Exclusive: McNair praises Kings’ response to coaching change, adversity

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Exclusive: McNair praises Kings’ response to coaching change, adversity originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The past month has been a whirlwind for the Kings amid an up-and-down start to the 2024-25 NBA season.

From frustrating injuries to the surprise firing of former head coach Mike Brown to the highs and lows of losing and winning streaks, Sacramento has dealt with adversity through 37 games this season.

Kings general manager Monte McNair recently spoke to NBC Sports California’s Mark Jones about how impressed he is with the team’s ability to maneuver through the adverse times.

“I think it’s just been great to see our guys respond, whether it’s injury, obviously a coaching change, or any other adversity we’ve hit here recently,” McNair told Jones ahead of Friday’s road game against the Boston Celtics. “It’s been nice to see some shots go in at a higher clip, [too]. It’s been nice to close out a couple games — an overtime game and a 15-0 run against [the Philadelphia 76ers]. Those have been great to see.

“But really, just that the guys keep responding. De’Aaron Fox misses a game, we go play at Golden State, always a tough place, and really a great team effort to win that one by 30. Now the new challenge of continuing this thing, continuing to try and compete in what’s always a tough West.”

Doug Christie was named interim head coach for the remainder of the season, and while he lost his first game in his new role against the Los Angeles Lakers, he has since won five in a row to take an early 5-1 record entering Friday’s game.

While it might be too early to compare Christie’s newfound success to that of Brown’s tenure with the Kings, McNair discussed what the current win streak could mean for the interim coach’s future.

“I think the unique thing that Doug brings is obviously a former player, but a former Sacramento King player,” McNair said. “And he loves the city, he loves the organization. He’s been a broadcaster, a coach and a player. Now a head coach. So I think that passion he brings is huge.

“For our guys, maybe lately he’s given them the confidence and freedom to go out there and perform. And so far…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/exclusive-mcnair-praises-kings-response-000739702.html

Author : NBC Sports BayArea

Publish date : 2025-01-11 00:07:00

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