Kings Coach Doug Christie Criticizes Team After Heavy Loss
Following a significant defeat on Wednesday, Kings head coach Doug Christie expressed his discontent with the team’s performance. This was a rough 133-100 loss to the Hawks, and Christie did not hold back in addressing his players.
In his first full season leading the Kings after stepping in as interim last year, Christie condemned what he referred to as the team’s “disgraceful level of competition.” He told the players, “You guys are professionals. You signed up for this. This league is tough.” He acknowledged that it was only Game 12 of the season but urged for better performances, reminding them that they have shown they can excel.
The Kings struggled significantly, executing only 39.1 percent of their shots during the game. This lackluster display came at a time when they faced the Hawks without their star player, Trae Young, who was sidelined due to a sprained muscle.
During the press conference, Christie spoke about the necessity for the team to bounce back. He referenced a previous four-game losing streak that saw them up against some tough Western Conference playoff teams, emphasizing that individual effort is crucial to overcoming such challenges. “But there’s no one to check on that. To get out of there, you have to play on your own. Period,” he explained.
He shared his experiences, stating that respect must be earned on the court, whether in gyms or pick-up games. “I’ve been to them all,” he remarked. “And I hooped my butt off. That’s part of it.” He added that while he understood the business, players should take pride in wearing their jerseys and representing the Kings.
As the session wrapped up, Christie highlighted the feelings of the fans, who likely felt “very embarrassed” by the game. “These people need to get into the turnstiles, and when they leave here, they need to be proud of the product they see, instead of embarrassed. It’s unacceptable. Period. It’s simple. This is a no-brainer,” he stated firmly.
With a sense of urgency, he concluded, “This isn’t hard… You don’t have to watch the tape. You probably won’t. I’ve seen it live once. If you want to watch it again. But I will.”
