Overview
- The Kings fell 133-100 to the Hawks, getting out-rebounded 45-35 and outscored 33-8 in fast-break points, as Christie called the performance “shameful” and said he was embarrassed.
- Christie yanked his entire starting five less than two minutes into the second half and said lineup changes are coming after starters posted heavy negative plus-minus marks.
- Sacramento has dropped four straight and three of its last four by at least 27 points, slipping to 3-9 in its worst 12-game start since 2017-18.
- Team metrics underscore the slide, with Sacramento ranking near the bottom of the league in defensive rating and rebounding percentage, areas Christie has prioritized.
- Injuries to Zach LaVine (thigh) and Keegan Murray (thumb surgery) have strained rotations, but Christie publicly pressed veterans such as DeMar DeRozan, Russell Westbrook and Domantas Sabonis to lead; separate local chatter about a potential rebuild remains unconfirmed.