The magic in the air was palpable.
Just five months before, the Sacramento Kings were dead in the water. Sitting at 17-24, the mere idea of continuing their six season streak of making the playoffs was laughable. Chris Webber and Vlade Divac were gone, and Mike Bibby, Peja Stojakovic and Brad Miller were struggling to carry the team.
Then came Ron Artest via trade. And he brought some serious magic with him. Artest reenergized the team to finish the season 44-38, clinching a first round date in the Playoffs with the defending champion (and top-seeded) San Antonio Spurs.