There’s Something Happening Here: Suns Torch Cavs with Statement Third Quarter
On the second night of a back-to-back, missing their franchise star, and going up against a top-four team in the East, the Suns delivered a performance that didn’t just impress-it demanded attention.
Let’s set the scene. The first half was a grind.
The Suns were active defensively, forcing 16 turnovers and turning those into 21 points. That kind of pressure usually builds a cushion.
But the offense didn’t quite click early. They went 9-of-27 from beyond the arc in the first two quarters, and despite all the extra possessions, they only carried a five-point lead into halftime.
That’s where the tension sat. You’re up, but not comfortably.
You’ve controlled the pace, but Donovan Mitchell is on the other side, and all it takes is one quarter for him to change the game. The Suns held him to just five points in the first half, but with a scorer like Mitchell, that can feel more like a warning than a win.
Then came the third quarter-and everything changed.
The Suns exploded for 45 points in the third, shooting a blistering 16-of-20 from the field and 7-of-10 from deep. That’s not just hot shooting-that’s surgical offense. Ball movement, spacing, unselfish play, and a relentless pace overwhelmed a Cleveland team that, even with injuries, is no pushover.
This wasn’t about catching a tired squad on an off night. This was about a team asserting itself. The Suns didn’t just take control-they seized it, tore it away, and didn’t look back.
The fourth quarter got messy. The reserves came in, and with them came 11 turnovers and 20 points allowed off those mistakes.
But let’s not lose the plot here. The game was already in hand.
The damage had been done in the third, and the Suns had made their point.
This win marked their third straight, and it gave them their 30th victory of the season-a milestone they didn’t hit until March 9 last year. And they’re doing it without Devin Booker.
That’s the part that really jumps off the page. No Booker.
No problem. The system is humming, the depth is delivering, and the confidence is growing.
Bright Side Baller Nominees: Game 49 vs. Cavaliers
A night like this brings plenty of standout performances. Here are the players who fueled the Suns’ surge:
- Dillon Brooks: The tone-setter. Brooks dropped 27 points on 9-of-14 shooting (2-of-4 from three), and added 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and a +24 in the plus-minus column. He brought the energy early and never let up.
- Jordan Goodwin: A spark off the bench with 17 points, including 5-of-8 from deep. He chipped in 5 boards, 3 steals, and held down his end defensively.
- Collin Gillespie: Efficient and composed. Gillespie scored 16 on just eight shots (4-of-6 from three), dished out 5 assists, and added 2 steals. He’s proving he can run the show when needed.
- Grayson Allen: A steady two-way presence with 13 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and a +25. Allen continues to be one of the most underrated glue guys in the league.
- Royce O’Neale: Quietly effective with 12 points-all from beyond the arc-on 4-of-8 shooting. He also added 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and didn’t commit a single turnover.
- Mark Williams: Brought size and toughness inside with 10 points, 7 boards, 2 assists, 2 steals, and a block. His presence in the paint helped anchor the defense during that dominant third quarter.
Bottom Line
This wasn’t just a win-it was a statement. The Suns are starting to build something real.
They’re defending, they’re sharing the ball, and they’re showing they can dominate even without their biggest star. There’s a rhythm to their game right now that feels sustainable.
And if this trend continues, the rest of the West might want to start paying closer attention.
There’s something happening here.