Kings head coach Doug Christie said that playing Domantas Sabonis 20–21 minutes in his first two games back from injury was "decision-based" and not due to a minutes restriction.
Credit: AP/Scanpix nuotr.
Sacramento Kings head coach Doug Christie explained Domantas Sabonis coming off the bench and playing limited minutes in his return to the lineup after being sidelined for two months with a knee injury.
Before the game against the Miami Heat, which the Kings lost 117–130, Christie said Sabonis still has to go through a process to get back into rhythm, as he’s not yet in the shape he wants to be.
"I think it's just a process that we have to go through. He was out for two months, that's a long time, so you’ve got to work through that," Christie said.
"There's a standard that we want to play to, and we watch certain moments toward the end, or in certain moments, we’re just trying to make sure we’re winning the game. So it's going to be a process to get him to where he wants to be."
Credit AP - Scanpix
Although the coach said Sabonis is not on any type of minutes restriction, his limited minutes are decision-based.
"I think it's just decision-based, watching the game," Christie explained. "Some guys go in and really bring energy and play well, so it happens. It happened with different players."
"I mean, Russ (Wetbrook) has had it happen sometimes, Dennis (Schroder) is going well, sometimes Malik (Monk) is going well. Depth is a good thing to have, and when someone in front of you is playing well, the objective of what we're here to do is win. It's a team game. Be happy for that person, root them on, because they should do the same thing for you," he added.
In his three games back from injury, Sabonis is averaging only 19.3 minutes per game, putting up 9 points, 8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, compared to his season averages of 15.4 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 30 minutes of play.
Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings are currently sitting 14th in the Western Conference with a 12–32 record.
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