The Sacramento Kings’ journey from humble beginnings as a semi professional team known as the Rochester Seagrams in 1923, to the modern NBA franchise has been one wild ride. While there may be only one banner in the rafters of the Sacramento Kings' arena, their legacy is rich with several NBA Hall of Famers "The Big O" Oscar Robertson, Chris Webber, Peja Stojaković and Mike Bibby donning the Kings jersey.
The Kings franchise officially established their professional roots in 1945 with their entry into the National Basketball League (NBL). However, they were soon renamed and relocated several times over the next few decades. First from the Rochester Royals to the Cincinnati Royals, and later to the Kansas City-Omaha Kings. All of these iterations left an indelible mark on the NBA, and the Royals triumph in the 1951 NBA championship solidified their legacy as the NBA's premier franchise.
In 1957, the franchise found a new home in Cincinnati, Ohio, where they continued competing at the highest level. However, it wasn't until their relocation to Kansas City, Missouri in 1972, that the team truly began to be popular. The Kansas City Kings were beloved by many during the 1970s with players such as Nate “Tiny” Archibald, Tom Van Arsdale, and Toby Kimball. During this time, Kings also encountered periods of struggle but they persisted, captivating audiences in both Kansas City and Omaha, Nebraska.
However, in 1986, it was time for a new chapter in the Kings franchise as they migrated westward to Sacramento, California, a move that would forever alter the landscape of professional basketball in the region. Beginning in the 1985-86 season, the Kings have become synonymous with Sacramento.
Despite facing a ton of adversity in recent decades, the Kings still remain a beacon of hope, with their loyal fanbase unwavering in their support. For in the heart of California's capital, the Sacramento Kings aren't just a basketball team – they are a testament to resilience, passion and the enduring spirit of the game.
How many times have the Sacramento Kings made the playoffs?
The Sacramento Kings have made the NBA playoffs a total of 11 times since their relocation to Sacramento in the 1985/1986 NBA season. Despite their limited playoff appearances, the Kings had a noteworthy stretch of success from the 1998-1999 season to the 2005/2006 season as they qualified for the playoffs in each of those seasons.
The 1999 to 2006 Kings era is often regarded as their most successful. The Kings team during this highly successful era featured a formidable roster featuring stars like Chris Webber, Peja Stojaković, and Mike Bibby, along with many popular players such as Vlade Divac, Jason Williams and Doug Christie. Although they never clinched an NBA title during this period, they were formidable contenders in the Western Conference, advancing deep into the playoffs on multiple occasions.
However, following the 2005/2006 season, the Kings endured a prolonged period of struggle, as they missed the NBA playoffs for 16 consecutive losing seasons between 2006 and 2022 which is the longest non-playoffs season streak in NBA history. Finally in the 2022-2023 season, Sacramento Kings reached the playoffs, signaling a potential resurgence for the franchise.
Sacramento Kings Playoff Record
The Sacramento Kings have an overall playoff record of 83-112 throughout their franchise history. Their most impressive playoff campaign dates back to 1951 when they were known as the Rochester Royals. In that outstanding season, the Royals clinched the NBA title by beating the New York Knicks in a thrilling 4–3 series. This is the Kings’ franchise's only championship victory.
Despite periods of struggle and relocation, the Kings' tenure in Sacramento since the 1985/1986 inaugural season has seen both highs and lows. The Kings had an electrifying playoff run in 2002, advancing to the Western Conference Finals. Their showdown against the Los Angeles Lakers in that 2002 Western Conference Finals will forever remain etched in NBA lore for many controversies over officiating calls, particularly in Game 6, which saw the Kings narrowly miss out on a Finals berth.
Throughout Kings’ playoff history, they have encountered several fierce rivals but none bigger than the Los Angeles Lakers. The Kings vs Lakers encounters have always been fiercely competitive and full of unforgettable moments. Similarly, the Kings vs Warriors rivalry is taking shape and each matchup between the two has been intense in recent seasons.
Number of conference championships won by Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings are yet to secure a conference championship since relocating to Sacramento. Despite their absence in the winner's circle, the Kings made a memorable run to the Western Conference Finals in 2002.
