The Phoenix Suns looked like a different team in Philadelphia last night. Boy did that not last long.

Tonight, they could not carry that momentum over against a struggling Hornets squad (10-game losing streak) who just earned their 8th win of the season.

Devin Booker poured in 39 points, but it was not enough. The second quarter ultimately doomed them, as they were outscored by 20 points. Phoenix led by as many as 10 points in this one.

There are no excuses for this one. The injury report was short. Sure, it was the second of a back-to-back, but these are games you have to win when you dig yourself into a hole. They are in serious jeopardy of missing the play-in tournament, let alone the playoffs.

It is unacceptable for a team with championship aspirations.

Top Performers

• Kevin Durant — 26 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 8-18 FG
• Devin Booker — 39 points, 10 rebounds, 6 rebounds, 14-25 FG
• LaMelo Ball — 32 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, 12-28 FG
• Miles Bridges — 21 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 8-17 FG

First Half

The Suns jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead to open the game. Brandon Miller banked in a three to beat the shot clock, then the Suns quickly added another six points to make it a 10-3 advantage.

The Suns’ second unit continued the momentum from the previous game, extending their lead to 10. Devin Booker was on an absolute tear, scoring 14 points in his first nine minutes of action.

After the first 12 minutes of play, the Suns held a 29-22 advantage. They shot 55 percent from the field as a team and held Charlotte to just 21% shooting. Booker led all scorers with 14 points on 6-8 shooting.

Charlotte gained some momentum in the second quarter, getting their offense going and cutting the lead down to just two. The Suns offense looked lifeless outside of Devin Booker.

The Hornets stormed back to take the lead, 45-40, leading to a Suns timeout after their 12-0 run. Phoenix’s defense fell asleep and they fouled them carelessly way too frequently.

Charlotte is 28th in free-throw rate and it has 15 in the first half.

— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) January 8, 2025

The Hornets finished the first half with 17 free throw attempts. They outscored the Suns by 20 in the second quarter.

At the half, Phoenix trailed 59-46 despite 21 points from Booker.

Second Half

The Suns jumped out to a 15-7 lead to cut the deficit to just five points.

Devin Booker was down in pain after a Cody Martin closeout, grabbing his shin but he remained in the game after the scare.

A Kevin Durant jumper cut the Hornets’ lead to just one to get Phoenix right back in it.

Just as the Suns started to show life, LaMelo Ball drilled a deep three to push Charlotte’s lead back up to nine. The Hornets got comfortable letting them fly from deep and piled it on.

Phoenix closed out the 3rd strong, cutting the lead to five points, 88-83, heading into the final quarter.

Charlotte quickly went on a 7-0 run to make it a 12-point ball game, and they didn’t look back once they built it up. The careless turnovers, lack of effort, and rebounding were not a winning combination, go figure.

The Suns were outrebounded 59-42.

Phoenix tried to turn it up a notch at the end, but the damage was done. We’ll see how they respond on Thursday back in the Footprint Center.

Up Next?

The Suns host the Hawks on Thursday night for Dave King’s Bright Side Night.

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