I always enjoy seeing underdog stories, and this year’s Sacramento Kings were certainly one of them. The Kings have not been in the playoffs since 2006 and have not won a playoff series since 2004. Though nobody predicted that streak to change this year, Sacramento came out of nowhere to win the Pacific Division for the first time since that 2002-03 season and will be a top 3 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. On this episode of Real Housewives of the NBA, we explore what turned Sacramento around.

Though divisions don’t matter for standings anymore, it is still a mark of achievement for Sacramento to finally be back on top of the Pacific Division, which includes four (mostly) quality teams in the Suns, Warriors, Clippers, and Lakers. With 3 games left in the season at the time of this writing, Sacramento is 4 games ahead of Phoenix, who is fourth in the West, and secured the top 3 seed. They still have a chance to steal the #2 seed, as they are 2 games back of Memphis, but no one will be disappointed with #3.

The Kings have become popular this year for lighting a purple beam after every home win.

Last season, the Kings made a trade with the Indiana Pacers that brought much criticism. They sent guard Tyrese Haliburton for forward/center Domantas Sabonis, who had been a good but not truly great player for multiple seasons. Haliburton had a great first two seasons and made it known he was sad to leave Sacramento (the first person in 20 years to feel that way) and Sacramento caught heat from all sides. However, it worked out well considering their offseason moves.

The Kings, who have made absolutely garbage draft picks like Marvin Bagley, did well this past year with the selection of forward Keegan Murray. Though not a superstar as one may expect from a #4 pick, Murray has slid in perfectly to the Kings’ starting lineup and delivered 12 points per game with steady shooting. Veteran Harrison Barnes filled out the front court, and sharpshooter Kevin “Red Velvet” Huerter shot the lights out as Haliburton’s replacement. The Kings struggle on defense, but are gifted offensively, led by their star point guard De’Aaron Fox.

Now finishing up his sixth season, Fox is averaging 25 points per game with 6 assists and is the clear star of the team. He is one of the quickest players in the league and has come a long way from a raw prospect that had limited shot-making ability. In a game mostly centered around the rim, he is shooting over 50% from the field and is the frontrunner for the new Clutch Player of the Year Award.

Sabonis and Fox have become one of the league’s most dynamic duos.

Also of particular importance to all of you: I drafted (without thinking about it) 4 of the Kings’ starters for my fantasy basketball team. I had the best record in the regular season, in no small part due to Fox and Sabonis, and finished 2nd in the playoffs (sadly). I would not be disappointed if I ended up with the same players next year.

I’m wishing Sacramento the best in the playoffs, and will be rooting hard for them to finally exorcise their demons by winning a series. Coach Mike Brown deserves Coach of the Year consideration, and I expect that won’t be the only award heading to Sacramento this year.