Some of Sacramento’s rotational differences under Doug Christie
Jan 13, 2025, 1:47 PM | Updated: 1:51 pm
While interim head coach Doug Christie is dealing with the same Sacramento Kings roster that Mike Brown was, he’s slightly adjusted the rotation. That’s not to say that is the sole reason for their current seven-game win streak, but it’s definitely helped.
First, two important factors need to be mentioned. Throughout this win streak, they’ve played three games without De’Aaron Fox (right glute contusion) and two without Keegan Murray (left ankle). There was no overlap between their injuries.
Missing two guys who are top-25 in minutes per game leaguewide this season will mean other players get more opportunities.
The fact that they played a double overtime game against Miami inflates the numbers a bit as well.
All that being said, there are still some notable takeaways in Christie’s direction throughout it all.
Allen Stiles and producer Kyle Ledbetter discussed the differences on Monday’s edition of The Allen Stiles Show. As they point out, Kevin Huerter has been playing less while Keon Ellis has gotten more action, with the addition of rookie Devin Carter playing a significant impact.
- Huerter’s first 28 games: 25.2 minutes per game
- During seven-game win streak: 16.6 mpg
Especially with the noted absences, the dip in minutes is staggering. Electing to go defensive with the length of Carter and Ellis, who have also shown an ability to be efficient shooters, has propelled them to the third-best defensive rating (106.5) throughout their streak.
Carter has been available for five games and has averaged 14.4 minutes per night with notable variance game-to-game.
But, the minutes have mostly gone to Ellis.
- Ellis’ first 30 games: 19.7 minutes per game
- During seven-game win streak: 29.6 mpg
And the Kings have also been highly effective when he’s on the floor, with Ellis recording 18 steals while shooting 37.1 percent (13/35) from distance.
Keon Ellis often jokes that he thinks he’s a better defender than Doug Christie was. He’s got some ways to go before having the accolades to stack up next to new head coach’s four all-defensive honors, but Christie clearly has a level of appreciation for what Ellis brings to the Kings.
More Kings coverage from Sactown Sports
Winners of their last seven matchups, the Sacramento Kings are rolling right now, and their top players are getting much-deserved recognition for their run. Domantas Sabonis was named Western Conference Player of the Week for Week 12 of the 2024-25 NBA season.
From January 6th to 12th, Sabonis averaged 22.0 points, 20.3 rebounds, and 7.3 assists. He did so while converting 61 percent of his attempts and 75 percent (6/8) of his triples. The Kings went 3-0 during that stretch.
Take a look at the stat lines that warranted Sabonis winning this weekly honor:
- vs. Miami: 21 points, 18 rebounds, 11 assists, three blocks, one steal on 7/16 FG, 2/2 3P
- at Boston: 23 points, 28 rebounds, three assists, and one block on 10/15 FG, 3/4 3P
- at Chicago: 22 points, 15 rebounds, eight assists on 8/10 FG, 1/2 3P
The 28 rebounds he recorded against the Celtics was a career-high for the big man.
Domantas Sabonis named Western Conference Player of the Week
When is the next Sacramento Kings game?
Sacramento will look to secure an eighth straight win on Tuesday when they face two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks in the final game of a three-game road trip.
The Kings haven’t won eight consecutive games since November 14-30, 2003, when head coach Doug Christie was manning the starting shooting guard position for Sacramento.
Be sure to catch all of the Kings vs. Bucks drama right here on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage starting at 2:00 PM PT on The Drive Guys before action tips off at 5:00 PM PT from downtown Milwaukee.
Sacramento Kings 2024-25 Schedule
- Tuesday, January 14th – @ Milwaukee Bucks – 5:00 PM PT
- Thursday, January 16th – vs. Houston Rockets – 7:00 PM PT
- Sunday, January 19th – vs. Washington Wizards – 6:00 PM PT
- Wednesday, January 22nd – vs. Golden State Warriors – 7:00 PM PT
- Thursday, January 23rd – @ Denver Nuggets – 6:00 PM PT
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