The Phoenix Suns, fourth in the Western Conference, have been struggling in recent days (three losses to Orlando, Miami and Utah and only one victory, against Golden State, in their last four outings). Sunday at home, they offered themselves a breath of fresh air, largely beating the New York Knicks (116-95).
Despite the big gap on the scoreboard, the New Yorkers posed some problems for their opponent, closing their gap several times. Led 19-9 in the first quarter, the Knicks came back to 23-22. Same thing in the second, where distanced 46-36, they equalized (53-53) a few seconds before the break.
New York down at the end of the 3rd quarter
At the end of the third quarter, the Suns had again escaped (84-73). But, this time, they knocked out. their opponent, by two three-point shots scored in quick succession by Devin Booker and Duane Washington. Then, in the remaining 12 minutes, Phoenix made it even more difficult.
Devin Booker (21 points) and Cameron Payne (20 pts) were the main contributors to the success of the Arizona franchise. Damion Lee (15 pts off the bench) and DeAndre Ayton (13 pts, 11 rebounds) also showed up. In the ranks of the Knicks, Jalen Brunson was the game’s leading scorer (27 pts). Evan Fournier still does not play. He is the only player from New York not to have entered the game.
