Sacramento Kings Burn Out Against The Phoenix Suns
By Rafe Wong
The Sacramento Kings were unable to extend their winning streak tonight as the Phoenix Suns defeated them by a score of 111-101.
Two days ago, the Sacramento Kings completed the upset over the Cleveland Cavaliers. But tonight, they were unable to earn the win against the Phoenix Suns. Makes sense if you are a Kangz fan.
With this loss, the Kings now fall to a record of 12-22 for the season.
Game Summary
Tonight’s game was a head-scratcher to watch as the game’s theme changed by the quarter. For the first period, the offense was the main focus as both teams combined for 60 points to cap off the first. Unfortunately, this left the Kings to fall behind 35-25.
For the second quarter, the once efficient offense disappeared as both teams buckled down defensively. As a result, 41 points were only scored in the second while the Suns remained to lead the Kings 55-46 at halftime.
The scoring came back for both clubs to start the second half. Especially for the Kings, they were led by Buddy Hield and Bogdan Bogdanovic on the offensive end which led to a whopping 37 points scored by the purple and white to end the third. The Kings only trailed by five points at this time.
After being down early in the first, there was hope that Sacramento would comeback as they were gradually clawing into the Suns’ lead throughout the game. The purple and white did find themselves up by one point midway through the fourth, but T.J. Warren and Devin Booker came alive for Phoenix which eventually sealed the win for the Suns.
Top Performers
Top performers for the Suns tonight were T.J. Warren who recorded 26 points and 10 rebounds, Tyson Chandler who recorded six points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks, and Devin Booker who scored 26 points.
Notable players from the Kings were Bogdan Bogdanovic who scored 13 points, Garrett Temple who recorded 12 points and five assists, and Willie Cauley-Stein who recorded 11 points, nine rebounds, and two steals.
Final Thoughts
Overall, not a great performance by the Kings. They fell behind early which put them in a big hole to start the game. And although they did a good job in clawing back, they burned out in the end resulting in another agonizing defeat for the season.
Next time the Kings step on the hardwood will be against the Memphis Grizzlies on New Year’s Eve. Can the purple and white end the year on a high note?