The Kings record a third loss in a row, and yet they held off the Suns throughout the game thanks to Malik Monk. But De’Aaron Fox’s non-match and Kevin Huerter’s 0/5 from 3-pointers will have been fatal to them.
Winners of six straight home games, the Kings got off to the best start but ten points from Devin Booker changed the game. The Suns end the first quarter on a 14-2 to take the lead (31-26). The Kings recover quickly and the second quarter turns into a magnificent crossover with thirteen equalizers! If Devin Booker continues his festival, well supported inside by DeAndre Ayton, the trio Monk – Sabonis -Fox scores 25 of Sacramento’s 38 points in this second period at 11 of 11 on shots to give the advantage to the Kings (64 -63).
Upon returning from the locker room, the Phoenix defense raised its tone. The Suns limit Sacramento to two small points in five minutes and Devin Booker gives them a ten-point lead (76-66). The Kings cling on somehow but each time they get closer, they lose a ball and Booker punishes them. The Phoenix star adds 15 points in the period and the Suns keep control of the game (91-84).
In the wake of Malik Monk, always incandescent, the Kings ignite the Golden 1 Center and regain the advantage thanks to a 10-0 (104-101). It was Damion Lee who then woke up the Suns, the former Warrior scored a contested basket from mid-range, and two shots from distance to allow Phoenix to respond with a 10-2 (111-106). Despite Monk’s aggressiveness, Devin Booker and the Suns did not let go of their grip on the game and went for a fifth straight victory.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Devin Booker as boss. From the first minutes of the match, Devin Booker announced the color. Unstoppable in attack and aggressive in defense, he inspired his teammates. He was also the one who always knew how to respond when the Suns were in danger. Chris Paul injured for ten matches, Booker has taken on the leader’s costume without the slightest problem.
– The Kings deprived of quick play. Prior to the game, Sacramento was the league’s fifth-best breakout team, scoring more than 15 points per game on quick play. Well-prepared, the Suns’ defense made defensive withdrawal a priority, limiting the Kings to two points in transition after three quarters. Sacramento came back into the game eventually finding some quick play opportunities but they were never able to develop the type of play that allowed them to be the league’s sixth-best offense, according to Cleaning The Glass.
– The Damion Lee – Malik Monk duel. If Monk scored twice as many points (30 against 15) as his opponent, it was Lee who was the decisive X factor in this meeting. He scored 11 points in the final quarter, including 8 in the space of two minutes to turn the game around.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Devin Booker. 44 points, 8 rebounds, 6 steals, 4 assists, Booker was omnipresent last night to win this great victory on the floor of the Kings.
✅ DeAndre Ayton. The Suns pivot again finished in double double with 17 points, 12 rebounds, 8/10 on shots.
✅ Damion Lee. Decisive in the fourth quarter, as often this season, Lee scored 11 of his 15 points in the final minutes.
✅ Malik Monk. The sixth man of the Kings planted 30 points to the Suns at 12/17 on shots!
⛔ De’Aaron Fox. The Kings point guard never found his rhythm against the Phoenix defense. He finished with 11 points at 4/12 on shots.
THE FOLLOWING
Sacramento (10-9) : the Kings continue at home against the Pacers on Wednesday.
Phoenix (14-6): the Suns host the Bulls on Wednesday.
