Kings secure play-in advantage after strong performances from Sabonis and Valanciunas

In an important game held on April 14, 2025, in Sacramento, California, the Kings faced off against the Phoenix Suns, resulting in a significant victory for Sacramento. The Kings managed to win with a total score of 109-98, which not only ended their two-game losing streak but also allowed them to secure homecourt advantage in the upcoming play-in game. Domantas Sabonis and Jonas Valanciunas led the Kings with impressive performances, each achieving a double-double. Sabonis contributed 20 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, marking his 61st double-double of the season, while Valanciunas added 22 points and 10 rebounds. Zach LaVine was also pivotal, scoring 20 points, which further solidified the Kings' dominance in this match. On the other hand, the Suns, who rested three of their top players for this game, struggled to compete effectively. They finished the regular season with a disappointing record of 36-46, marking their worst performance since the Covid-shortened 2019-20 season. Grayson Allen led the Suns in scoring with 20 points, followed by Tyus Jones with 17 and both Ryan Dunn and Colin Gillespie contributing 12 points each. The Suns' strategy of relying on their reserves did not pay off, as the Kings capitalized on the situation, outscoring the Suns' bench 50-33. The pivotal moment of the game occurred in the fourth quarter when the Suns missed an opportunity to close the gap, allowing the Kings to extend their lead. After missing an easy layup, the Suns gave up a rebound, which resulted in a three-pointer from Trey Lyles. This swing in momentum highlighted the challenges faced by the Suns in this match and underscored the effectiveness of the Kings' execution. Looking ahead, the Kings are set to host the No. 10 seed Dallas Mavericks in a loser-out play-in game on Wednesday. For the Suns, this defeat confirms their absence from the postseason for the first time in five years, raising concerns about the team's future direction and roster decisions as they move into the offseason.