The SUNS ended their losing streak by beating the Kings, who had lost four in a row, with the return of Kings core Sabonis Jr., but with the second game of a back-to-back, the Kings’ strength was affected. The SUNS led by 14 points in the opening period, although the Kings once cut the lead to three points in the second quarter. But the SUNS rallied to 13 points in the third quarter and took control late in the period to win. After the victory, the SUNS still retain the impact of the play-off hopes.
At the beginning of the game, Durant and Booker’s offensive state is quite good. Durant had nine points, four assists and a block on 3-of-7 shooting, while Booker had seven points and three rebounds on 3-of-5 shooting. Jones also played well off the bench, hitting two 3-pointers in a row. The SUNS scored 40 points in the first quarter, leading the Kings by more than 14.
After the two teams entered the rotation phase in the second quarter, the Kings’ advantage began to show. Ellis had seven straight points and Valanciunas added four. Monk had 12 points and seven rebounds in the half, Murray had 14 points and four rebounds and DeRozan had nine points on 3-3 shooting. The Kings went on a 36-25 run in the second quarter to cut the deficit to four. It also revealed problems in the SUNS ‘defence. Durant had 14 points in the half, Booker 10 and Jones 12 points on 4 of 4 3-pointers.
Durant had 17 points and six assists, Booker had 19 points and six rebounds, Beal added 15 points and three rebounds, and Jones had 12 points and four assists as the SUNS held off the Kings. In addition, Plumlee was ejected for elbowing Sasha and the SUNS was left with only Andre Iguodala at centre, which became an X-factor.
In the final quarter, Booker took control of the ball in tandem, Jones hit his fifth 3-pointer, and O ‘Neal added a 3-pointer. Durant did not consume any energy before the appearance, maintaining sufficient physical strength. Dunn’s second dunk, after one, gave him 15+ points. Lavine hit two 3-pointers, but the Kings still trailed by 15. Durant and Booker hit 3-pointers to seal the win.
For the game, Durant had 22 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds and 2 blocks, Booker had 22 points and 13 assists, Beal had 15 points and 3 rebounds, Dunn had 16 points and 5 rebounds, Jones had 6 of 6 3-pointers and 20 points and 4 assists, and O ‘Neal had 9 points and Iguodala added 11 points and 6 rebounds. Six SUNS scored in double figures to beat the Kings.
