Suns look to build on recent improved play vs. wobbly Kings
The Phoenix Suns are in the midst of their best stretch of basketball since before Thanksgiving as they head to Sacramento on Friday to take on the wobbly Kings.
The Suns (20-51) are 6-7 over the past 13 games following Wednesday's 119-107 win over the Los Angeles.
"We're in a process of building," interim coach Earl Watson said. "We have a chance to go 7-7 next game."
The game can be seen on FOX Sports Arizona and FOX Sports GO, starting at 6:30 p.m.
Devin Booker has been a big part of the recent success, averaging 21.4 points and 4.9 rebounds over the last 13 games. The 19-year-old rookie made 12 of 22 shots for 28 points against the Lakers, and Jon Leuer had a season-high 22 points and career-high 14 rebounds.
Leuer started in place of Tyson Chandler, who sat out with back spasms and did not make the trip to Sacramento.
The Kings were without star big man DeMarcus Cousins in Wednesday's 113-104 loss at Minnesota that dealt another blow to their disintegrating playoff hopes. The loss concluded a 1-3 trip for Sacramento (27-44).
Rajon Rondo finished with 25 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds, and Kosta Koufos posted 15 points and 15 boards, but the paint was owned by the Timberwolves.
Karl-Anthony Towns made 11 of 17 shots for 26 points and 11 rebounds after Cousins, averaging 27.1 points and 11.6 rebounds per game, was scratched earlier in the day due to a bruised right knee.
Minnesota matched a season high for a Kings opponent with 64 points in the paint. The Kings trailed by two at halftime but were outscored 34-24 in the third quarter.
"In the third quarter, we just didn't have any presence," coach George Karl said. "It felt like they scored about every possession on the offensive court."
The Kings are riding a 3-13 slump and play their next two at Sleep Train Arena hoping to snap a seven-game skid there.
The Kings rank third in the league with 106.4 points per game. They romped to a 142-119 home victory over the Suns in their most recent meeting on Jan. 2. Cousins had 32 points and nine rebounds, Rondo had 15 points and 15 assists, and Sacramento shot a season-high 60.9 percent.
