The Sacramento Kings faced a disappointing defeat against the Minnesota Timberwolves, losing 144-117 and dropping their record to 3-7 for the season. The Kings’ defensive struggles were evident once again, echoing their recent loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, as they allowed the Timberwolves to dominate offensively throughout the game.
One player notably missing from significant action was wing Keon Ellis, who did not enter the game until the fourth quarter, long after the outcome had been decided. This prompted waves of “We want Keon” chants from the Golden 1 Center crowd, a sentiment that was notably captured during the NBC broadcast.
After the game, Kings coach Doug Christie was questioned about Ellis’s minimal playing time despite the team’s defensive vulnerabilities. Christie’s comments suggested a lack of urgency in addressing this issue, as he referenced a “logjam at that position” and mentioned that he would work to find solutions moving forward. However, his prior assertion just days earlier that players who excel defensively would earn playing time felt undermined by Ellis’s continued absence from the rotation.
In his postgame remarks, Christie emphasized the necessity of focusing on defense, repeating his commitment to improving this aspect of the game. Yet, his actions—keeping one of the team’s strongest defenders on the bench during critical moments—raised questions about the implementation of his strategy.
While commentary from Christie indicated admiration for Ellis and an acknowledgment of the fan support he receives, it ultimately underscored the paradox between his intentions and execution. “We’re here to win basketball games,” he stated, which raises concerns about why the best defensive player has been relegated to limited minutes.
As the Kings prepare for their next matchup against the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday, fans and analysts alike hope to see Keon Ellis provided with more opportunities early in games. A strong defensive effort, particularly from Ellis, could be key to turning around the Kings’ season and beginning to secure some much-needed victories.