Sacramento Kings head coach Doug Christie spoke Thursday after the team fell 133‑123 to the New Orleans Pelicans at Golden 1 Center.
“I thought that that he [Russ Westbrook] played hard and competed at a really high level tonight. So that’s who he is and that’s what he brings to the game and that’s what I love about Russ,” Christie said when asked about Westbrook’s postgame comments.
Christie emphasized his focus remains on coaching rather than media coverage. “I’m gonna be quite honest with you, I don’t read what you guys write. I just focus on what I got to focus on,” he said. “You guys can say you hate me, you like me, you don’t like what I’m doing, but I’m going to do what I’m doing with this team with a fresh perspective and a positive mindset.”
On playing time for younger players, Christie noted, “I actually thought Nique and Max were a little tired…a lot of people may disagree, but they’re rookies, you guys. There’s going to be ebb and flows.” He added that foul trouble and back-to-back schedules also influence rotation decisions.
Christie also highlighted the Kings’ approach to player development. “Killian was brought in. He went through the G League and slowly developed…Precious, he’s been playing some bonafide basketball. Both of those guys got the opportunity to play and they’re demonstrating that they can play in this league,” he said. “We do want to make sure that when we put our hands on players and we love our players that we develop them in a way that makes them productive at a really high level.”
On handling media scrutiny, Christie shared a personal perspective. “I don’t let them. They’re grown men…Some people read at all. Some people don’t pay attention. Some people act like they don’t pay attention, but actually do,” he said. “You have to protect your energy. That’s your responsibility as a human being. If you don’t protect your energy and you let it go…you’re in a negative space. I can’t do that.”
Christie also discussed the point guard rotation. “You got Devin, you got Killian, even throw Malik in there, and then you got Russ. On some nights, you may have to pick one. You read the game and see what one is going to bring to the game,” he said. “Devin will be back and he’ll play. That’s where you got to stay professional, keep your mind right, and be ready to go when your number is called.”
Sacramento fell to 14‑50 overall, with Precious Achiuwa scoring 29 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Westbrook added 19 points and 10 assists, while DeMar DeRozan scored 15 points to move into 19th place on the NBA’s career scoring list for the Kings.
The Pelicans improved to 20‑44 behind Zion Williamson’s 23 points, and will face the Phoenix Suns Friday, while Sacramento hosts the Chicago Bulls Sunday.