In the early 2000s, under the stewardship of legendary coach Rick Adelman, the Kings forged a formidable dynasty, impressing audiences with their "Run and Gun" style of play. Led by the dynamic trio of Chris Webber, Mike Bibby, and Peja Stojaković, Sacramento redefined the essence of teamwork, finesse and beautiful passing. The 2002 Kings came agonizingly close to championship glory in a memorable Western Conference Finals clash with the Lakers in 2002.
In that 2002 Western Conference Finals, the Kings had a commanding 3-2 series lead, and they were on the brink of history. However, the series took a heartbreaking turn as they narrowly lost both Game 6 and Game 7, denying them a coveted spot in the NBA Finals.
Number of NBA championships won by Sacramento Kings
Since moving to Sacramento in the 1985-1986 season, the Kings have not won an NBA championship title. However, if we trace back to the franchise's earlier iteration as the Rochester Royals, then the Kings won the NBA title in the 1950-1951 season.
In a classic seven-game series, the Rochester Royals emerged victorious over the New York Knicks in the 1951 NBA Finals, clinching the championship with a 4-3 series win. The 1951 Finals is also famous for the Knicks’ tremendous comeback to tie the series at 3-3 after going down early in the series 3-0.
To this day, the 1951’ New York Knicks are the only team in NBA history to achieve this remarkable feat. However, despite such setbacks, the Rochester Royals ultimately secured the 1951 NBA title.
Sacramento Kings Last Playoff Appearance
Led by the dynamic duo of De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, the Sacramento Kings broke a 16-season postseason drought by reaching the 2023 NBA playoffs. They played a grueling seven-game series against the 2022 champions Golden State Warriors in the first round.
Game 1 was won by the Kings on their home court as De'Aaron Fox dropped an efficient 38 points. He was also helped by Malik Monk, who made an impactful contribution off the bench to help Kings secure a crucial win. Off-court drama also ensued as Vallejo-based rapper E-40 was ejected after a passionate altercation with a Kings fan.
Tensions simmered further in Game 2 with a contentious late-game altercation between Draymond Green and Sabonis, resulting in Green's suspension for Game 3. However, Kings won the game and took a commanding 2-0 lead.
Despite Green's absence, the reigning champions from 2022, the Warriors clawed back in the series with consecutive wins. Sacramento and Golden State split game 5 and game 6, setting up a pivotal Game 7. With the series deadlocked at 3-3, the Kings aimed to seize their first-ever playoff series victory against their historic rivals. However, Stephen Curry happened! Curry gave a breathtaking 50-point performance in Game 7, leading the Warriors to a 4-3 series triumph.
The excitement of this instant classic 2023 Sacramento Kings vs Golden State Warriors playoff series was reflected in the TV ratings as it drew the highest first or second round playoff viewership for the NBA since 1999. Game 7 alone peaked at a remarkable 11.9 million viewers on ABC.
What is the biggest playoff series comeback in the Sacramento Kings history?
The biggest playoff series comeback in Sacramento Kings history occurred during the 2001 playoffs against the Phoenix Suns. After dropping the first game of the series and finding themselves trailing 1-0, the Kings rallied back to secure three consecutive victories, clinching the series with a remarkable turnaround to advance to the next round.
FAQs on Sacramento Kings Playoff History
A: The Sacramento Kings were in the NBA Finals in 1951. However, Kings were known as the Rochester Royals back then. The Royals secured the 1951 championship by defeating the New York Knicks in a thrilling seven-game series.
A: The Sacramento Kings' greatest rival is often considered to be the Los Angeles Lakers. The two teams have engaged in numerous memorable matchups, particularly during the late 90s and early 2000s when they clashed multiple times in the Western Conference playoffs.
A: Yes, the Sacramento Kings won the NBA championship in 1951. Back then, the Kings were known as the Rochester Royals. The Royals won the 1951 championship by defeating the New York Knicks in a fiercely contested seven-game series.
A: The Sacramento Kings have won a total of 83 playoff games throughout their franchise history as of March 2024.
A: The Sacramento Kings made their last playoff appearance in 2023. This marked the end of a 16-season playoff drought for the franchise, with their previous postseason appearance occurring in the 2005/2006 season.
A: The Sacramento Kings' most notable playoff series comeback occurred during the 2001 NBA playoffs against the Phoenix Suns. Trailing 1-0, the Kings rallied back to win three consecutive games, winning the series 3-1.
