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Kings’ victory beam labeled a ‘place of worship’ on Google Maps, complete with comical fan testimonies

After every win, the Sacramento Kings point four massive lasers to the sky.

The victory beam, which shines from the team's Golden 1 Center after wins, was briefly labeled a “place of worship” on Google Maps and the reviews fans wrote are better described as testimonies of faith.

While it appears Google removed the posting after around six hours, it amassed more than 100 5-star reviews while it was up.

From simple sentiments to more elaborate testimonials, Kings fans described the spiritual experiences that can apparently only come with a team’s best start since 2004 and 1,000 watts of purple RGB laser power to the sky.

“My life turned around when I found The Beam,” one fan wrote.

“The beam somehow cured me of my lactose intolerance and now my bones are powered purely by the beam,” wrote another.

Ultimately, the location’s reviews were illustrations of fans’ rising hope that the longest playoff drought in NBA history could be broken soon.

It’s no secret that the Kings are scoring a ton of points. Highlighted by De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, Kevin Huerter, Malik Monk, Harrison Barnes and rookie Keegan Murray, the squad is currently ranked second in the league in points scored and assists.

Without a playoff appearance in 16 years, the 2022-2023 “Beam Team” represents a brighter future for the franchise.

How the beam came to be

The beam is not only a local phenomenon, it’s catching the attention of celebrities and the Kings’ road opponents.

Rapper 50 Cent traveled to Sacramento to light the beam after the Kings’ victory over the Indiana Pacers on Nov. 30.

During the team’s 123-96 defeat of the Los Angeles Clippers, “Light the beam” chants were so loud in Los Angeles that Paul George was seen asking John Wall, “what are they saying?” as they both sat on the bench.

"It’s always been my vision to create a spectacle. That’s what we did. This is that fireplace — we light the fire, and everyone can just gather around it,” team owner Vivek Ranadivé told NBC Sports Bay Area.

According to Ranadivé, the idea was brewing before the 2016-17 season, when the Golden 1 Center first opened in downtown Sacramento.

He says that the idea, conceptualized by Kings president of business operations John Rinehart, takes inspiration from the Los Angeles Angels’ “Big A” sign and the purple lights on Virgin Airlines flights.

Dec 4, 2022; Sacramento, California, USA;  Sacramento Kings dance team members hold up signs after defeating the Chicago Bulls at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
The Sacramento Kings are looking to use the power of the beam to end the franchise's playoff drought. (Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports)