But the team faded in the second half, failing to make the playoff cut in the tough Eastern Division.
The regular season opened on the road October 16, 1968 against the brand-new Atlanta Hawks, which had just relocated from St. Louis.
The Royals won 125–110 behind a balanced attack featuring a rotation of stars Oscar Robertson, Connie Dierking, Jerry Lucas, Adrian Smith, John Tresvant, Tom Van Arsdale and Walt Wesley.
The Royals won their first three straight, including their home opener over Detroit on October 19 at Cincinnati Gardens arena.
The December 15th win was another ' road ' home game played in Omaha, Nebraska, a site favored by team General Manager Joel Axelson.