The Phoenix Suns rode a fourth-quarter surge led by Devin Booker to claim a 120-112 victory over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, marking the first game in the NBA’s new in-season tournament, Western Conference Group B. In a game marked by highlight performances and timely shooting, Booker shined brightest, netting 15 of his game-high 31 points in the final frame. His clutch plays, including five three-pointers, sealed the deal for the Suns in an intense matchup that saw Utah attempt a comeback more than once.
Bradley Beal was also critical for Phoenix, delivering a well-rounded game with 24 points, including four three-pointers, along with four assists, two steals, and two blocks. Beal’s contributions were felt on both ends of the floor as he kept the Jazz on their toes, helping the Suns maintain control through key moments of the game. Alongside him, Mason Plumlee stepped up in the absence of the injured Jusuf Nurkic, filling the center spot with authority. Plumlee’s presence was instrumental—he scored 15 points, secured a game-high 14 rebounds, and added a block to his impressive night. His performance was exactly what Phoenix needed to combat Utah’s physical play.
Grayson Allen's hot shooting was another storyline that emerged, especially as he played a vital role in the third quarter, preventing Utah from fully closing the gap. Allen tallied 15 points off the bench, knocking down four threes and shooting 50% from the field. His timely shots kept Phoenix in the driver’s seat, especially during Utah's 21-2 run, which briefly cut the Suns’ lead down to six. Allen’s ability to halt the Jazz’s momentum gave the Suns breathing room as they prepared to finish strong.
Phoenix asserted their dominance early on, grabbing the lead at the eight-minute mark in the first quarter and maintaining it for the remainder of the game. By the second quarter, they had stretched their lead to an impressive 18 points, thanks in part to a 12-0 run capped by back-to-back threes from Allen. The Suns’ efficient shooting was a standout metric—by halftime, they were hitting 58.5% of their shots, including a scorching 9-of-17 from beyond the arc. Their defense was equally solid, with nine blocks in the first half alone, nearly setting a new franchise record.
Bradley Beal’s impact was especially noticeable in the second quarter, where he added five more points to his tally, hitting three of five from downtown. The Suns held a comfortable 64-49 lead at the break, benefiting from Beal’s steady scoring and playmaking. Utah’s best efforts couldn’t quite keep pace, despite a strong showing from John Collins, who led the Jazz with 29 points and 11 rebounds.
In a game where both teams were managing injuries, the Suns adapted to their lineup changes seamlessly. Ryan Dunn, who filled in for Kevin Durant, chipped in eight points, while fellow rookie Oso Ighodaro made an impact on the boards with a season-high 12 rebounds, adding six points and two blocks. This next-man-up approach highlighted Phoenix’s depth, which will be critical as the season unfolds and injuries continue to shape the lineup.
The Jazz, meanwhile, struggled to keep up despite key contributions from Collins and a promising performance from Keyonte George. Starting at guard after being listed as questionable due to a foot injury, George worked to keep Utah competitive in the backcourt, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Suns’ all-around firepower. Utah’s frontcourt was also stretched thin without their shot-blocker, Walker Kessler, sidelined due to a hip issue. This void left the Jazz vulnerable on the defensive end, allowing Phoenix’s players to capitalize in the paint and control the boards.
After the win, the Suns now look forward to facing the Sacramento Kings in the second leg of their four-game road trip and back-to-back games. It’s a crucial matchup, especially after the Kings bested them 127-118 in Phoenix on Sunday. With momentum from Tuesday’s win, the Suns will aim to turn the tables as they meet again.
Here’s a breakdown of standout points and takeaways from the Suns' big night in Utah:
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Booker’s Fourth-Quarter Heroics: Scoring 15 points in the final quarter alone, Booker’s clutch shooting and floor command pushed the Suns to victory, especially when Utah began closing in.
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Beal’s Balanced Game: Bradley Beal not only contributed 24 points but also displayed a well-rounded game with steals, assists, and blocks, adding to Phoenix’s strength on both ends.
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Plumlee’s Big Impact on the Boards: Filling in for Nurkic, Mason Plumlee dominated the glass with 14 rebounds and contributed offensively with 15 points, a strong performance in his starting role.
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Grayson Allen’s Timely Shots: With Utah trying to rally in the third, Allen’s shooting—particularly from three-point range—was instrumental in keeping the Suns’ lead secure heading into the final quarter.
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Phoenix’s Defense: The Suns tallied an impressive nine blocks in the first half, nearly reaching their franchise record for blocks in a half. This defensive intensity kept Utah from making any sustained comeback.
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Utah’s Efforts and Key Absences: While John Collins led the Jazz with 29 points, they were hampered by the absence of their key defensive players like Walker Kessler, which allowed Phoenix to control the paint and get second-chance opportunities.
The game was an exciting kickoff to the NBA’s in-season tournament, and the Suns showed early on that they’re contenders, showcasing depth and resilience as they move forward. Their next test against the Kings promises to be another electrifying matchup as they aim to maintain their momentum and build on Tuesday’s success.
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