The suns fall to the kings, the winning streak ends

by Junna Base November 11, 2024

PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns (8-2) narrowly lost to the Sacramento Kings (6-4) with a score of 127-118 on Sunday evening at the Footprint Center.

The Suns came into tonight knowing that superstar F Kevin Durant would be out for at least the next two weeks, and Sacramento is an extraordinarily difficult squad in that scenario.

Phoenix came to play anyway. They quickly gained a lead thanks to a sustained aggressive and deliberate attacking game plan that produced many quality performances.

The Suns ultimately lost 36-31 after the first 12 minutes of play after Kings C Domantas Sabonis came alive in the final minutes of the quarter – Bradley Beal hit a huge three-pointer to cut the deficit to 5 in the final seconds.

Phoenix continued with positive momentum in the second quarter and briefly took the lead midway through the set.

Sacramento went on a remarkable run at the end of the half and took a 60-53 lead into the locker room.

Kevin Huerter led Sacramento with four knockdowns from behind the arc, while Tyus Jones led the Suns with three knockdowns.

Phoenix entered the second half with renewed vigor – to the point that they took the lead with 4:15 left in the third quarter

Grayson Allen hit a three-point attempt from 30 feet in the final seconds of the third frame to break the tie – Phoenix took an 82-79 lead heading into the final 12 minutes of play.

Phoenix’s lead grew to double digits within the first three minutes of the final frame after a try by Booker. That lead was short-lived, however, as Sacramento endured some timely stops while also creating some quality offense to cut the lead back to 1 as clutch time approached.

The game continued back and forth until the clock showed zero – an off-ball foul forced overtime.

The Suns had a chance for a comeback in OT, but Sacramento prevailed behind the sustained heroics of DeMar DeRozan.

A look at some key performances tonight – and what’s next for the Suns, below.