Devin Booker had an impressive game, scoring 31 points to lead the Phoenix Suns to a 120-112 victory over the Utah Jazz in the NBA Cup opener. Bradley Beal also played a key role, contributing 24 points to help secure the win for the Suns. Grayson Allen added 15 points to the scoreboard, and together with Booker and Beal, they made 13 3-pointers.
Mason Plumlee stepped up in the absence of injured center Jusuf Nurkic, finishing the game with 15 points and 14 rebounds. On the other side, John Collins led the Jazz with 29 points and 10 rebounds, while Kyle Filipowski and Lauri Markkanen added 18 and 17 points respectively. Jordan Clarkson contributed 16 points and eight assists for the Jazz.
Despite trailing by double digits for most of the game, the Jazz managed to cut the deficit to 89-83 at one point. However, the Suns responded with key baskets to maintain their lead. Phoenix’s efficient offense, which included 16 fast-break points and 18 3-pointers, proved to be crucial in securing the win.
A defensive error by Markkanen, who accidentally tipped the ball into the Phoenix basket, sparked a 12-0 run for the Suns in the second quarter. Phoenix shot an impressive 58.5% from the field in the first half, including 9 of 17 from beyond the arc.
Looking ahead, the Suns will face the Sacramento Kings in their next game, while the Jazz will host the Dallas Mavericks. It will be interesting to see if Phoenix can carry the momentum from this victory into their upcoming matchups and if the Jazz can bounce back from this loss. The NBA Cup pool play promises to deliver more exciting games and intense competition as the season progresses.
