1 – Mitchell and Garland
The score was another loss for the Cavs, but the bigger story is that Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland appear injured. Both had noticeable limps during the game. Yes, the Cavs need to win some games, but they also need to get Mitchell and Garland healthy for the playoffs.
2 – Blowout
The Cavaliers were down 25 points at halftime, and even though the Cavs cut the lead down at different times in the second half, the Suns were never threatened.
3 – Three-point shooting
The big difference in the stats for this game was the Suns shooting 54.5% from three (18-33) while the Cavs were ice cold from deep shooting 26.9% (7 for 26).
Devin Booker lit up the court with a staggering 40 points, while Kevin Durant contributed 32 as the Phoenix Suns dominated the Cleveland Cavaliers with a commanding 122-101 victory on Wednesday night.
The Suns are on a hot streak, securing six wins out of their last eight games, propelling them to the No. 6 position in the fiercely contested Western Conference playoff race. This advancement ensures they sidestep the play-in tournament.
Fresh off his sensational 52-point performance against New Orleans on Monday, Booker showcased his prowess once again, sinking 13 of 25 field goals, including 5 of 9 from beyond the arc. Durant, displaying his trademark skill, shot 13 of 23 from the field and dished out seven assists.
Booker remarked, “I think it’s just the energy throughout our whole team, understanding what’s at stake and what time of year it is. The ball’s hopping around, we’re defending at a high level.”
This game marked only the second occasion this season where both Booker and Durant scored at least 30 points each. Royce O’Neale contributed 17 points with his sharpshooting from long range, sinking five 3-pointers, while Bol Bol made a notable impact off the bench with 15 points.
Bol, standing tall at 7-foot-3, has progressively earned more playing time in the Suns’ rotation over recent months. Despite limited action during the initial part of the season, he has been averaging approximately seven points per game since the All-Star break, with impressive shooting percentages.
Durant praised Bol’s development, stating, “He’s growing every single time he gets on the floor. He’s understanding more and more what his job is, and he’s a great shotmaker as well. It’s all about building on these performances and continuing to get better.”
Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell returned to action after resting his sore left knee, contributing 24 points. Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley both added 20 points, showing glimpses of the Cavaliers’ potential.
Despite the Suns’ dominant first half, where they led 72-47, the Cavaliers displayed resilience, cutting the deficit to 77-66 in the third quarter. However, the Suns regrouped to secure a 98-77 lead heading into the final quarter.
While the Suns currently sit in a favorable playoff position, they remain aware of the competitive landscape in the Western Conference, with just two games separating multiple teams vying for playoff berths.
Similarly, the Cavaliers are contending to maintain their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race amidst pressure from trailing teams like the Magic and Knicks.
The Suns played without starting guard Grayson Allen, who was sidelined due to left hip soreness.
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