The Phoenix Suns secured an impressive 114-106 victory over the Utah Jazz on Saturday afternoon at Footprint Center, and what's even more exciting is that they never trailed during the game. Devin Booker was absolutely on fire, leading the Suns with 34 points, while Kevin Durant put together a solid performance with 25 points, seven assists, and five rebounds. This win marks their second consecutive victory, a feat they haven’t accomplished since mid-December when they beat the Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers in back-to-back games on December 13 and 15. The Suns had just topped Atlanta in a thrilling contest on Thursday.
This victory not only extends their winning streak but also helps the Suns regain some momentum after a challenging start to the season. The Suns are now looking forward to wrapping up their three-game homestand with another key matchup on Sunday against the Charlotte Hornets. This game will be crucial, especially after Charlotte handed Phoenix a 115-104 defeat earlier in the week in Charlotte, closing out a difficult three-game road trip for the Suns. The Hornets’ upset victory has definitely made the upcoming rematch an exciting one.
As the Suns closed in on the win, it was Grayson Allen who truly made his presence felt in the fourth quarter. He contributed nine of his 14 points during the final 12 minutes, hitting three massive 3-pointers in quick succession to help push the Suns further ahead. Allen’s performance was a great example of how Phoenix's depth can shine, particularly when needed most in clutch moments.
While the Suns continued their push for a win, Jusuf Nurkic remained sidelined, sitting out his second consecutive game after not seeing action in Thursday’s win over Atlanta. It's been interesting to see how the Suns have managed without Nurkic, with coach Mike Budenholzer making a few lineup changes, including replacing Nurkic and Bradley Beal with rookie Ryan Dunn and veteran Mason Plumlee. The coach’s strategy appears to be paying off, with Dunn’s energy and Plumlee’s veteran presence contributing significantly to the team’s success.
Despite missing key players, the Suns managed to withstand a late surge from the Jazz. Utah, led by Lauri Markkanen's 24 points, came within a point during the third quarter, but Phoenix responded with a crucial 10-2 run, highlighted by Durant scoring five straight points to push the Suns' lead back to double digits. Phoenix entered the fourth quarter with an 87-79 advantage, holding their ground even as the Jazz made a late push.
Throughout the game, Booker’s red-hot shooting continued to be a major factor. He had 22 points in the first half alone, shooting an outstanding 7-of-8 from the field and hitting 4-of-5 from beyond the arc. It was a stark contrast from his performance in Thursday’s win over Atlanta, where he had struggled from three-point range. Durant also played an important role, contributing 11 points in the first half and keeping the pressure on Utah with key plays and assists.
An intriguing moment in the second quarter came when Booker, who had been so hot, didn’t finish the first half on the court. Instead, Beal stepped in, playing aggressively and scoring nine points, including a jaw-dropping one-handed dunk over Walker Kessler, the Jazz's big man. This play energized the Suns and helped them maintain a solid lead going into halftime.
As for the Jazz, despite Markkanen's efforts, their 0-3 record against Phoenix this season shows just how tough the Suns have been against them. The Suns' defense was also solid, as they were able to limit the impact of other key players like Walker Kessler and Collin Sexton.
Looking at the broader team picture, the Suns are still adjusting to some lineup changes. Royce O'Neale, who has been out with a left ankle sprain since December 28, continues to progress but missed his sixth consecutive game. His return is eagerly anticipated as O'Neale has been a key part of the Suns' defensive schemes and has been shooting a career-best 44.1% from three this season. His return could lead to another shake-up in rotations, possibly affecting players like Monte Morris, who’s been solid off the bench but might lose minutes as O'Neale re-enters the lineup. The versatility O'Neale provides—both as a defender and a 3-point shooter—could be a game-changer for Phoenix as they head into the final stretch of the season.
One of the exciting things about the Suns right now is their growing depth and ability to adapt in the face of injuries and lineup changes. Coach Budenholzer has been experimenting with various rotations, and the team’s flexibility has allowed them to remain competitive. It’s clear that the Suns are getting into a groove and finding the right balance between their offensive firepower and defensive intensity. If they continue on this path, there’s no telling how far they can go this season.
Looking ahead, the Suns have a real chance to make some noise, especially with key players like Booker and Durant playing at a high level. The team’s upcoming match against Charlotte will be a good test to see if they can build on their momentum and keep pushing for wins. Fans of the Suns will be hoping that their team can stay healthy, keep up their solid performances, and continue to build chemistry as they aim for a playoff spot.
In the larger picture, Phoenix's impressive 114-106 win over the Jazz was a significant moment in the season, showcasing the team’s resilience, depth, and star power. Devin Booker continues to impress as one of the league’s best scorers, while Kevin Durant’s leadership is becoming more evident with each game. As the Suns close out their homestand and look ahead to the rest of the season, there’s plenty of excitement building around this team, and fans have a lot to be hopeful about. Will they continue their upward trajectory? Time will tell, but if they keep playing like this, the Suns are definitely a team to watch.
Login