Tag: Phoenix Suns

Zach LaVine’s Shooting Woes Continue as Kings Fall to Suns 112-100

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Zach LaVine #8 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Phoenix Suns on November 26, 2025 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California.(Mandatory Photo Credit: Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO — Riding the most optimism the Kings have had all season, Sacramento welcomed the Phoenix Suns to Golden 1 Center on Wednesday night. The Kings failed to keep the winning streak going as they fell to the Suns 112-100.

In the first quarter, the Kings played one of the worst quarters of the season. The Suns blew the Kings off the court and outscored them 41-16, with Devin Booker scoring 12 points in the quarter. The Kings didn’t take care of the ball as they turned it over seven times, leading to 12 Suns points and setting the tone early. Kings fans booed the team off the court as the quarter came to a close.

In the second quarter, the Kings settled in to stop the bleeding, but they didn’t make any dent in the Suns’ lead heading into halftime. The Kings were outscored 29-26 in the second quarter as Russell Westbrook led the team with seven points in the period. The Kings trailed the Suns 67-45 as the game went to halftime. The Kings were led in scoring in the first half by Russell Westbrook, who scored 12 points, while Devin Booker led all scorers with 15 first-half points. The Kings continued to get punished by turnovers as they gave the Suns 11 free possessions in the first half, leading to 19 Phoenix points. Phoenix led by as many as 25 points in the first half as the Kings couldn’t find a way to contain the Suns.

In the third quarter, the Kings finally went on a run to get themselves back into the game. The Kings outscored the Suns 28-16. The Kings, led by Malik Monk, Keegan Murray, and Keon Ellis, got within 10 points as the third quarter ended 83-73 in favor of the Suns. The defense played by the aforementioned, along with 16 combined points from Murray and Monk, gave the Kings a fighting chance in the final 12 minutes.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings couldn’t keep their third-quarter efforts going as they were outscored 29-27 and lost to the Suns 112-100. The Kings’ efforts in the first quarter proved too much to overcome, finishing the game with 19 turnovers that led to 34 Suns points. Zach LaVine and Russell Westbrook combined for 11 turnovers as Zach’s struggles continued. LaVine finished the game 1-6 from three as he continues to go through one of his worst shooting slumps since being acquired by the Kings last season.

After the game, Doug Christie was saddened by the Kings’ efforts after such a gritty performance on Monday against the Timberwolves.

“About as disappointing as it gets,” Doug said following the game. “I probably should have called a timeout within the first six seconds with the very first turnover—attention to detail, matching physicality—but we all got to be better, me included.”

With the loss, the Kings fell to 5-14 and are now 3-6 at home.

Up Next: The Kings will travel to Utah to take on the Jazz on Friday at 6:30 p.m. PST inside Delta Center.

Sacramento Kings podcast Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings try to figure out how to hold the lead

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Sacramento Kings guard Zach Lavine (8) throws one down against the Phoenix Suns forward Oso Ighodaro (left) in the first half at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Fri Oct 24, 2025 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 What was the largest lead the Kings held during the first half of the game, and how did the Suns respond in the second half?

#2 Which Kings player led the team in points, and what was his shooting performance?

#3 How many points did veteran guard Russell Westbrook score for the Kings in his debut with the team in this game?

#4 Which key Kings starters were unavailable for this game due to injury, and how might their absence how was their absence impacted this game.

#5 Kings host the Utah Jazz talk about how you see this match at Golden One Center tonight

Sacramento Kings podcasts with Jeremiah Salmonson Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

Suns Crazy Turnaround In Second Half Beats Kings In Season Opener 120-116

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Phoenix Suns Devin Booker was hit in the face but scored 31 points to help lead the Suns to a opening night win over the Sacramento Kings at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Wed Oct 22, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

After an amazing first half for the Sacramento Kings in their first game of the season, they just could not sustain that effort falling apart in the second half losing to the Phoenix Suns 120-116. Despite the loss the Kings showed a mountain of promise in this game.

Zach LaVine had the high for the Kings with 30 points. DeMar DeRozan was right behind him with 29 points. Malik Monk had 19 off the bench. Shooting 57% from the line was the difference in this game.

