Malik Monk: 'We bought in to what Doug Christie is doing. We all just bought into it'
The Kings front office has yet to face questions over the reasoning for firing Brown, but collectively the players point to better communication. “We bought in to what DC is doing,” Monk said. “We all just bought into it, and we all feel good and confident in what he’s saying. He played before so I think he knows how to say it to us a little better than people that didn’t play the game before.”Source: NBC Sports Bay Area What’s the buzz on Twitter? Sean Cunningham @SeanCunningham Doug Christie talks about the impact of the back-to-back wins for his Kings thanks to tonight’s win over the Heat in double overtime, securing a 5th consecutive win with a 17 point rally in the 4th quarter and the lift Keon Ellis and DeMar DeRozan gave Sacramento. pic.x.com/jiwWkVhubJ – 2:43 AM Matt George @MattGeorgeSAC DeMar DeRozan, Domantas Sabonis & Doug Christie didn’t hold back in their praise of Keon Ellis. pic.x.com/rWt7QOWkrH – 1:44 AM James Ham @James_HamNBA Doug Christie after his fifth straight win as interim coach of the Kings: pic.x.com/IcTwFDMyit – 1:37 AM Matt George @MattGeorgeSAC Sacramento Kings interim head coach Doug Christie really has just two demands for his players. 1. Give everything you have on the floor for the team & city. 2. Always believe in yourself. – 1:31 AM James Ham @James_HamNBA “I believe in them, I just need them to believe in themselves.” -Doug Christie on the 5 game win streak – 1:25 AM James Ham @James_HamNBA “Keon is a special player. He has a lot of things that you don’t teach.” -Doug Christie – 1:21 AM James Ham @James_HamNBA “Big time. These guys continue to fight in a way that makes our city proud and makes me incredibly proud.” -Doug Christie – 1:19 AM Matt George @MattGeorgeSAC The Sacramento Kings were brilliant on the offensive glass. 18 offensive boards. 23 2nd chance points. Sabonis: 5 Murray: 5 Monk: 2 Lyles: 2 Carter: 2 Ellis: 1 Len: 1 – 1:16 AM StatMuse @statmuse Malik Monk in 2025: 25.0 PPG 7.5 APG 3.0 3PM New year, new Monk. pic.x.com/U0GhVELARw – 1:10 AM Sean Cunningham @SeanCunningham Kings lead the Heat 50-47 at the half in Sacramento. Both teams shooting around 40%, with similar amount of turnovers in the half. Tyler Herro 17 points, Malik Monk with 15. – 11:08 PM James Ham @James_HamNBA Kings take a 50-47 lead over the Heat into the half. Malik Monk has 15 points after a slow start. DeMar DeRozan has 10 points and Domantas Sabonis is up to 8 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists. – 11:06 PM Matt George @MattGeorgeSAC 6 quick points for Malik Monk on a three-point play and then transition three. Kings lead 50-45. – 11:03 PM James Ham @James_HamNBA Malik Monk triple. Kings have their biggest lead at 50-45. – 11:03 PM Matt George @MattGeorgeSAC I don’t envy Doug Christie for trying to find the big minutes that Keon Ellis deserves when De’Aaron Fox comes back. – 11:00 PM James Ham @James_HamNBA Kings trail 28-23 after 1Q. DeMar DeRozan leads with 8 points. Monk and Sabonis are a combined 2-for-10 from the field. Sacramento shoots 37.5% overall. – 10:37 PM James Ham @James_HamNBA Rough start for the Kings on the offensive end. A lot of credit goes to the Heat, but Kings are shooting 6-of-16 from the field and have turned the ball over 3 times. Monk is 1-for-6 from the field. Sabonis is 0-for-3. – 10:29 PM Sean Cunningham @SeanCunningham Had to ask Kings interim head coach Doug Christie about being a smelling salts guy, what that does for him and being restrained by Domantas Sabonis. pic.x.com/jFymj4kcdR – 8:53 PM Matt George @MattGeorgeSAC There’s a “player’s coach”, and then there’s Doug Christie. A whole new level. – 8:29 PM James Ham @James_HamNBA “I would rather teach you how to play than run a play.” -Doug Christie – 8:21 PM StatMuse @statmuse Malik Monk since Mike Brown got fired: 22.2 PPG 7.4 APG 1.4 