SACRAMENTO -- The NBA on Wednesday is looking into what Sacramento Kings sources say was a strategy mistake by coach Doug Christie -- and not intentional tanking tactics -- late in Tuesday's loss to the Golden State Warriors.
With the Kings leading by one with 3:15 remaining in the game, Christie called for forward Doug McDermott to foul Seth Curry, despite being in the penalty.
The strategy was just a misstep, sources told ESPN, as Christie wanted to use a timeout before he automatically lost it when the clock ticked below three minutes. Sources said Christie miscalculated that the Warriors were in the bonus and it would send Curry, an 86.4% career free throw shooter, to the line, despite more appealing options on the floor to foul if opting to hack a player.