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Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns topped the visiting Washington Wizards 112-108 on Sunday to avoid a three-game losing streak. Phoenix needed the win after losing to the New York Knicks on Friday and entering Sunday 1-4 in the first five games of its six-game homestand.
Booker played a pivotal role by scoring 11 of his 27 points in the final quarter. Aside from that, the Suns' defense prevented the Wizards from scoring easy baskets in the fourth and restricted them to shooting 7-of-27 from the field.
"You want to protect homecourt, and New York came in here and kicked our a** on our homecourt, and we were on our way to that after the first two quarters tonight," Devin Booker said at the 4:29 mark. "We just got to get it together."
Kevin Durant led the Suns in scoring with 28 points, five rebounds and five assists while Jusuf Nurkic controlled the paint, grabbing 17 rebounds along with six points and five assists. Eric Gordon also chipped in with 13 points off the bench.
On the other side, Darius Gafford had one of his best games of the season with 26 points, 17 rebounds and two blocks while Tyus Jones had a double-double of 22 points and 11 assists.
Devin Booker says Phoenix Suns learned from the New York Knicks' loss
With the Wizards (4-21) leading 58-46 at halftime, the tables were turned as the Phoenix Suns (14-12) came in with a better game strategy. Devin Booker lauded how the team adjusted, especially on the switch at the pick-and-roll.
By doing so, the Suns contested midrange shots and protected the paint by rotating well at the same time.
"We went over the film, and you know, there has to be a relationship between each player and a big," Booker said (at the 2:40 mark). "It's a pick-and-roll league, and that communication has to be there and you just want to take away the layups
The Phoenix Suns need to work more as the expected title contenders are 10th in the Western Conference
Phoenix seeks to build momentum with two road games this week, against the Portland Trail Blazers (6-19) and Sacramento Kings (15-9) on Tuesday and Friday, respectively.
