Suns Outlast Kings in 120-116 Season Opener
SACRAMENTO,CA – Teh Phoenix Suns overcame a 17-point halftime deficit to defeat the Sacramento Kings 120-116 in a thrilling season opener on October 22,2025.A late surge fueled by clutch shooting and free throws secured the victory for the Suns, despite a strong performance from the Kings’ Zach LaVine.
This hard-fought win marks an vital start for the Suns,who are integrating new pieces into their roster following an offseason trade. The Kings, meanwhile, are looking to build momentum with the recent addition of veteran Russell Westbrook, though they were without key starter Domantas Sabonis due to injury. The outcome sets the tone for both teams as they navigate the early stages of the NBA season and pursue playoff contention.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 27 points, shooting 10-of-19 from the field, and adding five rebounds and five assists. Grayson Allen contributed 18 points in the victory. The Suns’ comeback was ignited by a Royce O’Neale three-pointer with 10:31 remaining in the fourth quarter, giving Phoenix its first lead of the second half.
The Kings initially dominated, shooting 64.4% from the field in the first half to build a commanding 71-54 lead. Zach LaVine spearheaded the Sacramento offense with 22 first-half points on 9-of-13 shooting. LaVine finished the game with a team-high 30 points, while DeMar derozan added 29 and Malik Monk chipped in with 19 off the bench.
However, the Suns outscored the Kings in the second half, capitalizing on Sacramento’s cooling offense. A late foul on a three-point attempt allowed Keita Bates-Diop to sink three crucial free throws, extending the Suns’ lead to 113-110 with under a minute to play. sacramento attempted to rally, but Phoenix held on for the win.
Russell Westbrook, in his Kings debut, finished with six points and six rebounds. Sacramento played the game without three-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis, sidelined with a right hamstring strain.The Suns were without projected starting guard Jalen Green (hamstring), acquired in the offseason trade that sent Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets.
Up Next: The Kings will host the Utah Jazz on Friday night, while the Suns will travel to face the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night.
