Jalen Green scored 31 points for the Phoenix Suns as they defeated the Utah Jazz 134-109. Devin Booker also contributed with 26 points. The Suns had lost six of their previous seven games, making this win important.
Suns Dominate Early
The Suns opened up a significant lead in the first quarter. A 21-2 run helped them to a 37-17 advantage. Green scored 11 points in the quarter, making three of Phoenix’s eight 3-pointers.
Phoenix extended their lead, resulting in their biggest halftime lead of the season at 73-45. Green led the team with 20 points in the first half.
Jazz Struggle Against Suns
Brice Sensabaugh and Kyle Filipowski each scored 26 points for the Jazz. The Jazz have now lost their fifth in a row, their seventh straight on the road, and their 10th of their last 11 overall. Svi Mykhailuk scored 14 points, and Ace Bailey had all of his 13 points in the second half. Kennedy Chandler scored 11 points and had eight assists.
Sensabaugh (19 points) and Filipowski (17) accounted for the majority of Utah’s first-half points. The Jazz also had 10 assists and 10 turnovers before halftime.
Injuries Impact Jazz Lineup
The Jazz were missing several regular players. Lauri Markkanen (hip), Isaiah Collier (hamstring) and Keyonte George (leg) were all absent. Walker Kessler (shoulder) and Jaren Jackson (left knee) are already out for the season.
Looking Ahead for Both Teams
Neither Green nor Booker played in the fourth quarter as the Suns cruised to the victory. The win moved Phoenix within 3 1/2 games of sixth-place Houston, the last position to stay out of the Western Conference play-in round.
- The Jazz host Cleveland on Monday night.
- The Suns play at Memphis on Monday night.
- Suns coach Jordan Ott mentioned that Dillon Brooks (broken hand) and Mark Williams (broken foot) have been participating in 5-on-5 drills.
- Brooks and Williams could potentially return during the Suns’ upcoming four-game road swing.
Following the victory, the Suns will be hoping to continue their winning form as they aim to avoid the play-in round.