The Sacramento Kings pulled off a stunning overtime victory against the Phoenix Suns, winning 117-112 late Wednesday night in a thrilling NBA Cup matchup. Despite Devin Booker’s continued excellence, the Suns couldn’t hold a late-game lead as Sacramento mounted an incredible fourth-quarter comeback.
🔥 Quick Facts
Kings rallied from 10 points down with just three minutes remaining to force overtime
Final score: Kings 117, Suns 112 in overtime at Golden 1 Center
Kings 0-2 in NBA Cup group play before this game, now fighting for tournament life
Devin Booker averaging 26.4 PPG on 46.9% shooting this season
Kings Mount Dramatic Late Comeback in Clutch Win
Sacramento’s resilience proved the deciding factor as the Kings erased what looked like a sure Suns victory. With three minutes remaining in regulation, Phoenix appeared in complete control, but DeRozan and the Kings refused to quit.
The Kings’ ability to generate stops on defense and force Phoenix turnovers proved critical down the stretch. Sacramento’s clutch execution in overtime separated two teams fighting desperately for positioning in the NBA Cup West Group A standings.
DeRozan’s Leadership Powers Sacramento’s Rally
DeMar DeRozan, the 36-year-old veteran, provided crucial scoring and playmaking when Sacramento needed it most. DeRozan had just led the Kings to a stunning 117-112 overtime victory over Minnesota on Monday, and he brought that same mentality to Wednesday’s showdown.
The Kings welcomed back Keegan Murray, who scored 26 points on exceptional 10-for-19 shooting after missing the first 15 games due to a ligament injury. Sacramento continued operating without Domantas Sabonis, sidelined with a partially torn meniscus.
Booker’s Scoring Touch Not Enough in Overtime Loss
Player
Points Per Game
Shooting %
Devin Booker
26.4
46.9%
Dillon Brooks
22.0
Team Leader
Grayson Allen
3-PT Specialist
44.7%
Phoenix Steals/Game
10.6
2nd in NBA
Booker has been a model of consistency this season, ranking 15th in the NBA with his scoring average. However, Phoenix encountered problems beyond individual performance. The Suns had struggled Monday night against Houston, held to a season-low 92 points while committing 21 turnovers.
Phoenix played without Grayson Allen due to a quad injury and Mark Williams sat out on the back-to-back, further complicating matters against a hungry Sacramento squad.
NBA Cup Stakes Grow as Suns Seek Redemption
The loss drops Phoenix to 2-1 in NBA Cup group play, still in contention but facing pressure with remaining games. Sacramento’s victory keeps them alive in the tournament despite their 0-2 conference record heading into Wednesday’s matchup.
Phoenix remains the sixth seed in the Western Conference at 11-7 overall and will need to regroup before facing Oklahoma City on Friday evening. The Thunder lead West Group A at 2-0, making every remaining game critical for playoff positioning.
What Does This Upset Mean for the NBA Cup Tournament?
Sacramento’s dramatic comeback demonstrates that no team can overlook any opponent, regardless of regular-season performance. The Kings’ resilience proved they belong in serious conversations about tournament advancement despite their struggles earlier in the season.
Phoenix will look to bounce back quickly, but this loss serves as a reminder that closing out games remains essential at the highest level. The Suns’ advantage in steals (10.6 per game, second in NBA) and three-point shooting (38.1%, third-best) must translate to more consistent defensive pressure in final minutes.
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.