The 2025-26 NBA season got underway for the Sacramento Kings Wednesday night. They traveled to Phoenix for a date with the Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. The Kings will get a look at their newest acquisition Russell Westbrook and his amazing quickness and speed which defies his age and welcome Monk and DeRozan back on the court. Domantas Sabonis is projected to return to play on October 26th.

The strong start in this game that the Kings were looking for came to be when the Kings came from behind in the first quarter going on a 7-0 run to take a 25-18 lead with 1:20 left in the opening quarter.

The quarter came to an end with the Kings leading 29-19 and Sacramento had some great momentum on their side.DeRozan and Zach LaVine were doing much of the heaving lifting in the opening quarter and Monk already had seven points off the bench.

The Kings took the energy they had in the first quarter into the second quarter with shots from DeRozan and a three from Keon Ellis pushing the Kings lead to 37-21 a couple of minutes into the quarter.

The perfect start was amazing but there was still a lot of game still left in this season opener. So far in the game the Kings were shooting at over 58% to the Suns 32%. The Suns were 0 for 9 so far in the game from beyond the arc.

Sacramento already had seven turnovers in the game one of the areas they continue to struggle in. As the quarter wore on the Suns threatened, erasing the Kings 18 point lead pulling to within eleven points 51-40.

The Kings refused to cave pushing their lead back out to 59-40. As the first half came to an end, the Kings had a 71-54 lead outscoring the Sun 42-35 in the second quarter.

Sacramento’s Zach LaVine was on fire in the first half finishing with 22 points in an explosive display. DeRozan had 14 points and Monk had 13 off the bench. The Sun’s Devin Booker had 14 points and Dillon Brooks with 11 points.

Sacramento had to keep the pressure on in the second half knowing that the Sun’s would come out in the second half with a new purpose. Phoenix would be looking to turn their long game on only hitting three in the first half, and not a single three in the first quarter.

The Sun’s made a move in the third quarter cutting the Kings lead to 12 points 82-70 with 6:51 left in the quarter. The Kings could not afford to take their foot off the gas and let the Sun into this game. With five minutes left on the clock in the quarter, the Suns had pulled to within seven points 84-77 prompting a Sacramento time-out.

With the Suns coming back, the crowd got crazy loud and the Kings were finding themselves in some real trouble. The Suns were taking this game to the next level making some adjustments over their first half play.

Phoenix was outplaying the Kings in the quarter crushing them 36-21. The 20 point lead that the Kings had taken had dwindled to two points 92-90 going into the fourth quarter. It was a new ball game and it was the Phoenix Suns with all the momentum.

At 10:27 in the fourth quarter the Suns took the lead 96-94 and they never looked back. The Kings offense was coming apart at the seams as the Suns continued to push their lead 101-94. Phoenix was ice cold in the first half but they turned it completely around in the second.

The Kings were struggling to make baskets in the second half in a total collapse. With three minutes left in this game it was a one possession game with the Sun leading 108-106. WIth 1:03 left on the clock this game was tied at 110. The final was 120-116.

The promising start in this game for the Kings ended in a brutal loss due to a real let-down in the second half. They let the Suns back in the game and along with it the fans who had Footprint Center rocking.

The Kings had proven their capability in this game but they needed consistency to go along with it. It was a disappointing loss but at the same time the Kings showed a lot of promise and with the return of Sabonis on the horizon this team will be ok going forward.

The Kings only shot 57 % from the line and that was the difference in this game along with the rebounding. This was a huge disappointment for Sacramento unable to sustain their first half effort.

Friday night the Kings will take on the Utah Jazz at Golden 1 Center. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

Sacramento Kings podcast Barbara Mason: Kings banking on Russell to lead opening night Wednesday in Phoenix

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Sacramento Kings Russell Westbrook met with the media Sun Oct 19, 2025 during a morning press conference at Golden One Center in Sacramento (photo by the Sacramento Kings)

Sacramento Kings podcast Barbara:

#1 With the Kings missing key forward Keegan Murray due to a thumb injury also Domantas Sabonis is out with a hamstring injury, how will Sacramento re‑adjust its front‑court rotation and maintain its defensive and rebounding presence?

