The Phoenix Suns (39-28) defeated the Charlotte Hornets (17-50) by a score of 107-96 on Friday evening at Spectrum Center in Charlotte.
Phoenix and Charlotte both went with the starting lineups that both teams have typically used over the last two months - and Phoenix obviously came into opening tip with a sizable advantage.
The Suns jumped out to a quick 10-3 lead, but lulled for much of the remainder of the opening twelve minutes before gaining a rhythm over the last two minutes.
The Suns led 28-26 after the first frame. Eric Gordon paced Phoenix with 8 points, while Charlotte was lead by Grant Williams - who also pitched in 8.
Phoenix continued to build momentum in the second quarter, building up the lead to 12 with 3:39 remaining in the half behind a deep pull-up two from Devin Booker.
Phoenix took a lead of 54-45 going into the half behind an Eric Gordon three-point shot near the end of the second.
The Suns' offensive showing in the first 24 minutes was very much a balanced effort, as every player who entered the game scored at least two points.
Phoenix truly opened up the game in the third quarter - to the tune of 38 points in the 12 minute frame.
Phoenix went into the fourth quarter with a 92-67 lead behind strong third period contributions from Booker and Bradley Beal.
Phoenix once again continued the troubling trend of fourth quarter play - as they were outscored 20-7 across the first six minutes of the final 12.
The Suns were able to hold off an improved Hornets effort over the closing minutes of the game despite continuing to stall on offense.
Key Performances
Devin Booker - 21 PTS, 6 REB, 11 AST
Kevin Durant - 13 PTS, 8 REB, 5 AST (20 points away from passing Shaquille O'Neal on all-time scoring list)
Eric Gordon - 14 PTS, 4 3PM
Jusuf Nurkic - 13 PTS, 21 REB, 1 BLK
Miles Bridges - 17 PTS, 10 REB
What's Next
The Suns face the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday morning.
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