Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker put recent criticisms to rest in Tuesday’s NBA Cup opener, dropping 31 points, including a 15-point takeover in the fourth quarter, to lead Phoenix past the Utah Jazz 120-112. Playing without Kevin Durant and Jusuf Nurkic, the Suns had to rework their rotation but held their ground, pushing their regular-season record to an impressive 9-2.
Booker Silences Doubters with Season-High Performance
Booker’s early season has been the subject of debate, with fans and analysts questioning his impact amid the Suns’ success. Tuesday night’s game seemed designed to answer them. His 31-point showing marked his third 30-point game of the season, and his fourth-quarter surge kept Phoenix on track despite missing two key starters.
As Booker took control in the final period, any lingering doubts about his game quickly vanished. His 15 points in the fourth helped turn back a last-ditch run from the Jazz, whose struggles have deepened, now with seven consecutive losses.
A Fast Start Sets the Tone
The Suns came out firing in the first quarter, building a 33-21 lead. Bradley Beal had nine early points, while the team’s defense set the tone, holding the Jazz to contested shots and few second-chance opportunities. With Booker leading the offense, Phoenix never looked back.
Utah, to its credit, kept the game close in the second quarter, chipping away at the deficit with a 7-0 run to open the frame. But the Suns’ response was swift—a 12-0 counterattack that stretched their lead to 49-32 and forced a Utah timeout.
From there, Phoenix maintained control. They tied a franchise record with ten blocks by halftime and drained nine of their 17 three-point attempts. By the time the teams headed to the locker rooms, Phoenix was up by 15, and the Jazz were searching for answers.
Third Quarter: Jazz Hang Tough, Suns Hold the Edge
As the second half began, the Suns continued to build on their lead. Mason Plumlee logged a double-double early in the third, using his presence in the paint to stymie Utah’s offense and dominate the boards. The Jazz made a few pushes, briefly narrowing the gap to eight points, but could never mount a serious challenge.
- Key Stats at the Half:
- Suns: 10 blocks, 9/17 from three-point range
- Jazz: Trapped in a 15-point deficit, lacking offensive flow
- Mason Plumlee: Double-double by early third quarter
Entering the final period, the Suns were still firmly in control at 87-79.
Booker’s Fourth-Quarter Takeover Secures the Win
As the game wound down, Booker made sure the victory stayed in Phoenix’s hands. Despite a brief rally by the Jazz, who cut the lead to six points in the last 20 seconds, Booker’s 15 fourth-quarter points kept the Suns’ cushion intact. Free throws proved a bit shaky, and a late 8-1 run from Utah brought a glimmer of hope, but it was too little, too late. At the buzzer, the Suns walked away with a 120-112 win.
Notable Performances Keep Suns Rolling
Without Durant and Nurkic, others had to step up, and they did. Plumlee’s rebounding and inside scoring provided a boost, and Bradley Beal continued to find his groove with 24 points, four assists, and two steals. Grayson Allen added 15 points, stretching Utah’s defense and finding open shots.
- Devin Booker: 31 points, 4 assists (15 points in the fourth quarter)
- Bradley Beal: 24 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals
- Mason Plumlee: 15 points, 14 rebounds
- Grayson Allen: 15 points, steady shooting and energy
The Suns’ depth proved crucial as they adapted their rotations, giving Beal and Allen room to operate while Plumlee held down the paint.
Next Up: Back-to-Back Against the Kings
With a record of 9-2, the Suns now head to Sacramento to take on the Kings, marking the second night of a back-to-back. Maintaining momentum after the grind of Tuesday’s game will be key as they face a competitive Kings team with a full lineup. The Suns’ early success in group play gives them an edge, but the path forward remains challenging with Durant and Nurkic’s availability in question.
Booker’s performance, however, signals that Phoenix is prepared to overcome the hurdles, leaning on their star guard’s ability to lift the team when needed most. Suns fans can feel optimistic, with Booker’s leadership and a cohesive supporting cast keeping them firmly on course in both regular-season play and the NBA Cup.
