Sacramento head coach Doug Christie acknowledged his team’s improved effort despite a 120-106 loss to Boston on Thursday. “The compete level and the standard that we’re looking for was much, much better,” he said, emphasizing the higher energy and focus compared to recent games.
Christie noted defensive progress, pointing to the Celtics’ limited offensive rebounds and turnovers forced. “This is a team that averages like 13 offensive rebounds. They ended up with five, with 10 turnovers for us for nine points. Some good stuff,” he said, while stressing that victories remain the ultimate goal.
The Kings’ offense showed signs of improvement. “Especially with the two bigs, the word I like to use is continuity…once that action happens, the ball moves, and then the other big can get into the action. They are tandeming on the floor and reading what’s going on,” Christie explained, highlighting a more fluid offensive approach.
Christie praised DeMar DeRozan’s two-way impact. “I would look at the steals. As long as he’s not gambling…love what he’s doing on that end of the floor. We know what he does offensively; that doesn’t surprise me. He is an assassin of the highest regard,” he said.
On the decisive fourth quarter, Christie admitted defensive lapses were the main issue. “It’s low-hanging fruit to say the offensive side because we were 0 for 10 from three, but you’ve got to get stops. They had a 30-point quarter. For me, I’m going to lean on the defensive side,” he said, stressing the importance of physical, disciplined defense.
Christie underscored fundamentals in closing stretches. “Play defense without fouling is one of our tenants. We fouled the jump shooter, the and-ones…ball does not get above their shoulders. Send them to the free throw line. Be physical,” he said.
Despite the loss, Christie sees incremental progress. “Step by step and that compete is at a higher level, and that’s what we need,” he said, highlighting the value of effort and adherence to team standards.
For Sacramento, DeRozan led with 25 points and six assists, Dennis Schroder added 18 points, and Keon Ellis chipped in 16. Boston’s balanced scoring, led by Jaylen Brown’s 29 points and 10 rebounds, powered the Celtics’ road victory.
The Kings will visit Phoenix on Saturday looking to halt a nine-loss stretch in 11 games, while Boston continues its road trip against the Clippers.
