Game Recap: Suns stun Kings (and fan base) with 108-107 victory

With the opportunity for the Phoenix Suns to lock up the seventh seed in the Western Conference, the team pulled off an unlikely winafter being down 16 points in the second half. They led for only 6:44 in the game, the majority of which occurred in the first half, but pulled out a 108-107 win against the Kings.

Kevin Durant had 26 points, Devin Booker had 21 points and 6 assists, and Bradley Beal had 20 points with 9 rebounds. It was a steal on the final possession that led to the win for Phoenix as Devin Booker picked the pocket of De’Aaron Fox to seal the game.

The win keeps the hopes alive for Phoenix as they attempt to move into the sixth seed in the Western Conference with one game to play.

Game Flow

First Half

The Suns turned the ball over on three of their first four possessions, assumably because they’re chilling with their passes. Grayson Allen received the start after sitting last game and had 5 early points for Phoenix, pushing their early lead to 11-6.

Turnovers kept biting the Suns, and when combined with poor shooting, it was not the “locked in” start you’d hope you’d see. Devin Booker finally attempted a shot after the Suns began 4-of-11 from the field, and tweaked his ankle on a three-point attempt.

He stayed in the game, hitting three free-throws as it was ruled a foul occurred on the play.

The Kings responded with 7-of-9 shooting, extending their lead to 7 points. Domantas Sabonis had 11 first-quarter points on 4-of-7 shooting, grabbing 4 rebounds as well. Phoenix shot 1-of-7 from deep (14.3%), shooting 44.4% from the field in the period.

KD had 8 points to lead Phoenix in scoring, but the Suns trailed 27-22 after one.

It was a rough shooting start to the second quarter for both teams as they combined for 33.3% shooting through the first five minutes. Durant continued to be the primary form of offense, finishing a quality and-one, scoring 5 of the Suns' first 10 points in the quarter.

Thankfully for Phoenix, the Kings were having their own issues. 3-of-10 shooting allowed the Suns to stay within arms reach. Fouls hurt Sabonis, and he was called for his third with 5:06 left in the quarter, which Kings coach Mike Brown challenged. It was overturned, however.

De’Aron Fox put in his first two points with 4:56 left and then the Suns began to turn the ball over. Again. Phoenix had 7 more turnovers in the quarter, which led to 8 King points. The Kings put together a 14-3 run and extended their lead back up to 10 points. Keegan Murray had a big quarter, hitting 5-of-7 in the quarter for 12 points.

Kevin Durant was the only Sun who looked like he came to play, scoring 18 points and being the only member of the team with double figures at the half. The team once again looked lost, disconnected, and unengaged. They trailed 54-45 at the half.

Second Half

The defense was suspect to start the second half as they permitted easy lay-ins while turnovers continued for Phoenix. It was a balanced King attack as their first 14 points were scored by four of the five starters. They made 6-of-10 to start the quarter, pushing their lead to 68-54.

Kevin Durant turned the ball over in the third, throwing a poor pass behind Bradley Beal in transition. In the process, Beal went down and grabbed his left hand. He then made his way to the bench.

Devin Booker came to life, scoring 14 points in the quarter. He was part of a run that closed the gap to 6, but the Kings responded with a 5-0 run.

Phoenix added another 5 turnovers in the quarter, allowing 8 points off of those mistakes. 61.9% shooting from the field doesn’t matter when you are handing the ball to the opposition. The Kings had a 16-point lead in the third, but the Suns narrowed it to 8, leading 85-78 entering the fourth.

Phoenix opened the fourth with a 13-6 spurt, punctuated by a big Bradley Beal three-pointer that tied the game at 91-91.

Keegan Murray continued growing daggers, hitting a big three-pointer to cap a 12-5 Sacramento run with 4:48 left in the game.

The Suns closed it to 2 points, 107-105, as Bradley Beal stole the ball and scored in transition. After a pair of KD free throws with 51.8 seconds left, the game was tied. With 8.7 seconds left, Domantas Sabonis fouled Jusuf Nurkic and sent him to the line, but he only hit one of two, giving the Suns their first lead since the score was 32-31.

The Kings had the ball fo the final possession, but a Devin Booker steal sealed their fate. Suns win, 108-107.

Up Next

Final game of the regular season! Suns head to Minneapolis to play the Wolves. Plenty at stake in this one!