The Phoenix Suns are heating up at just the right time. Fresh off a strong week, they’ve extended their winning streak with a 106-99 victory over the New York Knicks - a game that showcased both their growing chemistry and their resilience. Now sitting at 25-17 on the season, the Suns are making serious noise in the Western Conference.
But while the win added another notch to their belt, it didn’t come without a cost. Grayson Allen, who had been having a solid night with 16 points and 3 assists, was forced to head to the bench after taking a brutal shot to the face during a scramble for a loose ball. The slow-motion replay told the story: as OG Anunoby fell while reaching for the ball, his head inadvertently collided with Allen’s face - and the result was a broken nose.
The collision wasn’t malicious - just one of those unfortunate plays that happen in the chaos of the moment. Still, the impact was hard to watch.
Allen’s head snapped back on contact, and he immediately signaled for help before heading to the bench. It’s a tough blow for a player who’s been an important piece in the Suns’ rotation, especially during their recent surge.
Allen’s injury casts a bit of a shadow over what was otherwise another promising performance from Phoenix. The team has been finding its rhythm - and fast. With their stars healthy and role players stepping up, they’re starting to look like the contender many expected them to be when the season began.
As for Anunoby, the Knicks forward has had an eventful stretch himself. After helping New York capture the NBA Cup last month in a 124-113 win over the Spurs, he found himself going viral - not for anything on the court, but for a slightly awkward moment during a postgame press conference in Las Vegas.
When a reporter tried to set up a metaphor about Vegas being a town of “winners and losers,” Anunoby didn’t quite bite. The exchange turned into a bit of a head-scratcher, with the reporter trying to draw a connection between the city’s vibe and the Knicks’ win, while Anunoby responded with short, confused answers that left fans chuckling online. It wasn’t exactly a soundbite for the ages, but it was a reminder that not every postgame moment is going to be polished - and that’s okay.
Now, both teams move forward with plenty on their plates. For the Suns, the focus shifts to building on their momentum while monitoring Allen’s recovery. For the Knicks, it’s about regrouping after the loss and continuing to integrate Anunoby into their system after a high-profile acquisition.
One thing’s clear: as the season rolls into its second half, both squads are in the mix - and worth keeping an eye on.