#2 The Suns will be without newly‑acquired guard Jalen Green (hamstring) for this matchup — how will Phoenix compensate for his absence in terms of perimeter scoring and attacking the paint?

#3 Which team’s strength will dictate the outcome — Sacramento’s inside game led by Russell Westbrook or Phoenix’s external shooting and pace? Historically, the Kings have excelled inside while the Suns have gained from 3‑point volume.

#4 Given both teams’ struggles with turnovers and defense in recent games, which side will better limit mistakes and convert transition opportunities, and how critical will that be for game flow?

#5 Home‑court advantage on opening night: will Phoenix use the energy of its home crowd and fresh start to set the tone, or will Sacramento’s road experience and veteran‑laden roster help it manage the season‑opener nerves?

Join Barbara Mason for the Sacramento Kings podcast each Monday night at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining i

Sacramento Kings podcast Tony Harvey: Kings prepare to open up season Wednesday in Phoenix

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Sacramento Kings Domantas Sabonis (right) will not play on opening night on Wed Oct 22, 2025 against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center due to a hamstring injury in Phoenix (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Tony Harvey:

#1 With the Kings missing key forward Keegan Murray due to a thumb injury also Domantas Sabonis is out with a hamstring injury, how will Sacramento re‑adjust its front‑court rotation and maintain its defensive and rebounding presence?

#2 The Suns will be without newly‑acquired guard Jalen Green (hamstring) for this matchup — how will Phoenix compensate for his absence in terms of perimeter scoring and attacking the paint?

#3 Which team’s strength will dictate the outcome — Sacramento’s inside game led by Russell Westbrook or Phoenix’s external shooting and pace? Historically, the Kings have excelled inside while the Suns have gained from 3‑point volume.

#4 Given both teams’ struggles with turnovers and defense in recent games, which side will better limit mistakes and convert transition opportunities, and how critical will that be for game flow?

#5 Home‑court advantage on opening night: will Phoenix use the energy of its home crowd and fresh start to set the tone, or will Sacramento’s road experience and veteran‑laden roster help it manage the season‑opener nerves?

Join Tony Harvey for the Sacramento Kings podcast each Sunday night at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony Renteria: Can Kings get this play in game against Mavericks?

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Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis (11) picked up his 61st double double of the season against the Phoenix Suns at Golden 1 Arena in Sacramento Sun Apr 13, 2025 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony Renteria:

#1 Sacramento Kings Domantas Sabonis and Jonas Valanciunas each chalked up a double double as the Sacramento Kings clinched for their first play in game after defeating the Phoenix Suns 109-98 Sunday.

#2 Sabonis scored 20 points and had 12 rebounds for his 61st double-double of the season. Valanciunas scored 22 points and ten rebounds.

#3 The Kings Zach LaVine scored 20 points and the Kings improved to 40-42 and are ending their regular season on positive note with a win.

#4 The Kings will meet the Dallas Mavericks for the play in game. The Kings finished the season in ninth place and the Mavericks finished at tenth place. The Play In game is one and done on Wed Apr 16 for a 7:00pm PDT tip off at Golden 1. How do you see this post season match up?

Tony Renteria podcasts the Sacramento King each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings podcast with Barbara Mason: Kings move onto next step with Play In game vs. Dallas Wednesday

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The Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan takes a jump shot against the Phoenix Suns Cody Martin (17) in first half action at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Sun Apr 13, 2025 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1 Sacramento Kings Domantas Sabonis and Jonas Valanciunas each chalked up a double double as the Sacramento Kings clinched for their first play in game after defeating the Phoenix Suns 109-98 Sunday.

#2 Sabonis scored 20 points and had 12 rebounds for his 61st double-double of the season. Valanciunas scored 22 points and ten rebounds.

#3 The Kings Zach LaVine scored 20 points and improved to 40-42 and are ending their regular season on positive note with a win.

#4 The Kings will meet the Dallas Mavericks for the play in game. The Kings finished the season in ninth place and the Mavericks finished at tenth place. The Play In game is one and done on Wed Apr 16 for a 7:00pm PDT tip off at Golden 1. How do you see this post season match up?

