Boosted by Kevin Durant coming back from damageTHE Phoenix Suns emerged victorious in probably the most notable matches of 2024-2025, on the high of the standings Utah Jazz 134-126 Friday night time. After the sport, Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer was as impressed as any fan by his group’s victory, admitting he was impressed by how “wonderful” the sport was.
“It was a fairly unbelievable recreation of pictures on each ends,” Budenholzer stated, by way of Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. “We had just a few stretches the place I believe we had sufficient stops to show round and get a little bit separation. [There was] A lot of offense tonight. Spectacular from each groups.
The Suns and Jazz mixed for 260 whole factors within the recreation, with 11 completely different gamers reaching double figures. Devin Booker led Phoenix within the victory with 34 factors whereas Durant was proper behind him with 30. Booker and Durant added eight assists every, contributing to the Suns’ 36 dimes as a group.
In a valiant dropping effort, Jordan Clarkson led the Jazz with 23 factors coming off the bench. John Collins added 22 factors, six rebounds and 6 assists, whereas Lauri Markkanen added 19 factors. Collin Sexton, who performed simply 24 minutes, was the one starter to not attain double figures and completed the sport with simply six factors.
The Suns improved to 13-11 with the win, which was their first in over every week. The struggling Jazz then fell to 5-19 whereas recording their second straight loss and seventh defeat of their final eight video games.
Suns finish three-game dropping streak

With the win, the Suns went two video games above .500, quickly ending their latest poor run of type. With Durant absent the earlier three video gamesPhoenix went 0-3 with out him however managed to cease the bleeding in opposition to the Jazz with their greatest offensive efficiency of the season.
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Since going 9-2 to start out the 12 months, the Suns have gone simply 5-10 of their final 15 video games. Their three-game dropping streak was preceded by a five-game skid two weeks prior. The win over the Jazz was simply Phoenix’s second in December.
On account of their latest droop, the Suns have fallen to eighth within the Western Convention. Their 13-11 report is tied with that of the Memphis Grizzlies, to whom they misplaced on November 17 as a part of their five-game dropping streak.
Regardless of their poor latest type, many nonetheless anticipate the Suns to be contenders within the West down the stretch. Led by superstars like Durant and Booker and an skilled head coach like Budenholzer, Phoenix will at all times be anticipated to compete for a title no matter its struggles.