SACRAMENTO ― The Sacramento Kings snapped a seven-game losing streak with their 111-98 win against the Houston Rockets at Golden 1 Center on Sunday, Jan. 11.
They also did something they haven’t had a chance to do all year long ―and that’s light the beam.
Chants broke out in downtown Sacramento amongst fans inside of Golden 1 Center as the ‘light the beam’ phrase echoed throughout the arena from 15,268 fans in attendance.
‘It’s always good to get a win, especially at home,’ Kings guard Malik Monk told USA TODAY Sports after Sunday night’s game.
Monk ended the game with 15 points on 50% shooting in 26 minutes off the bench.
The beam was first introduced by the Kings ahead of the 2022-23 NBA regular-season. It was also Monk’s first season with the Kings.
The beam, which is six high-powered lasers casting a 1,800-watt purple ray into the sky, became the Kings’ sign of victory.
It was visible to everyone who drove in Sacramento, especially the closer you drove to downtown. It’s activated at the conclusion of every Kings win.
Three seasons later, other teams are beginning to adopt their own regular-season victory celebration.
The San Antonio Spurs started a victory tradition of beating on drums to a rhythmic beat until the fans join and together applause in unison.
The Houston Rockets started their own tradition at the top of the year where they have rockets explode in the arena at the push of a red button.
Their celebrations have been noticed around the league and NBA spaces. Its begun to grab the attention of Monk, who was a part of the inaugural ‘Beam Team’ in 2022-23.
‘I’ve been seeing it man, I’ve been seeing it,’ Monk told USA TODAY Sports. ‘They got it from somewhere. I don’t want to say where though.’
‘Light the Beam’
The beam was brought back out against the Rockets on Sunday.
Kings rookie center Dylan Cardwell did the honors of initiating the beam following their win.
‘First and foremost, all glory to my Lord and savior Jesus Christ,’ Cardwell said after the game in front of the 15,268 fans at Golden 1 Center before lighting the beam. ‘We’re the Kings, we’re tough, we’re competitive and we’re some dogs. It’s a team effort.’
He’s become a crowd-favorite for his hustle, heart and constant hyping the fans when he’s on the floor. Cardwell ended the game with nine points and 10 rebounds, eight of them were offensive rebounds.
Kings head coach Doug Christie told USA TODAY Sports that he calls Cardwell ‘the spirit animal.’
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