The Phoenix Suns led all the way through and never looked back after posting one of their best defensive efforts of the season. They have won two in a row and will look to keep their streak going on Thursday against a struggling Pelicans team.
The complete effort wasn’t enough for the Suns to advance in the NBA Cup as a Wild Card, with Dallas storming back for a win against the Grizzlies. The Suns finished group play 3-1 with a +30 point differential.
There is a lot to be optimistic about with the win, but the glaring storyline here will be that Kevin Durant did not return after spraining his ankle on a drive to the rim in the late stages of the first half. He initially tried to play through it, but then went to the locker room and did not return. Sigh.
The positive? Phoenix held the Spurs to just 93 points and Devin Booker looked sharp. They did a great job of taking Wembanyama out of the game outside of a 4-minute stretch in the 3rd quarter.
Top Performers
- Devin Booker — 29 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 10-21 FG
- Tyus Jones — 16 points, 4 assists, 0 turnovers, 6-10 FG
- Victor Wembanyama — 15 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists, 6-18 FG
- Devin Vassell — 25 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, 10-14 FG
Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images
First Half
The Suns got off to a hot start, opening with a 7-0 run, leading to an early timeout from the Spurs. Phoenix scored four straight following the timeout to extend the lead to 11-0.
Devin Booker joined Walter Davis as the only other player in franchise history to score 15,000 points in a Suns uniform with this jumper.
The Spurs fought back and took advantage of Suns turnovers early, including Durant throwing an outlet right to Devin Vassell who walked into a wide-open three.
Phoenix’s defense was locked in, holding the Spurs to just 19 points in the opening quarter. The Suns led 29-19 and Devin Booker led the way with 12 in the 1st.
The Suns were losing momentum until a Bradley Beal come-from-behind steal in transition on Chris Paul led to a Kevin Durant triple to put Phoenix back up by 8.
Durant put on a show with this shake, losing Wembanyama, and then glided in for the easy two.
The Suns’ ball movement was sharp to close out the half. They built the lead back up to 13 after a Tyus Jones fastbreak layup.
The Suns’ defense held strong allowing just 39 points in the first half, taking a 52-39 lead into the break. Phoenix held Victor Wembanyama scoreless in the first half. Durant (13), Booker (12), and Jones (11) were all in double figures heading into the half.
Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images
Second Half
The third quarter opened with some harsh reality that has haunted the Suns all season long. Kevin Durant stayed in the locker room after turning his ankle and the Suns’ Big 3 staying on the court together was cut short yet again.
The Spurs opened the half with a boost offensively and Wemby had more of a pep in his step, scoring 12 points in the first 4:30 of play after a scoreless 1st half. The Spurs took control on both ends, cutting the lead down to two, 59-57.
Tyus Jones restored order with a three-ball and then drew a foul to get to the line in consecutive possessions. Phoenix went on an 8-0 run to push the lead back to 10.
The Spurs answered again, cutting the lead down to four, forcing a Phoenix timeout. They outscored the Suns 32-23 in the 3rd with the Phoenix minus Kevin Durant.
Phoenix entered the 4th quarter clinging to a four-point lead, 75-71.
The 4th quarter opened with a 7-0 Suns push, with Devin Booker continuing his hot streak.
Phoenix’s lead ballooned to 14 after a Bradley Beal three to give them an 87-73 edge. A Monte Morris triple pushed it up to 17 shortly thereafter.
A personal 5-0 run from Royce O’Neale put the icing on the cake, giving the Suns a 17-point lead with 4 minutes remaining.
San Antonio fought back to the last minute, but the Suns were able to hang on and secure their 2nd straight win. Chris Paul’s return to the Valley ended with a loss, but Book had nice things to say to his former teammate and good friend.
Up Next?
Phoenix Suns @ New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday at 6 p.m. (AZ Time)
