Kings’ Mass Substitution Sends a Message - and Sparks a Bigger Lineup Conversation
Three and a half minutes into Friday night’s game, the Sacramento Kings were already staring at a 16-2 deficit against the Cleveland Cavaliers. That’s when interim head coach Doug Christie made a bold, almost unheard-of move in the NBA: he benched all five starters.
It was the kind of wholesale substitution you usually see in high school gyms or during hockey line changes. But this wasn’t about theatrics - it was about accountability.
And to Christie’s credit, the reserves responded. Sacramento’s bench erased the early hole and tied the game at 35 by the end of the first quarter.
They ultimately came up short, falling 123-118, but the message was loud and clear: effort matters, and nobody’s job is safe.
Sabonis Anchors a Recharged Second Unit
Part of what made Christie’s move possible was having Domantas Sabonis back in uniform. The All-Star big man had missed 27 games with a knee injury, and the Kings have been understandably cautious with his minutes since his return a week ago. But on Friday night, he looked like his old self - and then some.
Sabonis logged 31 minutes off the bench, finishing with 24 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists. He was the engine of the second unit, crashing the glass, facilitating offense, and showing the kind of poise that’s been sorely missed during his absence.
His presence gave the Kings a level of stability, even in the middle of a lineup shake-up. And if there’s a silver lining to his time off, it’s that the Kings have now seen how valuable he can be - not just as a starter, but as a leader in any unit.
Bench Mob Shines: Monk, Schroder, and Cardwell Step Up
Sabonis wasn’t the only reserve who made noise. Malik Monk continued to make a strong case for more minutes - and maybe even a starting job.
He poured in 16 points, dished out seven assists, and posted a +17 on the night. Monk’s energy and shot-making were critical in keeping Sacramento in the game.
Dennis Schroder, who began the season as the starting point guard before being moved to the bench, also delivered. He scored 21 points and was a +19, showing the kind of control and tempo that’s been inconsistent from the Kings’ starting backcourt.
Then there’s rookie big man Dylan Cardwell, who made the most of his limited touches. He went a perfect 4-for-4 from the field, added two steals, two blocks, and brought a level of hustle that stood out in a game where effort was under the microscope.
Time for a Starting Lineup Shake-Up?
When crunch time rolled around, Christie stuck with what was working. Only one regular starter, DeMar DeRozan, was on the floor. He was joined by Sabonis, Monk, Schroder, and Cardwell - a group that had earned their minutes.
But the Cavaliers, led by Donovan Mitchell’s 33-point night, proved too much in the end.
Still, Christie’s decision to finish the game with that group could be a sign of things to come. Sabonis is expected to reclaim his starting spot soon, likely replacing rookie Maxime Raynaud, who played just nine minutes Friday. Keegan Murray, once healthy, will presumably take back his role from Precious Achiuwa.
The bigger question? What happens with the backcourt.
Zach LaVine’s struggles on defense are nothing new, but this season, his offense has also taken a step back. He’s averaging just 19.5 points per game with 2.3 assists - numbers that don’t justify his hefty contract or his place in the starting lineup. The Kings would love to find a trade partner, but with a $49 million player option looming for 2026-27, that’s easier said than done.
Russell Westbrook, on the other hand, is having a bit of a renaissance. He’s putting up 15.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 6.8 assists while shooting a career-best 35.3% from three.
But even with the improved efficiency, he’s 37 years old, and the Kings are 12-34. It’s fair to ask: what’s the long-term value in continuing to start him?
A Turning Point in Sacramento
Christie’s mass benching wasn’t just a reaction to a bad start - it was a statement. One that said performance, not pedigree, will determine playing time. And after watching the reserves nearly pull off a comeback, it’s clear the Kings have some tough decisions to make.
With Sabonis healthy and the bench showing life, the path forward might mean more than just tweaking rotations. It could mean a full-on reimagining of the starting five. If Friday night was any indication, that change might already be underway.