Full Breakdown
NBA Investigates Sacramento Kings for Potential Tanking
4/9/2026, 9:20:55 PM
Controversial Foul Sparks Investigation
The NBA is currently investigating the Sacramento Kings following a controversial late-game decision during their 110-105 loss to the Golden State Warriors on April 7, 2026. With 3:15 remaining and the Kings leading by one point, Kings forward Doug McDermott committed an intentional foul on Warriors guard Seth Curry, who subsequently made one of two free throws, tying the game. This decision has raised questions about whether it was a strategic error or an attempt to tank the game.
Background on the Incident
The incident occurred as the Kings were attempting to recover from a 16-point deficit earlier in the game. Head coach Doug Christie reportedly believed that his team had a foul to give and wanted to call a timeout before the clock dropped below three minutes, which would have resulted in the loss of one of their remaining timeouts. However, the Kings were already in the penalty, leading to free throws for Curry, a career 86.4% free-throw shooter.
Criticism from Key Figures
Warriors forward Draymond Green publicly criticized the Kings' decision, suggesting it was a blatant attempt to lose the game. He stated, “I saw a team tonight foul Seth Curry with three minutes to go in the game for no reason. In the penalty.” Green's comments have been echoed by others who question the integrity of the Kings' decision-making process, especially given the league's ongoing concerns about tanking.
Official Statements & Responses
Kings sources have maintained that the foul was a tactical miscalculation rather than a deliberate effort to tank. Christie himself has previously stated, “Tanking is the last thing I’d do. I respect the game too much.” Despite their poor record of 21-59, the Kings have shown competitive spirit, going 7-9 in their last 16 games, which has led some to argue against the notion that they are intentionally losing.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the NBA's investigation is ongoing, there are conflicting opinions regarding the Kings' intentions. Some analysts argue that the decision was simply a coaching error, while others, including Green, believe it reflects a broader issue of teams potentially tanking to improve their draft positions. The league has only fined two teams for tanking this season, raising questions about its enforcement of anti-tanking measures.
What's Next
The NBA is expected to conclude its investigation soon, with a focus on whether the Kings' actions were part of a larger pattern of tanking behavior. The league's board of governors is also set to vote on new anti-tanking proposals on May 28, which could reshape how teams approach late-season games.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I saw a team tonight foul Seth Curry with three minutes to go in the game for no reason. In the penalty,” — Draymond Green, Forward, Golden State Warriors
- “Tanking is the last thing I'd do,” — Doug Christie, Head Coach, Sacramento Kings
- “I'm told the NBA is investigating this situation—this foul that took place with over three minutes left in the game to Seth Curry,” — Shams Charania, NBA Insider
The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for the Kings and the NBA's approach to managing competitive integrity in the league.
