PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns (8-2) narrowly lost to the Sacramento Kings (6-4) Sunday night at the Footprint Center by a score of 127-118.

The Suns came into tonight knowing that superstar F Kevin Durant would be out for at least the next two weeks, and Sacramento is an extremely difficult team to face in that scenario.

Phoenix nevertheless came to play. They took an early lead thanks to an aggressive and intentional offensive game plan that generated many quality looks.

The Suns ultimately lost 36-31 after the first 12 minutes of action after Kings C Domantas Sabonis came alive in the final minutes of the quarter – Bradley Beal scored a huge three-pointer to cut the deficit to 5 in the final seconds .

Phoenix saw positive momentum in the second quarter, taking the lead for a brief period midway through the set.

Sacramento went on a huge run to end the half, taking a 60-53 lead into the locker room.

Kevin Huerter led the way for Sacramento with four knockdowns from behind the arc, while Tyus Jones paced the Suns with three.

Phoenix entered the second half revitalized – so much so that they took the lead with 4:15 left in quarter number 3.

Grayson Allen hit a three-point attempt from 30 feet to break the tie in the final seconds of the third frame – Phoenix took an 82-79 lead heading into the final 12 minutes of action.

Phoenix’s lead ballooned to double digits in the first 3 minutes of the final frame behind a shooting clinic from Booker – this lead was short-lived as Sacramento got a few timely stops while creating quality offense to bring the lead back. advance to 1. as the clutch time approached.

The back-and-forth play continued until the clock hit zero – an off-ball foul forced an overtime period.

The Suns had a chance to mount a comeback in the overtime period, but Sacramento prevailed behind the continued heroics of DeMar DeRozan.

A look at some key performances from tonight – and what’s next for the Suns below.

Devin Booker – 23 PTS, 12 AST

Tyus Jones -22 PTS, 4 AST, 6 3 p.m.

Bradley Beal – 28 PTS, 8 CER, 2 AST

Domantas Sabonis – 20 PTS, 12 REB, 5 AST

DeMar DeRozan – 34 PTS, 3 CER, 3 AST

Phoenix is ​​scheduled to hit the road for a game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night that will serve as the opening game of the 2nd annual NBA Cup.