Phoenix Suns (30-21) at Sacramento Kings (16-32), 10 p.m.
Sports Network | February 5, 2010
(Sports Network) - Pacific Division rivals headed in opposite directions clash in California's capital Friday when the reeling Sacramento Kings play host to a surging Phoenix Suns team, aiming to finish a four-game road trip in perfect fashion.
The Suns improved to 3-0 on their current trek Wednesday in Denver when Amare Stoudemire poured in 20 points and pulled down 17 rebounds, and Phoenix snapped Denver's nine-game home winning streak with a 109-97 triumph at the Pepsi Center.
Jason Richardson chipped in 20 points and seven boards, while Steve Nash contributed 17 points and 10 assists for the Suns, who tied a season-high with their fourth straight victory.
Stoudemire, who has the right to opt out of the final year of his contract after this season, had the big game despite being dogged by persistent trade rumors.
"We've been playing great man-on-man defense," Stoudemire said. "We've also been able to help out with each other. That allows us to scrap, get the rebounds, force the turnovers and score the ball off defensive stops."
The Kings, meanwhile, continue to falter, losing for the 11th time in 12 games to San Antonio on Wednesday. George Hill tied his career-high with 23 points and dished out a personal-best nine assists in that one, as the Spurs won their eighth straight game against Sacramento, 115-113, at ARCO Arena.
Rookie star Tyreke Evans, who missed the Kings' previous game with an ankle injury, came back and recorded 32 points, eight assists and seven boards for Sacramento, which has lost four in a row and 15 of 17 overall. Spencer Hawes logged 18 points and six boards, and Kevin Martin netted 15 points in defeat.
"It's a veteran team, a smart veteran team that knows how to close quarters, that knows how to get to the penalty first," Kings coach Paul Westphal said of the Spurs. "A lot of times, that's the difference for us between winning and losing a game."
Power forward Jason Thompson missed the game with San Antonio because of a family funeral and isn't expected back in the lineup until Sunday when the team travels to Toronto.
Phoenix has already topped Sacramento twice this season and has won three straight overall vs. the Kings.
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