Doug Christie praised the Sacramento Kings’ competitive effort despite a 113-99 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday at Paycom Center. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 33 points, while Chet Holmgren added 21, helping Oklahoma City extend their winning streak to seven games.
Christie acknowledged the Kings’ improved defensive effort but highlighted turnovers as a key factor in the loss. “Not only eight turnovers in the third, but also seven blocked shots… You’ve got to have next play speed,” he said, stressing the importance of concentration and accountability.
The coach praised Precious Achiuwa for his physicality and versatility. “He moves well, rebounds the ball with two hands, defensively we can switch him off on a lot of different people… a great kid and a great teammate,” Christie noted.
Christie reflected on the team’s mood amid a tough stretch. “Absolutely frustrating… their focus and determination is still at a high level. They’re competitors and they want to win,” he said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining effort night-to-night in the NBA.
Dennis Schroder led Sacramento with 21 points, while DeMar DeRozan added 17. Domantas Sabonis missed the game due to left knee soreness, limiting the Kings’ inside presence. Despite strong efforts, Sacramento could not overcome Oklahoma City’s balanced attack.
The Thunder held a 58-50 halftime lead and extended the margin in the third quarter when Gilgeous-Alexander converted a banked jumper and free throw to make it 83-67. Lu Dort scored 11 points in the fourth quarter as Oklahoma City maintained control to secure the double-digit win.
Former Thunder star Russell Westbrook received a warm reception from the home crowd and contributed seven points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. Zach LaVine’s buzzer-beater attempt was ruled late, preserving the Thunder’s advantage.
Christie stressed that maintaining competitive intensity is crucial moving forward. “This level of compete needs to travel with us… not worried about the opponent, just our level of physicality and urgency,” he said, looking ahead to Thursday’s matchup in Memphis.
Oklahoma City improves to 15-1 and will face the Utah Jazz on Friday, while Sacramento drops to 3-12 and travels to Memphis. The Kings will aim to carry the effort Christie praised into their next game.