SPG He was averaging 16p/5a before. pic.x.com/dXHpIomwzZ – 9:25 AM Sean Cunningham @SeanCunningham DeMar DeRozan on the Kings turnaround during this 4-1 stretch under interim head coach Doug Christie, tonight’s 30 point win over the Warriors and the impact of Malik Monk tonight without De’Aaron Fox. pic.x.com/vMkkCblBVK – 12:34 AM Sean Cunningham @SeanCunningham Malik Monk talks about the his Kings jumping out of the gate in a big way in tonight’s 30 point win over the Warriors, doing so without De’Aaron Fox, seeing the defensive effort from Keon Ellis and Devin Carter & seeing his team buy into what Doug Christie is preaching. pic.x.com/D88W4j05DL – 12:30 AM James Ham @James_HamNBA 1. Marvelous Mr. Monk. With De’Aaron Fox missing his first game of the season, his close friend, Malik Monk took the keys to the car. Monk didn’t disappoint. He started dealing, finishing with a career-high tying 12 assists to go with 26 points. He was dynamic from
The Kings front office has yet to face questions over the reasoning for firing Brown, but collectively the players point to better communication. “We bought in to what DC is doing,” Monk said. “We all just bought into it, and we all feel good and confident in what he’s saying. He played before so I think he knows how to say it to us a little better than people that didn’t play the game before.”
Source: NBC Sports Bay Area
Source: NBC Sports Bay Area
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Sean Cunningham @SeanCunningham
Doug Christie talks about the impact of the back-to-back wins for his Kings thanks to tonight’s win over the Heat in double overtime, securing a 5th consecutive win with a 17 point rally in the 4th quarter and the lift Keon Ellis and DeMar DeRozan gave Sacramento. pic.x.com/jiwWkVhubJ – 2:43 AM
Doug Christie talks about the impact of the back-to-back wins for his Kings thanks to tonight’s win over the Heat in double overtime, securing a 5th consecutive win with a 17 point rally in the 4th quarter and the lift Keon Ellis and DeMar DeRozan gave Sacramento. pic.x.com/jiwWkVhubJ – 2:43 AM
Matt George @MattGeorgeSAC
DeMar DeRozan, Domantas Sabonis & Doug Christie didn’t hold back in their praise of Keon Ellis. pic.x.com/rWt7QOWkrH – 1:44 AM
DeMar DeRozan, Domantas Sabonis & Doug Christie didn’t hold back in their praise of Keon Ellis. pic.x.com/rWt7QOWkrH – 1:44 AM
James Ham @James_HamNBA
Doug Christie after his fifth straight win as interim coach of the Kings: pic.x.com/IcTwFDMyit – 1:37 AM
Doug Christie after his fifth straight win as interim coach of the Kings: pic.x.com/IcTwFDMyit – 1:37 AM
Matt George @MattGeorgeSAC
Sacramento Kings interim head coach Doug Christie really has just two demands for his players.
1. Give everything you have on the floor for the team & city.
2. Always believe in yourself. – 1:31 AM
Sacramento Kings interim head coach Doug Christie really has just two demands for his players.
1. Give everything you have on the floor for the team & city.
2. Always believe in yourself. – 1:31 AM
James Ham @James_HamNBA
“I believe in them, I just need them to believe in themselves.” -Doug Christie on the 5 game win streak – 1:25 AM
“I believe in them, I just need them to believe in themselves.” -Doug Christie on the 5 game win streak – 1:25 AM
James Ham @James_HamNBA
“Keon is a special player. He has a lot of things that you don’t teach.” -Doug Christie – 1:21 AM
“Keon is a special player. He has a lot of things that you don’t teach.” -Doug Christie – 1:21 AM
James Ham @James_HamNBA
“Big time. These guys continue to fight in a way that makes our city proud and makes me incredibly proud.” -Doug Christie – 1:19 AM
“Big time. These guys continue to fight in a way that makes our city proud and makes me incredibly proud.” -Doug Christie – 1:19 AM
Matt George @MattGeorgeSAC
The Sacramento Kings were brilliant on the offensive glass. 18 offensive boards. 23 2nd chance points.
