Phoenix Suns Defeat the Spurs Without thier Star Player
Photo By NBA.com
Chris Paul’s learned to pace himself over the past couple of years, paying attention to his 36-year-old body as he navigates the 30-35 minutes per night her usually spends on the court for the Phoenix Suns. But even Chris Paul stated that the pacing of the team didn’t apply to the final minutes of the game.
““The fourth quarter, that’s when the game gets exciting.””
Photo by Patrick Breen/The Republic
Paul had a few clutches plays come from in late in the fourth quarter and finished with 21 points and 10 assists, Crowder added a season-high 19 points and the Suns held off the Antonio Spurs for a 108-104 victory on Monday night. Keep in mind their star player and point guard Devin Booker was absent during this game because of a hamstring injury. The Suns sure didn’t crack under the pressure of having their point missing, instead they came out onto the court proving they can adjust to anything.
Phoenix was the first team to hit 20 wins this season, however, the Golden State Warriors joined them about an hour later after a 126-95 win against Orlando. The Suns and the Warriors have played each other twice this season with each team winning on their home floor. And Paul's first game-changing play on Monday night came defensively with an incredible steal. He poked the ball out of Dejounte Murray, who was about to score on a fast break with only 1:30 left. That score would’ve cut the Suns’ lead to one point. Instead, the ball deflected off Murray and landed out of bounds.
““He’s real crafty, there’s a reason he’s one of the all-time steals leaders.””
Photo by Ross D. Franklin/AP
The 11-time All-Star added a 16-foot jumper about a minute later while getting fouled. Paul converted the free throw for a three-point play and a 108-102 lead in the final quarter. The Suns was playing its first game since having its franchise-record 18-game winning streak snapped against the Golden State Warriors on Friday. They sure didn’t appear fazed though by the setback, they went on and won for the 19th time in 20 games dating to Oct. 27.
The Spurs had their four-game winning streak snapped. All five San Antonio starters scored in double figures, led by Murray’s 17 points. Forbes added 15 points off the bench. The Spurs fought hard there’s no doubt and they made it one tough game considering the close score. They had the chance to beat the Suns, one of the best teams in the league and unfortunately they lost. But there’s no doubt they won’t learn from this and take it with them for their next matchup.
The Suns trailed for the majority of the first half, but used a late push to take a 51-48 lead at halftime. Phoenix had 32 points in the paint before the break, led by 10 each from Deandre Ayton and McGee. Jakob Poeltl had 10 points and 6 rebounds for the Spurs.
