Kings Admit Lack of Physicality Led to Blowout Loss to Nets

Coach Doug Christie says team didn't meet the level of intensity needed against struggling Brooklyn squad.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:42pm

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A cubist, geometric painting featuring sharp, overlapping shapes in shades of purple, orange, and teal, conceptually representing the breakdown of a basketball game.A fragmented, abstract illustration captures the intensity and chaos of the Kings' lopsided loss to the Nets.Today in Sacramento

The Sacramento Kings suffered a disappointing 116-99 loss to the Brooklyn Nets, who were on a 10-game losing streak heading into the game. Kings coach Doug Christie said the team didn't match the Nets' physicality, especially in the first quarter, which dug them an early hole they couldn't climb out of. Christie emphasized the importance of the Kings playing to their standard and competing hard regardless of the circumstances, even with key veterans like DeMar DeRozan and Russell Westbrook sidelined due to injury.

Why it matters

The loss was a missed opportunity for the Kings to gain ground in the NBA Draft lottery standings, as they remain just half a game behind the Nets for the fourth spot. Christie stressed the need for the young Kings squad to learn how to compete at a high level even when shorthanded, as they will need that experience to take the next step as a team.

The details

The Kings quickly fell behind by as many as 27 points in the first half, unable to match the Nets' energy and physicality. Christie said the team's effort and intensity level wasn't where it needed to be, especially early on. While the Kings were able to mount a bit of a comeback in the third quarter, they ultimately ran out of gas and couldn't overcome the large deficit.

  • The Kings suffered the 116-99 loss to the Nets on Sunday, March 30, 2026.

The players

Doug Christie

Head coach of the Sacramento Kings, who emphasized the team's lack of physicality and failure to play to their standard in the loss.

DeMar DeRozan

Veteran forward for the Sacramento Kings who missed the game due to injury, leaving the team shorthanded.

Russell Westbrook

Veteran guard for the Sacramento Kings who was also sidelined due to injury for the game against the Nets.

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What they’re saying

“This is about professionalism. I thought early that we didn't meet the level of physicality. Then, the third quarter, we came out and met the level, and just kind of ran out of gas. But that first quarter is not really who we are and what we want to be about, and what we put out when we put on a Sacramento Kings jersey.”

— Doug Christie, Head Coach, Sacramento Kings

“It doesn't matter if it's three [games] in four nights, four in seven, whatever it is, you have to come to compete. And we find a group that gives the proper energy and plays to our standard.”

— Doug Christie, Head Coach, Sacramento Kings

What’s next

The Kings will look to bounce back in their next game as they continue to jockey for position in the NBA Draft lottery standings.

The takeaway

This loss highlights the importance of the Kings' young core learning how to compete at a high level and play to the team's standard, even when key veterans are sidelined due to injury. Developing that mentality will be crucial for the team's long-term growth and development.