The Phoenix Suns led for nearly all 48 minutes on Tuesday night over the young Sacramento Kings, and some stellar offensive execution down the stretch propelled Phoenix to claim the 109-100 victory. The Suns had six players score 12 points or more, with Marcin Gortat leading the way with 20 points and 10 boards.
Steve Nash had a monster second half and ended with 18 points, 12 assists and six rebounds. Michael Redd erupted off the bench for 16 points, nine of which came in the fourth quarter. Channing Frye and Jared Dudley both scored 15, while Shannon Brown had 12 on 14 shots.
As a team, Phoenix went 24-for-28 from the free throw line. They shot nearly 45% from the field, although they hit just five of their 22 attempts from behind the arc.
The Kings were without leading scorer Marcus Thornton and it showed down the stretch. DeMarcus Cousins had a monster night with 41 points and 12 rebounds. Rookie point guard Isaiah Thomas had 25 points and seven rebounds, while Terrence Williams contributed 16 points, five assists and six rebounds off the bench.
The Suns could not afford a loss on Tuesday night and they remain in the hunt for a playoff bid in the Western Conference. Next up for the team: another road game in Utah against the Jazz.
For more on Phoenix and their quest for the playoffs, head on over to Bright Side of the Sun.