NBA Investigating Kings for Alleged Tanking Incident

Warriors win over Kings raises questions about late-game strategy

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:05pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicts the players and action of a basketball game, with their forms broken down into overlapping planes and shapes, conveying the intensity and complexity of the sport.An abstract, cubist-inspired illustration captures the chaotic energy and strategic maneuvering of an NBA game, hinting at the controversy surrounding alleged tanking tactics.Today in Sacramento

The NBA is investigating the Sacramento Kings after a bizarre late-game sequence in their loss to the Golden State Warriors, where Kings head coach Doug Christie appeared to intentionally foul Warriors guard Seth Curry with just over 3 minutes remaining while the Kings were leading. Warriors forward Draymond Green accused the Kings of tanking, but the team denies any wrongdoing, claiming it was a strategic error by the coach.

Why it matters

Tanking, or intentionally losing games to improve draft position, is a controversial practice in the NBA that the league has tried to crack down on. This incident with the Kings is one of the most blatant examples of potential in-game tanking seen, and the league's investigation could lead to fines or other penalties if wrongdoing is found.

The details

In the final minutes of the Kings' 110-105 loss to the Warriors, the Kings were leading 101-100 when Christie decided to have Doug McDermott intentionally foul Seth Curry, sending him to the free-throw line. Many were confused by the move, including Warriors forward Draymond Green, who accused the Kings of tanking. The Kings deny any wrongdoing, with Christie saying it was a strategic error and that tanking is 'the last thing' he would do.

  • The incident occurred with just over 3 minutes remaining in the 4th quarter of the April 8, 2026 game between the Kings and Warriors.
  • The NBA launched an investigation into the Kings' actions following the game.

The players

Doug Christie

Head coach of the Sacramento Kings.

Draymond Green

Forward for the Golden State Warriors who accused the Kings of tanking.

Seth Curry

Guard for the Golden State Warriors who was intentionally fouled by the Kings late in the game.

Doug McDermott

Player for the Sacramento Kings who committed the intentional foul on Seth Curry.

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What they’re saying

“I saw a team tonight foul Seth Curry with three minutes to go in the game for no reason in the penalty ... We all know everybody tanking.”

— Draymond Green, Forward, Golden State Warriors

“I'm told the NBA is investigating the situation ... But Kings sources tell me that, listen, Doug Christie just made a mistake, a strategical error. He thought he had a foul to give with over three minutes to give to get a free timeout ... He did not have a foul to give.”

— Shams Charania, NBA Insider

“Tanking is the last thing I would do because I respect the game too much to hurt the players.”

— Doug Christie, Head Coach, Sacramento Kings

What’s next

The NBA is currently investigating the incident and weighing options to resolve late-season tanking efforts, which remain a prevalent problem in the league.

The takeaway

This incident with the Kings highlights the ongoing battle the NBA faces in cracking down on tanking, as teams sometimes resort to questionable in-game tactics to improve their draft position. The league's investigation could lead to penalties if wrongdoing is found, sending a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated.