C-Webb: What a night!

VF21

VF21

Super Moderator Emeritus
SME
A new blog entry has been added:

[drupal=98]C-Webb: What a night![/drupal]

(First, thanks to kennadog for making it possible for me to attend the festivities. The generosity of Kingsfans.com members never ceases to amaze me!)

Now, about last night...

First and foremost, it was truly Webb's night. But in a larger sense, it was a night for Kings fans to truly honor the team and to thank Webber, Vlade, Doug, Scot and even Mateen for all they gave us.

No, all the players we generally consider as being part of "the team" weren't there, but you could feel their presence. Arco was rocking. From the minute we pulled up to pay for parking, there was an electricity in the air that has been gone from Arco for far too long. (I tell you all right now - if you want to experience something you'll remember all your life, get your tickets TODAY for Vlade's celebration.)

The concourses were full of smiling fans. We greeted each other with nods of understanding. We were there to salute our hero. The stands were awash with Webber jerseys. Fans talked among themselves or chatted with the fans sitting close to them, remembering the days.

A poignant moment for me was watching Doug Christie as he finally received the love from the fans we hadn't been able to give him before. This was, for those who don't know, the first time back for Doug and he was truly moved, as we honored the player he had been, the warrior who brought it all eveyr night. Who among us doesn't remember Grand Theft Christie? And if you do not recall watching the game on TV where an injured Christie, already in the locker room, came back out after Peja was injured and not only gave his all but gave more than we could possibly hope for, you missed one of the greatest performances by anyone anywhere at any time.

I can't say much about Vlade that hasn't been said. He will get his day and if last night was any indication, he will receive the love and accolades he deserves from the loudest, best fans in the NBA.

There was another lesson being learned in Arco last night. The young Kings were looking around, stunned almost beyond belief at times by the ARCO THUNDER some of them were experiencing for the very first time. It may not have been a total sellout but you certainly couldn't tell it from the volume and cheers of the crowd.

I think they know now where the bar has been placed. And they know that they need to bring it all, they need to give it all and they need to do it every single night if they hope to emulate the guys who were sitting on the chairs at midcourt during half-time.

It was an awesome night and one I know I'll remember all my life. There weren't any strangers in Arco last night. There were KINGS FANS. And they saluted their Warrior Kings in a manner that was truly earned.

It would have been nice to have J-Will there, along with Peja and Mike. But they were there in the hearts of the fans. At least Peja will be here for Vlade's ceremony.

We started to say goodbye to an era last night. We'll finish it on March 31. And then it will be up to the kids, to Jason Thompson and Spencer Hawes, Kevin Martin, Francisco Garcia and even Donte Greene, to pick up the reins and get it all started again. At least now they have an idea of what they're striving for.

It's about the synergy, it's about the Arco thunder, it's about the relationship the team can forge with Kings fans. Last night may have been about the past but it was also a roadmap for the future...

It was a good night to be a Kings fan.

Thank you, Chris Webber, for giving us a glimpse of the mountaintop. Maybe having #4 in the rafters will bring some of your energy to future teams. You took our breath away and for that we will be eternally grateful.
Click to expand...
 
There was another lesson being learned in Arco last night. The young Kings were looking around, stunned almost beyond belief at times by the ARCO THUNDER some of them were experiencing for the very first time. It may not have been a total sellout but you certainly couldn't tell it from the volume and cheers of the crowd.
Click to expand...
yeahhhh!!!
 
That was the best Kings moment since, well, before number 4 was traded. I am really happy for Chris.

Comment #4, huh? Maybe we should ratire #4 and go straight to #5. :)
 
Last edited:
Awesome write-up.............Simply Awesome!! Thank you, VF21.

There is nothing I can add about Feb 6, 2009 at Arco Arena, except to say that all my best feelings about "The Team" came flooding back that night. It will be forever remembered by this Kings Fan. :)
 
I think the title sums it up for me...it really brought back so many emotions, it was great seeing Chris at the game.

Hopefully he can come back here and be a assistant coach for Jason and Spencer. I'd love to see Vlade be a part of this team as well (maybe as a coach). But it was a great night.

Great Write-up VF.
 
VF21 said:
(I tell you all right now - if you want to experience something you'll remember all your life, get your tickets TODAY for Vlade's celebration.)
Click to expand...

if only i lived near sacramento, or at least the game were on a weekend so i could fly in. :(
 
Great write up VF! It was a wonderful night that I will remember always. It was great to be reminded. Chris and the others were reminded how much Kings fans loved them. We were reminded that they loved us right back. Ok, now I'm teary....again. :o
 
I enjoyed the electricity in the building that night. I felt like I was back in the playoff games.
 
