No reunion between Bradley Beal and the Wizards since the guard returned to the infirmary following his sprained ankle. But even without that, the Suns of Devin Booker and Kevin Durant start as clear favorites against Washington, in the trio of worst teams at the start of the season, with the Spurs and the Pistons.
Except that Phoenix starts the meeting at a bad pace. Tyus Jones leads the charge for the visitors, facing a defense which is struggling to make an effort on the opponent's repeat passes. Above all, the Suns simply can't get a shot off and post a terrible 2/19 from distance at halftime, including 1/7 for Devin Booker…
To everyone's surprise, it was the Wizards who were in the lead at the break (46-58). They still lead by 12 points (77-89) 90 seconds from the end of the third quarter. But a few points from the essential Drew Eubanks allow the locals to go back below ten points (89-81) as the final sprint approaches.
Drew Eubanks is still valuable and as Devin Booker finally finds the target, the Suns manage (finally) to take the advantage in the match. As if by miracle, Grayson Allen also hits his outside shots and here is Phoenix at +8 (105-97) as money time approaches.
Except that Daniel Gafford picks up all the crumbs lying around, and as the Suns' defense is not sovereign, Washington will make Phoenix tremble until the end.
There is only one point difference (107-106) as we enter the last 30 seconds, but Kevin Durant will slam a dunk with the mistake which does a lot of good to Frank Vogel's troop . Because behind, the Wizards system ends up with a big brick from Jordan Poole (5/17). Daniel Gafford is still fighting for the offensive rebound and the referees call a foul on Devin Booker who can maintain Washington's hope.
Frank Vogel's “challenge” is however validated, and the Suns regain possession of the ball to race towards victory (112-108). But it was complicated for Devin Booker and the Suns…
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Phoenix’s failed first half. What an ugly first period for the Suns. Without rhythm, the Phoenix shooters were unable to find the target from afar (2/19 with Devin Booker at 1/7, Eric Gordon at 1/4 and Grayson Allen at 0/4) and were frustrated against the Wizards not really brilliant, but more skillful. Fortunately for the Suns, they attacked Washington's racket, and found their sights at the end.
– Annoying Jordan Poole. Certainly, his teammate Kyle Kuzma (7/22) doesn't do much better but Jordan Poole's 5/17 shooting (with 4 turnovers for 4 assists) hurts the Wizards even more. Because he took, and missed, the majority of his shots in the second half (3/12 after the break, 1/7 in the last quarter) while he was not in rhythm and above all that he seems more to look for the fault than to put himself in the best position to take the shot. His last brick is the perfect example, when he even almost injured himself after having slipped, at the place where he had just collapsed a few seconds before…
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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.
