Kings Collapse in Second Half, Fall to Suns in Season Opener
In the season opener on October 22, 2025, the Sacramento Kings faced off against the Phoenix Suns at the Mortgage Matchup Center. The game began with high hopes as Kings coach Doug Christie emphasized the importance of defense, rebounding, and sharing the ball. Despite a strong first half, the Kings experienced a significant second-half collapse, ultimately falling to the Suns with a final score of 120-116.
Kings Strong Start
The Kings commenced the match effectively, leading by as much as 20 points in the first half. Key players contributed significantly; Zach LaVine led Sacramento with 22 points at halftime. DeMar DeRozan and Malik Monk also made strong offensive impacts, with Monk scoring 19 points and shooting 75% from three-point range.
- Sacramento Kings’ Half-Time Score: 71
- Phoenix Suns’ Half-Time Score: 54
- Kings’ First Half Shooting Percentage: 64.4%
- Suns’ First Half Shooting Percentage: 39.3%
The Kings executed their game plan in the first half, showcasing effective shooting and solid defense. They forced the Suns into committing turnovers and outperformed them in field goals and three-point attempts.
Second-Half Struggles
However, the momentum shifted dramatically after halftime. The Suns focused on controlling the paint and aggressive rebounding, lifting their scoring as they outperformed the Kings in the third quarter 36-21. Booker, who scored 31 points for the Suns, spearheaded the comeback.
Despite the Kings maintaining a narrow lead heading into the fourth quarter, the Suns surged ahead, driven by a three-point shot from Royce O’Neal. Ultimately, the Kings couldn’t secure the win as they allowed the Suns to dominate the paint and capitalize on free throws.
Key Player Statistics
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zach LaVine (Kings) | 30 | N/A | N/A |
| DeMar DeRozan (Kings) | 29 | 6 | 9 |
| Devon Booker (Suns) | 31 | N/A | N/A |
| Dillon Brooks (Suns) | 22 | N/A | N/A |
Next Opponent
Looking ahead, the Kings are set to return home for their next match against the Utah Jazz at the Golden 1 Center. The Jazz recently surprised many by winning their season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers, indicating a challenging matchup for Sacramento as they seek to recover from this loss. Sacramento hopes to tighten their defense and improve consistency as they continue the season.
