In their opening game of NBA Cup pool play, the Phoenix Suns picked up a 120-112 victory over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night, fueled by an explosive 31-point performance from Devin Booker and a solid 24 points from Bradley Beal.
The Suns, who shot the ball efficiently and shared the offense across multiple players, weathered a late Jazz rally to secure the win. Grayson Allen also made a significant contribution, adding 15 points as Phoenix was on fire from beyond the arc, hitting 18 three-pointers as a team.
The Suns’ offense was on display throughout the night, with Booker, Beal, and Allen combining for 13 of those 18 triples. Mason Plumlee, starting in place of injured center Jusuf Nurkic, posted a double-double with 15 points and 14 rebounds, filling a crucial role in the frontcourt. Despite being without Nurkic, the Suns’ offense was a well-oiled machine, moving the ball quickly and capitalizing on fast-break opportunities, scoring 16 fast-break points.
For Utah, John Collins led the way with 29 points and 10 rebounds, proving to be a strong force in the paint. Kyle Filipowski added a solid 18 points off the bench, while Lauri Markkanen contributed 17 points. Jordan Clarkson also made an impact, finishing with 16 points and a team-high eight assists, but it was not enough to prevent the Jazz from falling behind after Phoenix pulled away in the second half.
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The Jazz were never truly able to take control of the game, despite some strong individual performances. After trailing by double digits for much of the contest, Utah made a push to get within six points, cutting the Suns’ lead to 89-83 following Filipowski’s dunk with 10:18 left. However, Beal responded with consecutive baskets to keep Phoenix in control, and back-to-back three-pointers from Royce O’Neale and Booker pushed the Suns’ lead to 110-98 with 3:58 remaining.
Phoenix’s offense was particularly effective in the first half, where they shot 58.5% from the field and 9-of-17 from three-point range. The Suns’ ability to hit from long distance, combined with their fluid ball movement and transition play, made it difficult for the Jazz to keep up. Utah, on the other hand, found success around the basket, outscoring Phoenix 58-34 in the paint, but their struggles from beyond the arc (just 8-of-29 from three-point range) and inability to execute consistently on defense kept them from overcoming the Suns.
A key turning point in the game came midway through the second quarter when the Suns went on a 12-0 run. The Jazz had pulled within five after back-to-back baskets from Markkanen and Filipowski, but an unforced defensive error from Markkanen, who accidentally tipped the ball into the Phoenix basket while going for a rebound, ignited the Suns’ surge. This unfortunate play shifted momentum in Phoenix’s favor, and the Suns extended their lead to 49-32.
The Suns’ ability to score quickly in transition and space the floor with their shooting kept Utah at arm’s length for most of the game. Despite the Jazz’s strength in the paint, where they dominated inside, Phoenix’s perimeter shooting and offensive balance were too much to overcome. Beal and Booker’s ability to respond when the Jazz made a push was a defining factor in keeping Phoenix ahead throughout the night.
Utah’s inability to make key defensive stops when needed, along with their struggles to contain Booker and Beal, ultimately cost them the game. Although the Jazz had a solid offensive showing from their star players, it was Phoenix’s dynamic and efficient offense that proved to be the difference-maker. With 18 three-pointers and effective ball movement, the Suns were able to outpace Utah and secure the victory.
Key Stat: Phoenix shot 58.5% from the field overall, including 9-of-17 from three-point range in the first half, showcasing their offensive efficiency.
Key Moment: An unforced defensive error by Lauri Markkanen, tipping the ball into his own basket, sparked a 12-0 run that helped Phoenix take control in the second quarter.
Up Next:
- The Suns will visit the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday for their second game in four days.
- The Jazz will host the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday as they look to bounce back from the loss.
