In a competitive matchup at the Footprint Center on Friday night, the Phoenix Suns experienced a setback, succumbing to the Sacramento Kings in a 114-106 loss. This defeat brought the Suns’ season record to 12-10, marking their fourth loss in the last five games.

The absence of key players Kevin Durant, Grayson Allen, and Bradley Beal due to injuries forced the Suns to field a lineup featuring Devin Booker, Eric Gordon, Josh Okogie, Keita Bates-Diop, and Jusuf Nurkic. Unsurprisingly, Booker led the Suns’ offensive efforts with an impressive performance, contributing 27 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. Gordon followed closely with 19 points, while Nurkic added 15 points and nine rebounds.

The expected impact of missing Durant’s secondary scoring was evident, as neither Bates-Diop nor Okogie could replicate his offensive output, combining for just five points on the night, with Okogie struggling at 0-5 shooting from the field.

Throughout the game, lead changes kept the competition tight, with both teams enjoying double-digit leads at various points. However, Sacramento ultimately seized control in the final minutes, securing the win.

De’Aaron Fox played a pivotal role in the Kings’ victory, contributing an impressive 34 points, four rebounds, and seven assists. This marked Fox’s fourth 30+ point performance in the last six games, highlighting his significant impact on the court.

Ahead of the game, Suns coach Frank Vogel acknowledged Fox’s influential presence, emphasizing how his performance elevates the play of his teammates on the Kings.

“It’s not just De’Aaron (Fox), obviously it starts with De’Aaron, he’s one of the fastest guys in the league and he’s a load to try and slow down with his shiftiness. You got to bring multiple defenders to him, so it starts with him, but their ability to run and shoot threes, their ability to have (Domantas) Sabonis rebound and push himself with four shooters running with him, all are great concerns in slowing them down in transition.” 

In an uncharacteristic performance, the usually proficient free-throw shooting Phoenix Suns struggled, recording a disappointing 65.2% accuracy from the stripe. Additionally, they faced challenges on the boards, being outrebounded 50-40 in a surprising turn of events.