Doug Christie Urges Zach LaVine To Touch The Ball Every Time During His 43-Point Game

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Sacramento Kings coach Doug Christie expressed his strategy for their recent victory over the Detroit Pistons, emphasising Zach LaVine's crucial role. LaVine scored 43 points, helping the Kings secure a 127-117 win. Christie stated, "You just want him to touch the ball every time," highlighting LaVine's impressive performance with eight three-pointers and a perfect 16 straight shots.

LaVine's outstanding game followed another strong showing against the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he scored 37 points with seven three-pointers. This achievement made him the first player in franchise history to score 35 or more points and five or more three-pointers in consecutive games. DeMar DeRozan, who also contributed significantly with 37 points, praised LaVine's form.

DeRozan shared his thoughts on LaVine's performance, saying, "I just told [LaVine] to keep going. I was supposed to come in for him at the start of the fourth. I told Coach to just leave him in." He acknowledged that without LaVine's scoring spree, the team might not have secured the win. DeRozan added that he had witnessed such performances from LaVine before.

The Kings managed to overturn a 10-point deficit at half-time to clinch victory. Christie suggested that this challenging start might have spurred their top scorers into action. He reflected on how sometimes adversity can lead to necessary discussions and improvements within the team.

Christie remarked on how facing difficulties can be beneficial: "The basketball universe, it's an interesting thing. But I tell them, sometimes you get what you need and not what you want." He stressed that while they aim for consistent performance, setbacks can prompt essential growth and evolution in their game.

The Kings' recent loss to the Washington Wizards highlighted areas needing improvement. DeRozan echoed Christie's sentiments about adversity focusing their efforts. He stated that each player needed self-reflection to understand their required level of play for playoff aspirations.

DeRozan noted that since facing these challenges, everyone has been stepping up their game. The team's ability to address shortcomings and improve collectively is crucial for their future success in reaching playoff contention.