Key to Game: How Suns Could Down Kings

The Phoenix Suns need to this to ensure victory over the Sacramento Kings.

PHOENIX -- The most crucial game of the Phoenix Suns' season is upon us.

The Suns currently trail the New Orleans Pelicans by a full game to avoid a play-in game fate that virtually no one would prefer to participate in, especially in a short-term setting that could see anything happen.

The Pelicans are set to play the Golden State Warriors about 30 minutes before Phoenix takes the court - so the Suns will likely know the result prior to the completion of their own game.

But what does Phoenix need to do to hold up their end of the bargain?

The solution is simple.

This is absolutely a game where the Suns have to take an inside-outside approach - the "big three" of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal have to relentlessly attack Kings center Domantas Sabonis and, in turn, create opportunities on the perimeter for those in supporting roles.

The Kings' defensive woes hit a low point in last night's loss to the Pelicans - Sabonis got dominated by Zion Williamson - while Pelicans key contributors Trey Murphy III, C.J. McCollum, and Jose Alvarado all had stellar nights shooting en route to 22 three-point hits as a team.

This is exactly what Phoenix has to do.

Beal has been phenomenal at attacking the lane this season. Booker and Durant can exploit the holes in Sacramento's personnel.

Concisely put, this is the game where Grayson Allen, Eric Gordon, and perhaps even Royce O'Neale can get into legitimate rhythms against a defense that has had some ugly moments of truth over the last several weeks.

It will be needed.