Doug Christie took over as interim head coach of the Sacramento Kings amid a season-long losing streak, fans booing the team off its court and questions surrounding the decision to fire Mike Brown, who led the franchise to its first playoff appearance in 16 years in 2023
Christie earned his first win at the helm on Monday, 110-100 over the Mavericks, a victory that meant as much to the team’s season as it did to him. It wasn’t easy, with the Kings trailing early by 18 points to a Dallas team that was missing Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
In the group meeting, Christie told his players, “They’re getting closer.” He quoted a Bob Marley lyric about taking a bucket to the well and not knowing when the bottom will fall out. After the Kings committed a pair of technical fouls in the second half, Christie stressed to his players that they should not let the referees derail the game plan.
They responded, closing the third quarter on a 17-2 run and snapping a six-game losing streak to give the 15-year NBA veteran his first win since taking over the Kings.
“Will we still fight from time to time?” Christie said. “Yes, but there needs to be good will to demonstrate that many of the things we talk about they are capable of doing. Now, in my opinion, we need to do it with consistency, intensity and violent aggression.” “That has to be there to win games at this level.”
Domantas Sabonis, who had 17 points and 16 rebounds, said watching Christie get her first win was “really cool.”
“We’ve spent three summers with him,” Sabonis said. “He works hard and just to see him install what he believes in the guys, and for the guys to react so quickly is incredible.”
Being an NBA head coach, even with the interim tag, hasn’t yet sunk in for Christie. He had been busy with assistant coaching and scouting duties before getting the promotion, and planned to catch up on some sleep when the team was in Los Angeles over the weekend. Instead, he led the way against the Lakers, subsisting on 90-minute naps.
Christie’s initial goals are incremental: simplify the offense in the first game, followed by the defense in the second. The Kings held the Mavericks to just 40 points in the second half.
He wants the fans, who have endured 12 coaching changes since 2007 with just one playoff appearance, to know that they are appreciated, that they will put a product on the court that they are proud of and that they can support the players who gave it to them. its everything. He expects understanding and love from his players.
“This is tough,” Christie said before the game. “This is high leverage, the best in the world. There are only a certain amount of people who do it, from my perspective and the players’ perspective. Whatever you say about the word ‘pressure,’ it’s there.”
Christie said his job is to let his players play after putting them in a position to succeed. Part of his success as a coach will depend on his best player, De’Aaron Fox, who on Monday rejected reports that he was involved in Brown’s firing.
Christie, who has been a Kings assistant since 2021, won two games as interim head coach in 2022 when Brown was ill. But Monday’s victory was his first on a semi-permanent basis, with the expectation that he will have the rest of the season to prove his worth as a head coach.
One of the aspects Christie hopes to improve is the team’s record in close competitions. The Kings are 6-13 in games that are within five points in the final five minutes. He said being “clutchy” comes down to players being willing to get on the ground and “sacrifice themselves in a way that’s going to hurt.”
“When that time comes, what are you willing to do?” Christie said. “I know what I’m willing to do for you and I will support you in any way I can. Because it will always be my fault. It will never be your fault. They are going to do their job. I am here to take the bullets.”
Christie said building on the win will involve understanding that turning the season around is a process and wins are a byproduct.
“It’s tough in this league,” Christie said. “Winning is hard. So totally understand that. I think they’re starting to feel it, and that’s going to be the process we’re going to have to go through night after night. I’m here for it.” and I think they’re ready to do it.”
