The Phoenix Suns are finding their rhythm, with their 117-110 victory over the Indiana Pacers during Sunday’s NBA action, marking their fifth consecutive win. This success is largely attributed to their ‘Big 3’ dynamic performance – Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.
Kevin Durant was exceptional, scoring 40 points, while Devin Booker added 26 and Bradley Beal contributed 25 on efficient 11-16 shooting. The Suns maintained control for most of the game, leading 91-83 at the start of the fourth quarter. This game marked the second time the All-Star trio has combined for 91 points in a match.
Durant played a pivotal role in countering the Pacers’ attempts to rally, particularly in the final period, where he nailed his first five shots. Durant’s performance included 18-25 shooting, with 4 successful 3-pointers, notably without attempting a free throw.
“I felt like they played us straight up,” Durant said. “And when teams do that, we’re going to be aggressive.”
The Pacers, facing their fourth loss in five games, were led by Buddy Hield with 18 points. New acquisition Pascal Siakam contributed 15 points and seven assists. Tyrese Haliburton, the team’s All-Star guard, missed the game due to a left hamstring strain.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns, Indiana Pacers Updates
Despite a brief lead by the Pacers following an 11-0 run, Durant’s timely 3-pointer shifted momentum back to the Suns, ensuring they didn’t trail again. Beal’s key baskets in the final minutes and Booker’s crucial steal with about 25 seconds left sealed the victory for Phoenix.
“He’s a very unusual problem,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “I thought we fought him hard, had some good possessions on him, but his ability to rise up off the dribble and get complete clearance is special.”
The trio of Durant, Booker, and Beal had a challenging start to the season, hampered by injuries. However, with the team at full strength in recent weeks, their synergy has become increasingly evident, coinciding with the Suns’ winning streak.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns, Indiana Pacers Updates
Booker emphasized the strength of their collaboration, suggesting that their combined aggressive approach makes them difficult to defend, especially in late-game situations.
“It’s the definition of pick your poison,” Booker said. “All of us coming in with an aggressive mindset, it’ll be hard to stop us. Especially late game with the spacing out there.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns, Indiana Pacers Updates
The Suns started strong, leading 33-25 after the first quarter and holding a 65-61 advantage at halftime, with Durant scoring 20 points in the first half. A former Suns player, Jalen Smith, scored 15 points against his previous team.
Looking ahead, the Pacers will host the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night, while the Suns are set to face the Chicago Bulls on Monday night.
