quarter. By the time Curry returned with 8:04 left in the second quarter, the Kings were able to trim that lead down to five. Sacramento was then able to maintain that momentum through the rest of the quarter and led 64-62 at halftime.

The Warriors were outscored 38-23 in the second quarter, shot just 2-of-10 from 3-point range and committed eight fouls, which led to 11 free-throw attempts for the Kings. It marked the 12th time this season where Golden State surrendered at least 30 points in a quarter. It allowed the Kings to become the aggressors as the game went on.

Leading 98-91 entering the fourth quarter, the Kings re

mained in front at 107-98 when Curry checked back in with 9:03 left. He fueled a rally with a pair of 3-pointers and when Thompson dropped in a 24-footer the Warriors had taken the lead on the strength of a 13-2 run. The momentum didn’t last, however, as the Kings returned the favor with a 13-4 game-ending run to drop the Warriors to 5-7.

The Kings thrived off Warriors mistakes, as they turned 18 Golden State turnovers into 26 points. Curry and Poole had four turnovers, while Draymond Green and Kevon Looney each had three. With 27 points, Curry was held under 30 for only the third time this season. Poole finished with 18 points and Andrew Wiggins 26.

This is the first time the Warriors have started 0-7 on the road since the 1989-90 season. No defending champion since the 2011-12 Dallas Mavericks has lost seven straight road games at any point in a season, per ESPN Stats & Info.

Randall Benton/Associated Press Klay Thompson of the Warriors reacts as the Kings catch fire in the second half.

Randall Benton/Associated Press Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) pleads his case with referee John Conley during the second half. With 27 points, Curry was held under 30 for only the third time this season.