The Phoenix Suns pulled off a crucial victory, keeping their aspirations for a top-6 playoff seed very much alive. With a 38-27 record, they're just a game shy of overtaking Denver for that coveted 6th spot.
Jalen Green was electric, dropping 25 points, while Royce O’Neale lit up the scoreboard with 21 points, and Devin Booker remained a steady force with 27 points. Despite a scorching performance from Kyle Kuzma, the Suns' balanced attack from their guards and role players carried them through.
Now standing at 16-14 on the road and riding a three-game winning streak, the Suns showed resilience. They overcame an 11-point deficit, thanks to their red-hot shooting from beyond the arc, hitting 24 of 51 attempts for a 47.1% success rate.
The return of Jordan Goodwin and Grayson Allen provided a much-needed spark off the bench.
Game Flow
First Half
Phoenix came out firing, grabbing a 9-2 lead with Jalen Green scoring the first seven points, followed by a thunderous dunk from Oso Ighodaro. Milwaukee countered, but Green's dazzling step-back jumper was a highlight, as he scored 12 of the Suns’ initial 14 points.
Early contributions from Khaman Maluach and Grayson Allen off the bench kept the momentum going. Jordan Goodwin joined the fray, adding depth to the lineup.
The Suns pushed the tempo and led 36-30 after the first quarter, shooting 57% from the field. Green and Booker combined for 21 points, supported by a productive bench.
The Bucks started the second quarter strong, tying it at 36, but Phoenix quickly regained control with a Haywood Highsmith three-pointer. The teams traded blows in a fast-paced battle, reaching a 51-51 tie after a Giannis transition bucket.
Devin Booker found his rhythm, scoring five consecutive points, but a Kyle Kuzma buzzer-beater gave Milwaukee a 65-62 lead at halftime. Booker led all scorers with 20 points, while Green added 16.
Second Half
The third quarter was a rollercoaster. Milwaukee surged ahead, building an 11-point lead, but Phoenix, led by Booker, fought back.
Kuzma channeled his inner Klay Thompson, scoring 16 points in the quarter to reach 31 overall. Myles Turner also chipped in with key threes.
Royce O’Neale turned the tide, scoring 18 points in the third, including a spectacular half-court buzzer-beater. His six threes in the quarter helped Phoenix take a 100-97 lead into the fourth.
Despite a missed "take foul" call, Collin Gillespie's three-pointer sparked a 9-0 Suns run, extending their lead to 107-97. Grayson Allen showcased his skills with a crafty move to the basket.
Gillespie continued his hot hand, sinking three triples in the quarter and setting up Jalen Green for a corner three that sealed the deal.
Next up, the Suns head to Indiana to face the Pacers, eager to maintain their momentum.