On This Date in Sacramento Kings History: May 12th

May 12, 2023, 10:48 AM

18 Feb 2001: Vlade Divac #21 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball as he is guarded by Karl Mal...

(Jed Jacobsohn/Allsport)

Editor & 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 12, 1999 – NBA Western Conference First Round – Game 3

Kings 84, Jazz 81 (Kings lead series 2-1)

Since the team moved to Sacramento before the 1985-86 season, the Kings had never won a home playoff game–that is, until May 12, 1999.

Vlade Divac posted a 22-point, 14-rebound double-double, Corliss Williamson scored 18 points, and rookie guard Jason Williams did a bit of everything during a thrilling 84-81 win over the Utah Jazz in front of an electric ARCO Arena.

Williams finished Game 4 with 12 points, eight rebounds, six assists, two steals, and one block over 44 minutes of playing time.

Chris Webber chipped in with 10 points and five rebounds, although the All-Star struggled from the field (four-for-14).

May 12, 2004 – NBA Western Conference Semifinals – Game 4

Kings 87, Timberwolves 81 (Series tied 2-2)

Staring the possibility of a 3-1 deficit in the face, Chris Webber and the Sacramento Kings picked up a massive win at Arco Arena to even the second-round series, beating the Minnesota Timberwolves 87-81 in Game 4.

Following the heartbreaking 114-113 loss in Game 3, Sacramento needed a sense of urgency to prevent falling into a 3-1 hole.

Chris Webber carried the Kings’ offense, scoring a game-high 28 points on 13-of-21 from the field and grabbing eight rebounds. Webber was nearly unstoppable, dominating the Minnesota defense that held him to 16 points in Game 3.

Minnesota forward and NBA MVP Kevin Garnett struggled from the field, scoring 19 points on eight-of-18 shooting.

Mike Bibby posted a double-double during the win, scoring 15 points and dishing 12 assists. Brad Miller contributed with 20 points off of the bench for Sacramento, grabbing seven rebounds and blocking two shots in the process.

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