The Sacramento Kings are finding their way during the early stages of the 2025-26 regular season, and doing so with a shorthanded roster as forward Keegan Murray (hand surgery) works his way back to the hardwood.
NBC Sports California analyst Kayte Christensen joined The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross to share her thoughts on the Kings’ slow start, highlighting what sticks out about the reigning champion Oklahoma Thunder, explain what back-to-backs are like at the pro level, and much more.
Be sure to check out the entire interview with NBC Sports’ Kayte Christensen on the Sactown Sports 1140 YouTube page.
Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.
Click here for full episodes of The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross.
More Sacramento Kings coverage from Sactown Sports
The Sacramento Kings led for 39 of the 48 minutes of Tuesday night’s action in Oklahoma City, but a tough stepback from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finalized the Kings’ third loss of the 2025-26 NBA season.
Still without Keegan Murray (wrist) and Nique Clifford (hamstring), they faced a shorthanded Thunder team without Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Kenrich Williams, and Isaiah Joe. They also were on the second night of a back-to-back, having defeated the Mavericks Monday night in Dallas.
Russell Westbrook got his first start since joining the team, fittingly coming in the city where he won MVP years ago. He and other Sacramento players had solid nights, but ultimately came up short.
Despite holding the defending champions to 45.7 percent from the field — and less than 30 points in three quarters — late game execution caused the Kings to fall to 1-3 on the season, all coming in close games.
Westbrook was assigned to guard reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but Christie’s squad switches one through four.
More familiar with the building than any other player in attendance Tuesday night, Westbrook made a mark early on. A prolific corner three-point shooter for the last few seasons, he knocked down two catch-and-shoot looks early.
Kings fight against defending champs, but ultimatley fall to 1-3
Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season
Wednesday, October 29th – @ Chicago Bulls – 5:00 PM PT
Saturday, November 1st – @ Milwaukee Bucks – 2:00 PM PT
Monday, November 3rd – @ Denver Nuggets – 6:00 PM PT
Wednesday, November 5th – vs. Golden State Warriors – 7:00 PM PT
Friday, November 7th – vs. Oklahoma City Thunder – 7:00 PM PT
Thank you for reading SactownSports.com. Follow us on Twitter and Google News, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
