Sacramento Kings vs Phoenix Suns Match Player Stats – Complete Game Analysis

TL;DR – Quick Match Summary

The Phoenix Suns defeated the Sacramento Kings 129–102 on Friday, January 2, 2026. Phoenix shot efficiently from the field, controlled the pace early, and never let Sacramento build momentum. Devin Booker led all scorers, while the Suns’ balanced lineup and defensive pressure exposed Sacramento’s shooting struggles and turnovers throughout the night.

Sacramento Kings vs Phoenix Suns – Game Introduction

This matchup between the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns felt decisive from the opening minutes. Phoenix came in sharp, aggressive, and locked in on both ends of the floor. Sacramento, meanwhile, struggled to match that energy and rhythm.

From shot selection to ball movement, the Suns played like a team in control. The Kings showed flashes of fight, but missed opportunities and defensive lapses kept them chasing the game instead of shaping it.

With the NBA calendar moving quickly in January, this contest mattered. It showed where both teams stand right now and highlighted the gaps Sacramento must close to stay competitive in the Western Conference.

Match Overview: Who Won and How It Unfolded

The Phoenix Suns secured a convincing 129–102 victory over the Sacramento Kings. Phoenix led early, extended the gap through efficient scoring, and dominated the middle quarters to put the game out of reach.

Sacramento had moments where the offense flowed, but the consistency was not there. The Kings shot just 41.2% from the field, while Phoenix finished at an impressive 56.3%, a difference that shaped the entire night.

Turnovers, missed defensive rotations, and second-chance opportunities tilted the game further toward Phoenix. By the fourth quarter, the Suns were controlling the tempo, reflecting patterns commonly observed in detailed NBA stat analysis.

Team Performance Breakdown

Sacramento Kings Team Performance

The Kings struggled to find balance on offense. While Keegan Murray and Russell Westbrook provided scoring and effort, Sacramento lacked sustained shot-making and defensive stops. Their -27 overall plus/minus reflected how difficult it was to stay competitive once Phoenix gained control.

Rebounding was another challenge. Sacramento finished with 42 total rebounds, but many came after the game had already shifted. Turnovers and missed perimeter shots prevented the Kings from building any meaningful run.

This performance will raise questions about lineup efficiency and defensive execution, especially against high-tempo teams like Phoenix.

Phoenix Suns Team Performance

Phoenix played with confidence and clarity. The ball moved smoothly, shooters found space, and the defense forced Sacramento into tough looks. The Suns recorded 16 steals and 9 blocks, showing strong activity on the defensive end.

Devin Booker set the tone with elite scoring efficiency, and multiple role players stepped up. Phoenix’s +27 team plus/minus highlighted how dominant they were across all four quarters.

This game looked like a statement win—controlled, composed, and complete from start to finish.

Sacramento Kings Top Player Stats

1. Keegan Murray

Stats:

• Points: 23
• Field Goals: 9/17
• Three-Pointers: 3/5
• Free Throws: 2/2
• Rebounds: 9
• Assists: 2
• Steals: 1
• Blocks: 1
• Turnovers: 3
• Plus/Minus: -23

Performance Insight:
Murray was Sacramento’s most reliable scorer on the night. He attacked closeouts, knocked down open threes, and competed on the glass. However, as Phoenix increased defensive pressure, Murray was forced into tougher shots, and his impact faded during the Suns’ decisive second-half surge.

2. Russell Westbrook

Stats:

• Points: 17
• Field Goals: 6/12
• Three-Pointers: 1/3
• Free Throws: 4/5
• Rebounds: 9
• Assists: 6
• Steals: 1
• Turnovers: 4
• Plus/Minus: -11

Performance Insight:
Westbrook pushed the tempo and brought urgency. His rebounding and playmaking kept Sacramento competitive early, but turnovers and rushed decisions hurt the Kings once Phoenix began capitalizing on transition opportunities.

3. Keon Ellis

Stats:

• Points: 14
• Field Goals: 4/11
• Three-Pointers: 3/6
• Free Throws: 3/4
• Rebounds: 3
• Assists: 0
• Blocks: 2
• Turnovers: 3
• Plus/Minus: -19

Performance Insight:
Ellis provided perimeter spacing and some defensive resistance. While he hit timely shots, Phoenix consistently attacked him off the dribble, limiting his overall defensive impact as the game slipped away.

4. DeMar DeRozan

Stats:

• Points: 13
• Field Goals: 4/8
• Three-Pointers: 0/2
• Free Throws: 5/6
• Rebounds: 2
• Assists: 3
• Steals: 2
• Turnovers: 3
• Plus/Minus: -12

Performance Insight:
DeRozan was efficient in limited touches. Phoenix trapped him aggressively in the mid-range, forcing him to pass early and preventing him from controlling late-game possessions.

