Watch Doug Christie give Sacramento Kings inspirational message on Golden 1 Center roof
Doug Christie took on a daunting task when he was named interim coach of the Kings after Mike Brown was fired Friday.
Brown is a two-time Coach of the Year who led the Kings to 48 wins and the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference in his first year, ending the longest playoff drought in NBA history after 16 consecutive losing seasons. Christie has never been a head coach, but his love for Sacramento, the Kings and their fans could light a fire in a team that has fallen far short of expectations over the first half of the season.
Christie found a unique way to inspire his players following a 113-107 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday at Golden 1 Center. He took them to the roof of the arena — where the base of the team’s purple victory beam is located — to deliver a stirring message.
“Y’all are the light of this city, man,” Christie said. “And when you light that motherf---er, it means something to people. You understand what I’m saying? And when you come and rock the way you guys are rocking, you’re going to continue to lift them and that’s what we’re here to do, so continue to be that light.”
Christie’s words seemed to be well received with players smiling, nodding in agreement and replying, ‘Yes, sir.’”
The moment unfolded after Christie told players in the locker room to put their sweatsuits on following the win over Philadelphia.
“Get warm,” Christie said.
“Get warm?” players asked. “Huh?”
“Just rock with me,” Christie said.
Players realized what was happening when they stepped out onto the rooftop.
“Oh, we at that beam,” Kings guard Malik Monk said.
Assistant coach Luke Loucks praised the Kings for ending the game with a 15-0 run. Loucks then presented the defensive player of the game award to DeMar DeRozan, also known as Deebo.
“Quick shoutout to Keon (Ellis) — four steals, two blocks — but the defensive player of the game, two steals to finish the game, Deebo!”
The team erupted in cheers as DeRozan was presented with the defensive player of the game crown.
After delivering his inspirational message, Christie told players and coaches to huddle up with their hands together in the center of the circle, the beam shining brightly behind them. Christie then asked De’Aaron Fox to break the huddle, referring to him by his jersey number.
“What you got five?”
“Keep it going,” Fox said. “Together on three ... one, two, three.”
In unison, the team responded: “Together.”
