Devin Booker’s outstanding 35-point performance powered the Phoenix Suns to a decisive 133-119 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Friday, extending the Hornets’ losing streak to 10 games. The Suns were bolstered by the return of Bradley Beal, who had been sidelined with a sprained right ankle.
Following up on his triple-double performance against Houston, Kevin Durant contributed 21 points and 11 assists, while Booker also added seven assists. Booker’s sharpshooting was evident as he went 10 of 18 from the field and nailed 5-7 three-point attempts. Phoenix’s accuracy from beyond the arc was notable, hitting 60% (18-30) of their three-pointers.
“It’s a game-changer, being at full strength,” Booker said. “The offense was moving, the ball was hopping around, and we were getting the best available shot.”
Beal, in his return, made an immediate impact with four assists in the first quarter, setting the Suns on a path to victory. He ended the game with seven assists, six points, and three rebounds in 30 minutes.
“It’s just good to be back on the floor,” Beal said. “We got the win and finish the game, that’s all I cared about tonight.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Hornets Updates
Jusuf Nurkic led the Suns with 24 points and 16 rebounds, and Eric Gordon added 21 points through proficient three-point shooting (7-12). Grayson contributed 16 points to the winning effort.
The Suns celebrated their first back-to-back wins since a seven-game winning streak ended in late November. Coach Frank Vogel praised Beal’s game, highlighting his ability to integrate seamlessly into the team’s dynamic after his injury.
“I loved his floor game tonight,” Vogel said of Beal. “A lot of times (in returning from injury) guys will have a tendency to force, but he let the game come to him. We have a team that is selfless. We have a chance to be special.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Hornets Updates
The Hornets, missing key players LaMelo Ball and Gordon Hayward, were led by Terry Rozier’s impressive 42 points, which included 8-11 3-pointers. Rookie Brandon Miller added 20 points, but Charlotte couldn’t secure a win for the first time since early December against Toronto.
Despite efforts from Cody Martin, P.J. Washington, and Miles Bridges, the Hornets struggled defensively, as noted by coach Steve Clifford.
“With that effort, that approach, really not a good second half (Thursday)) night, getting in here late, guys playing big minutes last night. I was proud of them,” Clifford said. “We just couldn’t stop them.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Hornets Updates
This season’s 31st game for Phoenix was only the second time the Suns’ “Big 3” of Booker, Durant, and Beal played a full game together. The Suns were without Josh Okogie due to a sprained right ankle. The game was marked by a high volume of three-pointers from both teams and near-perfect free-throw shooting.
Up next, the Hornets will face the Denver Nuggets on Monday night, while the Suns are set to host the Orlando Magic on Sunday.