5. Dennis Schröder

Stats:

• Points: 12
• Field Goals: 4/10
• Three-Pointers: 1/3
• Free Throws: 3/4
• Rebounds: 2
• Assists: 2
• Turnovers: 2
• Plus/Minus: -15

Performance Insight:
Schröder brought speed and ball pressure off the bench. He created shots in transition but struggled to steady the offense once Phoenix tightened its defensive rotations.

6. Drew Eubanks

Stats:

• Points: 8
• Field Goals: 2/2
• Free Throws: 4/5
• Rebounds: 2
• Assists: 0
• Blocks: 0
• Turnovers: 0
• Plus/Minus: -2

Performance Insight:
Eubanks made the most of his minutes. He finished efficiently inside and provided physical screens, though his limited role kept his impact modest.

7. Maxime Raynaud

Stats:

• Points: 6
• Field Goals: 3/7
• Free Throws: 0/4
• Rebounds: 5
• Assists: 2
• Turnovers: 0
• Plus/Minus: -19

Performance Insight:
Raynaud battled in the paint but missed key free throws. Phoenix’s interior defense limited his finishing chances late.

8. Precious Achiuwa

Stats:

• Points: 3
• Field Goals: 1/8
• Free Throws: 1/2
• Rebounds: 6
• Assists: 3
• Turnovers: 2
• Plus/Minus: -12

Performance Insight:
Achiuwa was active on the glass but struggled offensively. Missed layups and rushed attempts hurt Sacramento during momentum swings.

9. Nique Clifford

Stats:

• Points: 3
• Field Goals: 1/4
• Three-Pointers: 1/2
• Rebounds: 2
• Assists: 1
• Turnovers: 3
• Plus/Minus: -6

Performance Insight:
Clifford’s role was limited. He competed defensively but couldn’t influence the game offensively.

10. Doug McDermott

Stats:

• Points: 3
• Field Goals: 1/5
• Three-Pointers: 1/5
• Rebounds: 1
• Assists: 1
• Turnovers: 1
• Plus/Minus: -13

Performance Insight:
McDermott struggled to find rhythm from deep. Sacramento needed his shooting to stretch the floor, but Phoenix closed out effectively.

Kings Bench Contribution

Sacramento’s bench showed effort but lacked consistency. While Schröder and Eubanks provided brief sparks, the second unit couldn’t match Phoenix’s depth or defensive intensity during crucial stretches.

Phoenix Suns – Top Player Stats

1. Devin Booker

Stats:

• Points: 33
• Field Goals: 13/21
• Three-Pointers: 1/6
• Free Throws: 6/7
• Rebounds: 2
• Assists: 5
• Turnovers: 5
• Plus/Minus: +11

Performance Insight:
Booker controlled the game with patience and precision. He scored from all three levels and consistently punished mismatches, especially during Sacramento’s defensive breakdowns.

2. Dillon Brooks

Stats:

• Points: 18
• Field Goals: 8/14
• Three-Pointers: 2/4
• Rebounds: 2
• Assists: 1
• Steals: 1
• Turnovers: 0
• Plus/Minus: +9

Performance Insight:
Brooks set the physical tone early. His on-ball defense and timely scoring helped Phoenix establish control.

3. Mark Williams

Stats:

• Points: 15
• Field Goals: 3/4
• Free Throws: 9/11
• Rebounds: 9
• Blocks: 1
• Turnovers: 1
• Plus/Minus: +7

Performance Insight:
Williams dominated inside. His rebounding and rim protection limited Sacramento’s second-chance opportunities.

4. Collin Gillespie

Stats:

• Points: 15
• Field Goals: 6/14
• Three-Pointers: 3/9
• Assists: 5
• Steals: 3
• Turnovers: 1
• Plus/Minus: +20

Performance Insight:
Gillespie’s energy changed the game. He pushed pace, hit shots, and disrupted passing lanes.

5. Oso Ighodaro

Stats:

• Points: 15
• Field Goals: 5/6
• Free Throws: 5/5
• Rebounds: 6
• Blocks: 2
• Steals: 2
• Plus/Minus: +14

Performance Insight:
Ighodaro was extremely efficient. His activity on both ends gave Phoenix a major edge during rotation minutes.

6. Jamaree Bouyea

Stats:

• Points: 12
• Field Goals: 6/9
• Rebounds: 6
• Steals: 4
• Assists: 1
• Turnovers: 0
• Plus/Minus: +20

Performance Insight:
Bouyea’s defense sparked multiple scoring runs. He turned stops into fast-break points.

7. Jordan Goodwin

Stats:

• Points: 7
• Field Goals: 2/3
• Free Throws: 2/2
• Assists: 6
• Turnovers: 1
• Plus/Minus: +8

Performance Insight:
Goodwin managed the offense efficiently and kept Phoenix organized.

