We have to believe that Doug Christie's message comes across better than that of Mike Brown since the Kings have six victories in a row, including the last in Boston, and they are back in balance with 19 victories for 19 defeats. An almost unexpected result just 15 days ago when management decided to fire Mike Brown and replace him with one of his assistants.
Since then, his team seems reinvigorated, able for three matches to win without De'Aaron Fox, and to win in Boston in style. “Collectively, compared to everything we experienced in December, it’s a 360° turnaround”, assures Keegan Murraywhich probably meant 180°. “He is a coach who instills confidence in every player. Whether you make a mistake or not, whether you have a good game or things like that, he will keep faith in you. With that, for the rest of the year, it’s huge for us and for our confidence in the future.”
Symbol of the Kings' domination in Boston, there is Domantas Sabonis. The Lithuanian signed an XXL double “double-double” with 23 points and 28 rebounds against Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford. He was pushed around and manhandled, but he didn't lose his composure. “He didn’t say a word” congratulates him Doug Christie. “He kept fighting, again and again. I love him for that! »
A group that finally believes in itself
What Doug Christie also loves is the general attitude of his group. They are one, and he has noticed no signs of discouragement when the opponent makes a big run or when clumsiness takes over. The best example is the performance of DeMar DeRozan last night, who gained momentum over the minutes after a failed first half.
“I am very proud of their level of competition,” continues the interim coach. “If we were able to string together 48 minutes of solid basketball, it’s thanks to the players. These guys are absolute rock stars. They had a game plan and they executed it. But more than anything, it is their belief. »
For Doug Christie, something clicked in his players' heads. “ I think they start to believe in themselves, and it goes beyond training. Now it's something that belongs to them, and when they step on the field, when they are in any room, they have the belief that they can win. The only thing we can do is fight at a high level. And if we get beaten, we shake their hands, and we move on.”
