Phoenix Suns rally to victory over San Antonio Spurs with Dillon Brooks leading the charge
The Phoenix Suns (11-6) continued their impressive run, claiming a 111-102 victory against the San Antonio Spurs (11-5) at the Mortgage Matchup Center on Sunday night. This marks the Suns’ third consecutive win, with Dillon Brooks shining brightly, scoring 25 points and adding three rebounds. His performance underscores a strong start to the season with his new team.
Devin Booker also contributed significantly, finishing with 24 points, seven assists, and two blocks, while Jordan Goodwin, in his first start of the season, posted a noteworthy double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Mark Williams joined him with his own double-double, tallying 14 points and 11 rebounds. Off the bench, Colin Gillespie sparked the offense with 15 points and six assists. The Suns displayed improved ball control, committing only six turnovers, a stark contrast to their season-high 28 turnovers in their previous game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Despite navigating a challenging stretch without several key players, the Suns have now secured eight victories in their last nine outings. For the Spurs, De’Aaron Fox led the scoring with 26 points, while Julian Champagnie contributed a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds.
Injury Concerns
Both teams faced significant injury challenges, impacting their lineups. The Suns were without Jalen Green (right hamstring strain) and Grayson Allen (right quad contusion), while Ryan Dunn (right wrist sprain) and Rasheer Fleming (left ankle sprain) were ruled out shortly before the game. The Spurs’ lineup was similarly affected, missing Victor Wembanyama (left calf strain), Stephon Castle (left hip flexor strain), Dylan Harper (left calf strain), and Jordan McLaughlin (left hamstring strain).
First Quarter Struggles
The game started slowly for the Suns, who managed only three baskets in their first 16 attempts. However, they maintained composure, preventing the Spurs from building a large lead. Following a brief offensive boost, Phoenix took a 25-23 lead, but San Antonio ended the quarter with a 7-0 run, closing the period at 30-25. The Spurs shot 52.9% from the field, while the Suns struggled at 31%.
Second Quarter Challenges
The second quarter began poorly for Phoenix as well, with the team shooting just 2-for-9. The Spurs seized on this opportunity, extending their lead to 41-31. However, the Suns began to find their rhythm, highlighted by an alley-oop from Booker to Williams, followed by a transition three-pointer from Brooks that narrowed the gap to 45-41. At halftime, the Spurs led 56-49, with Fox contributing 13 points. The Suns shot 35.8% from the field and only 23.5% from beyond the arc, but their ability to limit turnovers kept them in the game.
Third Quarter Turnaround
The Suns ignited in the third quarter, quickly tying the game at 62 after a 10-0 run. Phoenix then edged ahead 63-62 following Booker’s free throw after a technical foul on Fox. The third quarter was marked by physical play, resulting in technical fouls for both Brooks and Royce O’Neale. Fueled by momentum, the Suns surged to an 80-73 lead after a 17-3 run. By the end of the quarter, they were leading 86-80, with Booker scoring 11 points on perfect shooting and Williams contributing 10 points. Phoenix shot an impressive 60.9% from the field in this period.
Fourth Quarter Execution
Goodwin emerged as a crucial player in the fourth quarter, extending the lead to 93-84 with a putback layup. The Suns maintained control, consistently answering every Spurs challenge and pushing their lead to as much as 13 points. Booker sealed the game with a free throw, finalizing the score at 111-102 with just 26.8 seconds left.
Looking Ahead
The Suns will face the Houston Rockets (10-4) in their next matchup, though they will be without Kevin Durant due to personal reasons. As they continue to navigate this season, the Suns’ resilience and depth will be put to the test.
