NBA: Kings overcome 21-point deficit in 3rd quarter to beat Suns


By the Associated Press

PHOENIX — De'Aaron Fox scored 27 points, Nemanja Bjelica added 19 and the Sacramento Kings rallied from a 21-point deficit in the third quarter to beat the Phoenix Suns 114-103 on Tuesday night.

Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox (5) looks to pass around Phoenix Suns guard Tyler Johnson in the first half during an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox (5) looks to pass around Phoenix Suns guard Tyler Johnson in the first half during an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

The Kings trailed 83-62 with 4:25 remaining in the third but recovered in a hurry, rallying to take a 92-91 lead on Bjelica's dunk with about eight minutes left. The game was tight for the next several minutes but Fox hit a 3-pointer and then another jumper to push the Kings ahead 107-100 with 2:29 left.

The Kings — who have won three of their last four — got big contributions from bench players Dewayne Dedmon and Trevor Ariza. Dedmon finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds and Ariza — who played for Phoenix part of last season — added 15 points.

The Suns were led by Devin Booker, who scored 34 points and had seven assists. It was Booker's seventh straight game with at least 30 points, which extends his franchise record. The performance didn't stop the Suns from coughing up the big lead and losing their second straight game at home.

Deandre Ayton added 21 points and nine rebounds. Kelly Oubre Jr. had 17 points.

The game was tied at 53 at halftime but the Suns started the second half on an 18-2 run and pushed their advantage to 21 points before settling for an 87-78 lead after three quarters.

The Kings were playing the second night of a back-to-back after beating the Warriors 111-98 on Monday.