De'Aaron Fox and the 2022-23 Sacramento Kings just ended the franchise's 16-year playoff drought, and so when they returned home following their latest accomplishment, the fans gave them a well-deserved heroes' welcome.
The Kings recently went on a trip to Rip City to play the Portland Trail Blazers in back-to-back games. They dominated in both showdowns, though the first meeting where they took the 120-80 victory was particularly special as it ensured the team a spot in the playoffs. Sacramento last made it to the postseason in 2006, which was the longest playoff drought in North American professional sports until it came to a beautiful end.
And so when Fox and co. landed in Sacramento on Saturday following their fruitful road trip, fans gave them a rousing welcome . Plenty of fans cheered as they arrived, with many even cheering āLight the Beamā in reference to the team's gimmick of lighting a beam whenever the group wins games.
Article Continues BelowHundreds of fans greet the Kings at the airport as they return to Sacramento after clinching the franchise's first playoff berth since 2006 š
(via @SacramentoKings)pic.twitter.com/re44kft2NP
ā Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 1, 2023
It's easy to be happy for the Kings faithful following Sacramento's latest accomplishment. Imagine the fact that plenty of 16-year-olds haven't even seen the team make the playoffs, but now, they'll have the chance to do so when the postseason rolls on.
Sacramento has been waiting for a playoff appearance for over a decade and half, and now, the wait is over. Of course it remains to be seen if the Kings can make a deep playoff run, but one thing is certain, their fans will be there to cheer for them as loud as they can.