On This Date: Webber, Kings take 2-1 lead over Lakers

May 24, 2023, 10:39 AM

LOS ANGELES - MAY 31: Chris Webber #4 smiles with Mike Bibby #10 of the Sacramento Kings in Game si...

(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Sacramento Kings Beat Writer

On the heels of the Sacramento Kings’ first NBA Playoff appearance since 2006, expectations are high heading into the offseason. While we wait for the NBA Draft and free agency process to begin in the coming weeks, let’s look back at some memorable Kings moments that took place on this date in the past.

May 24, 2002 – NBA Western Conference Finals | Game 3 Kings 103, Lakers 90 (Kings lead series 2-1)

On this date in 2002, Chris Webber and Mike Bibby combined to score 50 points as the Sacramento Kings steamrolled the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals.

Sacramento burst out of the gates in the opening period as they took a commanding 32-15 lead into the second quarter after Webber tallied eight points over the first 12 minutes of action.

Los Angeles only led once–a 2-1 lead just 90 seconds into the first quarter–before the Kings took control for good as they claimed its second-straight win to pull ahead in the best-of-seven series.

Webber led all scorers with 26 points on 12-of-21 shooting to go along with nine rebounds, six assists, and three steals. Bibby finished the night with 24 points (eight-of-14 shooting) and five assists over 45 minutes.

Doug Christie racked up a 17-point, 12-rebound double-double during the win, and Vlade Divac acted as a defensive anchor with two steals and three blocked shots over 38 minutes of playing time.

Quotes

“We stumbled and fumbled around out there for three quarters,” Lakers coach Phil Jackson said postgame. “They did a great job defending and keeping our offense off-kilter. They had just about every shot they wanted in the book, and they were hitting them. We felt like we were a visitor here, and they were the home team.”

“It’s a big night for our fans because we feel like we’re a good road team,” Chris Webber said following the win. “We play so well at home, but sometimes when you get on the road and you release that pressure, it can help you a lot.”