DeMar Derozan and Russell Westbrook were huge for the Sacramento Kings in their last two wins but head coach Doug Christie also wants to highlight the contributions of someone probably most NBA fans never heard of.
The Kings got two wins in a row after beating the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers at home. The two veterans provided the playmaking and scoring but when it comes to the defense, Christie is giving the credits to Dylan Cardwell.
The 2025 undrafted center has more DNPs than played games this season but he became usable lately. Christie thought he played huge in the last two wins.
“I have to always say the spirit animal. Dylan is… he’s a special young man. He has an energy about him,” Christie told reporters after their win over the Lakers on Monday.
Dylan Cardwell doesn’t believe in Monarchies. pic.twitter.com/KYnOx0qAsf
— Ryan Bohamera (@RyaninSactown) January 13, 2026
dylan cardwell: first team all-vibes 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Sax3RZ8O2N
— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) January 13, 2026
The Auburn Tigers standout has played just 13 games this season and averages 4.3 points and 6.2 rebounds per game in 17 minutes.
He scored just 2 points in the win over the Lakers, grabbed 7 rebounds, and blocked 1 shot. He had 9 points and 11 rebounds in the win over the Rockets.
Sacramento Kings got a rim protector
He said he most specially like the kid’s willingness to learn. He also credited him for the confidence his teammates had in operating on the floor because of his imposing presence.
“Whenever we talk basketball, whether it’s me sitting down with him and showing him film or him coming up and saying, ‘Coach, let me have it. What you got for me? How can I get better?’ I mean, those are moments that you as a coach, I personally love because there’s teaching, there’s communication,” Christie continued.
“But watching him rebound the basketball, play with joy, physicality. And I think, personally, our team is very confident when he is protecting the paint. And I know from being a player that when you have somebody back there protecting the paint, it allows you on the perimeter to be a little bit more aggressive. And yeah, he continues to impress, man.”
Cardwell getting minutes is more of a contingency with the continued absence of star center Domantas Sabonis.
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