Kings' Christie scorches team after 'shameful' effort in 4th straight loss

Kings head coach Doug Christie went scorched earth on his team after Sacramento's 133-100 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night.

"Shameful compete level," Christie told reporters postgame, according to Tristi Rodriguez of NBC Sports.

"I've taken butt whoopings, that's part of the game. But you know what I'm going to do? I'm going to come back. You are not going to represent the Sacramento Kings - it just ain't happening, man. Put on a jersey - represent it properly."

Christie, a 15-year NBA veteran, added that he could've done a better job on the court than some of his players.

"I wish I could have put on the jersey at 55 (years old), I would have shown you better than that. At least I'm going to use all six fouls. I can't move, but I'm going to foul the shit out of somebody."

After getting outscored 39-22 in the third quarter, Christie benched his veteran starters for rookies Maxime Raynaud and Nique Clifford while putting in Precious Achiuwa, who joined the team last week. Hawks bench players Luke Kennard and Onyeka Okunwu scored more points than every Kings starter in the contest.

Wednesday's result marked Sacramento's fourth consecutive loss, all of which have occurred at home. The Kings are now 3-9 on the season and rank 29th in points allowed per game through 12 contests.

Christie added that he hopes the debacle versus the Hawks will motivate the team's leaders to take a step in the right direction.

"What do you want for your team? What do you want for this city? If you want something more than what that was - because that was trash - then lead them. Talk to them. Demonstrate for them. Go out there and show them," Christie said. "The game is to be respected. There's a way to play this game and that ain't it."

The Kings' next game comes Friday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves.