Kings Secure Playoff Spot with Victory Over Suns

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento Kings clinched home-court advantage for their first play-in game by defeating the Phoenix Suns 109-98 on Sunday, April 13, 2025. Domantas Sabonis led the Kings with 20 points and 12 rebounds, marking his 61st double-double of the season.

The Kings, currently ninth in the Western Conference, ended a two-game losing streak and will host the No. 10 seed in a loser-out play-in game on Wednesday. In contrast, the Suns finished the season with a disappointing 36-46 record, their worst since the COVID-shortened 2019-20 season, after resting their top three players.

Jonas Valanciunas contributed 22 points and 10 rebounds for Sacramento, while Zach LaVine added 20 points, further solidifying the Kings’ performance against a depleted Suns team.

“We wanted to finish strong and take advantage of this opportunity,” Sabonis said after the game. “Every game matters now as we head into the play-in.”

For the Suns, Grayson Allen led the scoring with 20 points, while Mason Plumlee and Ryan Dunn each chipped in with 12 points. Suns coach Monty Williams relied heavily on his reserves with superstars Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Durant all sidelined.

The defining moment of the game came in the fourth quarter when the Suns had a chance to close in on a nine-point deficit, but Allen missed an easy layup, allowing Sacramento to regain momentum and score a three-pointer shortly after.

Statistically, the Kings dominated the bench scoring, outpacing Phoenix’s reserves 50-33. This discrepancy was indicative of the game’s flow as Sacramento exploited the Suns’ lineup adjustments.

The forthcoming play-in matchup against the Dallas Mavericks represents a critical juncture for Sacramento, which aims to secure a spot in the playoffs after several years of disappointment. The Suns, meanwhile, will miss the postseason for the first time since 2020, ending a season filled with highs and lows.

“We’ve had our struggles, but the fans have been incredibly supportive through it all,” said Suns coach Monty Williams. “We’ll regroup and come back stronger next season.”

The Kings will look to capitalize on their momentum as they prepare for the play-in game on Wednesday.