In their first game in February, the Suns hosted the Brooklyn Nets in a bid to extend their second double-digit winning streak of the season, and they succeeded. The 121-111 victory over the Nets saw the return of two starters in Jae Crowder and DeAndre Ayton, which was a big boost to morale. Neither of them played 30 minutes, but got in enough time to get their legs back.
The stars of the show were their other three starters, though. Devin Booker led them in scoring with 35 points and six rebounds, and was in his best, most ruthless form.
His backcourt mate, Chris Paul, was no slouch either, as he confused the Nets’ defenders with his passing on the way to 20 points and 14 assists while only turning it over twice.
If Booker and Paul weren’t already enough of a problem for the Nets, Mikal Bridges got his as well, putting up a strong all-around game with 27 points, eight rebounds and four assists while shooting 10 of 14 from the field. Bridges was also tuned in on the defensive side of things, with this play being a great example:
The Nets, who are still missing Kevin Durant for a while, saw Kyrie Irving and James Harden combine for 48 points and 13 assists. Harden struggled form the field, though, going 6 of 19 overall. Brooklyn, who not so long ago were atop the Eastern Conference, now find themselves in the danger zone. Their five-game losing streak has seen them fall to sixth in the conference with a 29-21 record, with the Charlotte Hornets (28-23) nipping at their heels.
The Suns, who hold a three-game advantage over the Golden State Warriors for the best record in the league, continue to look dangerous. It’s a long way until the playoffs, but it looks like they’re right on track for another NBA Finals run.
