In the 2022-2023 season, the Sacramento Kings made a massive impact as they made it to the playoffs for the first time in nearly seventeen years, taking down some of the biggest teams in the NBA. The team finally ended what has been repeatedly referred to as the longest drought in sports history.
The Kings’ objective this season was to completely rebuild the team. They brought in a new coach, Mike Brown, and added new players including Domantas Sabonis (Center), and Kevin Huerter (Shooting Guard). Though the first few games were rocky, as soon as these players got acclimated, their positive impact was clear. For context, in seasons prior, their record was consistently around 25-35 wins and 40-50 losses. These new additions to the roster, along with the others, brought the Kings to a winning record of 48 wins and 34 losses.
Sacramento finished third in the Western Conference during the regular season, which is a remarkable accomplishment. The Western Conference has multiple elite teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors, both of whom were ranked below the Kings going into the playoff season. This accomplishment shows the King’s progress and competitiveness, and it sets them up well for future success.
The Kings’ season has been nothing but high hopes and accomplishments. Star players for the Kings, namely the point guard and first-time all-star this year De’Aaron Fox, have brought the team some fame both locally and all around the NBA.
Since being drafted 5th overall in 2017 by the Kings, Fox has done nothing but improve his game, which showed this season. Fox won the Clutch Player of the Year award this season. He also led the NBA in total points of 194 in the clutch series, according to The Sacramento Bee.
The two all-stars on the team, Fox and Sabonis, are considered by the masses to be the backbone of the Kings. They helped get the team to the playoffs, but also were recently named to the all-NBA third team. Other players such as Malik Monk and Kevin Huerter were also crucial pieces for the Kings. Coach Mike Brown, who came to Sacramento to take a head coaching position, was named coach of the year, bringing hope and revitalization to a team on the verge of moving to Seattle. This brought the fans and the city of Sacramento alive.
The creation of the beam was another powerful moment that encouraged and garnered support from the fans. According to Front Office Sports, the beam is powered by four lasers capable of producing 1,000 watts of RGB laser power, making it “the brightest full-color laser equipment in the world.” The phrase “Light the Beam,” was brought along with it, and the fans love it. The beam was lit on gameday after every win until midnight, symbolizing a beacon of hope for the team and the city.
After being one of the worst teams in the league for years, the Kings finally made a playoff appearance. Their first-round battle was against the defending champs, the Golden State Warriors. All the attention was on the Warriors and many predicted they would win the whole series in a four-game sweep. The Kings surprised the basketball world when they brought the Warriors all the way to game seven. Sadly, the King’s season ended there and the Warriors moved on. But again, making it to the playoffs at all is great, and seeing them put up a good fight against the Warriors was really entertaining.
This season was full of victories, despite our team no longer competing in the playoffs. The Kings received attention around the world, and will be propelled towards more success in the future with the locals’ newfound pride and excitement around them. With sold-out games bringing Golden 1 alive, the Kings should bring home a championship in no time. Things are only looking up for Sacramento now: this team is not going anywhere anytime soon, especially as they’re stacked with young players who have plenty of years left in their careers. Rivals better get ready to feel the roar of the Sacramento Kings.