Maxime Raynaud #42 of the Sacramento Kings drives to the basket during the game against the Phoenix Suns on March 3, 2026 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento Kings were back in action at home for the first time since February 19th at the Golden 1 Center on Tuesday night. Tip-off on Tuesday was at 8:12 p.m. PST.

The Kings, entering the day with the worst record in the NBA at 14-48, fell to 14-49, losing to the Suns 114-103.

The Kings’ season has devolved into a tankathon this year after early season injuries and lack of cohesion on the court led to one of the worst starts in franchise history. The Kings have turned their attention to the development of the young players on their roster in hopes of some lottery luck this offseason to secure a top pick. On Tuesday, that goal looked unchanged.

In the first quarter, the Kings started the game on the right foot, a rarity for them this season. The Kings outscored the Suns 30-22 in the first quarter to take the quick lead in the game. Malik Monk got going early for the Kings as he scored 11 points in the opening frame to propel the Kings. Maxime Raynaud and Precious Achiuwa also got off to a hot start in the game as they each scored eight points in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Kings kept the game competitive but let the Suns back into the game and ultimately, let them take the lead going into halftime. The Kings were outscored 37-25 in the second, going into halftime as the Suns took a 59-55 advantage into the second half. Grayson Allen led the Suns in their resurgence in the second quarter with 10 points and Devin Booker was right behind him, adding nine. Russell Westbrook did most of the heavy lifting for the Kings in the third with 10 points.

As the Kings came out for the third quarter, they tried to establish themselves in the second half but failed. The third proved disastrous for the Kings as they were outscored by the Suns 31-20 with the offense going dormant. Rasheer Fleming for the Suns led the way with eight points in the quarter as the Suns took a 90-75 lead into the final 12 minutes of the game.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings battled. After being down 20 points in the quarter, they managed to battle back to within 11 points of the Suns before they expanded their lead again. However, the Kings continued to battle, getting the lead back down to 11 with just over a minute remaining. Yet, the Suns ultimately defeated the Kings by 11 points, 114-103.

Maxime Raynaud led the Kings in defeat with 22 points in just over 35 minutes of action in the game.

The Kings will stay home to take on the Memphis Grizzlies at 7 p.m. PST at Golden 1 Center.