After the worst start to the season, the Kings don’t know what to hold on to anymore

« In a shitty state. » This is what DeMar DeRozan emotionally answers about the current situation of the Kings. The veteran can no longer be cautious about his team’s disastrous start to the season. ” Nobody wants to lose like we do “, he continues.

He is speaking after the Kings’ most embarrassing loss of the season. On the Grizzly flooranother out of shape West team, but without Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., the Californians sank: a 41-point loss (137-96).

This is their eighth straight loss (each time by at least 13 points) fueling a horrendous 3-13 record. Franchise worst regular season start after 16 games…

« Sometimes when you’re in the deep end, it’s hard to hear anything. You’re just trying to swim out, one way or another. I’m pretty sure everything comes into question when you’re in the situation we’re in right now ,” explains DeMar DeRozan, hinting that training could be overhauled in the coming weeks.

The latter were almost absent in this match. Mobilized for only 15 minutes, he settled for 7 points. Aside from Zach LaVine, who fueled the scoring with 26 points, no other starter had an impact. So much so that he is at his press conferenceDoug Christie struggles not to target his experienced players.

Targeted veterans

« We have a lot (veterans), but during opposition and in different situations, they must lead by example. It’s also my job to make sure we’re ready to play », notes the coach who was delighted to say the least that Keegan Murray (11 points) is returning to the competition from the bench.

Much more measured in his speech in the last daysthe Kings technician is trying to keep the loss from the previous day, on the floor of the current champion. The setback, during which his team did not do badly, lingered in the game for a long time, even if we felt that the Thunder had something under their belt.

« If you’re watching a game against the champs in the first quarter, go back and watch it. Everyone was physical, put their hands, and everything we talk about defensively, that was 24 hours ago. So we go back to it, and whether it’s a lack of concentration or whatever it is, we have to stay true to what we have to do », maintains Doug Christie, who logically insists on the defensive dimension.

With 120.7 points, received over 100 possessions, his training, which comes on top of the loss of Domantas Sabonisis the 4th worst defense in the championship. Consistency in effort is important to him, which is lacking.

Regarding his change in tone from the past few days, the coach explains: “ They know the message. What I tell you is not necessarily what I told them, but you’re not in the locker room, so it’s not something that’s available to everyone. We know that Domas is away, that Keegan has just returned. (…) This is not an excuse. That’s just the reality of the situation. »