By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The NBA is investigating the Sacramento Kings following a controversial late-game sequence in Tuesday’s loss to the Golden State Warriors.
While league officials are scrutinizing the incident for potential tanking, the decision was a tactical blunder rather than a deliberate attempt to lose, per ESPN. With Sacramento leading by one with just over three minutes remaining, head coach Doug Christie instructed forward Doug McDermott to foul Seth Curry. The move backfired significantly as the Kings were already in the penalty, sending Curry, a career 86.4% free-throw shooter, to the line to tie the game. According to the report, Christie intended to stop the clock to utilize a timeout before it expired at the three-minute mark.
However, the 55-year-old play-caller miscalculated the bonus situation, failing to realize that fouling Curry was the least advantageous option available. The optics of the mistake were worsened by the Kings’ current standing. The loss dropped to 21-59 in the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season, moving toward securing a favorable position in a talent-heavy draft.
The incident drew sharp criticism from Warriors forward Draymond Green, who suggested the move was a blatant example of a tanking epidemic and called for the league to fine organizations more often. Despite the scrutiny, the Kings’ play-caller has publicly dismissed the notion of tanking, citing his respect for the game and his young roster.
Meanwhile, insider Marc Stein reported that Sacramento is still evaluating Christie’s future, noting that the organization is weighing massive roster instability and injuries to stars, including Lithuania’s Domantas Sabonis.