Barbara Mason covers the Sacramento Kings podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kings Secure Home Court in 109-98 Win Over Suns; Sac hosts Dallas Wednesday at Golden 1 in Play In

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Domantas Sabonis on Sunday in the game against the Phoenix Suns (Photo: Sacramento Kings on X)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO — It was game 82 of 82 on Sunday afternoon. In a season known more for turmoil than winning, the Kings laced them up one last time in 2025, trying to secure a home play-in game on Wednesday against the Dallas Mavericks.

After a disappointing season for the Phoenix Suns, they traveled to Sacramento to take on the Kings on Sunday. Officially eliminated from playoff contention, the Suns wouldn’t play any of their stars. Brad Beal, Kevin Durant, and Devin Booker all sat for the Suns. The environment was ripe for a Kings win and they took advantage of the resting Suns with a 109-98 win at Golden 1 Center on Sunday to advance to the play in playoffs.

In the first quarter, the Kings outscored the Suns 33-25 to get off to a quick start. The Kings’ energy and intensity were good, and they looked like a team that came to win. Zach LaVine scored 10 points in the first quarter to get off to a hot start offensively.

In the second quarter, the Suns made a run and outscored the Kings 29-24 to get the game within three points going into halftime at 57-54. The Kings’ scoring in the first half came from Domantas Sabonis, who had 17 points in the half.

In the third quarter, the Kings expanded their slim halftime lead to 11 points by the end of the period. The Kings outscored the Suns 29-21 in the third as they looked to complete the win in the fourth.

In the final quarter, the Kings largely played the bench unit as the regular season came to a close. The Kings and Suns both scored 23 points in the final quarter, allowing the Kings to secure the 109-98 victory. The Kings’ best performance came from Jonas Valanciunas, who scored 22 points and had 10 rebounds on the day.

The Kings will stay home to take on the Dallas Mavericks in the 9/10 seed play-in game on Wednesday. Tip-off is set for 7 PM PST inside Golden 1 Center.

Golden State Warriors podcast David Zizmor: Warriors crush Suns 133-95 at Footprint Center; Golden State wins 7th out of last 10

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Apr 8, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts after a play against the Golden State Warriors during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Golden State Warriors podcast David Zizmor:

#1 The Golden State Warriors just blitzed the Phoenix Suns with a landslide win 133-95. The Warriors just jumped all over the Suns with leading scorers Stephen Curry 25 points and Brandin Podziemski with 22 points .

#2 The Suns just couldn’t get any traction going and their leading scorer Devin Booker who scored 21 points followed by Ryan Dunn and Grayson Allen both finishing with 12.

#3 Warriors host the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night for a 7:00pm tip. The Spurs have lost their last two games and are 13th place in the Western Conference 32-46.

Join David Zizmor Wednesdays for the Warriors podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings podcast Barbara Mason: Kings hope to end 4 game skid tonight against Grizzlies

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Phoenix Suns Royce O’Neale (00) reaches up and commits a foul on the Sacramento Kings DeMar DeRozan (left) in the first half at Footprint Arena in Phoenix on Fri Mar 14, 2025 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Barbara Mason:

#1 The Sacramento Kings defense just couldn’t shut down the Phoenix Suns Devin Booker who had 22 points and 13 assists and Kevin Durant with 22 points as the Suns landslided the Kings last Friday night 122-106.

#2 Tyus Jones was another player that the Kings just couldn’t shutdown, Jones 20 points, hit six 3 pointers for the Suns who as a team scored 24 3 pointers.

#3 What was impressive was the Suns who did make those 24 3 pointers were just one short of the franchise record. They shot 55.8% (24 of 43) from behind the arc.

#4 Some Sacramento numbers for Domantas Sabonis 12 points, 12 assists, and 11 rebounds this after missing six games after suffering a hamstring injury. DeMar DeRozan 23 points, Zach LaVine 21 points and Malik Monk 18 points a hard effort but the Suns just pounced and the Kings could never keep up.

#5 Up next for the Kings the Memphis Grizzlies at Golden 1 Center. The Grizzlies are fourth in the Western Conference have won five of their last ten games, are 43-25. The Kings are ninth in the conference and have lost four straight games and are .500 at 33-33. Tip off tonight at 7:00pm PDT. How do you see this match up?

Barbara Mason does the Sacramento Kings podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com