Domantas Sabonis and Jonas Valanciunas powered the Sacramento Kings to a crucial 109-98 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, clinching home-court advantage for their upcoming play-in game.
Sabonis notched his 61st double-double of the season (20 points, 12 rebounds), while Valanciunas dominated with 22 points and 10 boards.
The Suns, resting Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal, struggled offensively despite Grayson Allen’s 20-point effort. Phoenix (36-46) finished with its worst record since the 2019-20 season and will miss the playoffs for the first time in four years.
Sacramento (40-42) snapped a two-game skid and will now host the Dallas Mavericks in a win-or-go-home play-in matchup Wednesday. The Kings’ bench outscored Phoenix’s reserves 50-33, with Trey Lyles (11 points) delivering key buckets late.
Phoenix briefly threatened in the fourth, cutting the deficit to nine before Allen missed a critical layup. Lyles responded with a dagger three to seal the game.
With their playoff hopes dashed, the Suns head into an uncertain offseason. Meanwhile, Sacramento looks to capitalize on its home crowd in a must-win showdown against Dallas.
