Sacramento Kings head coach Doug Christie highlighted Russell Westbrook’s leadership and Keon Ellis’ performance following their 113-107 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday at Golden 1 Center.
Christie praised Ellis’ breakout night, saying, “Keon, as you said, had kind of been up and down, but I know he’s been on the gun. He’s been shooting, he’s been working. Breaking through for him, just more than anything, is just a nice solid defense and he played a really, really good ball game. He was big for us, got us started out on the right foot.”
On Westbrook’s three-point shooting, Christie noted, “Once he gets his feet set, good form, and we live with that result. He shoots it very confidently. He gets in, he gets his work when you see him at practice, but he also comes back at nighttime… that’s how you get to be that great. Hats off to him that he goes about his business the way he does that allows him to play at the level that he does right now.”
Christie emphasized the team’s mental toughness in responding to a late Mavericks push: “We went on a 20-10 run in the third quarter to respond to their response, and that’s big. Once you work your way into a league, teams are going to make a run. It’s your response that matters. My thing tonight was mental toughness, and they definitely showed it.”
The coach also addressed the defensive effort, particularly against Cooper Flagg: “Only four field goal attempts in the first half, ended with 13. We said at halftime before he went out, he’s probably going to be more aggressive, so let’s make sure. Since that first Portland game, I thought we turned the corner with aggressiveness, rebounding, trying to win a possession game. Tonight we have 16 steals, 14 offensive rebounds… big guys protecting the paint allows perimeter players to be more aggressive.”
Christie reflected on Westbrook’s overall impact: “I’ve always kind of thought he’s undervalued because people are critical of his style. He truly believes in himself, works his butt off on his game and body, watches film, he’s a pro. He wants to win more than anything. His ability to compete night-to-night says so much about him as a professional, and teammates respect that energy.”
On leadership and mentorship for the team’s younger players, Christie added, “Arriving late in camp, not on a long-term deal, but what he stands for for our young players is super important—the competitiveness, the anger after a loss… it’s an honor and a blessing to have him and definitely to coach him.”
Sacramento improved to 8-23, extending its winning streak against Dallas to four games. Westbrook scored 21 points with nine assists and five rebounds, while Ellis’ five three-pointers set the tone early. Maxime Raynaud added 19 points, and Dennis Schroder contributed 10 points off the bench.
