(Picture credit score: Rob Grey-Imagn Pictures)
Devin Booker and Bradley Beal mixed to make 9 of 16 3-pointers en path to 24 and 31 factors respectively, and the Phoenix Suns opened NBA Cup group play with a 120-112 loss to the host Utah Jazz Tuesday at Salt. Lake city.
Mason Plumlee recorded a double-double of 15 factors and 14 rebounds whereas beginning instead of an injured Jusuf Nurkic (ankle) for Phoenix, which was additionally with out All-NBA ahead Kevin Durant for a second sport on account of calf pressure.
Regardless of the absence of two starters, Phoenix jumped on Utah early.
The Suns trailed solely momentarily within the first quarter earlier than occurring a 15-4 run that gave them their first double-digit lead of the night time. Phoenix’s benefit grew to 18 within the second quarter.
Utah, in search of its first residence victory this season, diminished its deficit within the second half. Jordan Clarkson related on a pair of 3-pointers within the closing minute, each of which introduced the Jazz inside six, however they could not get any nearer.
Phoenix’s 15-of-20 to 7-of-9 benefit on the free-throw line helped preserve Utah at arm’s size. The Suns additionally benefited from their means to outplay the Jazz from past the 3-point arc on an evening the place each groups shot nicely from deep.
Beal, who shot 4 of seven, and Booker at 5 of 9 helped Phoenix go 18 of 39 (46.2 p.c) from lengthy vary. Grayson Allen got here off the bench to knock down 4 of 9 from past the arc, a part of his 15 factors.
Clarkson’s 4-of-9 night time led Utah to 15-of-38 (39.5%) capturing from 3-point vary, together with each down the stretch. Clarkson completed with 16 factors coming off the bench. Jazz rookie Kyle Filipowski added 18 off the bench and Lauri Markkanen scored 17.
Utah additionally received a giant second-half effort from John Collins, who scored six straight factors on a stretch halfway by means of the fourth. Collins’ surge, a part of a team-high 29 factors, could not make a dent with Devin Booker responding with 5 factors throughout the stretch and Royce O’Neal hitting a 3-pointer that pushed the Phoenix’s lead at 13.
–Discipline degree media
