[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 73 (Thursday, June 6, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E975-E976]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO 2001-2002 SACRAMENTO KINGS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 5, 2002

  Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to the 2001-2002 
Sacramento Kings, one of the most exciting and formidable teams in the 
National Basketball Association. The 2001-2002 Kings completed the 
greatest season in franchise history by taking the two-time defending 
World Champions, the Los Angeles Lakers, to the brink of elimination in 
a fiercely contested seven game series. Although the season ended short 
of a Championship, the 2001-2002 Kings demonstrated remarkable courage, 
determination, and promise that have surely made them a great source of 
civic pride and a perennial NBA powerhouse for years to come. I ask all 
of my colleagues to join with me in saluting the remarkable 2001-2002 
Sacramento Kings.
  Throughout the course of the season, the 2001-2002 Sacramento Kings 
showed tremendous character in overcoming numerous obstacles. Despite 
losing star players Chris Webber and Peja Stojakovic for significant 
portions of the season, the Kings finished the regular season with a 
league best mark of 61 wins and 21 losses. The Kings won the 
franchise's first division championship since relocating to Sacramento 
in 1985. By combining a high-octane offense and a tenacious defense, 
this year's Kings posted the best overall record, home record and road 
record in franchise history. It is clear that the 2001-2002 Sacramento 
Kings are the most successful team in the franchise's illustrious 54 
year history.
  The Kings began their postseason campaign in fine form, as they only 
needed four games to conquer their old nemesis, the Utah Jazz. In the 
next round, the Kings overcame significant injuries to Peredrag 
Stojakovic and Doug Christie to defeat a talented Dallas Mavericks team 
by a four games to one margin. In the Western Conference finals, the 
Kings locked horns with the Los Angeles Lakers in one of the most hotly 
contested and memorable playoff series in NBA history. Although the 
Kings would lose the series after stretching the ultimate seventh game 
into overtime, their outstanding performance throughout the playoffs 
cemented the Kings' status as one of the preeminent teams in the NBA 
today and the dominant team of the future.
  The 2001-2002 Sacramento Kings are comprised of an outstanding blend 
of superstar players, seasoned veterans, and exciting young players. 
This Kings team is spearheaded by the all around excellence of All-
Stars Chris Webber and Peredrag Stojakovic. On defense, the Kings are 
lead by defensive stalwart and All NBA Defensive Second Team member 
Doug Christie. Skillful big men Vlade Divac, Scot Pollard, and Lawrence

[[Page E976]]

Funderburke provide consistent play in the paint. The boundless energy 
and exuberance of Mike Bibby, Bobby Jackson, and Hidayet Turkoglu fuels 
the Kings trademark high-power offense. High-flying rookie Gerald 
Wallace and the talented Mateen Cleaves provide an enticing glimpse 
into the team's future with their enormous potential. To round off the 
roster, solid veterans Chucky Brown and Brent Price provide steady and 
valuable leadership on the floor and in the locker room. This dazzling 
group of players, combined with a selfless commitment to team play, are 
major reasons why the Kings enjoyed such unparalleled success during 
the 2001-2002 season.
  In addition to a wonderful roster, the 2001-2002 Kings also benefited 
greatly from the tutelage of one of the best coaching staffs and the 
leadership of one of the most progressive front offices in the NBA. On 
the bench, the 2001-2002 Kings were lead by head coach Rick Adelman and 
assistant coaches Pete Carril, John Wetzel and Elston Turner. These 
coaches were able to harness one of the greatest collections of 
talented players in the NBA into a balanced scoring team that is 
epitomized by team play and an unyielding commitment to defense. In the 
front office, the Kings are led by the visionary ownership of the 
Maloof Family and the astute personnel moves of team president Geoff 
Petrie. Under the ownership of the Maloof Family, the Kings have taken 
great steps to forge one of the most unique and strongest relationships 
in all of sports with their team supporters. Given the Kings' front 
office's commitment to the city of Sacramento, it is no wonder why 
Kings fans are widely regarded as the most spirited and most loyal fans 
in America.
  Mr. Speaker, as the Sacramento Kings conclude its greatest season in 
franchise history and prepare to achieve greater triumphs in the 
future, I am honored to pay tribute to the many hard working men and 
women of the Kings organization who brought so much joy and pride to 
the people of Sacramento and Kings' fans everywhere. Their successes 
are considerable, and it is a great honor for me to have the 
opportunity to pay tribute to their accomplishments. I ask all my 
colleagues to join with me in congratulating the Sacramento Kings on a 
wonderful season and wishing them greater success in future seasons.

                          ____________________