Bradley Beal’s 21-point performance propelled the Phoenix Suns to a 109-88 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers during Monday’s NBA action, marking their fourth consecutive win.
Despite Kevin Durant’s absence due to a hamstring injury, the Suns showcased a balanced scoring effort, with seven players hitting double figures. Jusuf Nurkic, facing his old team, contributed 18 points, while Chimezie Metu, filling in for Durant, added 14 points. Grayson Allen and Eric Gordon, coming off the bench, each scored 12 points.
Nurkic highlighted Beal’s impact, noting that his presence alone significantly boosts the team’s performance. Beal had recently returned from an ankle injury.
“He changes everything,” Nurkic said of Beal. “It’s simple. We depend on him. When he’s out there, it doesn’t matter what he does, just being out there makes a big difference for our team.”
Although Phoenix star Devin Booker had a quieter night with 10 points, he made substantial contributions with eight rebounds and six assists. Bol Bol also stepped up in Durant’s absence, scoring 11 points and nine rebounds. Durant had an impressive 31-point game against Orlando, but coach Frank Vogel revealed that he sustained a hamstring injury during that match, rendering him day-to-day.
“He was able to finish the game, but it was enough to keep him out,” Vogel said. “He’s day to day.”
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The Suns’ defense was particularly effective, allowing their season’s lowest point total. Vogel praised the bench for its defensive efforts and efficient transition play.
“I want to credit our bench,” Vogel said. “We were getting a lot of stops and getting out on the break, and things are a lot easier when you’re not taking the ball out of your own basket and not fouling. Our bench tonight gets the game ball.”
For the Trail Blazers, Scoot Henderson led with 17 points. Jerami Grant added 15 points, with Malcolm Brogdon and Jabari Walker each contributing 10 points. Despite a strong start, Portland’s performance dipped, particularly in the second quarter, where they committed eight turnovers and were heavily outscored in the middle periods.
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Due to right knee tendinitis, Portland’s lineup was without key player Deandre Ayton, now with the Trail Blazers after a September trade. Toumani Camara was also absent with knee soreness.
The Trail Blazers, struggling on the road since a win against Cleveland on Nov. 30, were looking to recapture the form that saw them defeat the Suns 109-104 in Portland on Dec. 19.
Looking ahead, Portland will face the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, while Phoenix hosts the Los Angeles Clippers on the same day.
