Sports

Kings Beat OKC In Arena Finale

Published

10 years ago

April 10, 2016

Sacramento, CA – It was a playoff atmosphere. Fans began tailgating early in the parking lot while former NBA legends and staff celebrated an arena that they once called home. More than fifty players and coaches returned to Sleep Train (aka Arco Arena) to say goodbye to the memories and good times shared by all.

In the arena finale, former Kings head coach Rick Adelman, Reggie Theus, TNT’s Kenny Smith, and Mike Bibby were among many in thanking the fans for their support. While it was a nostalgic night, it was business as usual for Sacramento who beat the Thunder 114-112 in their final home game of the season.

“First thing I wrote in my notes is we’re playing a playoff team that will have a playoff atmosphere because of a great historical event,” said coach George Karl. “I don’t think anybody was disappointed with what happened. We rode the wave of the crowd and the energy.”

A season of ups and downs that led to the Kings falling short of a playoff run didn’t put a damper on the outcome of the game or appreciation for the fans. Darren Collison recorded a team-high and season-high 27 points and eight assists. Seth Curry came off the bench and dropped a career-high 6 3-pointers finishing with 20 points. It’s his third 20-point game of the season.

“I try to change the energy when I come in the game and I was able to do that tonight,” Curry said. “These are some of the best fans in the NBA and we knew how bad they wanted a win. It was a great atmosphere, as soon as we came out the tunnel you could feel it.”

This was Sacramento’s final game in the arena, now known as Sleep Train Arena. The first game in the arena, first known as ARCO Arena, was Nov. 8, 1988. Since the building opened in 1988, the Kings have sold out 780 of 1,122 games. The 26 sellout this season are the most since 2006-07. It’s obvious the team hasn’t been that good since Adelman’s playoff team that reached the Finals in 2001-02.

“My fondest memories were coaching the team that got us a chance to play the Lakers in the Finals,” said Adelman. It was a special, special situation where a team came together from the style they played and the way they played, you can’t find that to many times in this league.”

OKC was certain they’d get a win especially since they had led the series 2-1 coming into the game. Sacramento forced the Thunder to turn over the ball 21 times and matched-up well in the in the final minutes of the game. DeMarcus Cousins had 15 points and seven rebounds, but fouled out with 3:26 remaining and struggled missing 17-of-24 shots.

Kevin Durant had 31 points and eight assists. He had made two free throws to tie the game at 101-101 with 3:26 remaining after Cousins fouled out. Darren Collison hit a 3-pointer to push the Kings ahead. But it was Rudy Gay’s late free throws that gave Sacramento the win in the final seconds after he missed two of four free throws in the final minute.

“They trusted me with the ball at the end and I had to perform,” Gay said.

“It was fun. The crowd was amazing the whole night, they were on their feet pretty much the whole entire game,” said Collison. “I remember growing up in LA. I knew how tough Sacramento was because of the fans. They’ve always had a good fan base. I’m sure this win means more to them than it means to us.

Russell Westbrook finished with 24 points and 10 assists, he was fouled on a 3-point attempt and made all three free throws to tie the game again 111-111 with 7 seconds left. On the other end Gay was fouled driving in for a layup. He made both free throws for the win.

“We fought back after being down by eight or so late in the fourth and we tied the game up,” Durant said. “They put it in the refs’ hands again in the fourth and the end of the fourth. Gay made those two free throws. I thought we played great defense, but it’s their last game in here. I know how it goes.”

No championship was ever won at Sleep Train, but there’s a good chance to start over leaving behind the many loses, different coaching changes and poor conditions of the arena. Golden Gate 1 will be the new arena to start the 2016-17 season. The opportunities are endless and the Kings want nothing more than to make new memories in their brand new downtown arena.

“Brand new venue and chance to builds a legacy there,” Gay said. “From what I hear, it’s state of the art – who doesn’t want to be a part of that?”

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Up Next

72 Wins, Warriors Tie Bulls Historic Record

Don't Miss

Giants Beat Dodgers on Crawford’s Walk-off Homer

Oakland Post

Click to comment

Alameda County

Seth Curry Makes Impressive Debut with the Golden State Warriors

Seth looked comfortable in his new uniform, seamlessly fitting into the Warriors’ offensive and defensive system. He finished the night with an impressive 14 points, becoming one of the team’s top scorers for the game. Seth’s points came in a variety of ways – floaters, spot-up three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and a handful of aggressive drives that kept the Oklahoma City Thunder defense on its heels.

Published

4 weeks ago

December 4, 2025

Oakland Post

Seth Curry is a point guard on the GSW team.Photo courtesy of the Golden State Warriors.

By Y’Anad Burrell

Tuesday night was anything but ordinary for fans in San Francisco as Seth Curry made his highly anticipated debut as a new member of the Golden State Warriors. Seth didn’t disappoint, delivering a performance that not only showcased his scoring ability but also demonstrated his added value to the team.

At 35, the 12-year NBA veteran on Monday signed a contract to play with the Warriors for the rest of the season.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came before Seth even scored his first points. As he checked into the game, the Chase Center erupted into applause, with fans rising to their feet to give the newest Warrior a standing ovation.

