Devin Booker scored 27 points, Kevin Durant added 21, and the Phoenix Suns leaned on red-hot 3-point shooting to secure a 113-105 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night.
Tyus Jones stepped up with 19 points and nine assists, making 7 of 9 shots, including 4 of 5 from beyond the arc, while Grayson Allen contributed 17 points. The Suns connected on 18 of 35 (51.4%) 3-pointers, including a scorching 14 of 21 (66.7%) in the first half, building a 66-49 lead by halftime.
The Warriors, now mired in a four-game losing streak, showed resilience in the second half. Stephen Curry led Golden State with 23 points but struggled with efficiency, shooting 8 of 20 from the field.
Andrew Wiggins added 18 points, and Draymond Green chipped in 13, but there was not enough to handle the on-point Suns players tonight. Let’s provide a grade for every one of the Suns players, leading with star Devin Booker.
Devin Booker: A
Stats: 27 points, 3 rebounds, 9 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 1 foul, 8-20 FG, 3-8 3PT FG, 38 mins
Devin Booker led the way with 27 points and 9 assists, continuing his stellar play as the Suns’ primary offensive engine. While his shooting wasn’t overly efficient (8-of-20 FG), he made up for it with his playmaking and clutch scoring. Booker’s ability to attack the defense and find open teammates kept the Warriors on their heels. His leadership and scoring prowess were pivotal in the Suns’ win.
Tyus Jones: A
Stats: 19 points, 3 rebounds, 9 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 1 foul, 7-9 FG, 4-5 3PT FG, 32 mins
Tyus Jones was exceptional, scoring 19 points on an efficient 7-of-9 shooting while dishing out 9 assists. His 4-of-5 performance from beyond the arc was critical in the Suns’ red-hot first half. Jones controlled the tempo and orchestrated the offense beautifully, showcasing his playmaking and shot-making abilities. He provided the composure the Suns needed to fend off the Warriors’ second-half rally.
Kevin Durant: B+
Stats: 21 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 1 foul, 7-20 FG, 3-8 3PT FG, 36 mins
Kevin Durant posted a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds, providing steady scoring and a strong presence on the glass. However, his shooting efficiency (7-of-20 FG) left something to be desired, as he struggled to find his rhythm offensively.
Durant’s ability to draw defensive attention opened up opportunities for teammates, but he was relatively quiet in the second half when the Warriors made their push. His leadership on both ends of the court was still evident, contributing to the Suns’ overall success.
Grayson Allen: B+
Stats: 17 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0 fouls, 4-8 FG, 3-6 3PT FG, 32 mins
Grayson Allen delivered a solid all-around performance, contributing 17 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists while shooting 50% from the field and beyond the arc. His ability to stretch the floor and knock down timely shots helped the Suns maintain their lead. While he wasn’t a primary scoring option, Allen’s spacing and defensive effort were key factors in the Suns’ victory.
Royce O’Neale: C+
Stats: 11 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 1 foul, 4-6 FG, 3-4 3PT FG, 19 mins
O’Neale made the most of his 19 minutes, scoring 11 points on 4-of-6 shooting, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. While his contributions were primarily offensive, his ability to knock down open shots provided a lift off the bench. O’Neale’s defensive impact was limited, but his efficient scoring made him a valuable role player in this game.
Oso Ighodaro: C+
Stats: 6 points, 8 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 3 fouls, 3-4 FG, 0-0 3PT FG, 31 mins
Ighodaro was active on the boards, grabbing 8 rebounds and scoring 6 points on 3-of-4 shooting. His hustle and energy were noticeable, particularly in transition and on the offensive glass. However, his defensive positioning and ability to contest shots must improve his overall impact.
Monte Morris: C+
Stats: 8 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 2 fouls, 3-5 FG, 2-3 3PT FG, 15 mins
Morris provided a spark off the bench with 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists in just 15 minutes. His 2-of-3 shooting from beyond the arc showcased his ability to stretch the floor. While he made the most of his limited minutes, Morris’s defensive contributions were limited, and he’ll need to be more active on that end in future games.
Ryan Dunn: C
Stats: 2 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 4 fouls, 1-2 FG, 0-1 3PT FG, 20 mins
Dunn had a quiet outing with 2 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists in 20 minutes of action. While he showed effort on the boards, his 4 fouls and lack of defensive presence hurt the Suns in stretches. Dunn’s offensive involvement was minimal, and his performance highlighted the need for more impactful minutes from bench players.
Mason Plumlee: C
Stats: 2 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0 fouls, 1-5 FG, 0-0 3PT FG, 16 mins
Plumlee was active on the boards, grabbing 6 rebounds, but his offensive contribution was minimal with just 2 points on 1-of-5 shooting. His energy and physicality were valuable, but he struggled to finish around the rim and didn’t make much of an impact defensively. Plumlee’s minutes were largely functional, but the Suns needed more from him in the paint to fully dominate.
