NBA Clears Sacramento Kings of Intentional Loss to Warriors

League investigation finds no evidence of tanking in controversial game

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:45am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game between the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors, with the players and court rendered in sharp, overlapping planes of color and form.The NBA's investigation into the Kings' loss to the Warriors highlights the league's ongoing struggle to address the complex issue of tanking.Today in Sacramento

The NBA has cleared the Sacramento Kings of any wrongdoing in their loss to the Golden State Warriors, concluding that there was no evidence of intentional tanking. The league's investigation into the controversial game, which saw the Kings lose despite being on a winning streak, has highlighted the ongoing challenges the NBA faces in combating the practice of tanking.

Why it matters

Tanking, the practice of intentionally losing games to secure a better draft position, has been a persistent issue for the NBA. The league's efforts to address this problem, including changes to the draft lottery system, are aimed at promoting competitive integrity and fairness across the league.

The details

The NBA's investigation into the Kings' loss to the Warriors found that the team was not actively trying to lose the game. Despite being on a winning streak, the Kings were unable to overcome the Warriors' superior performance. This case underscores the complexity of the tanking issue, as teams may lose games for reasons other than intentional tanking.

  • The Kings' loss to the Warriors occurred on April 5, 2026.
  • The NBA's investigation into the game was completed on April 10, 2026.

The players

Doug Christie

Head coach of the Sacramento Kings.

Golden State Warriors

The NBA team that defeated the Sacramento Kings in the controversial game.

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What’s next

The NBA is expected to continue its efforts to combat tanking, including further changes to the draft lottery system for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

The NBA's investigation into the Sacramento Kings' loss to the Golden State Warriors underscores the complexity of the tanking issue and the league's ongoing struggle to promote competitive integrity across the league. While the NBA's anti-tanking measures are a step in the right direction, more comprehensive strategies may be needed to fully address this persistent problem.