The Phoenix Suns, led by Devin Booker‘s standout performance of 21 points and 11 assists, delivered a cohesive victory against the Charlotte Hornets, securing a 107-96 win during Friday’s NBA action, marking their fourth victory in the last six games.
“That’s the name of the game for us,” Suns superstar Kevin Durant said. “There are going to be nights where everybody has to contribute to scoring the ball, and tonight was one of those nights.”
Grayson Allen and Bradley Beal each scored 15 points for the Suns, while Jusuf Nurkic dominated the boards with 21 rebounds and 13 points on a night Durant had 13 points while shooting 5-15 overall and 1-6 from beyond the arc. This team effort propelled the Suns (39-28) to rebound from a previous defeat against the Boston Celtics.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Hornets Updates
Vasa Micic led the Hornets with 21 points, building on his career-high performance earlier in the week. Miles Bridges provided a solid double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds. Phoenix’s win came amid a tight race in the Western Conference standings. The team aimed to strengthen its playoff position and avoid the play-in tournament.
The Suns managed to build a substantial lead by the fourth quarter, but the Hornets’ spirited comeback attempt narrowed the gap to 10 points. A critical moment saw Brandon Miller‘s physical play against Durant, highlighting the intensity of the contest.
But Durant answered back with a pull-up jumper, and Nurkic’s emphatic dunk soon extended Phoenix’s lead, quelling Charlotte’s momentum and leading fans to start their exit. Miller’s achievement of surpassing 1,000 career points in his 60th game caught Durant’s attention, who praised the rookie’s adaptation to the NBA.
“Usually this is around the time of year that rookies start to understand the game a little bit more,” Durant remarked. “Their coach is putting him in best position to just learn and get better. That is always the best way – throw guys out in the fire and let them play games and get better.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Hornets Updates
Despite an early 13-0 run by the Hornets, the Suns regained control to lead at halftime, thanks to their defensive efforts and Charlotte’s struggles from the three-point line.
“When you miss three or four in a row like that, sometimes you’ve just got to play with more force, drive the ball harder and try to get something going more to the basket,” Hornets coach Steve Clifford said.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Hornets Updates
Suns coach Frank Vogel emphasized Durant’s defensive prowess, advocating for his recognition on the NBA All-Defensive team—a distinction Durant has not achieved since his career began.
“He’s one of the best in the league in iso defense and on-ball defense,” Vogel said. “He’s really long and physical. He doesn’t get enough credit for that side of the ball. … He guards the other team’s best perimeter player pretty much every night. He’s guarded 5s and point guards and pretty much done it all.”
Looking ahead, the Suns are set to face Milwaukee on Sunday, while the Hornets embark on a four-game trip, starting with Philadelphia on Saturday.
