Suns Extend Win Streak to 16 with Victory Over Nets
Photo by Jessie Alcheh, AP
The Phoenix Suns have a chance to match franchise history and take a spot atop the NBA, and they’ve proved that with their 16th straight win when they beat the Nets 113-107. Obviously everybody knows the ultimate goal is to win a championship, and so do the Suns, but it’s the fact that they’re enjoying every win they’ve got so far. That’s what’s making them the buzz of the NBA.
Devin Booker scored 30 points and Paul had 22, Phoenix impressively overwhelmed the Eastern Conference leaders early, never trailing or leading by as much as 22 while moving into victory territory. And the Suns will try and do that Tuesday night at home against the Golden State Warriors who are 17-2 in a matchup of the top two teams currently in the NBA.
““I’m looking forward to it, man. Obviously not a make it or break it a game, not a playoff game, but we know it’s going to be high-energy.””
Photo by Jessie Alcheh, AP
The Suns improved to 17-3, their best record through 20 games since having the same outcome in the years 2004-05. Paul added eight rebounds and five assists, becoming the first NBA player in history to reach 20,000 points, 10,000 assists and 5,000 rebounds. It’s safe to say the Suns are on the rise to have and be the best of the best. Mikal Bridges had 13 points and a career high steals of seven for his team.
Durant had 39 points, nine rebounds and seven assists for the Nets. They had their four-game winning streak snapped. Durant and his team knew what they were getting themselves into, especially handling the ball off in the first half the way they did.
““You’re not going to beat a good team like that.””
Photo by Brad Penner, Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
James Harden carved out one sloppy triple-double in the Nets’ first game since Thanksgiving, with 14 assists, 13 rebounds, and 12 points. But he shot 4 for 15 and missing all six 3-pointers and committed seven turnovers. Not exactly the game you’re wanting, especially when the crowd booed you for losing a ball in the second half.
Nevertheless, the Nets broke through with a 15-0 run, cutting it to 51-45 on Bembry’s steal and layup. But unfortunate for the Nets that’s when Paul settled the score with the next five points, beating the halftime buzzer to make it 56-46.
The Nets put together a late push that allowed them to make the final score respectable on a night where they had 20 turnovers, leading to 20 points. And when it comes to losing, in sports you always want to lose respectfully—and that the Nets did. They didn’t do terrible, they actually played a decent game, just not enough to limit the turnovers and beat the Suns.
Overall, the Phoenix Suns right now are the team to beat, with their winning-streak keeping everybody on their toes. However, on Tuesday night, the Suns will host the infamous Golden State Warriors, which to the majority of fans, will be considered the true test.
