In a stunning breakout performance, Tyrese Martin scored a career-high 30 points to lead the Brooklyn Nets to a 127-117 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night.
Martin, who had only scored 33 points across 21 career games before this contest, exploded for 10-of-13 shooting from the field, including a blistering 8-of-10 from beyond the arc.
The win marked Brooklyn’s fourth victory in their last five games, a testament to the team’s resilience despite missing several key players. Leading scorer Cam Thomas (hamstring), along with forwards Nic Claxton (back) and Noah Clowney (ankle), were all sidelined. Yet, the Nets found a way to deliver a balanced offensive effort, led by Martin’s career night and a strong supporting performance from Dennis Schroder, who added 29 points.
The Nets pulled away in the third quarter with a decisive 17-3 run that gave them an 80-66 lead midway through the period. Martin’s hot shooting and all-around impact helped Brooklyn maintain a comfortable cushion, and they carried a 96-84 advantage into the fourth.
Martin’s early impact set the tone, as he poured in 17 first-half points, knocking down five of his six three-point attempts. The game was tied 63-all at halftime, but Martin’s offensive explosion helped the Nets gain control in the second half, ultimately leading to their double-digit win.
Ben Simmons also played a crucial role, flirting with a triple-double by contributing 14 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. Simmons’ ability to facilitate the offense and defend multiple positions was critical in keeping the Suns at bay, particularly during Phoenix’s attempts to rally in the second half.
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On the other side, Devin Booker led the Suns with 31 points, while Kevin Durant scored 30 against his former team. Despite their impressive scoring outputs, turnovers plagued Phoenix throughout the night. The Suns committed 17 turnovers, leading to 24 points for the Nets. Durant, in particular, struggled with ball security, finishing with seven turnovers.
A pivotal moment came late in the third quarter when Martin was fouled by Durant while attempting a three-pointer with just 0.1 seconds remaining. Martin calmly sank two of three free throws, extending Brooklyn’s lead to 12 heading into the final frame. That momentum carried into the fourth, where the Suns were unable to mount a serious comeback.
The Suns’ loss continues a troubling trend, as they have now dropped seven of their last nine games. Sloppy play and defensive lapses have become recurring issues, and despite the offensive brilliance of Booker and Durant, Phoenix has struggled to find consistency.
Brooklyn, on the other hand, showcased their depth. Trendon Watford added 18 points off the bench, providing a spark that further underscored the Nets’ next-man-up mentality. The team’s ability to find contributions from unexpected sources like Martin and Watford bodes well as they navigate a tough stretch of the season with key players sidelined.
One of the most impressive aspects of Martin’s performance was the magnitude of his breakout. His previous career-high in points was just six, making Wednesday’s 30-point outburst a significant leap. A second-round pick by the Warriors in 2023, Martin spent last season in the G League before finding his opportunity with Brooklyn.
As the Nets continue to climb the Eastern Conference standings, performances like this from Martin and the leadership of veterans like Schroder and Simmons will be crucial. Brooklyn now looks ahead to hosting the Orlando Magic on Friday, aiming to build on their recent success.
Meanwhile, the Suns will return home to face the Golden State Warriors on Saturday, hoping to regroup and address the turnover issues that have plagued them during their recent skid. If they hope to get back on track, Phoenix will need to tighten up their execution and find ways to support their star duo of Booker and Durant more effectively.
For Brooklyn, this win isn’t just another mark in the win column—it’s a statement of their depth, resilience, and the emergence of a potential new contributor in Martin. If this performance is any indication, the Nets may have found a hidden gem ready to make a lasting impact.