Sabonis: 5
Murray: 5
Monk: 2
Lyles: 2
Carter: 2
Ellis: 1
Len: 1 – 1:16 AM
The Sacramento Kings were brilliant on the offensive glass. 18 offensive boards. 23 2nd chance points.
Sabonis: 5
Murray: 5
Monk: 2
Lyles: 2
Carter: 2
Ellis: 1
Len: 1 – 1:16 AM
StatMuse @statmuse
Malik Monk in 2025:
25.0 PPG
7.5 APG
3.0 3PM
New year, new Monk. pic.x.com/U0GhVELARw – 1:10 AM
Malik Monk in 2025:
25.0 PPG
7.5 APG
3.0 3PM
New year, new Monk. pic.x.com/U0GhVELARw – 1:10 AM
Sean Cunningham @SeanCunningham
Kings lead the Heat 50-47 at the half in Sacramento. Both teams shooting around 40%, with similar amount of turnovers in the half. Tyler Herro 17 points, Malik Monk with 15. – 11:08 PM
Kings lead the Heat 50-47 at the half in Sacramento. Both teams shooting around 40%, with similar amount of turnovers in the half. Tyler Herro 17 points, Malik Monk with 15. – 11:08 PM
James Ham @James_HamNBA
Kings take a 50-47 lead over the Heat into the half. Malik Monk has 15 points after a slow start. DeMar DeRozan has 10 points and Domantas Sabonis is up to 8 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists. – 11:06 PM
Kings take a 50-47 lead over the Heat into the half. Malik Monk has 15 points after a slow start. DeMar DeRozan has 10 points and Domantas Sabonis is up to 8 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists. – 11:06 PM
Matt George @MattGeorgeSAC
6 quick points for Malik Monk on a three-point play and then transition three. Kings lead 50-45. – 11:03 PM
6 quick points for Malik Monk on a three-point play and then transition three. Kings lead 50-45. – 11:03 PM
Matt George @MattGeorgeSAC
I don’t envy Doug Christie for trying to find the big minutes that Keon Ellis deserves when De’Aaron Fox comes back. – 11:00 PM
I don’t envy Doug Christie for trying to find the big minutes that Keon Ellis deserves when De’Aaron Fox comes back. – 11:00 PM
James Ham @James_HamNBA
Kings trail 28-23 after 1Q. DeMar DeRozan leads with 8 points. Monk and Sabonis are a combined 2-for-10 from the field. Sacramento shoots 37.5% overall. – 10:37 PM
Kings trail 28-23 after 1Q. DeMar DeRozan leads with 8 points. Monk and Sabonis are a combined 2-for-10 from the field. Sacramento shoots 37.5% overall. – 10:37 PM
James Ham @James_HamNBA
Rough start for the Kings on the offensive end. A lot of credit goes to the Heat, but Kings are shooting 6-of-16 from the field and have turned the ball over 3 times. Monk is 1-for-6 from the field. Sabonis is 0-for-3. – 10:29 PM
Rough start for the Kings on the offensive end. A lot of credit goes to the Heat, but Kings are shooting 6-of-16 from the field and have turned the ball over 3 times. Monk is 1-for-6 from the field. Sabonis is 0-for-3. – 10:29 PM
Sean Cunningham @SeanCunningham
Had to ask Kings interim head coach Doug Christie about being a smelling salts guy, what that does for him and being restrained by Domantas Sabonis. pic.x.com/jFymj4kcdR – 8:53 PM
Had to ask Kings interim head coach Doug Christie about being a smelling salts guy, what that does for him and being restrained by Domantas Sabonis. pic.x.com/jFymj4kcdR – 8:53 PM
Matt George @MattGeorgeSAC
There’s a “player’s coach”, and then there’s Doug Christie.
A whole new level. – 8:29 PM
There’s a “player’s coach”, and then there’s Doug Christie.
