Phoenix Suns ready to bounce back after OT loss

PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns fell in overtime to the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, their first game after knowing Suns forward Kevin Durant would miss at least two weeks with a calf strain.

Durant played a key role in Phoenix’s strong start to the season, and replacing one of the all-time leading scorers was always going to be a tall order for Suns coach Mike Budenholzer.

“We’ll have to go back and look at it. I’m sure we both learn to play a little bit without Kevin (Durant) at the end of the game, another close game put us in the boiling pressure,” Budenholzer told reporters following the game.

“I think we had some good possessions and I’m sure we’ll look at some possessions and feel like we could have been better.”

The Suns led for the entire fourth quarter before a Keegan Murray tip shot pushed Sacramento ahead with just seconds left.

Phoenix made the score 111-111 heading into overtime on a Devin Booker free throw before being outscored 16-7 in the five-minute overtime period.

“I think again there was a lot of play down the stretch that it felt like we had a few shots that we couldn’t make; we had to make a few more shots. We’ve got some paint, we’ll look at it and seeing if our spacing was good, if we were playing with the pass, playing together, but also appreciating them defensively,” Budenholzer continued.

“I think they show a crowd and then they squirt out and compete and I think we didn’t get enough shots just for the game. I think we’re able to shoot the game at a higher level and have we didn’t do it tonight. I think we are able to shoot the game at a higher level.” I think that’s part of their defense, so we’ll look and try to see where we can get better.”

Suns guard Bradley Beal maintained that positivity when asked if he liked Phoenix’s shot selection.

“100%. (Devin Booker) did a good job reading the double teams. We have looked carefully at the end of the regulation. We got good looks in overtime, but we just couldn’t hit them. We absolutely love the quality of the photos we received. I think Book had nine or 10 assists. The ball was moving and the bodies were moving. So it was good, we just have to get up and take them down.

The Suns are on the road against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, the first of a four-game road trip.