It’s been 19 years since the Sacramento Kings last won their division.
But as of January 2nd, 2023, they’re currently sitting at the top of the Pacific, even ahead of the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, and Phoenix Suns.
Light the beam 😈👑
The @SacramentoKings are atop the Pacific Division. pic.twitter.com/wqJxyeZjkZ
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 1, 2023
Coach Mike Brown and Domantas Sabonis‘ arrival have sure helped the Kings bring back home for the first time in a very, very long time.
Now, they’re looking to put an end to the NBA’s longest active playoff drought, as the Kings haven’t made the playoffs in 17 years now.
Brown knows how much it means for a fanbase that has been through thick and thin with this ever-struggling franchise:
“I’ll tell you what, the fans here in Sacramento are unbelievable,” Brown told TalkBasket.net. “The energy that they bring every night, you can mistake some of these regular season games for playoff games just because of the energy that they bring to the building. I know I appreciate it, our staff appreciates it, and especially the guys do too because there are lulls in the game where you get a little tired, you might have this bump, or that bruise, or whatever it may be, just to feel their energy is something special. It’s gotten us over the hump numerous times and we want that to continue, and we know it will because our fans are special.”
Of course, there’s still a long way, and history has taught Kings fans not to get their hopes up too soon.
But, currently playing above .500 and sitting at the sixth spot in the West, the playoffs seem like a realistic scenario for the renewed kings.
NEXT: New Kings Star Leads The League In A Crucial Way