Kings coach Mike Brown reflects on career following 400th win

Over the past year, Sacramento Kings fans have refreshed their social media feeds following each game to see which player won the Defensive of the Game chain.

The chain would be worn by the player that associate head coach Jordi Fernández assessed as the top defensive player of the night, and that pick would be followed by a postgame photo that included the entire Kings team.

Sacramento is doing things differently this season, as a Defensive Player of the Game crown and throne–a fitting reward for a team named ‘Kings’–have replaced the chain to open up the 2023-24 season.

On Monday night, it was Keegan Murray’s efforts on the defensive end that warranted the crown and throne treatment, but starting center Domantas Sabonis told Fernández to give it to another member of the team:

Head coach Mike Brown.

the 4️⃣ is for 4️⃣hunnid 📷👑

Coach Brown earns the 𝑫𝑷𝑶𝑮 𝑪𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒏 after securing his 400th career victory in tonight’s win over the Cavs 👑 pic.twitter.com/2sQfQ8JnpE

— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) November 14, 2023

Mike Brown picks up win No. 400

It was a special night for Brown, who became the 54th head coach in NBA history to secure a 400th career regular-season victory as the Kings completed a 132-120 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers–the first team that gave Brown a head coaching gig back in 2005.

Although Brown’s 400th win had his team excited following the win, the reigning NBA Coach of the Year joked that he tried to avoid the crown-throne honor, but to no avail.

“It should’ve gone to Keegan,” Brown with a smile of the postgame celebration. “But nobody in the locker room listens to me.”

Murray’s efforts on Cavs star guard Donovan Mitchell were impressive, to say the least, but Sabonis and the coaching staff wouldn’t let Brown sneak away without getting the recognition he deserved for win number 400.

“He deserves that,” Sabonis said of Brown getting the crown. “It was a great night. Seeing him with that crown on, I was the one who said ‘Coach needs the crown, we need a picture with him in the crown!’ He’s always pretty animated, but it seemed even more so tonight.”

While the postgame celebration and picture allowed the players and coaching staff to give Brown his flowers, the longtime head coach showed his gratitude for what has been a long, successful head coaching career.

“Man, you feel all the emotions,” Brown said. “Fortunate. Blessed. Lucky. You go back to my time in Cleveland with [Cavaliers owner] Dan Gilbert. You thank him and his family for an opportunity. You thank all of the players. LeBron, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Anderson Varejão, Daniel Gibson, Eric Snow. I can go on and on and on. Even in [Los Angeles], the Buss family giving me an opportunity. The late Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, Derek Fisher, Matt Barnes.

“Here, obviously. Being a partner with Vivek [Ranadivé], it’s been a short run so far, but it’s been a fantastic run so far. He’s just a quality human being. He’s passionate about Sacramento. He’s passionate about the Kings. So to be able to be in this with him and the current players, [De’Aaron Fox], Domas, Keegan, Kevin [Huerter], [Harrison Barnes], Malik [Monk], going down the line.

“You feel blessed, lucky, fortunate to be around quality people. People that obviously play at a high level, perform at a high level and are good people, too. And you’re able to be a part of it.”

Brown, who is in his second year as the Kings’ head coach, has already worked his way into the good graces of a fanbase that had waited nearly 20 years for something to cheer about.

One season removed from ending the dreaded postseason drought and taking home Coach of the Year honors, Brown has been outspoken about driving Sacramento from being ‘good’ to ‘great.’

With a top-notch coaching staff and roster that appeared to be firing on all cylinders during Monday’s win, fans are hoping that Brown will have a chance at taking the throne for another team picture later this season–or as many hope, in the postseason.

When is the next Sacramento Kings Game?

With a three-game home stand in the books, Sacramento will embark on a ten-day, six-game road trip that will take them away from Northern California until after Thanksgiving.

The trip will begin on Wednesday night as the Kings will face the Los Angeles Lakers in front of a national audience on ESPN.

Be sure to tune in right here on Sactown Sports 1140 for all of your Kings vs. Lakers coverage, beginning at 5:30 PM PST on Game Night before a 7:00 PM PST tip-off from downtown Los Angeles.

Upcoming Schedule

• Wednesday, November 15th – Sacramento Kings @ Los Angeles Lakers – 7:00 PM PST
• Friday, November 17th – Sacramento Kings @ San Antonio Spurs – 4:30 PM PST
• Sunday, November 19th – Sacramento Kings @ Dallas Mavericks – 4:30 PM PST
• Monday, November 20th – Sacramento Kings @ New Orleans Pelicans – 5:00 PM PST
• Wednesday, November 22nd – Sacramento Kings @ New Orleans Pelicans – 5:00 PM PST

** NBA In-Season Tournament Group Play

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