Sources: Kings' late foul was tactical error, not tanking
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- The NBA is investigating a late-game foul call by Sacramento Kings coach Doug Christie during Tuesday's loss to the Golden State Warriors, which sources say was a strategic mistake rather than intentional tanking.
- Christie fouled Seth Curry with 3:15 left, mistakenly believing the Warriors were in the penalty, which led to free throws that tied the game; this error was amplified by Warriors forward Draymond Green's public criticism accusing the Kings of tanking.
- Despite the Kings' poor record and injuries to key veterans, team sources and Christie maintain the intent to win was genuine, emphasizing that the late foul was a tactical miscalculation, not a deliberate attempt to lose.
- The Kings have been focused on developing their young players and have won seven of their last 16 games, moving ahead of several teams in the standings, contradicting tanking accusations.
- Christie has publicly condemned tanking, stating it disrespects the game and harms players, reinforcing the team's commitment to competing despite their challenging season.
