I Get It, But I Hate It: 2002 Shouldn’t Exist
May 14, 2018, 12:00 AM | Updated: Jan 4, 2019, 11:27 am
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Every year, right around this time, someone somewhere decides to open up the history books. Inevitably, it goes back to 2002. Yep, if you’re a Kings fan you know where this is going:
What if? 🤔
What if Robert Horry's shot to defeat the Kings in Game 4 of the 2002 WCF didn't go in? pic.twitter.com/LTZdlvLUVk
— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 13, 2018
Hmmmmm. What if? Hadn’t ever considered that.
-What if Samaki Walker’s halfcourt shot had been waived off like it should’ve been?
-What if Mike Bibby’s nose hadn’t fouled Kobe Bryant’s elbow?
-What if Game 6 of the series hadn’t been reffed so bad that Ralph Nader called for an investigation?
-What if the Kings hadn’t gone 16-30 from the line and 2-20 from beyond the arc in Game 7 at ARCO?
I’ll tell you what would’ve happened…….
The Kings would’ve won the series.
The Kings would’ve gone on to beat the Nets, who the Lakers swept in the Finals.
Sacramento would have an NBA championship.
A new arena would’ve almost certainly have been built shortly after.
The Maloofs either wouldn’t have sold the team, or the sale would’ve been much quicker and quieter.
And of course, none of the fight and anguish would’ve happened in regards to relocation.
Not that I’ve given any thought to this. At all.
