The Sacramento Kings suffered a double blow , not only losing to the Phoenix Suns but also seeing star center exit early in his highly anticipated return. Top star, who had missed the previous six games due to a hamstring injury, appeared to aggravate the same issue in the fourth quarter, casting doubt on his immediate availability moving forward.
The injury scare occurred around the eight-minute mark in the final period when he clutched his left hamstring in clear discomfort. Though he initially tried to push through the pain, he ultimately took a seat on the bench following a timeout. Despite his determination to stay on the court, interim head coach Doug Christie made the decision for him. “I think he wanted to continue to play,” Christie said. “But (there’s) no conversation. Sit down. When I see you do that, I’m not even playing around with that one. You are way too important to us.”
While he sat out the remainder of the game, Christie opted to keep Sacramento’s other four starters on the floor despite trailing Phoenix by 21 points. The Kings struggled throughout the contest, failing to find an offensive rhythm without their All-Star big man fully available. His absence in the closing stretch highlighted his vital role in the team’s success, especially as they push for playoff positioning in a competitive Western Conference.
Now, the Kings face an anxious wait to determine the severity of Sabonis’ setback. The team’s medical staff will likely conduct further evaluations in the coming days to assess his condition. With crucial games ahead, Sacramento must tread carefully to ensure their cornerstone player doesn’t risk further injury while attempting to return to full strength. For now, the Kings and their fans will be holding their breath, hoping this latest setback is just a minor hurdle rather than a prolonged absence.