2001-02 Regular Season Record Win
A season of offensive brilliance where the Kings soared to 61 wins, their best since moving to Sacramento.
The Sacramento Kings' pursuit of a historic regular-season record during the 2001-02 campaign stands as one of the most poignant chapters in franchise history. While the team did not set a new all-time franchise win total that season, their performance was defined by an unprecedented surge in dominance and consistency under coach Rick Adelman. This era is remembered for the emergence of a high-powered offense led by Peja Stojaković, Chris Webber, Doug Christie, and Vlade Divac, which carried the team to their best regular-season finish since moving to Sacramento.
- Season
- 2001-02 NBA Regular Season
- Head Coach
- Rick Adelman
- Key Players
- Peja Stojaković, Chris Webber, Doug Christie, Vlade Divac
- Final Record
- 61 Wins, 21 Losses
- League Standing
- Best in the Pacific Division and Western Conference
- Historical Context
- Third consecutive 50-win season since moving to Sacramento
Lore & Background
Despite their regular-season supremacy, this season is often viewed through the lens of heartbreak that followed. The team's journey to the Western Conference Finals, only to lose 4-3 to the eventual champion Los Angeles Lakers in a series marred by officiating controversies and defensive mismatches, cast a long shadow over their 61-win achievement. Yet, for the fans who lived it, those 61 wins remain a badge of honor, proof that Sacramento could compete with the best dynasties in the league.
In Their Own Story
The air inside ARCO Arena was thick with anticipation as the clock ticked down on the final game of the season. The scoreboard read Kings 98, Opponent 96, but the real story was the number flashing above the rim: 61 wins. Peja Stojaković stood at the free-throw line, the crowd's roar a physical weight pressing against his shoulders. He sank both shots, sealing not just a victory, but a legacy. In that moment, the hardwood seemed to glow with the promise of a dynasty finally taking flight.
Reader's Guide
The occasion was the culmination of a grueling 82-game schedule where the Kings dominated the Western Conference with their signature "7 Seconds or Less" offense. What happened was a masterclass in team basketball, as Sacramento secured 61 regular-season victories, finishing first in both their division and conference. This record stood as the best regular season performance in franchise history since the Kansas City days. It is remembered because it represented the absolute peak of the modern Sacramento era. While the postseason ultimately fell short of expectations, the sheer magnitude of those 61 wins proved that the Kings were a legitimate powerhouse capable of challenging the league's elite.
Did You Know?
- The 2001-02 season marked the third consecutive season with over 50 wins for the Kings, following a 55-win campaign in 2000-01.
- Peja Stojaković was named to the All-NBA Third Team during this historic campaign.
- Chris Webber averaged a double-double, showcasing his all-around dominance alongside Vlade Divac's veteran leadership.
- The Kings' offensive rating that season remains one of the highest in NBA history for any team.