Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker delivered a masterful performance in Tuesday’s NBA Cup opener, silencing recent critics by scoring 31 points to secure a 120-112 victory over the Utah Jazz. Playing without starters Kevin Durant and Jusuf Nurkic, the Suns relied on Booker’s fourth-quarter heroics and team depth to improve their impressive season record to 9-2. The win also handed the struggling Jazz their seventh straight loss.
Booker Takes Control when it Matters Most
Amid questions about his early-season impact, Devin Booker provided a decisive answer. He erupted for 15 of his game-high 31 points in the final quarter, repeatedly halting any momentum the Jazz tried to build. This performance marked his third 30-point game of the season and showed his ability to lead the team under pressure.
Booker’s clutch shooting in the fourth quarter ensured the Suns never lost control, even as Utah made a late push. Whenever the Jazz threatened to close the gap, Booker responded with a key basket, proving he is still the team’s go-to scorer in critical moments.
Suns Establish Early Dominance
The Suns set the pace from the opening tip, jumping out to a 33-21 lead after the first quarter. Bradley Beal was aggressive early, scoring nine quick points, while the team’s defense was locked in, forcing Utah into difficult shots.
Although the Jazz opened the second quarter with a 7-0 run, Phoenix answered immediately with a powerful 12-0 run of their own, pushing the lead to 17 points. The Suns’ defense was particularly dominant in the first half, tying a franchise record for blocks.
| First Half Key Stats | Phoenix Suns | Utah Jazz |
|---|---|---|
| Blocks | 10 | 3 |
| Three-Pointers Made | 9 | 5 |
| Score | 64 | 49 |
By halftime, the Suns had built a comfortable 15-point lead, leaving the Jazz searching for ways to get their offense on track.
Supporting Cast Shines in Absence of Stars
With two key starters sidelined, other players needed to step into larger roles, and they delivered. The Suns’ depth was on full display as several players made significant contributions to the win.
- Bradley Beal: He provided a consistent second scoring option, finishing with 24 points, 4 assists, and 2 steals, showing he is finding his rhythm with his new team.
- Mason Plumlee: Filling in for Nurkic, Plumlee was a force in the paint, securing a double-double with 15 points and 14 rebounds. His interior presence was vital on both ends of the floor.
- Grayson Allen: He added 15 points, hitting timely shots from the outside to help stretch the Jazz defense.
This balanced attack proved too much for Utah to handle, as Phoenix demonstrated they can win even when not at full strength.
Looking Ahead to a Tough Back-to-Back
The victory gives the Suns a strong start in NBA Cup group play, but the team has little time to celebrate. They now travel to Sacramento for the second night of a back-to-back series against a tough Kings team.
Maintaining their energy and execution will be a major challenge, especially with the availability of Durant and Nurkic still uncertain. However, with Devin Booker playing at an elite level and the supporting cast stepping up, the Suns have shown they are prepared to face any challenge thrown their way this season.
