Following the Phoenix Suns’ amazing comeback victory over the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday, there was a lot of discussion about whether or not this would be the team’s season-defining moment.
In the event that you answered in the affirmative, Friday’s 123-109 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans was the best possible first game following it.
With a season-high 52 points, Devin Booker celebrated the midway point of the season with his first scoring explosion.
In addition to his 18-for-30 shooting from the floor, he had one turnover, five assists, and four rebounds.
After former colleague Mikal Bridges, Booker scored 25 points in the first quarter to become just the second player to accomplish so this season. Before this season, Booker was known for his first-quarter explosions. However, since he moved to guard with a lot of firepower surrounding him, his scoring intensity has naturally decreased to start games. But on Friday, he scored in double figures for the first twelve minutes for the second time in the last four games, a five-game streak this year. That comes after a total of 49 in the previous two years.
He continued in the same vein to begin the second half, scoring 20 points in that span. According to Stathead, he became the only player to string together several 20-point quarters in a single game since Damian Lillard’s 71-point explosion from the previous season.
The Suns (23-18) have the most competition from New Orleans (25-18). The Zion Williamson dunk at the conclusion of regulation last season, the first-round playoff series from two postseasons ago, Jose Alvarado’s constant commentary throughout that period, and other small incidents that accumulated over time are just a few examples. Booker’s booing during the starting lineup announcements served as the obvious evidence, and he normally gets excited for these kinds of games anyhow.
With his 58 points in his most recent game against the Pelicans, Booker has scored 110 points against them in their last two games.
Don’t assume that this is the only thing to learn from the competition.
This was Phoenix’s strongest performance of the season, especially considering it was on the road, against strong competition, and most importantly, consistent the entire time.
The defensive ferocity and tempo that exerted pressure on the Sacramento Kings during Tuesday’s thrilling victory persisted. The Suns led by 13 at the end of the first quarter and by 17 at the break. With Booker scoring 32 and the other two contributing 57 of Phoenix’s 69 points, the Big 3 were all set.
Quick flashes from other defenders and an excellent defensive strategy on Williamson helped minimize the Pelicans’ several talented scorers. The Suns were able to capitalize on all of the misses. When it wasn’t just a transition, they demonstrated intent by acting in a way that allowed them to investigate every possibility through possession. Fantastic look after fantastic appearance was produced.
After a brief period of weakness towards the end of the second quarter, the Suns resumed their winning ways in the third quarter, jumping out to a 15–6 lead. Booker scored 10 of those 15 points with more than 20 minutes remaining in the game, matching his career high, to push the lead to 28. Jusuf Nurkic deserves special recognition for his playmaking during this particular burst.
All of this combined pressure caused New Orleans to lose focus and become unable to keep up, while the Suns maintained a high offensive pace to maximize their threats. Given Phoenix’s inconsistent play this season, it was an amazing effort to maintain a strong process with a significant advantage on both sides of the court. Another positive development the Suns can draw from Friday is that there was not even the slightest indication of a New Orleans comeback in the fourth quarter.
A very, very excellent two-way game from Nurkic will be overshadowed by an incredible fireball from the Big 3. All night long, his passing and defense were excellent. He finished with 15 rebounds, five points, and a career-high nine assists.
This was also the greatest performance by the Big 3 this season, led by Kevin Durant’s 26 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks. Beal added 13 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Durant’s defense has been getting better by the week, but Beal was prepared for the difficult chore of guarding Williamson.