A whole new level. – 8:29 PM
James Ham @James_HamNBA
“I would rather teach you how to play than run a play.” -Doug Christie – 8:21 PM
“I would rather teach you how to play than run a play.” -Doug Christie – 8:21 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Malik Monk since Mike Brown got fired:
22.2 PPG
7.4 APG
1.4 SPG
He was averaging 16p/5a before. pic.x.com/dXHpIomwzZ – 9:25 AM
Malik Monk since Mike Brown got fired:
22.2 PPG
7.4 APG
1.4 SPG
He was averaging 16p/5a before. pic.x.com/dXHpIomwzZ – 9:25 AM
Sean Cunningham @SeanCunningham
DeMar DeRozan on the Kings turnaround during this 4-1 stretch under interim head coach Doug Christie, tonight’s 30 point win over the Warriors and the impact of Malik Monk tonight without De’Aaron Fox. pic.x.com/vMkkCblBVK – 12:34 AM
DeMar DeRozan on the Kings turnaround during this 4-1 stretch under interim head coach Doug Christie, tonight’s 30 point win over the Warriors and the impact of Malik Monk tonight without De’Aaron Fox. pic.x.com/vMkkCblBVK – 12:34 AM
Sean Cunningham @SeanCunningham
Malik Monk talks about the his Kings jumping out of the gate in a big way in tonight’s 30 point win over the Warriors, doing so without De’Aaron Fox, seeing the defensive effort from Keon Ellis and Devin Carter & seeing his team buy into what Doug Christie is preaching. pic.x.com/D88W4j05DL – 12:30 AM
Malik Monk talks about the his Kings jumping out of the gate in a big way in tonight’s 30 point win over the Warriors, doing so without De’Aaron Fox, seeing the defensive effort from Keon Ellis and Devin Carter & seeing his team buy into what Doug Christie is preaching. pic.x.com/D88W4j05DL – 12:30 AM
James Ham @James_HamNBA
1. Marvelous Mr. Monk. With De’Aaron Fox missing his first game of the season, his close friend, Malik Monk took the keys to the car. Monk didn’t disappoint. He started dealing, finishing with a career-high tying 12 assists to go with 26 points. He was dynamic from the jump. – 10:50 PM
1. Marvelous Mr. Monk. With De’Aaron Fox missing his first game of the season, his close friend, Malik Monk took the keys to the car. Monk didn’t disappoint. He started dealing, finishing with a career-high tying 12 assists to go with 26 points. He was dynamic from the jump. – 10:50 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Malik Monk tonight:
26 PTS
12 AST
3 STL
5-8 3P
+41 in just 29 minutes. pic.x.com/WGntu04BS1 – 10:32 PM
Malik Monk tonight:
26 PTS
12 AST
3 STL
5-8 3P
+41 in just 29 minutes. pic.x.com/WGntu04BS1 – 10:32 PM
Sean Cunningham @SeanCunningham
It’s a 30 point lead in favor of the Kings as they head to the 4th at Chase Center. Kings have led the entire game and now have 7 players in double figures led by Malik Monk’s 26 and Domantas Sabonis with 22pts and 13 rebounds – his 31st double-double of the season. – 10:26 PM
It’s a 30 point lead in favor of the Kings as they head to the 4th at Chase Center. Kings have led the entire game and now have 7 players in double figures led by Malik Monk’s 26 and Domantas Sabonis with 22pts and 13 rebounds – his 31st double-double of the season. – 10:26 PM
James Ham @James_HamNBA
The Kings are running over the Warriors. They have a 105-75 lead heading into the fourth. Seven players are in double figure scoring, including a team-high 26 from Malik Monk, who is a +41 for the game. – 10:25 PM
The Kings are running over the Warriors. They have a 105-75 lead heading into the fourth. Seven players are in double figure scoring, including a team-high 26 from Malik Monk, who is a +41 for the game. – 10:25 PM
Sean Cunningham @SeanCunningham
Kings now 12/25 from the perimeter. Malik Monk is 5/7 and he notches 5 triples in consecutive games for the 4th time in his career. – 10:00 PM
