The frustration comes after the Kings put together one of their best defensive efforts in recent memory. They created a unique game plan to slow three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, using forwards Keegan Murray and Jake LaRavia to guard the 6-foot-11 center, while Jonas Valanciunas clogged the lane to prevent drivers to the basket.

After losing 116-110 to the Nuggets, Kings veteran DeMar DeRozan and interim head coach Doug Christie put the officials on blast.

Kings interim coach Doug Christie speaks to reporters following Sacramento’s 116-110 loss against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday at Ball Arena.Christie admits Kings' winnable loss vs. Nuggets will ‘h

It’s as simple as that,” DeMar DeRozan said after scoring a game-high 35 points, with only four in the fourth quarter. DeRozan shot just 2-of-6 in

Westbrook went for 25 points, two steals, two blocks and a corner three with 1:28 to go that doubled Denver’s lead. Sacramento did not go quietly — Zach LaVine answered 20 seconds later to creep back within one score — but the Nuggets made the stops and free throws necessary to escape.

The shorthanded Kings were rolling through three quarters against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night at Ball Arena, with Sacramento leading Nikola Jokić and Co. by as many as 14 points in the third.

DeMar DeRozan passed Patrick Ewing in scoring last night. He’s No. 27 all-time now. Also: Damian Lillard moved ahead of Baron Davis for No. 41 in assists.Source: Bluesky

Former Kings guard Buddy Hield and Moses Moody scored 22 points apiece for the Warriors (29-27), who have won four of five since acquiring Jimmy Butler in a blockbuster trade with the Miami Heat. Brandin Podziemski scored 21 points, Stephen Curry had 20 and Butler added 17.

If the Kings can remain as either the seventh or eighth seed, the will only have to win a single game in the Western Conference Play-In Tournament. For the fourth time under interim head coach Doug Christie, the Kings have won three straight games, although their upcoming stretch of games could define their season.

The Sacramento Kings travel to face the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday to end a four-game road trip but are facing some adversity heading into the big matchup. The Nuggets are in third place in the West with a 39-22 record, so heading into Denver is already a tall task for the Kings, and injuries are not making it any easier for them.

Doug Christie made it clear that the most important thing for the season's final stretch is winning games in whatever way possible.

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