Sacramento Kings: Joerger regrets the confrontation with Hield

Kings coach Dave Joerger admitted Saturday that he should not have reprimanded goalkeeper Buddy Hield so publicly, but said he resolved their dispute after the two men had a verbal altercation at home. end of Thursday's game against the Golden State Warriors.

Joerger and Hield discussed after Hield stood up for a 3-point high score instead of playing the game that Joerger called from the sideline. Joerger tackled the situation for the first time during his pre-game press conference, before the Kings played the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena.

"I was a little busy at a time when the cameras are really on you and you're a little out there," Joerger said. "This kind of thing should not happen in front of people."

Hield turned down requests for interviews before Saturday's game, saying he would be available after the match.

Joerger, a leading coach of the year candidate who led the young team into the playoff race, said his fight with Hield would not be detrimental as the Kings try to reach the playoffs for the first time. first time since 2006.

"That kind of thing happens and it's resolved when it's all over," Joerger said. "What happens on the field is happening on the pitch. We say things and I like to die, and we have a big group of guys with good chemistry. We are getting along very well."

Joerger got angry against Hield on Thursday after making a 3-pointer 32-foot to reduce Golden State's lead to three with 19 seconds to play. A league official, who requested anonymity because he was not allowed to discuss the situation, told The Sacramento Bee that Joerger was upset by the fact that Hield had fired instead of playing the game that he had called aside.

"Why do not you just coach the team?" Joerger asked Hield, according to the source.

Warriors star Kevin Durant then took part in the discussion and asked Hield: "What's wrong with your coach?" You did a good job.

Some wondered whether the altercation could have affected Hield's decision to let a similar shot go when he had a chance to win the game in the very last seconds. The Kings were late by two with 6 seconds remaining. Instead of taking advantage, the Hield pump rigged, pioneered in the lane and missed a turner while the time was up.

Portland Trail Blazers goaltender Damian Lillard immediately appeared on Twitter, saying that Hield may have done it "if his coach did not yell at him for doing the same thing."

Joerger said that was not the reason why Hield did not hesitate to shoot the potential 3-point pointer, explaining that the last game was designed to allow him to get a 3-point shot with an option. of driving if he was not open.

"Every player likes to have games to play for them," said Joerger. "… If your coach is preparing a game to win you, this is the ultimate proof of your self-confidence, so one has nothing to do with the other."