Suns storm back from 20-point deficit, take down Kings

Field Level Media|published: Thu 23rd October, 01:12 2025

Oct 22, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) handles the ball against Sacramento Kings forward Drew Eubanks (19) during the second half at the Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Devin Booker had 31 points, Dillon Brooks added 22 and the host Phoenix Suns overcame a 20-point deficit to beat the Sacramento Kings 120-116 in the season opener for both Wednesday.

Grayson Allen scored all of his 18 points in the second half and reserve Royce O'Neale had 3 3-pointers and 12 points for the Suns, who won in coach Jordan Ott's NBA debut. Ott is their fourth coach in four seasons.

Zach LaVine had 30 points, DeMar DeRozan had 29 and Malik Monk had 19 points and three 3-pointers for the Kings, who led 64-44 late in the second quarter and had a 17-point lead at halftime.

The Suns closed the third quarter on a 24-10 run to get within two, and O'Neale made two consecutive 3-pointers early in the fourth quarter in an 11-2 run. His second three gave the Suns a 96-94 lead, their first since 10-9.

Brooks' jumper gave the Suns a 106-97 lead with 5 1/2 minutes left before the Kings clawed back.

Monk tied the game at 110-110 with 1:17 left before Brooks made all three free throws after being fouled on a 3-point attempt with 63 seconds left.

DeRozan made a free throw on the Kings' next possession before Booker made a jumper and a free throw for a 116-111 with 25 seconds left. Levine hit a jumper, but Booker iced it with four free throws in the final 17 seconds.

The Suns shot 47.4% overall -- 59% in the second half -- and had a 51-37 rebounding edge. They turned 18 offensive rebounds into 28 second-chance points.

Ryan Dunn had nine points and 10 rebounds and Mark Williams had six points and 11 rebounds in his first game with the Suns after not playing in the preseason.

Brooks was obtained in the Kevin Durant offseason trade with Houston, and Williams was acquired from Charlotte on draft day.

The Kings led by 20 late in the first half, when they shot 64.4% and made seven of 13 threes. LaVine, DeRozan and Monk were 20 of 26 from the field as the Kings took a 71-54 lead at the break.

The Kings, who shot 50% overall, played without injured front court starters Domantas Sabonis (hamstring) and Keegan Murray (thumb). Suns starting guard Jalen Green (hamstring) also did not play.

--Field Level Media

Latest