The year was 2001, and the Sacramento Kings were in year three of the “Greatest Show on Earth” phase of their history. After spending two years getting bounced out of the first round of the playoffs – first by the Utah Jazz, and in 2000 by the hated Lakers – the Kings were ready to make a statement to the league that they were ready to be contenders.
City after city, the Kings displayed their dazzling offense to the delight of visiting crowds, and in Sacramento, fans couldn’t get enough of the run-and-gun offense. This was also the season where ARCO Arena would become one of the toughest arenas to win a road game, as the team on the court, and the crowd in the stands, made sure to rattle opposing visitors.