Kings now 12/25 from the perimeter. Malik Monk is 5/7 and he notches 5 triples in consecutive games for the 4th time in his career. – 10:00 PM
Sean Cunningham @SeanCunningham
Malik Monk’s 10 assists are the most he’s had in a half in his career. He becomes the 7th Kings player since the 96-97 season with 10 points and 10 assists at the half & first since Domantas Sabonis Jan. 14, 2024 at Milwaukee. – 9:45 PM
Malik Monk’s 10 assists are the most he’s had in a half in his career. He becomes the 7th Kings player since the 96-97 season with 10 points and 10 assists at the half & first since Domantas Sabonis Jan. 14, 2024 at Milwaukee. – 9:45 PM
James Ham @James_HamNBA
From Kings:
Malik Monk’s 10 assists in tonight’s first half at GSW are a new career high for assists in a half. His previous high was eight in the second half vs. HOU on Dec. 3, 2024. This marks the first time in Monk’s career that he has recorded a double-double in a half. – 9:43 PM
From Kings:
Malik Monk’s 10 assists in tonight’s first half at GSW are a new career high for assists in a half. His previous high was eight in the second half vs. HOU on Dec. 3, 2024. This marks the first time in Monk’s career that he has recorded a double-double in a half. – 9:43 PM
James Ham @James_HamNBA
Malik Monk’s career high for assists is 12. He posted 10 in the first half. – 9:43 PM
Malik Monk’s career high for assists is 12. He posted 10 in the first half. – 9:43 PM
Matt George @MattGeorgeSAC
Kings dominating the Warriors 75-51 at halfime.
Malik Monk: 16 pts, 10 asts, 2 stls, 1 blk
Domantas Sabonis: 18 pts, 9 rebs, 6 asts
Keegan Murray: 9 pts, 3/5 3PT
Kings shooting 57% from the field & 48% from deep with 11 made threes. – 9:40 PM
Kings dominating the Warriors 75-51 at halfime.
Malik Monk: 16 pts, 10 asts, 2 stls, 1 blk
Domantas Sabonis: 18 pts, 9 rebs, 6 asts
Keegan Murray: 9 pts, 3/5 3PT
Kings shooting 57% from the field & 48% from deep with 11 made threes. – 9:40 PM
James Ham @James_HamNBA
Kings put on a show in the first half, lead the Warriors 75-51 at the intermission. Sabonis has 18 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Malik Monk is up to 16 points and 10 assists. 9 points each for Keon Ellis and Keegan Murray. – 9:40 PM
Kings put on a show in the first half, lead the Warriors 75-51 at the intermission. Sabonis has 18 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Malik Monk is up to 16 points and 10 assists. 9 points each for Keon Ellis and Keegan Murray. – 9:40 PM
Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater
Warriors getting crushed at home by a Kings team without De’Aaron Fox: 75-51 at halftime. They committed 13 turnovers. Malik Monk had 16 points, 10 assists. Domantas Sabonis had 18-9-6. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Looney start on him in third quarter. – 9:39 PM
Warriors getting crushed at home by a Kings team without De’Aaron Fox: 75-51 at halftime. They committed 13 turnovers. Malik Monk had 16 points, 10 assists. Domantas Sabonis had 18-9-6. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Looney start on him in third quarter. – 9:39 PM
James Ham @James_HamNBA
First half double-double for Malik Monk. 13 points and 10 assists. He’s running the show without De’Aaron Fox. – 9:35 PM
First half double-double for Malik Monk. 13 points and 10 assists. He’s running the show without De’Aaron Fox. – 9:35 PM
Matt George @MattGeorgeSAC
Malik Monk has 10 assists in 16 minutes. Shining in the primary point guard role with De’Aaron Fox out.
Also 2 steals and a block. Monk’s improvement as a defender can’t go unnoticed. – 9:34 PM
Malik Monk has 10 assists in 16 minutes. Shining in the primary point guard role with De’Aaron Fox out.
