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Category: Phoenix Suns

  • Devin Booker’s 41 leads Phoenix Suns past Chicago Bulls for 2nd straight win

    Devin Booker’s 41 leads Phoenix Suns past Chicago Bulls for 2nd straight win

     

     

     

    The Phoenix Suns won two consecutive games for the first time since late January as they defeated the Chicago Bulls, 127-121, Wednesday before a sellout crowd of 17,071 at PHX Arena.

     

    The Suns last won two straight during a three-game win streak when beating Brooklyn, Washington and the Los Angeles Clippers from Jan. 22 to Jan. 27.

     

    Devin Booker scored 13 of his game-high 41 points in the third quarter when Phoenix took its largest lead of the game, 87-66, with 4:44 left in the quarter.

     

    Kevin Durant scored 26 points after a 14-point night in Monday’s win over Toronto. Nikola Vucevic and Coby White paced the Bulls (29-40) with 24 points each.

     

    The Suns (33-37) now have the same record as Dallas (33-37) in battling for the 10th seed and final play-in spot in the Western Conference, but Phoenix won the season series, 3-1.

     

    So, Phoenix has the head-to-head tiebreaker over short-handed Dallas, which lost to Indiana Wednesday.

     

    The Suns continue their five-game homestand Friday against Cleveland (56-12). The Cavs have the best record in the Eastern Conference, but have lost their last three games.

     

    Suns go up as many as 21 points, maintain lead entering 4th

    The Phoenix Suns extended their lead in the third quarter in taking a 99-84 advantage going into the fourth.

     

    Kevin Durant has a game-high 26 points while Devin Booker has 21 points.

     

    Phoenix led by as many as 21 points in the third quarter.

     

    The Suns are looking to win two games in a row for the first time since late January. The Suns took the first game of the series last month, 121-117, in Chicago. They are looking to have a more impressive victory over the Bulls in the rematch.

     

    Suns withstand Chicago run, up double digits at half

    The Phoenix Suns withstood a Chicago run to take their largest lead of 15 points as they are ahead, 63-51, at the break.

     

    The Bulls pulled within three points midway through the third quarter, but Phoenix answered with a 19-7 run to take a 57-42 advantage with 2:05 left in the first half.

     

    Durant has scored 17 points in the first half to go along with four assists. Nick Richards had contributed 14 points while Devin Booker chipped in eight.

     

    Nikola Vucevic leads the Bulls with 11 points.

     

    The Suns have scored 17 points off nine Chicago turnovers and have only committed four. The Bulls haven’t scored any points off Phoenix turnovers.

     

    Phoenix is just a half game behind Dallas for the 10th seed and final play-in spot in the Western Conference as Indiana beat the Mavs on Wednesday.

     

     

    The Phoenix Suns appear to be building off their largest margin of victory as they take a 31-22 lead over the Chicago Bulls after one.

     

    The Suns have scored 12 points off six Chicago turnovers and only have two turnovers. The Bulls haven’t scored any points off the Phoenix turnovers.

     

    Kevin Durant has 11 points after scoring just 14 in Monday’s win over Toronto.

     

    The Suns led by as many as 11 points.

     

    Budenholzer sticking with starting two-way player

    Suns coach Mike Budenholzer started two-way player Collin Gillespie in place of an injured Bradley Beal in the second half of Sunday’s road loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.

     

    Beal strained his left hamstring in the first half Sunday, didn’t play Monday in the second of a back-to-back against Toronto and is out for Wednesday’s game versus Chicago.

     

    Gillespie made his first career start Monday in place of Beal and is starting again Wednesday.

     

     

     

    “Defensively, felt like we need to find ways as a team to be better,” said Budenholzer as the Suns are 26th in the NBA in defensive rating. “Again, we’re always talking about different combinations, different ways to use guys. He’s pesky, he gets up in, he picks up full court, get on the boards.”

     

    Gillespie is starting with Devin Booker, rookie Ryan Dunn, Kevin Durant and Nick Richards while the Bulls are starting Tre Jones, Coby White, Matas Buzelis, Kevin Huerter and Nikola Vucevic.

     

    Budenholzer also likes Tyus Jones, who has started 57 games this season, with the second unit and playing off Devin Booker.

     

     

    Phoenix Suns guards Bradley Beal, Grayson Allen and big Mason Plumlee are ruled out for Wednesday’s game against the Chicago Bulls.

     

    Beal remains out with a left hamstring strain and is scheduled for a re-evaluation Monday. Allen will miss a fifth straight game with a left foot strain. Plumlee is listed out with a left quad strain.

     

    Chicago’s Lonzo Ball is out with a wrist injury, while Josh Giddey (ankle) is available after being listed as questionable.

  • Suns Dominate Raptors With 129-89 Victory

    Suns Dominate Raptors With 129-89 Victory

    The Phoenix Suns bounced back from their recent loss to the Los Angeles Lakers with resounding success, defeating the Toronto Raptors 129-89 on Monday night. It was the largest margin of victory for the Suns this season, showcasing their effective play before a sellout crowd of 17,071 at the PHX Arena. Devin Booker led the charge with 27 points, contributing significantly to a second-quarter surge the Raptors could not overcome.

