For the first time in three years, Kings fans found themselves enjoying a season finale without worrying about the future of the team.  We're fans, so we'll always worry about the future, but we know it's our future.  The Kings aren't going anywhere, and we're safe to get excited about the progress we see.

The Kings broadcast featured appearances from Kings President Chris Granger, Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson, Kings great and now Hall of Famer Mitch Richmond, Kings GM Pete D'Alessandro, and they all echoed a similar message; what a difference a year makes.  This teams, despite its flaws, it moving towards the future in every way.  The roster is showing signs of improvement, the new arena is on track, and we're able to appreciate our past with the knowledge that we have a future.

At halftime, Mitch Richmond spoke to the fans.  As he's confirmed previously, he affirmed he'll enter the Hall as a Sacramento King.  But he reminded us that he wouldn't be going alone.  He was going to be taking Kings fans with him.  He was joined on the court by his family, Vivek Ranadivé, Chris Mullin, and Jerry Reynolds.  Jerry, Mitch reminded us, was the man who traded to bring Mitch to Sacramento.

The team as a whole played with a tremendous amount of heart.  The Kings had nothing to play for, and neither did the Suns, yet both teams came out and played hard.  The Kings had multiple highlight alley-oops.  It was a fun show in front of a sellout Sacramento crowd.

Speaking of the crowd, bravo to everyone in the stands.  There was tremendous energy.  You'd never guess this was the capstone to a 28-win season.  And although the team finished this season with the same number of wins as last season, the difference was night and day.  This season has been a pleasure to watch and to cover.  It's been my favorite Kings team to watch and root for in years.  I hope you all have enjoyed it as much as I have.

I know the Kings lost, but I humbly suggest we close out the season with some dance gifs.  What say you?