Happy Tuesday! This game is going to be... something! The Phoenix Suns season has been an unmitigated disaster. Sporting the worst record in the league and currently in the midst of a losing streak that’s up to FIFTEEN straight games, the citizens of the area are petitioning owner Robert Sarver to change their Phoenix in the flames logo to a headless chicken splashing around a deep fryer. If you’re thinking “eh fifteen isn’t really that bad”, I’ll stretch this a bit further back for you: they’ve lost 30 of their last 32 games, and those pair of wins have come against the Memphis Grizzlies and the Dallas Mavericks. Phoenix ain’t tanking, they’re full on submarining. And yet, here I am, writing this preview because if one team could mess up this streak of suckitude, it’s the Kangz.
Let’s talk Kings basketball.
When: Tuesday, April 3rd; 7:00 pm PST
Where: Talking Stick Resort Arena
TV: NBCSCA
Radio: KHTK Sports 1140 AM
For Your Consideration
As the Kings reach the curtain drop on the 2017-18 season, it’s pretty easy to get distracted by all the shiny objects that other teams have that the Kings just can’t afford. I would love a shiny Ben Simmons, or a Devin Booker, or cough-lukadoncic-cough but something about the Kings young guys have pretty much held my gaze since Day 1. De’Aaron Fox has been up and down all season, but his ups forecast the best Kings point guard since Jason Williams. I’m kind of in the camp that clutch factor doesn’t exist and it’s all a narrative we put to things, but Fox dropping into the NBA and finishing close game after close game has been impressive. Bogdan Bogdanovic has had a rookie season far better than many had assumed he’d have coming across the pond after a full 12 months of basketball. Buddy Hield is coming along well, even while having to navigate changing roles as a starter/super-sub and his ever fluctuating minutes. Harry Giles is apparently alive, and might even be able to contribute in a meaningful way to an NBA team someday. Backing back up to De’Aaron and Bogi for a second, check out this post on the Kings subreddit showing with video just how clutch those two have been this season. This team is going somewhere. Is it to the Finals? God no, not as currently projected. But, they’re headed up.
Tonight, the team with the least technical fouls in the NBA invades the floor of the team tied for the most; an entirely likable bunch of losers against a lot less likeable bunch. The Suns are oozing talent and bleeding wins out of their gaping neck wound, and they’ll end this iteration of their team screaming all the way into the dirt. Would I love a Devin Booker, or the best chance at the number one pick? Absolutely. But, all things considered, I think I’ll take the group the Kings have got. At least for the time being.
Vivek. That check better be in the mail, my man.
Prediction: Buddy Hield finally, completely blows his lid. 38 points, 5 rebounds. Devin Booker’s sweet baby face scowls the whole night. The Kings don’t give up a single three all night, and the Kings owners place a call for cash for a super special secret project that we’ll never ever hear about.
Kings: 109, Phoenix: 94
