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Kings Coach Defends Sabonis Bench Amid Trade Rumors

1/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Doug Christie, head coach of the Sacramento Kings, defended benching All-Star Domantas Sabonis in a 117-110 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Sabonis returned from a two-month absence, played 20 minutes, and had eight points and eight rebounds.
Rookie centers Dylan Cardwell and Maxime Raynaud outperformed Sabonis, with Cardwell posting a double-double.
With the trade deadline approaching, the Kings face a potential center logjam and questions about Sabonis' future.

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Story summary

Doug Christie, head coach of the Sacramento Kings, defended benching All-Star Domantas Sabonis in a 117-110 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Sabonis returned from a two-month absence, played 20 minutes, and had eight points and eight rebounds.
Rookie centers Dylan Cardwell and Maxime Raynaud outperformed Sabonis, with Cardwell posting a double-double.
With the trade deadline approaching, the Kings face a potential center logjam and questions about Sabonis' future.