Sacramento faithful remain united after heartbreaking Game 4.
De’Aaron Fox brought the ball up the floor with 10.9 seconds remaining, trailing 126-125, with a chance to win Game 4 against the Golden State Warriors.
After drawing a double-team, Fox kicked it out to Harrison Barnes on the left side of the 3-point arc, who had a great look at a three to break the hearts of the franchise that drafted him 10 seasons ago.
Back iron.
Shock and disbelief quickly filled those in attendace at the Golden 1 Center Watch Party on Sunday. Yet just as quickly as Barnes missed the bottom of the net, Kings fans turned their mood of disappointment into expressions of optimism for Game 5 back home.
“This team has been given a near impossible task to complete, and they are only two games away from doing it,” Kings fan Gavin Hudson said after Golden State evened the series (2-2). “They’ve got time to figure it out but everyone wants that instant gratification against the defending champs and local rival.”
No matter what Sacramento has faced on-court, Kings fans stay resilient, and it was on display once again at the team’s world-class sports & entertainment center.
Reflecting the steadfastness of the team’s ardent supporters, Kings rookie Keegan Murray had a breakout playoff performance on Sunday.
After a tough offensive start to the series, Murray found his rhythm at Chase Center, posting team-highs in 3-pointers (5) and field-goal percentage (69.2) en route to 23 points and seven rebounds.
“I just try to be more aggressive throughout the playoffs. I know eventually I’ll catch my stride on the offensive end,” Murray said afterward. “It was only a matter of time.”
Along with No. 13, Fox had a sensational performance as well, finishing with 38 points, nine rebounds and five assists.
With every floater, step-back or 3-pointer from No. 5, Golden 1 Center erupted, as the atmosphere felt more like the action was happening on the home floor rather than on the giant 4K screen.
Despite the result, Kings fans will surely unite again to have the arena rocking during Game 5 on TNT.
“Our city really comes together in exciting moments like this, performing amazingly in the playoffs,” Mansour Sagna said. “It brings excitement to see what's to hold in the future of the franchise.”
Sacramento looks to retake the series lead on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Golden 1 Center.
Watch Party Notes