Phoenix Suns: Three Keys to Victory Over the Sacramento Kings
The Phoenix Suns face-off against the Sacramento Kings tonight at 7:00 PM PST.
Phoenix has been struggling as of late losing their last four out of five games. What will it take for them to get back on track and defeat the Kings?
Limit bench scoring
In the Suns' last matchup against Sacramento on March 11, four players on the Kings' bench were able to put up double digit points while only one player on Phoenix’s bench scored over 10 points.
If this were to happen again, the Suns surely do not have a chance against a Kings team that ranks first in offensive rating. Phoenix’s bench will have to match that of Sacramento’s if they are to stay in the game.
Both starting lineups are relatively equal featuring top notch players such as guards including Devin Booker and De'Aaron Fox so the game could go down to bench scoring.
Players like Landry Shamet and Cameron Payne will have to set the tone off the bench and put their scoring abilities on display.
Get to the free throw line
After Wednesday’s loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, it is abundantly clear that the Suns are not going to the free throw line enough.
Following the game, Monty Williams sounded off on officials as Phoenix only shot 20 free throws all game to the Lakers 46.
"Where do you see a game with 46 free throws for one team?" Williams said. "That's just not right. I don't care how you slice it. It is happening to us too much. Other teams are reaching, other teams are hitting, and we're not getting the same call, and I'm tired of it. It's old. ... I'm over it. Been talking about the same thing for a while. Doesn't matter what team it is."
Against Sacramento, the Suns will need to attack the basket as much as they can and force the officials to make some calls. This must start with Devin Booker is an excellent shooter but also is quick and has a strong ability to attack the basket.
Finish the fourth quarter strong
Over the past two games, the Suns have been outscored by their opponents in the fourth quarter by a combined 18 points which is unacceptable for a team that is considered one of the best in the Western Conference.
This includes Phoenix blowing a double digit lead in the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday. With having two of the clutch closers in Chris Paul and Booker, their fourth quarter blunders will have to change.
The Kings rank second in fourth quarter scoring so it will certainly be difficult to close out Sacramento. It will take a strong performance from Booker and a scoring surge from the 37-year-old Paul to lead the charge in the fourth quarter.
Phoenix has also given up 30 plus points over this two game stretch which is a recipe for disaster and cannot happen again tonight.
