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George Karl Era Starts Slowly, Kicks Into High Gear In 109-101 Win For Sacramento Kings

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — The Sacramento Kings won their first game under new head coach George Karl, 109-101 on Friday night.

The Kings came out sluggish to start, allowing a 16-2 run by the Boston Celtics to start the game, but managed to take the lead before the end of the first quarter.

Karl notched win No. 1,132 of his career, but very few of them had so much focus on him as Friday's game.

The attention didn't start from the moment Karl stepped on the court, getting an ovation from fans and a hug and quick pep talk from owner Vivek Ranadive.

It started the moment he stepped in the building. Karl couldn't step through security without posing for a picture with fans.

Even the coach himself admitted to some pre-game nerves, surprised by the media crush.

"Overwhelmed a little bit by being back, overwhelmed by the reception I've gotten here, it's kinda you guys," he said.

With a smile, he listened to a pre-game presentation announcing the dawn of a new area. It's rare during NBA introductions when the crowd saves its loudest ovation for the head coach.

Perhaps one hall-of-fame Kings fan we all know as Sign Lady puts it best.

"It feels like we're kinda starting over, and I hope that everything goes well," said Barbara Rust.

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