SACRAMENTO, California (AP) – Landry Shamet scored a 3-pointer with 31 seconds left in overtime moments after missing an open look over the arc and the NBA-leading Phoenix Suns beat the Sacramento Kings 127-124 on Sunday.
Damian Jones gave the Kings a 121-120 lead with a putback dunk not long after Suns star Devin Booker fouled. Shamet missed his 25-foot attempt, but Phoenix managed the rebound. After a timeout, Shamet hit his fifth 3-pointer of the game to put the Sun ahead with two.
“Shoot a million of those,” Shamet said. “At that point, it’s what it is. Live with the result – it went in. We’re just finding ways to win games. It was our MO this year and it will continue to be incredibly valuable.
After Mikal Bridges – who had 27 points for Phoenix with a short hand – made the second of two free throws, Jones made one out of the strip, but missed the second. Aaron Holiday hit the rebound and Torrey Craig dunked.
The Booker scored 19 of his 31 points in the third quarter as the Suns won their fifth straight to improve on 58-14 – nine games ahead of second-placed Memphis for the best record in the league.
“I’m proud of the way we stayed there,” said Suns coach Monty Williams. “To get us a win here, with all the people we have, is pretty huge. Landry has made a great shot. Coaches are trying to set up a game, but it is the players who perform and are willing to take those shots. .
Shamet finished with 21 points. Center Deandre Ayton had 12 points and 10 rebounds before being fouled late in the fourth quarter. Backup center JaVale McGee had 14 points before fouls in overtime.
Already missing All-Star Point Guard Chris Paul (broken right thumb) and sixth man Cam Johnson (right quad contusion), the Sun were with without backup point guard Cam Payne due to a non-COVID-19 illness. Jae Crowder, who returned after a two-player injury due to injury, limped off in the third quarter with an injury to his right foot.
“It takes a special group to do what we did,” Booker said. “Three guys who dropped out and other guys got up, they looked ready to go. Credit to our entire team, from top to bottom, and the coach. We were happy with this one.”
Davion Mitchell, starting in place of injured point guard De’Aaron Fox, had 28 points and nine assists for Sacramento. Domantas Sabonis had 18 points, 12 rebounds and six assists before leaving in the fourth quarter with an apparent left knee injury. The Kings lost 10 of 13.
Phoenix Suns guard Landry Shamet (14) scored and fired a three-point shot late in the overtime of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings in Sacramento, California, Sunday, March 20, 2022. The Suns won 127-124.
“Competitiveness is there and the will to win is there,” said Kings Interim coach Alvin Gentry. “We just have to do a much better job to close it.”
Booker put the Sun ahead 110-108 with eight seconds left in the fourth quarter before Mitchell’s layup forced overtime. McGee scored six of the Suns’ first eight points in overtime.
TIP-INS
Suns: Booker has 136 career games with 30 points or more. … Phoenix had almost as many turnovers (eight) as assists (10) in the first half. … Elfrid Payton started at Point Guard for the Sun.
Kings: Sabonis is scheduled to have an MRI. … Fox missed a second straight game due to a right hand injury.
OP Next
Suns: In Minnesota Wednesday night.
Kings: Pa Indiana Wednesday night.
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