Also 2 steals and a block. Monk’s improvement as a defender can’t go unnoticed. – 9:34 PM
Sean Cunningham @SeanCunningham
Kings out and running, forcing another Warriors turnover and Malik Monk finding a soaring Keon Ellis. Kings up 20 in SF here in the 2nd quarter. Monk 13 points and 9 assists. Ellis with 9 points. pic.x.com/hasLQ6dm9c – 9:30 PM
Kings out and running, forcing another Warriors turnover and Malik Monk finding a soaring Keon Ellis. Kings up 20 in SF here in the 2nd quarter. Monk 13 points and 9 assists. Ellis with 9 points. pic.x.com/hasLQ6dm9c – 9:30 PM
Matt George @MattGeorgeSAC
Keon Ellis pokes the ball away from Steph Curry and then throws down the Oop from Malik Monk.
Kings up 23 and showing off in San Francisco! – 9:28 PM
Keon Ellis pokes the ball away from Steph Curry and then throws down the Oop from Malik Monk.
Kings up 23 and showing off in San Francisco! – 9:28 PM
James Ham @James_HamNBA
The Kings jump all over the Warriors early, lead 36-21 after 1Q. Sabonis leads with 8 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. 7 points each for Keon Ellis and Malik Monk. Kevin Huerter has 6 off the bench. – 9:03 PM
The Kings jump all over the Warriors early, lead 36-21 after 1Q. Sabonis leads with 8 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. 7 points each for Keon Ellis and Malik Monk. Kevin Huerter has 6 off the bench. – 9:03 PM
James Ham @James_HamNBA
Keon Ellis has come out aggressive early in this one. He has 7 points, matching Malik Monk for the team high. – 8:59 PM
Keon Ellis has come out aggressive early in this one. He has 7 points, matching Malik Monk for the team high. – 8:59 PM
Matt George @MattGeorgeSAC
We really take a lot of what Domantas Sabonis does for granted. 2 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists already.
He just attacked a Hield mismatch, got to the paint, drew the defense in, and hit Monk for the easy three. Fundamental perfection. – 8:53 PM
We really take a lot of what Domantas Sabonis does for granted. 2 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists already.
He just attacked a Hield mismatch, got to the paint, drew the defense in, and hit Monk for the easy three. Fundamental perfection. – 8:53 PM
James Ham @James_HamNBA
Malik Monk gets the Kings on the board first with a bucket in the lane. – 8:42 PM
Malik Monk gets the Kings on the board first with a bucket in the lane. – 8:42 PM
Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater
Starters tonight for Warriors-Kings
Steph Curry
Dennis Schröder
Andrew Wiggins
Draymond Green
Trayce Jackson-Davis
Keon Ellis
Malik Monk
DeMar DeRozan
Keegan Murray
Domantas Sabonis – 8:04 PM
Starters tonight for Warriors-Kings
Steph Curry
Dennis Schröder
Andrew Wiggins
Draymond Green
Trayce Jackson-Davis
Keon Ellis
Malik Monk
DeMar DeRozan
Keegan Murray
Domantas Sabonis – 8:04 PM
More on this storyline
Matt George: Keon Ellis blindsided by hard (but legal) Draymond Green screen. Steve Kerr gets a tech demanding a flop call for some reason. Doug Christie wasn’t happy with how hard Keon was hit. He comes out onto the floor, and then is escorted back to the bench by Domantas Sabonis. pic.x.com/6z0yL54oWI -via Twitter @MattGeorgeSAC / January 5, 2025
Matt George: Doug Christie says Devin Carter will get playing time tonight, no minutes restriction, and no expectations. He just wants him to play hard and get after it. -via Twitter @MattGeorgeSAC / January 3, 2025
Christie got emotional before the game when CBS Sacramento’s Jake Gadon asked about his message to fans while accepting a daunting challenge as the Kings try to turn their season around. “I love you, first, because this is an incredible fan base, but I would say more than anything, know that we are here to put a product out on the floor that makes you proud,” said Christie, who played for the Kings from 2000-05. “… I think everyone understands who I am and what I’m trying to do, so I don’t need to reiterate that, but first and foremost, there’s steps to that process, and the first step is that when they walk in the doors and they leave the doors, they know that team played their f—ing a– off.” -via Sacramento Bee / December 31, 2024
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