Phoenix Suns Drop Season Opener to Sacramento Kings
The Phoenix Suns lost their season opener, 113-94, to the Sacramento Kings. The Suns look to get in the win column Friday against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Phoenix Suns dropped their season opener against the Sacramento Kings, 113-94.
Devin Booker and his 18-point effort lead the team in scoring, but it was not enough to edge the Kings. Demarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay powered their way to a win on the road to begin the regular season. Cousins was the Kings’ highest scorer at 24 points, with Gay following at 22.
The Kings dominated the Suns from the start, outscoring them 57-38 by halftime. By the game’s end, the Kings edged the Suns in field goal percentage, three-point percentage, free throw percentage, and assists.
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The only major category in which the Suns had the advantage? Turnovers (18-14). It was that kind of night for Earl Watson’s Suns, and seemingly something fans should become accustomed to for the upcoming year.
But, what do you expect from a team so young and inexperienced? Five of the fifteen players on the roster are under 20-years old. Booker, the 19-year old with the most NBA experience out of the Suns’ rookies with one year under his belt, averaged 13.8 points per game last season. His emergence as one of the game’s best young stars was one of the only positives during the 23-win season last year.
This Suns team, seeing how young they are, is certainly a work in progress. It’s good that they are young, though. Their baby-faced core of Booker, Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss, and Tyler Ulis has an extreme amount of potenial. The foundation is there, but their experience lacks. Both of these factors will come into play and positive results are sure to follow.
In their NBA debuts, Bender scored 10 points over his 12 minutes of playing time. Ulis was 1-3 from the field, scoring just 3 points in 14 minutes. Chriss only racked up 7 points, but hauled in 4 rebounds and dished out 2 assists.
Wednesday’s loss was a game in which the Suns would have liked to win, especially as they prepare to play four of basketball’s best teams in as many contests.
The Suns look to bounce back and get into the win column on Friday night as they travel to play the Oklahoma City Thunder.