After the turbulence of mid-December, the Suns are getting back on track. This night, despite the absence of Kevin Durant (hamstring) and a very clumsy Devin Booker, the Arizona players had no trouble getting rid of the Blazers (109-88) who were, for their part, without their pivot and former local of the stage, Deandre Ayton, as well as Anfernee Simons.
Led by Scoot Henderson's 17 points and 6 assists, the visitors got off to a good start, finishing the first quarter with a three possession lead (20-29). The backlash was quite violent since the locals reacted in the second quarter, thanks to their replacements, notably on the basis of a 14-0 inflicted.
Leading at the break (55-47), the Suns continued to widen the gap in the third quarter, taking advantage of the “jumpers” of a steady Bradley Beal, but also of the all-round match of a Jusuf Nurkic inspired to pass. After two 3-point baskets from Eric Gordon, Frank Vogel's men returned to their bench with a 25-point lead (86-61).
The “garbage time” could start, Phoenix will not be worried.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Four in a row. Phoenix has been a playoff team since the start of the season. After three consecutive losses, and more broadly a streak of nine defeats in twelve games, the Suns took advantage of playing at home, with the reception of some weaker opponents (Hornets, Blazers), to regain their health. With a fourth victory in a row which allows the Suns (18v-15d) to stabilize in 8th place in the West. But the soft underbelly in the West is so dense that everything can evolve in one direction or the other. This week, the Suns will continue with two great home tests with the Clippers and the Heat.
– Best defensive performance. The Suns had only conceded less than 100 points once this season, and this is the second. Frank Vogel's men limited their evening opponents, deprived of several important players including their best scorer, to a 41% success rate. In the 2nd and 3rd quarters, the Blazers only scored… 32 points. The Suns were able to count on seven players with 10 points or more.
– Bol Bol is still popular. We could clearly feel the enthusiasm of the local public every time the giant touched the leather. Print confirmed when finished his “Eurostep” counterattack. While he had only played small parts of the game so far, with a total of… 6 points scored in all, the former Magic and Nuggets player recovered playing time, including outside of “garbage time”. And was productive: 11 points and 9 rebounds (also 5 fouls) in 20 minutes.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
