Turnovers Doom Kings In Season Opener
Oct 23, 2019, 9:41 PM | Updated: 9:41 pm
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Sloppy play by Sacramento propels Suns to victory as Kings begin 2019-20 campaign with loss
Things were not pretty for the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night as they dropped the season opener to the Phoenix Suns by a final of 124-95.
Sacramento looked good early, taking a 59-54 lead into the half after Buddy Hield dropped in 22 points over the first 24 minutes.
Once the third quarter started, it was all Phoenix.
The Suns outscored the Kings by 15 points in the third quarter thanks to contributions from Tyler Johnson and Deandre Ayton. Sacramento guard De’Aaron Fox got into foul trouble early in the third quarter and missed the remaining 10:04 of the period after picking up his fourth foul. Phoenix responded with a 29-17 run to end the quarter as they took a double-digit lead into the fourth — a lead that they would not relinquish.
Hield led Sacramento in scoring with 28 points on 10-of-18 shooting that included six three pointers. Late in the fourth quarter, Hield turned his ankle and left the game on his own power. He is considered day-to-day for Friday’s game against Portland.
Marvin Bagley III chipped in with 14 points and 10 rebounds while Harrison Barnes and Cory Joseph both finished in double figures.
Turnovers were a major factor on Wednesday night as the Kings turned the ball over a whopping 27 times. Phoenix took advantage of those turnovers, scoring 27 fast break points following up Sacramento’s mistakes.
The Kings will return home to face the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night at Golden 1 Center.
