Can Phoenix Suns finish 6th after beating Sacramento Kings? Update standings, schedule and more explored

Modified Apr 13, 2024 15:03 GMT

The Phoenix Suns pulled off an amazing comeback against the Sacramento Kings on Friday night at the Golden 1 Center. The Suns were in danger of dropping in the Western Conference standings had they not got the job done in Sacramento. But can they still finish No. 6 with a one game left?

Kevin Durant led the way for the Suns with 28 points and five rebounds. He tied the game from the charity stripe with less than a minute remaining. He was also the catalyst in the game-winning play with around nine seconds left.

Durant initiated a double team, passing the ball to a wide-open Grayson Allen, who missed the game-winning shot. The double team left Domantas Sabonis alone with Jusuf Nurkic, who had a great position for the offensive rebound.

Sabonis was called for the foul, with Nurkic sinking one of two free throws to give the Suns a 108-107 lead. De'Aaron Fox had a chance to win the game, but Devin Booker stripped the ball as the buzzer sounded.

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Also Read: "I like our team versus anybody" - Devin Booker on the Phoenix Suns' playoff chances (Exclusive)

Can Phoenix Suns finish season as No. 6 seed?

Yes, the Phoenix Suns can end the regular season as the No. 6 seed and avoid the NBA Play-In Tournament. Two things need to happen for the Suns to have a few days rest before the playoffs.

First, they need to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves (56-25) on Sunday. It will be a tough task, as the Timberwolves are also looking to get the win and possibly get the No. 1 spot in the West.

Second, the New Orleans Pelicans (49-32) will have to lose against the LA Lakers (46-35). The Pelicans will lock up the No. 6 seed if they get the win on the final day of the regular season. If both the Suns and Pelicans lose, the latter will be the No. 6 seed.

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Phoenix Suns standings and schedule

The Phoenix Suns (48-33) are alone in the No. 7 spot in the West. They are a game behind the New Orleans Pelicans and two games ahead of the LA Lakers. They won't finish worse than the seventh seed and could end up as the No. 6 seed.

Both the Suns and the Pelicans have a tough final game of the season but also have momentum heading into their respective matchup. The Suns are coming off a comeback win, while the Minnesota Timberwolves barely defeated the Atlanta Hawks.

The Pelicans dominated the Golden State Warriors, while the LA Lakers had a tough time beating a Memphis Grizzlies team missing 13 players due to injuries.