8. Royce O’Neale

Stats:

• Points: 7
• Field Goals: 3/7
• Three-Pointers: 1/5
• Rebounds: 5
• Blocks: 3
• Plus/Minus: +21

Performance Insight:
O’Neale’s defensive versatility stood out. His impact went beyond scoring.

9. Ryan Dunn

Stats:

• Points: 3
• Field Goals: 1/2
• Rebounds: 4
• Turnovers: 2
• Plus/Minus: +6

Performance Insight:
Dunn contributed defensively and stayed within his role.

10. Khaman Maluach

Stats:

• Points: 4
• Field Goals: 2/2
• Rebounds: 2
• Blocks: 1
• Turnovers: 1
• Plus/Minus: +3

Performance Insight:
Maluach was solid in limited minutes, protecting the rim and finishing cleanly.

Suns Bench Contribution

Phoenix’s bench completely swung the game. High efficiency, strong defense, and excellent plus-minus numbers allowed the Suns to extend leads instead of simply maintaining them.

Team Stats Comparison (Kings vs Suns)

Team Comparison Analysis

Phoenix’s efficiency and ball security defined the game. While Sacramento stayed competitive early, the Suns’ defensive pressure, bench scoring, and ability to convert turnovers into points created a decisive separation by the second half.

For a deeper comparison of other NBA contest, explore detailed breakdown of Portland Trail Blazers vs Utah Jazz player stats to track evolving trends across games.

Momentum Shifts That Defined the Game

First Quarter: Fast Start, Even Control

The opening quarter stayed balanced as both teams traded clean looks. Sacramento moved the ball well early and matched Phoenix shot for shot. Defensive rotations were sharp on both sides, keeping the pace steady without allowing a major run.

Second Quarter: Phoenix Finds Rhythm

The momentum shifted midway through the second quarter when Phoenix increased ball pressure. Forced turnovers led to quick transition points, and Sacramento struggled to reset defensively. This stretch gave Phoenix a slim but important lead heading into halftime.

Third Quarter: Game-Changing Run

The decisive swing came after halftime. Phoenix opened the third quarter with a strong run built on defensive stops and efficient shooting. Sacramento missed open perimeter shots, and second-chance opportunities disappeared.

Fourth Quarter: Control, Not Chaos

With the lead secured, Phoenix played composed basketball. They slowed the tempo, executed half-court sets, and avoided unnecessary risks. Sacramento attempted short bursts, but each push was answered with timely scoring or defensive discipline.

Key Runs That Changed the Direction

• Mid-Q2 10–2 Run: Sparked by steals and quick ball movement
• Early Q3 14–4 Run: The most damaging stretch for Sacramento
• Late Q4 Shot Clock Control: Phoenix drained time and closed possessions cleanly

These runs did not rely on hot shooting alone but were built on structure, spacing, and decision-making.

Game Flow Breakdown

This game followed a clear flow pattern. Sacramento stayed competitive when the pace was controlled and ball movement stayed sharp. Once Phoenix dictated tempo and forced rushed possessions, the game tilted heavily. The Suns consistently converted defensive stops into efficient offense, while Sacramento struggled to regain rhythm.

From a broader perspective, this matchup echoed themes from recent Sacramento Kings games — strong starts followed by difficulty sustaining execution against disciplined defensive pressure.

Key Takeaways From This Match

• Phoenix executed with discipline on both ends, especially after halftime.
• Sacramento’s early ball movement faded once defensive pressure increased.
• Shot quality mattered more than volume in deciding the outcome.
• Rebounding and turnover control quietly shaped the final margin.
• Bench depth played a bigger role than raw star power alone.

This game clearly rewarded structure, patience, and defensive awareness.

Victory Moments & What This Game Revealed

The turning point was not a single shot but a sequence of smart possessions. Phoenix’s ability to convert stops into controlled offense separated them late. Sacramento showed flashes of competitiveness, but the lack of sustained execution limited their comeback chances.

This performance also connects naturally with trends seen in Sacramento Kings recent match where defensive lapses and rebounding gaps have consistently shifted momentum. Phoenix capitalized on those weaknesses with calm, efficient basketball.

FAQs – Sacramento Kings vs Phoenix Suns Match Player Stats

Final Thoughts

This matchup was not about highlight moments alone. It was about structure, patience, and situational awareness. Phoenix played composed basketball when it mattered most, while Sacramento struggled to maintain flow under pressure.

For fans tracking Sacramento Kings vs Phoenix Suns match player stats, this game offers a clear lesson: execution beats effort when margins tighten. Small details decided the outcome, and Phoenix mastered them.