Sacramento Kings coach escorted off court during Warriors game. Now, he makes this promise
Interim Kings coach Doug Christie had to be escorted off the floor after exchanging words with Steve Kerr during Sunday’s 129-99 victory over the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center in San Francisco.
Tempers flared in the third quarter when Draymond Green blindsided Keon Ellis with a forceful screen that knocked the Kings guard to the floor. Green wasn’t called for an illegal screen on the play, but Kerr was furious anyway, telling officials Ellis should have been called for flopping.
“Stop flopping and play basketball,” Kerr screamed while Ellis was writhing on the floor in pain.
Christie appeared to exchange words with Kerr and Green as he made his way across the court to check on Ellis. After helping Ellis to his feet, Christie took a couple of steps toward Kerr and Green before Kings center Domantas Sabonis and forward Trey Lyles steered him back to the visitor’s bench.
“I’m just always protecting my player,” Christie said after the game. “That’s really all it is. I have the utmost respect for every single player over there. I know from playing in this league what they go through in watching them reach the highest level, so it’s nothing but love. The competitive nature of the game is the competitive nature, and you respect that. I respect how hard they play. I respect how they get after it, but one thing, make no mistake about it, is I’m going to defend my guys because they deserve that. They play hard and I’m going to be right there for them.”
Warriors star Steph Curry was also asked about the exchange between Christie and Kerr.
“That’s two ex-players wishing they were back in their jersey,” Curry said. “It’s good to see that kind of fire.”
Christie thanked Sabonis for holding him back and helping him avoid a fine.
“Since I’ve taken over, I want less communication with the referees,” Christie said before Monday’s game against the Miami Heat. “They’re out there to do a job. Let them do their job. Let me deal with them. You guys handle your business. If the whistle isn’t going our way, you overcome that. That’s what you’re supposed to do.
“I just told them they were doing a heck of job and I apologize because I kind of lost mine, but thank you for restraining me. That’s what the brotherhood is. You lock arms and you take care of each other, so I appreciate that from (Sabonis) because I can’t afford that fine.”
This story was originally published January 6, 2025 at 3:46 PM.
