Kings believed they could end NBA-record playoff drought since training camp

Mike Brown took on a unique challenge when he accepted the head coaching job with the Sacramento Kings last offseason. He had to convince a group of players who had never won together that they could end the longest ongoing playoff drought in major North American pro sports.

With 19 games remaining in the regular season going into Monday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Golden 1 Center, the belief is as strong as ever.

The Kings are third in the Western Conference at 37-26, and they have a 92% chance of reaching the playoffs, according to FiveThirtyEight. They’re 11 games over .500 for the first time since 2004-05.

The belief stemmed as far back as the summer and was solidified in training camp in October.

“Seeing how deep our team was, how competitive it was (in training camp),” shooting guard Kevin Huerter said. “I think we saw what we were capable of, getting up and down and scoring a lot. We didn’t start off the year great. We were 0-4, but I don’t think our confidence ever wavered. ... I think this team has always had belief.”

The Kings have been validated by leading the NBA in offensive efficiency throughout the season, averaging 118.5 points per 100 possessions. They still struggle on the defensive end, with the latest example being Saturday’s loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, who shot 60% from the floor.

But Sacramento is proven in crunch time, leading the West with a 7.2 net rating in the fourth quarter. It’s no coincidence All-Star point guard De’Aaron Fox has been the league’s most effective scorer in late-game situations throughout the season.

“The biggest thing is celebrating small victories, but being consistent in what you believe as a coach when you celebrate those victories,” Brown said when asked about instilling belief. “When you do, and the guys see the success from this small victory or that small victory, it really adds up. And it speaks volumes as time goes along, especially when you go win a game doing all these little things the right way.”