The crowd’s reaction was a testament not only to Seth’s reputation as a sharpshooter but also to the excitement he brings to the Warriors. It was clear that fans quickly embraced Seth as one of their own, eager to see what he could bring to the team’s championship aspirations.

Warriors’ superstar Steph Curry – Seth’s brother – did not play due to an injury. One could only imagine what it would be like if the Curry brothers were on the court together. Magic in the making.

Seth’s debut proved to be a turning point for the Warriors. Not only did he contribute on the scoreboard, but he also brought a sense of confidence and composure to the floor.

While their loss last night, OKC 124 – GSW 112, Seth’s impact was a game-changer and there’s more yet to come. Beyond statistics, it was clear that Seth’s presence elevated the team’s performance, giving the Warriors a new force as they look to make a deep playoff run.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Barbara Lee

WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries Kick Off Season with Community Programs in Oakland

“The Golden State Valkyries are more than a team—they’re a movement,” said Oakland Interim-Mayor Kevin Jenkins. “Their touchdown in Oakland marks a new era of opportunity, inspiration, and equity in sports. This partnership reflects our city’s deep commitment to uplifting women, investing in youth, and building a community where every dream has a place to grow. We’re proud to welcome the Valkyries to The Town.”

Published

7 months ago

May 18, 2025

Oakland Post

The Valkyries came to Oakland City Hall with a “Hoopbus.” Present were (from left to right): City Councilmembers Noel Gallo, Rebecca Kaplan, Zac Unger and Rowena Brown; Oakland Mayor-elect Barbara Lee, Valkyries President Jess Smith, a Valkyries team representative and Deputy Mayor LaNiece Jones. Photo courtesy Rebecca Kaplan’s office.

Team installs new nets at playgrounds, holds flag-raisings at City Halls in Oakland and S.F.

Special to The Post

The Golden State Valkyries brought the excitement of their inaugural season to every corner of the Bay Area with a full slate of community celebrations leading up to their historic home-opener against the Los Angeles Sparks at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Friday.

The week featured flag-raising ceremonies at city halls in Oakland and San Francisco, three “Violet Net” installation days at Oakland parks to encourage basketball play, fun “Hoopbus” takeovers at multiple schools presented by Kaiser Permanente, and player appearances.

In total, 90 violet nets were installed on 45 basketball courts across 34 public parks throughout Oakland this week. A list of the parks receiving violet nets can be found at Valkyries.com.

About the Golden State Valkyries

The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA affiliate of the seven-time NBA Champion Golden State Warriors, were announced as the 13th WNBA franchise on Oct. 5, 2023. According to Norse mythology, Valkyries are a host of warrior women who are fearless and unwavering – flying through air and sea alike.

This brand is Golden State’s modern interpretation of Valkyries: strong, bold, and fierce. Tipping off during the 2025 WNBA season, the team is headquartered in Oakland and will play home games at Chase Center in San Francisco. For Golden State Valkyries’ assets, including team logos, visit valkyries.com.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Activism

McClymonds High Names School Gym for Star Graduate, Basketball Legend Bill Russell

William “Bill” Felton Russell was born on Feb. 12, 1934, and died on July 31, 2022. He achieved fame as a U.S. professional basketball player who played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1956 to 1969. He was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty that won 11 NBA championships during his 13-year career.

Published

10 months ago

February 18, 2025

Oakland Post

Bill Russell and Brian McGhee in McClymonds High School Gym, 2011. Photo courtesy of Brian McGhee.

By Ken Epstein

West Oakland’s McClymonds High School, “the School of Champions,” this week named the school’s gymnasium in honor of one of its most famous graduates, basketball legend Bill Russell (class of ’52).

Russell is widely known as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. In 2011, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civil honor, from President Barack Obama for Russell’s contributions to basketball and the Civil Rights Movement.

The McClymonds’ naming ceremony was held on Wednesday, the same day as Russell’s birthday. Oakland leader Bill Patterson, a longtime friend of Russell’s, was scheduled to cut the ribbon at the reopening of the gym, which had been closed for several months for renovation. Russell’s daughter Karen was scheduled to attend the ribbon cutting.

Russell’s name and signature are now printed on the gymnasium floor.

Patterson was working at DeFremery Park when he met Russell. “I befriended him as a boy and during his years at University of San Francisco” said Patterson. “We stayed friends for the rest of his life.”

Said McClymonds Principal Darielle Davis, herself a McClymonds graduate, “We are excited to honor Bill Russell for his sports accolades and because he broke color barriers. He is part of our legacy, and legacy is really important at McClymonds.”

Brian McGhee, community schools manager at McClymonds and former football player at UC Berkeley, said that Russell meant a lot to him and others at the school. “He was a beacon of light and hope for West Oakland,” he said. “He did a lot for sports and for civil rights.”

Starting in 2018, Ben “Coach” Tapscott worked with Patterson and other McClymonds grads, community members, and former coaches to encourage the Oakland Board of Education to endorse the naming of the school gym, which finally happened recently.

“We worked hard to make this happen,” said Tapscott. “He’s an important part of McClymond’s history, along with a lot of other famous graduates,” he said.