Apr 14, 2011 - If NBA fans across the world wanted the full immersive experience of being a Sacramento Kings fan, they couldn't have picked a better night. Perhaps most outsiders were initially concerned as to whether the Los Angeles Lakers would win in Sacramento, clinching the West's No. 2 spot in the 2011 NBA Playoffs. But if Twitter was any indication, as the Kings stormed back from a 20-point third quarter deficit to take a late lead, the viewing experience for neutral fans across the nation and globe became all about giving Sacramento one sweet victory.
This sweet victory was particularly important to grab, given that on Thursday the Maloofs, who own the Kings, will make their case to the NBA Board of Governors that the team belongs in Anaheim, not Sacramento. NBA owners rarely object to the requests of their brethren, and since All-Star Weekend, relocation has looked inevitable. The death of the Sacramento Kings had become a foregone conclusion.
So this win would have meant something real, a final triumph for good. A karmic payback. A storybook ending to an era. But if you know the Sacramento Kings like we do 'round here, you know that's way, way too easy.
The Kings had a three-point lead with 10 seconds left. Kobe Bryant, of course, hit a three-pointer to knot it up with five seconds left. The Kings, of course, spazzed out on their own final possession and in overtime. Lakers win. It's a familiar, crushing refrain. Lakers win.
The NBA fans who bought into the Sacramento Kings' story for one almost glorious night got a taste of exactly what Sacramento Kings fans have dealt with for 26 years: a peek at glory blocked by those [expletives] in yellow and purple. Any ol' team can lose, but lose in crushing fashion? That's Sacramento. That's the Kings. They find hope in improbable places, stretch it to its elastic limit and watch it snap. Over and over again.
But there's another ingredient in Wednesday's game that makes it the proper Sacramento Kings experience for the uninitiated. It's the loyalty the fans showed.
From Yahoo!'s Marc J. Spears:
About a quarter of the sold-out crowd of 17,841 stayed at Power Balance Pavilions for about an hour after the final buzzer to voice their displeasure over the Kings’ possible – and say goodbye. There were tears, hugs, chants of "SAC-RA-MENTO" and "Here We Stay!" Seven Kings players and coach Paul Westphal shook hands with the fans and addressed the adoring crowd.
It was truly something to behold. As Westphal gave his post-game press conference -- in tears -- the Kings' broadcast showed the chanting, weeping fans manning their stations, showing the NBA what loyalty is all about. There was no quit in the Kings of the court, not ever, not now. And the fans fueled that, always and now. Those who tuned in for one amazing night got to witness the same ol' Kings who end up with the crushing L, sure. But they also witnessed the incredible fan loyalty that made Sacramento famous, that made the loss of Sacramento as an NBA market something worth regretting.
You wanted the full Sacramento Kings fan experience for a special night? You've got it. Broken hearts, swollen hearts -- all of it.
9 comments
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any Sonics fan will tell you
it doesn’t matter. I hate to say it, but the fans can’t do anything. It’s in the hands of billionaires.
I root for the Knicks, Mets and Giants, as well as the Seahawks and Mariners. Am I anti-winning?!?
by Taylor Made on Apr 14, 2011 9:53 AM EDT reply actions
Exactly
I am a Sonics fan. We were helpless. There was so much passion in Seattle trying to keep the team there, but at the end of the day we couldn’t do anything. Tragic, really.
Worst part is… if we ever DO get another team, it will likely be from Memphis or another city that can’t support one. So we’ll just be taking a team like one was taken from us.
Oklahoma City Thunder? More like Oklahoma City Stealers.
by Longhammer on Apr 14, 2011 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions
What is the new team likely to be called?
by Xeifrank on Apr 14, 2011 10:39 AM EDT reply actions
The Los Angeles Usurpers of Sacramento.
Proof Matthan admitted he was wrong: http://www.draysbay.com/2011/3/18/2058018/ottotd-for-3-18-2011-thursday-night-t-v#61697767
by kericr on Apr 14, 2011 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions
Anaheim Royals, IIRC.
My cat's breath smells like cat food.
by Tim C. on Apr 14, 2011 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks
for the serious reply Tim C.
vr, Xei
by Xeifrank on Apr 14, 2011 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions
More than any other issue, this is the biggest problem facing the NBA right now: that these smaller markets keep biting the dust. Within 10 years, the Vancouver Grizzlies, Charlotte Hornets, Seattle Sonics and Sacramento Kings have all disappeared, with the Nets about to move, teams like Magic briefly considering moving to Kansas City, and other franchises like the Warriors and Clippers poised to do the same. The NBA landscape is in way too much of a state of flux to consider things perfect.
Inhistoric -- the SB Nation blog devoted to sports history.
by ZombieMonta on Apr 14, 2011 12:24 PM EDT reply actions
Gotta love Kings fans
As someone who is trying to get back to living in Orange County, and who would love to have a team to watch in Anaheim for a ton of reasons, I hate this move.
I just don’t want it to be at the expense of all you awesome Sacramento fans. I know it’s all about money for the Maloofs, but they should sell if they don’t want to be in Sacramento.
by Derek Fisher Fan on Apr 14, 2011 9:11 PM EDT reply actions
Sad
The Leeroy Rule: being insistent >>>> being correct
by leeroyjenkins on Apr 14, 2011 9:53 PM EDT reply actions
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