Phoenix Suns Stage Epic Comeback, Defeating Sacramento Kings 119-117 in Thrilling Finish

PHOENIX, AZ (February 28, 2024) – In a heart-stopping display of resilience and determination, the Phoenix Suns pulled off a remarkable comeback against the Sacramento Kings, snatching a 119-117 victory from the jaws of defeat. Trailing by a staggering 22 points with just over eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Suns unleashed a furious rally, capped off by Kevin Durant’s clutch free throws with 1.8 seconds left on the clock.

Grayson Allen Emerges as Unlikely Hero

Grayson Allen emerged as the Suns’ unlikely hero, tying a franchise record with nine three-pointers and pouring in a game-high 29 points. His long-range shooting proved instrumental in chipping away at the Kings’ lead, igniting Phoenix’s comeback charge. Durant, the team’s talisman, chipped in with 27 points, showcasing his uncanny ability to elevate his game in critical moments.

Devin Booker and Supporting Cast Contribute

Devin Booker, the Suns’ All-Star shooting guard, contributed 16 points and dished out 11 assists, demonstrating his all-around brilliance. Bradley Beal, acquired via trade earlier this season, added 13 points, while Jusuf Nurkic provided a solid double-double with 10 points and 15 rebounds.

Kings Control Majority of Game, but Suns Rally Late

The Kings, led by the dynamic De’Aaron Fox, seemed poised for victory throughout most of the contest. Fox led all scorers with 33 points, showcasing his explosive drives and uncanny ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Domantas Sabonis, the Kings’ versatile big man, notched his 11th triple-double of the season, finishing with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists.

However, the Kings’ grip on the game began to slip in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter. The Suns, fueled by the raucous energy of their home crowd, turned up the defensive intensity and forced several key turnovers. Eric Gordon, a valuable bench contributor for Phoenix, buried consecutive three-pointers late in the game, tying the score at 115 and setting the stage for Durant’s heroics.

Durant Seals Victory with Clutch Free Throws

With the game hanging in the balance, Durant calmly stepped to the free-throw line with 30 seconds remaining and calmly sank both shots, giving the Suns a slender 117-115 advantage. Fox, undeterred, responded with a clutch jumper to tie the game once again, setting up a tense finish.

In the ensuing possession, Durant drove to the basket and drew a foul from Fox, sending him back to the free-throw line with the opportunity to seal the victory. With ice in his veins, Durant calmly sank both free throws, giving the Suns a 119-117 lead.

The Kings had one final chance to tie the game, but their last-second shot attempt fell short, allowing the Suns to escape with a thrilling victory.

Coaches’ Perspectives

Suns coach Frank Vogel lauded his team’s resilience and fighting spirit, emphasizing their ability to stay mentally engaged even when faced with a seemingly insurmountable deficit. He also praised the impact of their small lineup, which featured five players capable of knocking down three-pointers.

“We stayed in it. We stayed in the fight mentally,” Vogel said. “There were a lot of moments where our guys were struggling and frustrated, and we were getting our butts kicked. But we have seen firsthand that in the modern NBA, teams are never out of a game.”

Conversely, Kings coach Mike Brown expressed disappointment in his team’s inability to close out the game, particularly in the final six minutes. He pointed to poor shot selection, stagnant ball movement, and turnovers as contributing factors to their downfall.

“It’s a tough way to lose. Give them credit,” Brown said. “We played a good 42 minutes. The last six minutes, we took some tough shots at the rim. We couldn’t score at the rim instead of just continuing to move the ball and move bodies, everything was really stagnant, we turned the ball over.”

Despite the heartbreaking loss, Brown remained optimistic, viewing it as a learning opportunity for his young team. He expressed confidence that they would bounce back and continue to improve as the season progresses.

Suns Improve Playoff Position, Kings Still in Contention

With this victory, the Suns improve to 43-20 on the season, maintaining their position near the top of the Western Conference standings. The Kings, meanwhile, fall to 37-26, but remain in contention for a playoff berth.

Additional Notes

• The Suns’ comeback victory marked the largest deficit overcome by any team in the final eight minutes of the fourth quarter in the past 25 seasons.
• Grayson Allen’s nine three-pointers tied the Suns’ franchise record, previously set by Devin Booker in 2017.
• Domantas Sabonis’ triple-double was his 23rd consecutive game with double figures in at least two of the three major statistical categories.
• The Suns’ bench outscored the Kings’ bench 42-24, with Eric Gordon leading the way with 13 points.

Call to Action:

Were you on the edge of your seat during this thrilling comeback? Share your thoughts and reactions in the comments section below! Let’s continue the conversation and celebrate the Suns’ remarkable victory together.