Suns' Grit Not Enough in Loss to Kings

The Phoenix Suns were simply outplayed down the stretch by the Sacramento Kings in what was a tough game on both ends.

PHOENIX -- In what felt like a playoff atmosphere here in the Footprint Center, the Phoenix Suns were unable to emerge victorious against the Sacramento Kings in a 128-119 loss. 

The Suns were hoping to hit the 120 point mark for the fifth consecutive game but were unable to match the league's top offense in terms of points per game. Since losing to the Suns back on Feb. 14, they've scored at least 122 points in each game.

Sacramento has now won their last eight-of-nine games. 

The Kings were able to walk out of Phoenix with a victory thanks in part to a strong bench performance, where four-of-five players scored at least 12 points. The lone Sacramento player off the bench to not reach that mark (Chimezie Metu) tallied nine points and three steals.

The Suns' bench was outscored 65-34. 

Devin Booker led all teams in scoring with 28 points, falling just short of what would have been his fifth consecutive game of 30+ points. Terrence Ross chipped in with 18 points of his own off the bench. 

Deandre Ayton (22 points, 12 rebounds) notched his first double-double in four games. Prior to the game, Kings coach Mike Brown said Ayton was a focal point for Sacramento. 

“Deandre Ayton is just a force down there with his size and his ability to block and change shots. We just have to make sure our spacing is correct when we get there. If our spacing is correct, then we may be able to still find ways to make them pay when we touch that paint," said Brown. 

Phoenix shot a dismal 29.5% (13-44) from downtown in the loss. The Kings were also able to shoot 37 free throws compared to the Suns' 22.

Though both teams held leads of 10+ in the game, the Kings felt in control until the end of what was a back-and-forth game between two of the top teams in the Western Conference. 

The Suns are back in action on Tuesday when the Milwaukee Bucks come to town.