Fanfare, festivities accompany Kings

A standing-room-only crowd in Sleep Train Arena exploded in cheers. It was a moment many here thought just six months ago would never happen. And yet, the Kings hosted a noisy, purple-hued celebration Wednesday in Natomas, launching their 29th and most improbable season in Sacramento.

The game, which the Kings won 90-88 over the Denver Nuggets, capped a triumphant night.

Many in the crowd said they had come to bask in the fact that Sacramento had somehow, over the last three years, fended off serious attempts by two cities to take the team

Cousins had game highs of 30 points and 14 rebounds. He made 13 of 26 shots and also had two blocks and two steals.

"He carried us," Malone said. "We went to him time and time again. He can score and make plays for his teammates, and he can get us into the bonus early so we can get to the foul line and get easy buckets."

With efforts like Wednesday's, there won't be much reason to question why the Kings have put so much faith in the fourth-year center.

- Sacramento Bee