SACRAMENTO, Calif. — De'Aaron Fox finished off a dazzling playoff debut that was years in the making and had one more task to do.
With the home crowd counting down following an exhilarating return to the postseason, Fox pressed the button and lit the ceremonial beam, letting out 17 seasons of frustration for Sacramento. «Sacramento showed out tonight,» Fox said. «But doing this for the fans, just knowing the way that they support this team through thick and thin — really thin.
It's just a testament to the way they are.» Fox was the biggest reason why, scoring 38 points to tie for the second-highest playoff debut in NBA history to lead the Kings to a 126-123 victory over the defending-champion Golden State Warriors on Saturday night.
Fox scored 29 points in the second half after taking time to adjust to the playoff physicality and hit the 3-pointer that gave Sacramento the lead for good late in the fourth quarter.