20 years to win a NBA division again
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From 2000 to 2005, the Sacramento Kings were a powerhouse team, winning at least 50 games during any of those seasons. Unfortunately, they had been declining since then; their last winning season before 2022-23 was the 05-06 one, and they last won their division in 2002-03. Therefore, it wasn't too bizarre that the Kings were 250-1 to win the Pacific division in the 2022-23 season; most betting lines predicted Sacramento for 34 wins, four more than the previous.
The Kings got off to a typical start, losing their first four games. After that, the team gelled and went 48-30 the rest of the way. They would top the Pacific Division over three of the top six preseason favorites for the titles, the Golden State Warriors, LA Clippers, and Phoenix Suns.
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References
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Basketball Reference
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Basketball Reference
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Sacramento Kings clinch Pacific Division as historic long shot
The Kings are the biggest preseason long shot to win any division in the four major sports since at least 2010. The only other team that had odds longer than even 50-1 was the expansion Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL in 2017-18. The previous biggest NBA long shot to win its division in the last 15 seasons was the 2017-18 Trail Blazers at 26-1.
ESPN
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Sacramento Kings secure first Pacific Division title since 2003
Thanks to an incredible season that has included two All-Star appearances (De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis), an All-Rookie talent (Keegan Murray), a talented supporting cast, a historic offense, and a Coach of the Year candidate (Mike Brown), the Kings have become the feel-good story of the 2022-23 NBA season.
Sactown Sports
