Second victory in three games for these “remodeled” Suns. Behind the 25 points of their new 6th man, Bradley Beal, and three other players at 20 points or more (Kevin Durant, Grayson Allen and Devin Booker), the Suns pushed back the Hawks (123-115) and their seven players at 10 points or more.
Phoenix delivered a serious match, without being able to boast of having been in control throughout the entire match. After 12 minutes, the locals took the lead (38-31), before conceding 41 points in the second quarter against the Hawks who were far too skillful behind the arc. In this match without much defense, the visitors returned to the locker room with a two possession lead (68-72).
The rest was more delicate for Trae Young and his troop, especially in attack. The locals started the second half with better defensive intentions. And thanks to a very successful Bradley Beal on shots at the end of the period, they finished the 3rd quarter well (98-92).
The Suns continued to escape the score in the following minutes, but De’Andre Hunter, with 3 points, brought his team back to two possessions (111-105) with five minutes remaining. This is where Devin Booker decided to bury Atlanta, first finding Kevin Durant on the pick-and-pop, before serving Tyus Jones in the corner.
Grayson Allen added another layer, still behind the arc, and this 9-0 killed the Hawks (even if they responded with a 10-0 too late).
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– Jusuf Nurkic did not come into play… « We left on Mason (Plumlee) et Very (Ighodaro) This evening. We try to find what is best for the team, the right combinations, the right group. » Thus expresses Mike Budenholzer to justify the fact of not mobilizing Jusuf Nurkic in this part. It was his first “DNP” since arriving in Phoenix. Divorce between the two parties seems more and more inevitable.
-– Devin Booker in 3-point crisis. The Suns leader/guard already had serious skill problems, ahead of this match, since his return from injury: only 37% on shots including 27% from 3-point range in four games. Last night, he dove a little further behind the arc: 0/8! With 32.5% 3-point success over the season, he has never been so clumsy in his career.
– Can the Suns remake themselves? Modest 12th in their conference (17 wins – 19 losses), the Suns have a golden opportunity to regain color… thanks to their schedule. Reception of the Jazz then the Hornets, and trips to Atlanta and Washington (before Detroit then Cleveland). That’s four teams with a negative balance sheet.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
