Kings get credit for feeling ‘fresher’ after Christie’s practices originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
He The kings seem to have turned a corner in their 2024-25 NBA season as they look to build on an impressive six-game winning streak.
While the firing of former coach Mike Brown In a shock to the entire basketball world, Kings players accepted the messages from interim head coach Doug Christie, who has a 6-1 record since taking over.
One notable difference that some players attribute to the change is less practice, which they believe has helped them stay refreshed and ready for game days.
“Talking to some of the guys that play more minutes, they definitely feel fresher coming into games,” Kings guard Kevin Huerter said after the Kings’ 114-97 win over the champion Boston Celtics. reigning NBA champions, Friday night at TD Garden (h/t Chris Biderman of the Sacramento Bee). “I think even mentally, just because of the effort of the season, we’re already in January, and you get to this point in the season, you play a lot of games.
“As much as it’s a physical effort, it’s a mental effort. Being halfway there and needing every win, we kind of hit the brakes a little bit, but we still trust ourselves to do our job. It’s been well received” .
Monk Malikwho emerged in the starting lineup this season and is averaging 22.3 points on 42.4 percent shooting, with 4.0 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.4 steals since Sacramento’s coaching change, shared a message similar about practice.
“We are not doing anything. “Save your legs,” Monk said. “You come in and finish in an hour, instead of standing around for two hours, doing a lot of things.”
It’s no secret that Brown loved practicing much harder (and longer) than the players.
The old-school military-type coach was fired in his third season with the team after a disappointing 13-18 start to the season.
“Of course,” Kings star center Domantas Sabonis said, “if you can rest, you’ll be fresher for the games.”
Seems easy for players shop and engage with ChristieFormer player turned coach.
Having that player perspective has helped Christie in several areas.
“I have to understand that even when I was with the Kings, we played a similar style, super fast, we’re getting it done,” Christie said. “So when you play that style, you as a coach, I have to be aware of how to approach practice and make sure they get what they need.
“So, to be honest, it varies a little bit. I just try to observe, keep my ear to the street and try to get a good idea of who they are and what they need more than anything, and get out of the way.”
The Kings will face the Chicago Bulls on Monday and the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night to cap off their short three-game road trip before returning to the Golden 1 Center for three home games.
“I think collectively, everything we’ve been through from December to now has been a 360,” Kings forward Keegan Murray said.