Jan 27, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) celebrates his three point shot against the Brooklyn Nets with forward Keegan Murray (13) during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

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Sacramento Kings’ Playoffs History: Appearances, Records, and the Long Road Back to Relevance

The Sacramento Kings have one of the most inconsistent and poor records in NBA history. The Northern California side has repeatedly missed the playoffs for the longest period. Though injuries and poor trades have largely contributed to their consistent debacle, the Kings this season will be entering the play-in tournament with an eye on a playoff berth.

With De’Aaron Fox’s departure, the team’s future for this season, at least, will rest on Domantas Sabonis and new signing Zach LaVine. The Memphis Grizzlies are expected to host the Sacramento Kings for the first game of the Play-in tournament next. However, firstly, let’s look at how the Sacramento Kings have fared in their previous playoff journey. What does the Sacramento Kings’ Playoffs History tell us about the franchise’s resilience during adversities?

Also Read: Los Angeles Clippers Playoff Scenario – What Needs To Happen for James Harden and Co. To Avoid the Play-In Tournament?

How Many Times Have the Sacramento Kings Been to the NBA Playoffs?

The Sacramento Kings were formerly known as the Rochester Royals. However, they relocated from New York to California and rebranded as the Sacramento Kings in 1985. The Kings have thus been in the NBA for 39 seasons and during which they have only qualified 11 times for the playoffs.

The Beam Team struggled for consistency in their time in the NBA. In terms of achievements, they have zero championships and have been to the Western Conference Finals only once. The Sacramento Kings have 7 first-round appearances and three semifinal appearances so far.

What Is the Sacramento Kings’ Win-Loss Record in the NBA Playoffs?

In the 39 seasons that the Sacramento Kings have been part of the NBA, they have had 11 playoff appearances, out of which 16 playoff series were played. Among the 16 played, the Kings went on to lose 11 of them, which brings their playoff percentage to 31.25 percent, which is way below the .500 mark.

Here are the Top 3 Years When They Won the Most Playoff Games

Season	Record
2001-22	10-6
2002-03	7-5
2003-04	7-5

When Was the Sacramento Kings’ Last Playoff Appearance?

Despite the bleak Sacramento Kings’ Playoffs History, there have been occasional sparks. The most recent came in the 2022-23 season. The Sacramento Kings made their last playoff appearance in the 2022-23 season when they went on to finish 3rd with a record of .585. As a result of that, the Beam Team faced the 6th seed Golden State Warriors in the first round. The momentum was with GSW as the Sacramento Kings lost their grip late into the season.

For the first time since 2006 the Sacramento Kings won a playoff game

LIGHT THE BEAM
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— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) April 16, 2023

Their agility wore down as the season progressed, and by the end of it, they had little energy to face the then-reigning champions Golden State Warriors. Result? A 4-3 loss for Sacramento. It was a close series for the Kings, but their lack of knockout stage experience was on display. In fact, the 2022-23 season’s playoff appearance for the Sacramento Kings was their first since 2006. Yes, 2006.

How Many Championships Have the Sacramento Kings Won?

The Sacramento Kings have won zero NBA championships so far. Despite having the ability and talent at times, somehow or other, the Kings have never made it to the pinnacle. Only once during the 2001-02 season, the Sacramento Kings managed to make it to the Western Conference Finals.

However, they then faced the mighty Los Angeles Lakers which had legendary names like Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, Robert Horry, etc. Despite taking an early lead in the playoff series, the Sacramento Kings eventually lost the matchup by 3-4. However, the whole playoff series was officiated inconsistently, and multiple controversial decisions led to the Kings’ loss.

Also Read: Denver Nuggets Playoff Scenarios – What Needs to Happen for Nikola Jokic and Co. to Avoid the Play-In Tournament?