SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Hype is in the air in Sacramento as the Kings get ready to face off against their Northern California rivals the Golden State Warriors.
Kings fans are rooting for what they're calling "payback," after the team came up short against the Warriors in Game 7 of the Western Conference First Round earlier this year.
“It’s the Warriors baby. We lost to them last year in the playoffs and we are ready for revenge,” said Kings fan Tyler Cook.
Downtown Commons (DOCO) and Golden 1 Center are filled with people getting their tickets — some of the hottest in the NBA right now.
Excitement over the matchup continued to grow Friday as the team rolled out a purple carpet ready for the cowbell kingdom.
Nai, a Sacramento native, says he goes to about 20 games a year and wouldn't miss this home opener for the world.
"[It's] payback," he said. "We’re beating them 4-0, you can put that in the books."
The Warriors won the April series 4-3 after the Kings got off to an early 2-0 start, capping off their playoff drought buster of a season.
Well before a single shot has been sunk in the Golden 1 Center, fans have their expectations amped up to 10 to see a new Pacific Division Champion banner in the rafters.
Though ticket prices are more expensive now, Cook says he's okay with the change because the "team is better as well, so makes sense."
All fans watching the game in Golden 1 Center will have a 'Feel the Roar' t-shirt waiting for them at their seats. The Kings are expecting a sellout.