    After suffering a 107-96 defeat at the hands of the Lakers, where they were missing key player LeBron James, the Suns demonstrated their resilience by responding with one of their most dominant performances of the year. The victory effectively lifted the Suns’ record to 32-37, leaving them just one game behind the Dallas Mavericks for the last play-in spot in the Western Conference.

    The game saw seven Suns players score in double figures, with rookie Ryan Dunn contributing 17 points off the bench, followed closely by Tyus Jones with 15 points. Superstar Kevin Durant added 14 points, and the bench players made notable contributions as well, totaling 35 points against Toronto’s 16.

    Suns Coach Mike Budenholzer praised his players, particularly highlighting the defensive strategies employed during the match. Phoenix’s ability to limit Toronto to just 39 points during the first half showcased their defensive prowess. They outscored the Raptors 39-11 during the second quarter, which proved pivotal for the outcome of the game.

    The Suns’ powerful surge began with strong performances from players like Royce O’Neale, who scored 11 points along with 10 rebounds. Cody Martin and Oso Ighodaro also made their presence felt, contributing to the team’s score and energy levels. Meanwhile, the Raptors struggled significantly, with Scottie Barnes leading their scoring effort with 16 points.

    Toronto started the game strongly, initially taking the lead with sharp three-point shooting, but the Suns quickly regained control. By the end of the first quarter, the Raptors had managed to lead 29-24; this, combined with momentum buildup and effective three-point shooting, allowed Phoenix to take control of the game.

    “We had a strong second quarter, which really changed the game for us,” Budenholzer stated, emphasizing the importance of the team’s depth and preparation.

    The Suns were playing without guard Bradley Beal, who sat out due to injury. Beal suffered a left hamstring strain during the previous game against the Lakers and will miss at least one week. He has now missed 21 of the Suns’ 69 games this season. Collin Gillespie started for Beal, marking his first career start. Budenholzer expressed optimism about Beal’s recovery, stating, “We’ll evaluate him in one week.”

    With Beal’s absence, the Suns have had to adjust their offensive strategies, but Monday’s win shows how well the team can rally together without their star player. The players are adapting, showing grit and determination as they vie for one of the coveted play-in spots as the playoffs approach.

    The Raptors appeared to be affected by missing key players too, including RJ Barrett and Gradey Dick, both sidelined with injuries. Toronto’s missed opportunities meant they struggled to keep pace with the Suns, who played aggressively and maintained control throughout the match.

    Looking forward, the Suns will attempt to carry this momentum forward when they face the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night. This will be another chance for them to solidify their position as they push for playoff contention. With only 13 games remaining this season, every win counts as they inch closer to playoff hopes.

    Despite the disappointing loss, the Raptors still managed notable performances. Immanuel Quickley wrapped up with 15 points along with 7 rebounds and 7 assists, showing flashes of his potential. It was these individual highlights against the backdrop of team struggle which defined the Raptors’ evening.

    Overall, the win not only reflects the Suns’ depth and drive, but also their ability to bounce back from adversity. The significant triumph over the Raptors serves as both motivation and affirmation of their capabilities as they aim for the postseason.

  • Suns Earn Victory vs Kings With Complete Performance

    Suns Earn Victory vs Kings With Complete Performance

     

    The Suns are continuing to work towards securing a play-in spot.

     

    Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) dribbles the ball against Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn (0) during the first half at Footprint Center.

     

    Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) dribbles the ball against Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn (0) during the first half at Footprint Center.

    PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns (31-36) took down the Sacramento Kings (33-33) on Friday night in Phoenix by a score of 122-106 in what was the most complete showing the team has had in weeks.

     

    The Suns came into the contest without two key players in Nick Richards and Grayson Allen, while Domantas Sabonis made an anticipated return for the Kings.

     

    Phoenix got off to a blazing start to the game – taking a 36-22 lead after 12 minutes of action behind six three-point hits as a team.

     

    Sacramento ran with momentum across the second half of quarter two – but Phoenix held on to a 62-57 advantage going into halftime.

     

    The Suns faced a new set of challenges mid-game for the second contest in a row – as starting C Mason Plumlee was ejected due to a flagrant foul.

     

    The squad managed the absence very well, regaining all momentum previously lost to the tune of a 97-82 lead going into the final 12 minutes of action – behind Oso Ighodaro’s continued high-impact play in a more sizable role

     

    The fourth quarter was spearheaded by lively defensive play and a thunderous dunk by rookie Ryan Dunn – there was little to no drama at the tail end of tonight’s game.

     

    Key Performances

    Kevin Durant – 22 PTS, 4 REB, 6 AST, 4-6 3PTFG

     

    Devin Booker – 22 PTS, 4 REB, 13 AST, 4-10 3PTFG

     

    Tyus Jones – 20 PTS, 2 REB, 4 AST, 6-6 3PTFG

     

    DeMar DeRozan – 23 PTS, 9-13 FG

     

    Domantas Sabonis – 12 PTS, 11 REB, 12 AST, 4-11 FG

     

    What This Means For Suns

    Phoenix officially draws closer to the Dallas Mavericks and Kings to secure either the 9 or 10 seed in the conference – they will look to expand on this victory in the coming week against a softer schedule.