NBA Clears Sacramento Kings in Tanking Investigation

Coach Doug Christie Responds to Allegations

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:28am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball game, with players and the court broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes, conveying the intensity and strategic nature of the matchup.A cubist interpretation of the strategic battle between the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors, reflecting the complex dynamics of professional basketball.Today in Sacramento

The NBA has cleared the Sacramento Kings of allegations of tanking after an investigation into the team's late-game strategy against the Golden State Warriors. Head coach Doug Christie defended the team's competitive spirit, stating they were 'out there to win'.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the complex dynamics around 'tanking' in the NBA, where teams may make strategic decisions to improve their draft position. The league's investigation and Christie's response shed light on the fine line between competitive strategy and ethical concerns.

The details

With a slim lead and over three minutes left, Kings coach Doug Christie opted to foul Warriors player Seth Curry, tying the game and leading to a Warriors victory. Warriors player Draymond Green accused the Kings of intentionally trying to lose, a practice known as 'tanking.' However, the NBA's investigation found that Christie's decision was not an intentional effort to lose, but rather a mistake based on his belief that the Warriors were not in a penalty situation.

  • The incident occurred during a late-season game between the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors in 2026.
  • The NBA launched an investigation shortly after the game.

The players

Doug Christie

The head coach of the Sacramento Kings, who defended his team's competitive spirit and denied any intentional effort to lose the game.

Draymond Green

A player for the Golden State Warriors, who accused the Kings of intentionally trying to lose the game, a practice known as 'tanking'.

Seth Curry

A player for the Golden State Warriors, who was fouled by the Kings in the late stages of the game, leading to the tie and eventual Warriors victory.

Sacramento Kings

The NBA team that was investigated for alleged tanking in a game against the Golden State Warriors.

Golden State Warriors

The NBA team that played against the Sacramento Kings in the game that sparked the tanking investigation.

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What they’re saying

“We're out there to win.”

— Doug Christie, Head Coach, Sacramento Kings

“That was a tank move. That was a tank move.”

— Draymond Green, Player, Golden State Warriors

What’s next

The Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors will face off again later in the season, providing an opportunity for both teams to demonstrate their competitive spirit on the court.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the complex dynamics around 'tanking' in the NBA, where teams may make strategic decisions to improve their draft position. The league's investigation and the coach's response emphasize the importance of maintaining the integrity and competitive spirit of the sport, even in the face of intense pressure and scrutiny.