PHOENIX — Devin Booker delivered an impressive performance, contributing 28 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists as the Phoenix Suns triumphed over the Portland Trail Blazers with a score of 103-97 on Saturday night.
Kevin Durant also made a significant impact, scoring 21 points, helping the Suns achieve their fourth consecutive victory.
The Suns built a substantial lead, going up by as much as 26 points during the game. However, the Trail Blazers fought back, narrowing the gap to a mere 99-97 in the final moments. In the crucial last 21 seconds, both Booker and Tyus Jones hit two free throws each to clinch the win for Phoenix.
Grayson Allen contributed 18 points off the bench, making a team-leading four three-pointers. Additionally, Jones and Bradley Beal each notched 15 points, while Jusuf Nurkic amassed a game-high 15 rebounds.
After trailing 47-43 at halftime, the Suns exploded in the third quarter, racking up 44 points and securing a 22-point lead by the end of the period. Remarkably, Phoenix committed no turnovers during this quarter, a stark contrast to the nine turnovers they had in the first half.
Both Booker and Allen scored 10 points in the third quarter, while the Trail Blazers could only muster 18 points throughout the same period.
Anfernee Simons and Jerami Grant spearheaded the Trail Blazers’ efforts, each scoring 20 points. Deni Avdija chipped in with 13 points, and former Sun Deandre Ayton contributed 10 points along with 13 rebounds.
In terms of takeaways, Simons started off sluggishly, missing his first six shots but ended the game with 8 of 25 shooting, including a team-high four three-pointers. Beal made his return after missing two of the last three contests due to a sprained left elbow, playing for 34 minutes and tallying 15 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
A pivotal moment came when Jones sank a 25-foot shot to give the Suns a 57-54 advantage, sparking a 26-4 run for Phoenix during the third quarter.
In the statistics department, after struggling with a 27% shooting rate in the first half, the Suns bounced back, shooting an impressive 61% in the third quarter, including a notable 50% (9 of 18) from beyond the arc.
Looking ahead, the Trail Blazers are set to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday, coinciding with the Suns’ matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers.
