In the Kings' first playoff game since 2006, star guard De'Aaron Fox left Golden 1 Center both impressed and surprised by the Sacramento faithful's support during Saturday's victory over the Golden State Warriors.
"I thought there'd be more Warriors fans, truth be told," Fox said, according to The Athletic's Anthony Slater. "I’ve played them four times a year for six years. Sacramento showed out."
It's time 😤 pic.twitter.com/fG6LslGu5m
— Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) April 16, 2023
"The way that they support this team through thick and thin - through really thin, is just a testament to the way they are," Fox said postgame, according to CBS Sports.
Fox scored 38 points in the victory, the second most in a playoff debut - ranking just behind Luka Doncic's 40 against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Kings teammate Malik Monk also set his own record, scoring the most points as a reserve in a playoff debut with 32 off the bench.
Monk made sure to pay his respects to the Sacramento crowd as well.
"We just happy to be here in front of the fans." 🥹🥹 pic.twitter.com/6aXsovmbMO
— Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) April 16, 2023
Veteran forward Harrison Barnes believed that the fans' energy helped the team push through.
"It was incredible all night," Barnes said, according to James Ham of The Kings Beat. "When guys ran out for layup line, I think with how loud it got in there, everyone got chills. I think it was pretty special for us, just to see the excitement that everyone had. Guys were playing off that adrenaline all night."
The Kings will look to take a 2-0 series lead Monday over Golden State.
