In a thrilling contest on Tuesday, Devin Booker seized control with a go-ahead 17-footer at the 2:37 mark, and Royce O’Neale extended the lead with a crucial 3-pointer at 47.2 seconds, as the Phoenix Suns narrowly outlasted the visiting Sacramento Kings, securing a 130-125 victory.
Despite losing star Bradley Beal to a left hamstring injury early in the first quarter, the Suns were propelled by Kevin Durant’s 28 points, Booker’s 25, and Eric Gordon’s 23. De’Aaron Fox showcased an outstanding performance for the Kings, pouring in a game-high 40 points, while Domantas Sabonis recorded a triple-double.
The game featured a frantic finish, with the Kings taking a 116-115 lead – the fifth lead change in the final period – on an alley-oop layup by Malik Monk with 2:49 remaining. However, Booker responded immediately with his clutch jumper, setting the stage for O’Neale’s pivotal 24-footer that secured a 122-118 lead for the Suns in the last minute. Phoenix held on for their fourth win in the past five games, with Booker contributing six more points, four from the free-throw line, in the final 33.5 seconds.
Throughout the game, both teams asserted control, with the Kings leading 83-72 midway through the third quarter and the Suns staging a 36-15 run between the third and fourth periods to establish a 108-98 advantage with 8:41 left. Sabonis fueled a 12-0 Sacramento run, reclaiming a 110-108 lead and setting the stage for a back-and-forth finale.
Durant notched a double-double with 28 points and 11 rebounds, while Booker showcased his playmaking with a team-high nine assists. The Suns evened the season series with the Kings at 2-2.
Grayson Allen contributed 19 points for Phoenix, leading a 39-27 advantage in 3-pointers and a 29-18 edge at the free-throw line. Gordon hit four of the Suns’ 13 three-pointers, while Booker displayed accuracy at the foul line, going 11-for-13. Fox’s stellar performance included nine rebounds, six assists, and three steals, while Sabonis complemented his triple-double with 35 points, 18 rebounds, and 12 assists.
Malik Monk finished with 22 points, and Kevin Huerter added 10 for the Kings, who suffered their fourth loss in the last five games.