Coming into this season, a few people thought the Sacramento Kings could sneak into the NBA playoffs.
But few, if any, expected them to have the kind of success they have been enjoying.
Coming into Tuesday, they held a 45-30 record and were in third place in the Western Conference, making this the best season they have had since perhaps 2004, when they still had Chris Webber, Peja Stojakovic and Mike Bibby.
Although Sacramento will be idle on Tuesday, they can clinch a playoff spot if the Golden State Warriors lose to the New Orleans Pelicans.
That would give Sacramento their first playoff spot since 2006.
Tonight, the Sacramento Kings can clinch a spot in the 2023 NBA Playoffs and the Milwaukee Bucks can clinch the Central Division title.
Clinch scenarios ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/D1nAvEDche
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) March 28, 2023
This season, the Kings’ rallying cry has been “light the beam,” and if/when they officially reach the playoffs, the “beam” will be shining brightly in the capital of California.
Back in the day, they had arguably the best roster in the NBA during the early 2000s, and in 2002, they came extremely close to winning the world championship, only to fall to the Los Angeles Lakers by a razor-thin margin in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals.
This year, they possess a deep and balanced roster that includes All-Stars De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.
Sacramento is leading the league in scoring at 121 points per game, and although they aren’t a strong defensive team, they will be a tough out come postseason time.
As a result, head coach Mike Brown has emerged as the favorite to win the Coach of the Year award.
After years of turmoil in Sacramento, the team’s devoted fans finally have something to be happy about.
NEXT: Steve Kerr Gives His Thoughts About Mike Brown's Success With Kings
