Devin Booker scored 29 points and reached a significant career milestone as the Phoenix Suns overcame the San Antonio Spurs 104-93 on Tuesday night.
The victory came despite the Suns losing Kevin Durant to an ankle injury late in the second quarter, a blow that may linger as Phoenix eyes a strong season.
Durant exited with 3:51 remaining in the first half after appearing to roll his ankle. While he left the court under his own power, he did not return for the rest of the game. Durant contributed 13 points before his departure, and the Suns provided no immediate update on the severity of the injury.
Suns Miss Out on NBA Cup Quarterfinals
Despite their win, Phoenix’s hopes of advancing to the NBA Cup quarterfinals as a wild card were dashed when Dallas defeated Memphis later in the evening. Oklahoma City claimed the top spot in West Group B, relegating the Suns to a frustrating elimination.
Booker Makes History
Booker achieved a major career milestone during the game, surpassing 15,000 career points with his opening basket. He now sits just behind Walter Davis (15,666) on the Suns’ all-time scoring leaderboard. Booker’s consistent dominance has kept Phoenix competitive even during injury setbacks this season.
Wembanyama’s Slow Start
Victor Wembanyama struggled in the first half, going scoreless and missing all seven of his attempts, including six from beyond the arc. However, the rookie rebounded in the second half, finishing with 15 points and 13 rebounds to notch another double-double in his young career.
Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 25 points off the bench, while Stephon Castle chipped in 16. The Spurs’ offensive struggles were glaring, particularly from deep, where they shot an abysmal 8-for-44 (18%).
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Supporting Cast Steps Up
For Phoenix, Tyus Jones provided a steadying presence with 16 points, while Royce O’Neale and Bradley Beal added 10 points each. Oso Ighodaro, filling in for an injured Jusuf Nurkic, also contributed solid minutes in the starting lineup. Nurkic is sidelined for at least a week with a right thigh contusion.
Game Highlights
The Suns started the game on fire, opening with an 11-0 run before the Spurs got on the board. Phoenix controlled the tempo for much of the game, but San Antonio made occasional pushes, led by Vassell’s scoring. Despite those efforts, Booker’s timely baskets and Phoenix’s defensive intensity held the Spurs at bay.
The Suns maintained a double-digit lead for much of the second half, aided by their ability to capitalize on San Antonio’s cold shooting night from beyond the arc.
Takeaways
Suns: Even with Durant sidelined, Phoenix showed resilience, leaning on Booker and their bench to secure the win. Booker continues to assert himself as a franchise cornerstone, and the Suns will need his leadership if Durant misses additional time.
Spurs: Jeremy Sochan’s return after a 13-game absence due to thumb surgery was a bright spot. Sochan came off the bench to contribute 14 points and 12 rebounds, providing much-needed energy. However, Wembanyama’s slow start and the team’s poor shooting ultimately cost them a chance at an upset.
Key Moment
Booker’s early offensive burst and a strong start from Phoenix set the tone. The Suns’ 11-0 opening run forced San Antonio to play catch-up the entire night, and they never fully recovered.
Looking Ahead
The Suns will travel to New Orleans on Friday, where they’ll look to extend their momentum while awaiting updates on Durant’s injury status. The Spurs, now looking to snap a losing skid, will host Chicago on Friday.
Phoenix’s depth and Booker’s brilliance were enough to overcome adversity against San Antonio, but Durant’s health remains the focal point for their long-term success this season.
