The Phoenix Suns' struggles continued on Wednesday night as Devin Booker’s impressive 33-point performance wasn’t enough to stave off a dominant New York Knicks team. The Suns, now 9-7, fell to the Knicks (9-6) in a lopsided 138-122 loss at the Footprint Center. For the Suns, it marked their fifth consecutive defeat, highlighting their difficulties without key players Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, both sidelined with left calf sprains.
Knicks Dominate Behind Brunson's Stellar Play
Jalen Brunson put on a show, leading the charge for the Knicks with a game-high 36 points and 10 assists. His leadership and efficiency were instrumental in extending New York’s win streak to four games. The Knicks shot a blistering 58.8% from the field and drained 19 triples at a 50% clip, keeping the Suns on their heels throughout the game.
The Suns, despite shooting a respectable 48.9% overall, struggled from beyond the arc, converting just 38.8% of their attempts. Phoenix coach Mike Budenholzer eventually threw in the towel with 3:41 left in the game, pulling all his starters in a move that signaled concession.
Suns' Disappointing Start: A Tough First Quarter
From the outset, the Suns looked outmatched. Devin Booker delivered a solid first quarter with 12 points on 4-of-5 shooting, but his efforts weren’t enough to close the gap. The Knicks came out firing, jumping to a 14-3 lead in the first three minutes. Brunson (11 points) and Mikal Bridges (nine points) set the tone early, while OG Anunoby chipped in with 10 points.
The Suns found themselves in a deep hole, trailing 44-28 after the first quarter—allowing their highest points total in a single quarter this season. A fast-break dunk by Jericho Sims extended the Knicks' lead to 19 at one point, capping off a dominant opening frame for New York.
Second Quarter: Suns Continue to Struggle
Things didn’t improve much for Phoenix in the second quarter. Jalen Brunson continued to scorch the Suns, finishing the half with 23 points on an incredible 8-of-9 shooting, including four three-pointers. The Knicks’ supporting cast also stepped up, with all five starters scoring in double figures by halftime.
On the other side, Devin Booker cooled off, hitting just 3-of-10 in the period, though he still managed to lead the Suns with 18 points at the break. The Suns trailed 76-58, their deficit ballooning to as much as 24 points during the quarter. The only highlight for Phoenix came just before halftime when Josh Okogie nailed a buzzer-beating three-pointer. However, turnovers plagued the Suns, as they gave up 18 points off nine first-half miscues.
A Glimmer of Hope in the Third Quarter
The third quarter saw the Suns show some fight. Booker scored 26 points by this point, leading a spirited 19-7 run that cut the Knicks’ lead to just 11 midway through the period. The Suns knocked down five three-pointers during this stretch, momentarily injecting some life into the Footprint Center crowd.
But the Knicks were quick to respond. After a timeout to halt the Suns’ momentum, New York surged ahead with an 11-2 run, stretching their lead back to 20. Jalen Brunson remained unstoppable, scoring 11 of his 36 points in the quarter while dishing out nine assists. By the end of the period, the Suns trailed 110-93, and the game seemed all but out of reach.
Injury Updates and Lineup Notes
The Suns’ injury woes remain a key storyline. While Jusuf Nurkic returned to the starting lineup after missing Monday’s loss to the Orlando Magic, the team is still without Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, whose absence has significantly impacted their performance. Nurkic, dealing with a left ankle sprain, was upgraded to available just before the game but wasn’t able to make a significant difference against the Knicks’ relentless offense.
For the Knicks, injuries to key players such as Precious Achiuwa, Miles McBride, and Mitchell Robinson didn’t seem to slow them down. The starting lineup of Brunson, Bridges, Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Karl-Anthony Towns proved more than capable of handling the Suns.
What’s Next for the Suns?
Phoenix will have a much-needed break before facing the red-hot Los Angeles Lakers (10-4) in an NBA Cup group stage game on Tuesday. The matchup, set for 8 p.m. at the Footprint Center, presents another tough challenge for the Suns as they look to end their losing skid.
Key Takeaways:
- Jalen Brunson Shines: Brunson’s stellar play was the difference-maker, with 36 points and 10 assists leading the Knicks to victory.
- Suns’ Defensive Woes: Phoenix allowed 44 first-quarter points, setting the tone for a difficult night.
- Turnover Trouble: The Suns’ nine first-half turnovers resulted in 18 points for the Knicks.
- Injury Impact: Missing stars Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal continues to haunt Phoenix.
- Upcoming Challenge: The Suns face a tough test against the Lakers next week in what could be a critical game for morale and momentum.
A Season at a Crossroads
For the Suns, the season feels like it’s at a pivotal juncture. While Devin Booker continues to shine individually, the team’s lack of cohesion and defensive lapses are glaring issues. Without Durant and Beal, the burden on Booker is immense, and it’s clear he can’t carry the team alone against strong opponents like the Knicks.
Fans will be hoping for a turnaround when the Suns take on the Lakers. With a few days to regroup and address their struggles, it remains to be seen if Phoenix can bounce back and regain their early-season form.
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