Game Recap: Suns fall to Wemby-less Spurs, 120-109

The Suns lost again. It’s getting old.

The Phoenix Suns dug themselves a hole early and weren’t able to climb out of it despite a strong effort in the 4th quarter.

That’s the thing about NBA games. They are 48 minutes long. Someone needs to relay that message to the Suns, because it’s been a constant theme for them to sleepwalk through several extended stretches of games.

There were some questionable coaching decisions combined with lackadaisical defensive rotations. It was just a rough night. Phoenix never once led in this one.

Top Performers

• Kevin Durant — 22 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 9-13 FG
• Royce O’Neale — 27 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 10-16 FG
• De’Aaron Fox — 26 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, 8-19 FG
• Chris Paul — 13points, 10 assists, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, 4-10 FG

Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

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First Half

The Suns started slow, beginning the game trailing 8-0 in the opening minutes. A Kevin Durant jumper put that zero burger to rest.

Phoenix missed their first 4 threes before a Royce O’Neale triple made it a 10-7 game with Phoenix behind. CP3 drilled a triple to make it a 16-7 game, leading to a Suns timeout halfway through the quarter.

After the timeout, the Spurs had a Devin Vassell three taken off the board after review, showing the ball was still in his hands upon release.

Bol Bol, Bradley Beal, and Grayson Allen were the first subs off the Suns’ bench.

Devin Booker’s first points of the game came with about a minute left in the quarter at the free throw line.

The Suns had five turnovers in the opening quarter, picking up where they left off. San Antonio led 31-21 after the opening quarter.

The Spurs drilled consecutive threes to open the quarter and extend their lead to 14. It was more of the same. Sloppy basketball, careless passes, inability to rebound, etc.

Phoenix cut into the lead after getting to the line and generating a few consecutive stops. All of a sudden, it was a tie game at 45 after a Royce O’Neale layup off a KD dime.

The tempers started flaring a bit, with Kevin Durant and Chris Paul jawing at each other. The very next possession, double technicals were assessed after the conversation continued.

The Spurs led 60-54 at the half. Devin Booker was 0-for-6 at the half with 4 points. Royce O’Neale led the team with 15 points on 5-7 shooting.

2nd Half

The third quarter was more of the same with the Spurs controlling the pace of the game. They had more energy and effort early, holding on to and later extending their lead to as many as 15 in the third quarter.

San Antonio won the third quarter by 9 points after dominating in the interior and transition. Royce O’Neale showed up at least.

Ryan Dunn made an appearance! He checked in with 20 seconds left in the 3rd quarter for the first time. In a game where Phoenix desperately needed an injection of energy/defense, that’s inexcusable. Barring an injury or something we don’t know about…

The Suns trailed 94-79 after 3.

Phoenix opened up the 4th quarter on a 14-4 run leading to a Spurs timeout with the score 98-93 with 8:55 remaining.

A Kevin Durant triple got them within two, pushing it to a 17-4 run until the Spurs finally answered.

Phoenix fought back but ran out of gas against a young, hungry Spurs squad. There were some questionable decisions made tonight…

And that was that. Not much to write home about, just par for the course this season.

On to the next one.

Up Next?

The Suns travel to the Windy City to take on the Bulls for a Saturday afternoon showcase at 3 pm.

Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

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