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“We Were Getting Our Bu**s Kicked”: Kevin Durant-Led Kings Escape Had Suns Coach Frank Vogel Skeptical

Published 01/17/2024, 12:11 AM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

In a jaw-dropping display of resilience, the Phoenix Suns (22-19) authored one of their greatest comeback performances during the season as they overcame the Sacramento Kings 119-117 in Footprint Center on Tuesday night. The win secured the third straight victory for the Suns, which elevated its newfound momentum. Although the Suns seemed to be down by a massive 22 points in the fourth quarter, they staged an incredible comeback with a brilliant 25-3 run after halftime.

Coach Vogel’s doubts overturned

Grayson Allen became the Suns’ scoring magician, having scored 29 points, including 9 threes tying franchise record. Kevin Durant, the man of the critical fourth quarter with 27 points and 14 vital ones during the dying few minutes. Reacting to the nail-biting turnaround, Phoenix Suns Coach Frank Vogel expressed skepticism turned admiration, stating, “We stayed in it. Stayed in the fight mentally..there were moments where our guys were struggling, and we were getting our butts kicked.” 

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Vogel acknowledged the vocal leadership of KD, Book, and Beal during timeouts, emphasizing their role in keeping the team’s spirits high. There, in the furnace of competition, the Suns overcame a formidable foe and exhibited an iron tenacity that has Coach Vogel and even basketball buffs marveling at their impeccable prowess.

Durant’s late surge and Gordon’s clutch three

The climax of the pulsating final moments revealed Kev Durant’s heroics and Eric Gordon’s clutch three, which left Coach Vogel as well as fans speechless. Trailing 109-87 with 8:Having scored 22 points less, the Suns came up with a fierce rally to outscore the Kings 32-8 in the final minutes. Eric Gordon’s game-tying 3-pointer at 45 seconds and Durant’s winning free throws earned them the lead. Durant’s clutch plays canceled out De’Aaron Fox’s efforts.

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Devin Booker Discloses the “Sacrifice” He Made for Playing Alongside Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal: “There’s Different Layers”



Kevin Durant, with 27 points, orchestrated a masterclass, scoring 15 in the decisive fourth quarter. Although he performed wonderfully in the later stages, with the help of Grayson Allen’s sniping 29 points, the Suns managed to beat the 35-21 Kings in the final quarter.

Watch this Story: Devin Booker Issues Stern Challenge for Deandre Ayton Moments After Humbling Ex-Suns Star

As Malik Monk missed a buzzer-beater, the Suns sealed their comeback. Durant’s defensive block, followed by a triple on Booker’s assist, epitomized the Suns’ resilience. Durant and Gordon’s end-of-the-clock 3-pointers highlighted their defensive stops as well as ensuring a dramatic win. The two points leading them, most certainly not a safe lead either, spoke volumes of the game that represented basketball’s unpredictability and spirit in losing, never say die.

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Written by:

Abhinav Tomar

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Edited by:

Sameen Nawathe