Kings use late run to push past Suns 128-119
Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox (5) pressures Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, March 11, 2023, in Phoenix. Credit: AP/Rick Scuteri
PHOENIX — Harrison Barnes scored 19 points, De'Aaron Fox and Malik Monk each added 18 and the Sacramento Kings used a balanced effort to beat the Phoenix Suns 128-119 on Saturday night.
The loss snapped Phoenix's four-game winning streak. The Kings moved 3 1/2 games ahead of the Suns for the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference playoff race.
The Kings finished the game on a 13-4 run. Seven Sacramento players scored at least 12 points. Domantas Sabonis had 17 points and a team-high eight rebounds.
The Suns were playing their second straight game without recently-acquired star Kevin Durant, who hurt his ankle during pregame warmups before Wednesday's game. The team says he has a sprained left ankle and will be re-evaluated in three weeks.
Devin Booker scored 28 points on 11-for-19 shooting for Phoenix. Deandre Ayton had 22 points and 12 rebounds, and Chris Paul added 16 points and 16 assists.
Sacramento took a 67-59 lead into halftime. Trey Lyles led the Kings with 11 points, while Booker led the Suns with 17. The foul-filled half had 41 free throw attempts, including 26 by the Kings.
TIP-INS
Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox (5) drives on Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, March 11, 2023, in Phoenix. Credit: AP/Rick Scuteri
Kings: Had a great night from the bench, which combined for 65 points on 20-for-33 shooting.
Suns: Durant has played in three games with the Suns, all on the road. Phoenix has a 3-0 record in those games.
UP NEXT
Kings: Travel to face Milwaukee on Monday.
Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) reacts after driving between Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker and forward Josh Okogie (2) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, March 11, 2023, in Phoenix. Credit: AP/Rick Scuteri
Suns: Travel to face Golden State on Monday.
