Suns Throttled in Loss vs Kings

PHOENIX -- The Phoenix Suns fell to the Sacramento Kings in 120-105 fashion on Friday night.
With the loss, the Suns drop to .500 (14-14), the first time they've been with an even record since they were 6-6 on Nov. 17.
They've dropped their last eight-of-eleven matchups.
Here's how the action panned out:
First Quarter
In a first quarter that featured a rare game clock error, the Kings controlled the opening period from start to finish with a 35-30 lead after a strong start from De'Aaron Fox, who finished with 12 points.
Kevin Durant led Phoenix with nine points of his own. seven of which came from the foul line.
Drew Eubanks - replacing Jusuf Nurkic who was out due to personal reasons - drew two quick fouls in the first three minutes and was forced out of action.
The Kings made more three-pointers (4-10) than Phoenix attempted (1-3) in the opening portion of play.
Second Quarter
The Suns dug deep into their bench and featured two-way players in Saben Lee and Udoka Azubuike at the end of the first/beginning of the second.
Sacramento eventually built a double digit lead and managed their advantage through halftime, heading into the break up 65-54.
Malik Monk notched his third block before laying down a dunk that will be a candidate for slam of the year:
MALIK MONK WITH THE INSANE DUNK 😱 pic.twitter.com/CCZeac7WG6
— Ahn Fire Digital (@AhnFireDigital) December 23, 2023
Domantas Sabonis nearly notched a triple double in the first two quarters with a 12-8-7 stat line.
Phoenix saw both Durant and Devin Booker hit 10+ points heading into the break. Those two - along with coach Frank Vogel - received technical fouls.
The Suns turned the ball over ten times in the first half.
Third Quarter
It didn't take long for the Kings to build a 20-point lead, forcing Vogel to call a timeout at the 10:16 mark in the third.
The Suns - nearly down by 30 in the late stages of the third- went on a quick 13-2 run to draw the deficit down to 103-84 with one quarter left.
Durant finished the first three quarters with 26 points on 8-12 shooting. Phoenix carried their poor three-point shooting over to the second half, converting just 4-15 attempts from downtown before the fourth.
Every Kings starter registered at least 13 points or more before the final frame. Sacramento shot a strong 58% from the field.
Fourth Quarter
Nothing notable transpired in the final quarter of play despite the Suns threatening to make something of the night.
Sabonis did indeed notch his triple-double, his fourth of the season.
The Suns emptied their bench around the three-minute mark, waving the white flag on the night.
The final buzzer sounded and the Kings emerged victorious over Phoenix for the second time this season.
The Suns couldn't find any further success shooting from downtown, finishing at a 20% mark. They ended with 15 turnovers and trailed by as much as 29 on the night.
This was the second time in last seven days Phoenix allowed 120+ points on the defensive side of the court.
Notable Performances:
KEVIN DURANT - 28 points, seven rebounds, two assists, one steal
DEVIN BOOKER - 24 points, four rebounds, seven assists
UDOKA AZUBUIKE - 11 points, 11 rebounds, one steal
DOMANTAS SOBINIS - 28 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists
DE'AARON FOX - 23 points, six rebounds, seven assists, three steals, two blocks
What's Next
The Suns return home to face the Dallas Mavericks on Christmas Day.