Doug Christie's reaction to the night shows you why there was such a love affair between this team and the fans in Sacramento.

if I remember correctly, i remember Christie actually saying that he cried when he was traded from the Kings.


I have been a sportsfanatic since I was about 7, i am 39 now. I have NEVER witnessed a team that enjoyed each other as much as that kings team did. Players on the bench would be up and cheering their teammates on like no team I have seen. then when the starters went to the bench because they had the game rapped up, those same starters were still into the game cheering on those role players as they performed.

Doug Christie did all he could to keep from breaking down on that stage in front of those fans. He TRULY loved and cherished his time in Sacramento. in turn, those same fans know what an impact they had on those players, so that love and respect went both ways.

I did not get to attend the game, but did watch it. And I must have caught myself 6 times with a huge smile on my face at what was happening.

Webber would not look anyone in the face as he came out to shake hands with his friends as he also did not want to break down.

Webber really said it best when he was saying how few athletes got to experience what he experienced in Sacramento. And while us fans did not get to celebrate a championship, i also believe few fans have gotten to experience that kind of relationship with a team, regardless of winning a title.

You think kthe Heat fans had our same experience? heck no.

We should al consider ourselves lucky that we had a 4-5 year run that was probably as enjoyable as you could ever possibly have with a team. And only now, after it has ended, do I personally realize how special it all was.


Doug Christie........... I thank you for being a King!!
 
Well Said!!!!

I could not have said it better. We, as Kings fans, were truly blessed during that run and Doug Christie was a big part of what made that team specail along with Chris Webber and Vlade Divac.

reid1boys said:
Doug Christie's reaction to the night shows you why there was such a love affair between this team and the fans in Sacramento.

if I remember correctly, i remember Christie actually saying that he cried when he was traded from the Kings.


I have been a sportsfanatic since I was about 7, i am 39 now. I have NEVER witnessed a team that enjoyed each other as much as that kings team did. Players on the bench would be up and cheering their teammates on like no team I have seen. then when the starters went to the bench because they had the game rapped up, those same starters were still into the game cheering on those role players as they performed.

Doug Christie did all he could to keep from breaking down on that stage in front of those fans. He TRULY loved and cherished his time in Sacramento. in turn, those same fans know what an impact they had on those players, so that love and respect went both ways.

I did not get to attend the game, but did watch it. And I must have caught myself 6 times with a huge smile on my face at what was happening.

Webber would not look anyone in the face as he came out to shake hands with his friends as he also did not want to break down.

Webber really said it best when he was saying how few athletes got to experience what he experienced in Sacramento. And while us fans did not get to celebrate a championship, i also believe few fans have gotten to experience that kind of relationship with a team, regardless of winning a title.

You think kthe Heat fans had our same experience? heck no.

We should al consider ourselves lucky that we had a 4-5 year run that was probably as enjoyable as you could ever possibly have with a team. And only now, after it has ended, do I personally realize how special it all was.


Doug Christie........... I thank you for being a King!!
Click to expand...
 
It was great to be at Arco to see this. It not only reminded me of those great years, but in a way gave me some hope for the future.
 
Thanks for posting this! I don't live in Sac any more or I would have been at the game myself. The videos brought back so many old feelings. If we are lucky we may again experience what CWebb brought to Sacramento. That's only if we are VERY VERY VERY lucky, he was a special player and person!

Thanks for the memories CWebb!
 
reid1boys said:
if I remember correctly, i remember Christie actually saying that he cried when he was traded from the Kings.
Click to expand...

he did more than that. IIRC, the organization made him a farewell/compilation tape, and i think it was jackie who said that she would find him at times watching it and tearing for not being a part of the team anymore. that right there is the heart of a king.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

King Baller
This is why we love the Kings
Replies
9
Views
1K
MizzouKing
MizzouKing
GWD
Open Letter to Coach Christie
Replies
23
Views
2K
Caccia
Caccia
Y
OKC Thunder Travels To Sacramento To Play The Kings Thursday Night
Replies
8
Views
298
coolhandluke
coolhandluke
Mr. S£im Citrus
  • Locked
  • Poll Poll
[Game] 71/82: Kings vs. Celtics 24 MAR 2025, 7pm PT/10pm ET
7 8 9
Replies
256
Views
10K
gunks
gunks
Caccia
  • Locked
[Game] 72/82: Kings vs. Thunder 25 MAR 2025, 7pm PT/10pm ET
8 9 10
Replies
286
Views
14K
Section 101
Section 101
Back
Top