Kings Defeat Suns 121-112, Find Way Back Into Win Column

Jan 23, 2013; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings point guard Isaiah Thomas (22) drives in ahead of Phoenix Suns point guard Goran Dragic (1) during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Phoenix Suns defeated the Sacramento Kings 106-96. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The Sacramento Kings beat the Phoenix Suns behind stellar performances from all four of the Kings major scoring threats. The Kings had 30 assists, and have had 20 plus assists in their last ten games. The Kings have also shot the ball very well during these last ten games, and have started to see the results of distributing the ball. They shot 54.9 percent from the field tonight.

Isaiah Thomas scored 27 points on 8 of 13 shooting, and dished out six assists and added five steals. Tyreke Evans scored 25 points on 9 of 12 shootingand had 5 assists. However Evans had 6 turnovers, and committed 3 in consecutive possessions during the fourth quarter. While the Kings starting to look for each other more and distribute the ball more often, they will have issues turning the ball over until they become more comfortable playing with each other.

DeMarcus Cousins had a big game as he took advantage of the absence of the Suns starting center Marcin Gortat, scoring 22 points on 9 of 13. He also had team high six assists and added two blocks and a steal.

Marcus Thornton continued to shoot the ball incredibly well. Thornton is averaging 23 points in ten games, and shooting over fifty percent. Thornton has looked like he is starting to accept his role off the bench, and the Kings improved passing has helped him get better looks. He scored 23 points on 9 of 13 shooting in only 24 minutes.

Thornton is playing like a six man candidate, and would have to be considered for the honor had he played like this all season. He has had several things keeping him from finding his stride this season, but has managed to make the most of his minutes late this season, breaking out of an early season shooting slump. Thornton is quickly becoming the teams most dynamic scorer.

The Kings had great games from Patrick Patterson (8 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists) and Toney Douglas. Douglas played major minutes in the fourth quarter for the second consecutive game. Douglas has shown he is a very good on ball defender who is capable of shutting down opposing teams point guards, something Jimmer Fredette has been incapable of for most of the season.

The Suns single bright side was the stellar play of starting point guard Goran Dragic, and was the only reason the Suns stayed in the game. Dragic scored 17 points on 6 of 12 shooting,had 5 steals, and had a game high 16 assists.

The Kings played well against an under-manned Suns team, but had several mental lapses on the defensive end of the floor. The Kings didn’t seem to tighten up their defense until midway through the fourth quarter. This is a trend that has cost he Kings several games throughout the season and is something the Kings cannot afford continue if they want to move forward as a team.