Growing up as a young sports fan in Yuba City, I watched a lot of bad Sacramento Kings basketball.
Like many of you readers and listeners, I watched the Quincy Douby minutes. The Jon Brockman experience. I think back to Mikki Moore’s time with the team whenever a new Kings player wears number 33 (looking at you, Jabari Parker).
From 2007 through 2022, Sacramento won more than 33 games just twice, missing the playoffs in an NBA-record 16 consecutive seasons.
We all watched some bad Kings teams–and yet, none of those lackluster seasons included a losing streak like the one that’s taking place right now.
Sacramento (12-44) will enter play on Thursday night looking to avoid making franchise history, as a loss to the Orlando Magic would mark the Kings’ 15th straight defeat. That wouldn’t set a new mark for the Sacramento era–we’re past that, now. We’re talking franchise history.
Rochester. Cincinnati. Kansas City-Omaha. Kansas City. Sacramento. All of it.
NEW ORLEANS - DECEMBER 20: Francisco Garcia #32 talks with head coach Kenny Natt of the Sacramento Kings during the game against the New Orleans Hornets on December 20, 2008 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Hornets defeated the Kings 99-90. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
The 2008-09 Sacramento Kings went 17-65, but never lost more than nine straight games. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Since the Sacramento Kings’ first season in the BAA as the Rochester Royals (1948-49), no team in franchise history has ever lost 15 consecutive games.
Two previous teams–the 1971-72 and 1959-60 Cincinnati Royals–have lost 14 games in a row, but one more Kings loss would etch this group’s names into the backflap of the franchise record books.
While setting a franchise record for longest losing streak is undoubtedly a bad thing, the fact is that Sacramento needs all of the losses it can get.
The Kings are currently at the bottom of the NBA standings, which means they are actually at the top of the Tankathon leaderboard, giving them a 52 percent chance at securing a top-four pick in this summer’s draft.
Sacramento won’t admit it, but a 15-game losing streak is all but a clear sign that the Kings are one of many teams that are embracing the tank this season–and that’s okay, especially at this point.
Still, a 15-game losing streak would live on for quite some time (maybe longer than half a century) when you look at where this skid stacks up with the other franchise marks.
Longest Sacramento Kings Losing Streaks
1971-72 Cincinnati Royals – 14 games
There have been two 14-game losing streaks in the Kings franchise history, and this is the most recent.
Hall of Fame guard Bob Cousy was the head coach of a Cincinnati team that lost 14 consecutive games from December 1971 through January 1972.
Although the Royals dropped 14 straight games, they finished the season with a record of 30-52. For reference, the 2025-26 Sacramento Kings are on pace to finish 18-64.
It took three years for the Royals to return to the playoffs, as they posted a 44-38 record during the 1974-75 season and reached the first round.
1959-60 Cincinnati Royals – 14 games
Tied with the 1971-72 team for the longest losing streak in Kings franchise history are the 1959-60 Cincinnati Royals.
This marked the second-straight year the Royals finished a season with 19 wins, and it took the franchise just one more down year to reach the postseason (1961-62).
2025-26 Sacramento Kings – 14 games (and counting)
We have reached the present.
Out of 78 total seasons for the Kings’ franchise, this is where Sacramento stands on the all-time losing streak list. They’ve reached the mountain top (well, maybe rock bottom is more fitting?)
With a loss on Thursday vs. Orlando, they would set a new all-time franchise record.
1990-91 Sacramento Kings (13 games)
The other 13-game losing streak during the Sacramento era actually spanned two seasons.
After ending the 1989-90 season with six-straight defeats, the Kings opened the 1990-91 season with seven consecutive losses.
It took Sacramento until the 1995-96 season to get back into the NBA Playoffs, where they dropped the first-round ‘Rattle Seattle’ series to the SuperSonics in four games.
When is the next Sacramento Kings game?
The Sacramento Kings will return from the All-Star break on Thursday, February 19th, and face the Orlando Magic at Golden 1 Center.
Last season, Orlando swept the season series vs. Sacramento (2-0).
Be sure to catch all of the Sacramento Kings vs. Orlando Magic action right here on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage beginning at 5:30 PM PT on Game Night before a 7:00 pm PT tip-off from downtown Sacramento.
More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports
Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season
Thursday, February 19th vs. Orlando Magic – 7:00 PM PT
Saturday, February 21st @ San Antonio Spurs – 5:00 PM PT
Monday, February 23rd @ Memphis Grizzlies – 5:00 PM PT
Wednesday, February 25th – @ Houston Rockets – 5:00 PM PT
Thursday, February 26th @ Dallas Mavericks – 5:30 PM PT
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