Doug Christie sends a blunt message after a brutal 33-point loss to the Hawks

The Sacramento Kings entered the night with a 3-8 record and mounting pressure, and the ensuing blowout by the Atlanta Hawks only added to it. The Hawks’ win adds another setback to a difficult stretch, and Kings head coach Doug Christie’s reaction quickly became the focus as frustration grew around the team.

Atlanta controlled the tempo from the opening tip with sharp ball movement and clean shooting. The Hawks built a double-digit lead before the end of the first quarter, and even when the Kings cut the deficit to 40-37, seven consecutive missed shots and three turnovers erased that pressure. Atlanta regained full control and widened the gap again, exposing Sacramento’s slow rotations and limited defensive resistance.

The Kings at NBCS shared a coach on their X (formerly known as Twitter). not holding back after loss of blowout.

“Put on the jersey, present it properly.”

“Put on the jersey, present it properly.”

Doug Christie didn’t mince words after tonight’s loss pic.twitter.com/lkulNE18TU

— The Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) November 13, 2025

Christie’s message drew swift reactions from fans who linked the comments to broader concerns about focus and effort. He noted that the team’s slide required sharper habits and more urgency. The 33-point outing underscored the need for professionalism and consistent energy as the season moves forward, especially with the former 15-year veteran who played with seven different teams now pushing for a higher standard.

With Zach LaVine out with a thigh injury and Keegan Murray out with thumb surgery, Sacramento relied heavily on young depth pieces that struggled to match the Hawks’ rhythm. By the third quarter, the Golden 1 Center was full of whistles as the deficit reached 30+, reflecting the growing tension of the home crowd.

The Kings’ loss to the Hawks exposed issues with spacing, shot creation and transition defense. Christie’s response made it clear that adjustments cannot wait, as the standings in the Western Conference will tighten quickly. Kings coach’s reaction pointed to one message for the locker room that a stronger identity and a more disciplined approach must emerge soon if the group expects to stabilize its season.