A long-awaited return to the playoffs
A lot has changed since the last time the Sacramento Kings made the NBA postseason in 2006. But now, after 17 long years, the Kings have finally returned to the playoffs, and their fans have plenty to be excited about. In this article, we will explore the Sacramento King’s NBA postseason history, their NBA postseason record, and their NBA postseason stats. We will also answer some common questions, such as “Can the Sacramento Kings make the playoffs?”, “When were the Sacramento Kings last in the playoffs?” and “Have the Kings clinched a playoff spot?”
The Sacramento Kings’ playoff drought finally came to an end after their impressive 120-80 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. Having attained a remarkable record of 46-30, the Kings have successfully clinched a position in the Western Conference playoffs, alongside the Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies.Led by the dynamic duo of De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, the Kings have turned a corner this season and are hopeful that their return to the NBA Playoffs is just the beginning of a bright future for the franchise.
Building a winning roster
The Kings made some bold moves in the 2022 off-season, including trading talented point guard Tyrese Haliburton to the Indiana Pacers. In return, they received Justin Holiday, Jeremy Lamb, a 2023 second-round pick, and the versatile Domantas Sabonis. Since joining the Kings, Sabonis has thrived, posting career highs in rebounds and assists and earning his third All-Star selection.
A change in leadership
Following a disappointing start to the 2021/22 season, the Kings made some significant changes in their coaching staff. They parted ways with head coach Luke Walton, replaced him with interim coach Alvin Gentry, and ultimately hired Mike Brown as their new head coach. Brown, fresh off an NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors, has brought a winning mentality to the Kings and completely revamped their offense.
Key additions to the roster
The Kings also added several key players to their roster, including guard/forward Kevin Huerter, shooting guard Malik Monk, and No. 4 draft pick Keegan Murray. These players have helped the Kings transform their offense, which now ranks seventh in three-point attempts per game and eighth in three-point percentage.
Clutch performances from Fox
De’Aaron Fox has been instrumental in the Kings’ success this season, sitting atop the NBA’s Clutch Player Ladder. His ability to make game-winning plays in critical moments has undoubtedly contributed to the Kings’ impressive record and playoff berth.
Embracing an all-out attack
The Kings have adopted an aggressive, high-scoring playing style, leading the league in points per game with an average of 120.9. While their defense leaves something to be desired, ranking 26th in defensive rating, their offensive prowess has been enough to secure their spot in the postseason.
Fan support and “Light the beam!”
The fans at the Golden 1 Center have fully embraced this new era of Kings basketball, creating a unique and electric atmosphere at home games. After each home win, the Kings project a massive purple beam into the sky, symbolizing their victory. The fans have adopted the chant “LIGHT THE BEAM!” making it an integral part of the team’s culture and identity.
As the Sacramento Kings head into the NBA postseason, they will look to build on their regular-season success and make a deep playoff run. Regardless of the outcome, this season has been a significant turning point for the franchise, and fans can expect even greater things in the years to come.
