Kings’ Rough 2025/26 Stretch Has Monk Seeking Health While Achiuwa Flourishes
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After Thursday’s 123-113 loss to New Orleans, Kings guard Malik Monk described the 2025/26 campaign as “probably the craziest year of my career” during a post-game interview with KCRA News. The 28-year-old, who was mentioned in multiple trade rumors before last month’s deadline, said remaining healthy is now his primary objective for the rest of the season. “Just get through this, man. Get to the summertime,” he stated.
Monk acknowledged the team’s struggles ― Sacramento owns an NBA-worst 14-50 record ― and said the roller-coaster season has hardened the locker room. “It can’t get no worse than this,” he said. “The young guys are learning a lot, the vets are trying to teach them.”
Achiuwa’s Career Night
One of the few bright spots has been forward/center Precious Achiuwa. The six-year veteran matched career highs with 29 points and five assists against the Pelicans while grabbing 12 rebounds. Signed in early November after Miami waived him, Achiuwa has delivered some of his best basketball over the past eight games. Head coach Doug Christie praised the 26-year-old’s energy and defensive versatility, noting that Achiuwa has successfully guarded positions ranging from point guard to center.
Westbrook Addresses Media Criticism
Veteran point guard Russell Westbrook pushed back at post-game criticism directed toward the team, telling reporters he was less concerned about personal commentary than about remarks aimed at his teammates and the organization as a whole. He declined to provide specifics.
Christie Focused on Fixing Fundamentals
During his own media session, Christie said he avoids outside noise and concentrates on on-court fixes. “We’re all frustrated. We want to win games,” he said, citing lapses such as missed box-outs, surrendered second-chance points and poor close-outs as recurring issues.
Source: Hoops Rumors
