A match to reinforce or break the respective dynamics? The first option was finally chosen after this meeting between the Suns and the Nets. The former confirmed their domination of the league with an 11th victory in a row. Where the latter, who were able to rely on James Harden last night, continue to slide with a fifth consecutive defeat.
Five. Or also the number of shots missed by the locals in the first quarter. This is to say the canon start made by the players of Arizona. Carried by a Devin Booker quickly on fire, they turned the head of the Nets overwhelmed in defense (39-29). Despite this accumulated delay, the visitors were able to tighten their defensive bolts a little to finish on a better note at the break (65-58).
James Harden too clumsy in the third act and Kyrie Irving a little too discreet, the New Yorkers failed to pick up (91-82). Well supported in attack by Blake Griffin, Kyrie Irving will take things in hand in the first minutes of the fourth quarter to bring his team back to a small possession of the Suns.
But the latter, and this has been the case since the start of the season, are untouchable in “money time”. Master Chris Paul successively served in the circle JaVale McGee, Mikal Bridges (on a marvel of pass in “backdoor”) and finally Deandre Ayton in “alley-oop”, while Devin Booker reminded everyone that he was the best attacker in this game. Unable to score for long three minutes, the Nets failed to respond.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The Suns’ fatal 9-0. With only five points behind (107-102) and still five minutes to play, the Nets still had all the cards in hand to win after a game of laggards. Except that in the two minutes that followed, the Suns showed their mastery by sticking a 9-0 to their opponents, thanks to two outside shots from Devin Booker, two shots from Mikal Bridges and a lobbed pass from “CP3” to Deandre Ayton. In response ? The Nets did nothing but try their luck at 3-pointers, with four straight misses… His team relegated to 14 points (116-102), Steve Nash emptied his bench, as a sign of capitulation.
– Phoenix finds its holders. After missing the last seven games with a sprained ankle, Deandre Ayton has made a rather low-key comeback. Direct consequence, Bismack Biyombo was hardly used behind JaVale McGee. Jae Crowder, also back after four games away, was even more discreet and clumsy. Landry Shamet (ankle) and Cameron Payne (wrist) were in the infirmary.
– Kyrie Irving swings into the negative. A few weeks ago, Steve Nash was delighted with his team’s schedule. With a majority of away games, the Nets would be able to count on Kyrie Irving. Despite this circumstantial advantage, the Nets have just experienced a third straight loss away from their bases. Since his return, the leader now has a negative record with his team (four wins – five losses).
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ The Paul–Booker–Bridges Trio. As the other two starters quietly picked up the pace, this trio hurt the Nets throughout the night. “CP3” was again sparkling in the distribution, especially in the fourth quarter. Devin Booker was mostly skillful in the first and third quarters, but he netted two important shots in the final. More opportunistic near the circle, Mikal Bridges broke his season record, after having already beaten it in the previous match.
✅ Blake Griffin. Season record equaled for the interior of the Nets who took advantage of the absence of LaMarcus Aldridge to recover minutes. His good outing in attack compensated for some absences in defense.
⛔ James Harden. A new double-double for the bearded man but the feeling that he did not dominate the debates. In the fourth quarter, for example, he was satisfied with two shots attempted and missed. On arrival, 22 points scored but only 6/19 on shots and four lost balls for the leader, weighed down by several minor sores.
THE FOLLOWING
Suns (41-9) : trip to Atlanta, Thursday.
Nets (29-21) : continuation of the “road trip” to Sacramento, the next night.
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