Why Dallas Mavericks fans should be watching Warriors vs Kings Game 7

The Dallas Mavericks missed the playoffs entirely after an epic late-season collapse. They were fourth in the crowded Western Conference in February before winning just seven of their final 25 games to slip to 11th. The Mavs traded for Kyrie Irving, but it decimated their defense. It was a disappointing season just one year after Dallas reached the conference finals.

Fans have witnessed a drama-filled first round even without the Mavericks, and Sunday afternoon brings our first Game 7 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs. They are always special and fans will never forget the Mavericks' most recent one.

This time, the defending champion Golden State Warriors face the Sacramento Kings. Golden State has won four of the last eight titles, but they are on the road in Sacramento against a Kings squad that just snapped a 17-year playoff drought. Each of the first six contests in this series has been exciting, but there are other reasons to watch Game 7.

Why Dallas Mavericks fans should be watching Warriors vs. Kings Game 7

Save all the Game 7 chatter. Yes, every basketball fan should watch the contest because it is the deciding game of a postseason series. Furthermore, there figures to be drama given how the rest of the series has played out.

This Game 7 is special, though. It could be the end of a dynasty. The Warriors have a massive payroll that was unsustainable long-term before the NBA introduced a second tax apron. Now, the Dubs face massive penalties both in terms of dollars and roster building. Golden State will have to trim their payroll at some point, and following a first-round playoff exit could be that moment.

Is this the last game Draymond Green plays in a Warriors uniform? The 33-year-old has a $27.5 million player option for next season, which he could decline and become a free agent. Green wants a long-term deal, but Golden State cannot afford to give it to him. Fans have heard the rumors linking him to the Mavericks. Could Green be on the move this summer?

Golden State may not be done there if they crash out in the first round. Do the Warriors put Jordan Poole or Andrew Wiggins on the trade block in search of an upgrade? Can they find a deal that improves their roster by sending out Jonathan Kuminga or Moses Moody? The Dubs will be facing some tough questions if their season ends this afternoon.

On the other side, fans will be watching an underdog. Nobody expected Sacramento to make the playoff and few gave them a chance to win this series, despite being the higher seed. The Kings play fast and are excited to watch. Former Maverick Harrison Barnes is averaging over 30 minutes per game for the series, and he figures to play a key role in Game 7.

Sacramento is here to stay. Barnes is their only free agent of consequence this summer, and their two stars are just entering their primes. This would be a massive win for the Kings, and it is just the start for a team that figures to be in the Mavericks way over the next five years. Luka Doncic will have to defeat the Kings if they want to make another deep playoff run in the near future.

Dallas Mavericks fans should tune at 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC to catch Game 7 between the Warriors and Kings. It promises to be an exciting contest and the talk of the NBA world, so do not miss it.