De'Aaron Fox finished off a dazzling playoff debut that was years in the making and had one more task to do.

As the home crowd counted down from a jubilant playoff return, Fox pressed the button and ignited the celebratory beam, setting off a season 17 disappointment for Sacramento.

"Sacramento showed up tonight," Fox said. “But doing it for the fans, just knowing how they support this team through thick and thin — really close. It's just proof of who they are.”

Fox was the biggest cause for celebration as he scored 38 points to level the second highest playoff game in NBA history and lead the Kings to a 126-123 win over the defending champion Golden State Warriors on Saturday night.

Fox scored 29 points in the second half after taking some time to adjust to playoff fitness and hit a 3-pointer that gave Sacramento the lead late in the fourth quarter.

It took Fox until his sixth season to make the playoffs but declared himself a star, with only Luka Doncic scoring more in his playoff debut at 42 against Dallas three years ago.

After Stephen Curry kicked a three-pointer to give Golden State a 114-112 lead with about four minutes left, the Kings responded with a Fox three-pointer with seven straight starts.

Malik Monk made two free throws to make it 126-123 with 2.9 seconds left, and Curry missed a 3-runner on the buzzer, giving the Kings their first playoff win since April 30, 2006 against San Antonio.

Monk finished the game with 32 points off the bench and Domantas Sabonis had 12 points and 16 rebounds.