Surprising many observers who did not expect to see him play, let alone in the first quarter of the All-Star Game, Chris Paul was on the injured list last night, with his right thumb affected. In his place as conductor, Devin Booker (25 points, 12 assists, 6 steals) did precisely like a leader, helped by the 21 points per head of his wingers, Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson .
Faced with the Thunder of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (32 points), Phoenix enforced the logic of the classification with an 8th victory in a row (124-104). Oklahoma City will have hung on well, still being in contact with five minutes remaining, but the Suns were stronger, despite a very small game from Deandre Ayton, padlocked inside.
All-Star Break or not, CP3 or not, the Suns continue to reap the victories: that’s still 19 successes out of their last 20 outings for the League leader at 49 wins for only 10 losses.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Devin Booker as point guard. Appearing anecdotally during the last All-Star Game, Chris Paul is on the other hand very officially on the injured list of Phoenix with a new glitch in his hand. Suddenly, Devin Booker was called upon to play point guard. No problem for the Olympic gold medalist who managed his boat perfectly with 25 points, a season-high 12 assists and a career-high 6 stolen balls (and also 4 stray balls). “I thought Devin handled the game well”enjoyed Monty Williams. “We were still a little rusty but it’s good to get rid of this game and get used to Book as the point guard. “
– The return of SGA. Led 31-14 after a very weak first quarter, the Thunder recovered in the second under the leadership of their leader back after his right ankle injury, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Canadian leader brought his team almost single-handedly to finish with 32 points, the game’s top scorer. “I love playing with him”explains Josh Giddey, author of 15 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. “Our chemistry is improving from game to game. In a few years, we will be one of the best back lines in the League. “
– The Suns as boss. At -5 five minutes from the end, thanks to a very good pass from its “second unit” led by Tre Mann, Aleksej Pokusevski and even Czech rookie Vit Krejci, the Thunder were still in the game in the last quarter. But with their experience, and shots that hurt from Cam Johnson or Devin Booker, the Suns finished the game as bosses. At 39-27 in the 4th, Phoenix not only knew how to open the floodgates in attack while tightening the screw defensively. To resume their current series and add an 8th rank victory!
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Devin Booker. Handyman in Phoenix, Devin Booker didn’t seem upset about having to manage the lead for his Suns. With 25 points but above all his two records: season pass with 12 and career interceptions with 6, “Book” perfectly knew how to assume the vacant place of his fellow All-Star, Chris Paul. To see how it will hold up over time, that said… and against more upscale opponents!
✅ Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The “franchise player” was back after missing 10 games with a twisted right ankle, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was visibly hungry for the ball. With his 32 points, he carried his team’s attack all evening (15 in the first half and 17 in the second), but he also finished with more stray balls (6) than assists (5).
✅ Aleksej Pokusevsky. Restored to confidence by his move to the lower floor, Aleksej Pokusevski also seems to have taken advantage of the All Star break to return to form and strength. The great Serbian échalas was the “super sub” of the match with 13 points and 7 rebounds in 19 minutes of play off the bench.
⛔ Deandre Ayton. Targeted by the OKC defense, Deandre Ayton passed very discreetly in this match, with only 6 points and 5 shot attempts in 30 minutes of play. He swallowed 8 rebounds, ensuring this part of his work, but with 5 stray balls and such a small score, the pivot of Phoenix simply missed it.
THE FOLLOWING
Oklahoma City Thunder (18-41): trip to Indiana this Friday evening.
Phoenix Suns (49-10): reception of New Orleans tonight.
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