PHOENIX (AP) – The Phoenix Suns had impressive, highly competitive wins over two of the best teams in the NBA. They have another big game in a few days when the nets hit town.
That made a drama-free blowout over that Orlando Magic a welcome change on Sunday evening.
Devin Booker scored 27 points, Mikal Bridges 21 added and the Suns cruised to their sixth straight win, beating the short-handed Magic 109-90 in a game that was never particularly close.
“We did what we had to do to win the game,” said Suns coach Monty Williams. “We had some really emotional games in this building and to win the way we won the last couple of games we didn’t even want to talk about disappointment.”
It’s safe to say that this wasn’t a problem. The Suns never got stuck, taking the lead 14-2 after Orlando missed 12 of their first 13 shots.
“We just wanted to increase the pace early on and let them feel to us,” says Suns Jae Crowder said.
Things never got much better for Magic, who only had eight players due to injuries. Orlando has lost eight of its last 10, falling to 10-18. The suns improved to 17-9.
Terrence Ross led the magic with 23 points. Dwayne Bacon 19 points added, and Nikola Vucevic had 14 points and 10 rebounds.
“We got off to a bad start and I actually thought we had some decent shots early in the first quarter,” said Magic coach Steve Clifford. “We didn’t finish any of them, so we played in a hole.”
Booker scored 17 points on 8-of-10 in the first quarter, including a 30-foot-3-pointer and a breakaway dunk, and the Suns took the lead 28-16. They were leading by 23 points in the second quarter before settling for a 52:35 advantage during the break.
Phoenix scored the first six points of the second half and prevailed 80-55 after Crowder scored two consecutive 3-point hits. Crowder finished with 12 points and eight rebounds. Chris Paul Added 12 points, nine assists and six rebounds.
Orlando only shot 6 out of 35 (17%) from 3-point range, beating 59-48. Ross said he has never been on a team struggling with so many injuries at the same time.
“Everyone does something different and plays outside of our comfort zone,” said Ross. “It’s part of the game I think. We are there now. ”
TIP-INS
magic: Orlando’s injury list was long: it contained Al-Farouq Aminu (right knee), Cole Anthony (Shoulder), James Ennis III (groin) and Evan Fournier (Back cramps). … Ross has started a game for the first time in three seasons. He had fallen off the bench in 180 consecutive games. … The Magic only shot 6 out of 24 out of the field in the first quarter. … In Bamba ended with 11 rebounds.
to sunbatheBooker has an average of 28.3 points and shoots 54.7% during the seven game homestand that ends Tuesday. He shot 10 of 16 off the field against the magic … Deandre Ayton Added 10 points and 13 rebounds. … The suns received 35 points from the bench and scored 46 points in color. … Dario Saric scored seven points in 16 minutes in his second second leg after missing 13 straight points due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols and an ankle injury.
NEXT
magic: Host New York on Wednesday night.
to sunbathe: Host Brooklyn on Tuesday night.
