The Pheonix Suns took down the Charlotte Hornets 128-97 in a much-needed home victory. Pheonix dominated on both sides of the ball, putting on a shooting clinic and racking up some major numbers in the box score. After a bevy of injuries hobbled this Suns’ crew, they still pushed through. With this victory, the Suns have improved to 25-24 and sit fifth in the West while Charlotte falls to 13-36 finding themselves above only Detroit at the bottom of the East.
The Suns’ Shine Bright
The Pheonix Suns have found their stride lately. They came into this game fresh off of a narrow win over the second-place Grizzlies. The Suns decided they had had enough close games and chose to truly dominate the Charlotte Hornets. The Suns were lights out against the Hornets. Baring a big run by the Hornets in the second quarter that cut the lead to 10, the Suns never let their foot off the gas.
All you have to do is look at the ridiculous numbers that Pheonix laid out for the raucous fans of Pheonix. The Suns had six players score in double digits, one being Chris Paul who had a quiet double-double with 14 points and 11 assists. They were unstoppable on offense, shooting 50% from the field and 55% from downtown and they didn’t stop at the three points line. The Suns dominated the paint on both ends of the court. They outscored the Hornets 58-44 down low and out-rebounded Charolette 55-39.
Pheonix center Bismack Biyombo had an especially good game filling in for Deandre Ayton, who was out with a non-covid-related illness. While he only had six points, Biyombo grabbed nine rebounds and accounted for half of the Suns’ 10 total blocks. Despite a great game from Terry Rozier, Mason Plumlee, and Jalen McDaniels, the Hornets could not overtake Pheonix. At one point they trailed by 33. All in all, the Pheonix Suns were too much for the Hornets to handle. The Suns have now extended their winning streak to four and will look to defend their home court for the fifth time in a row against Dallas on January 26th.
Injured Suns Came to Play
Despite being on a three-game winning streak coming into the game against Charlotte, this was a badly needed win for the Suns. A chance to prove they can compete even though many of their contributing players are out with injuries. Though Ayton, Payne, Shamet, and Booker were all absent from the Suns’ latest contest, Pheonix has two players working their way back from injury. Dario Saric and Cam Johnson both suffered knee injuries earlier in the season: Saric had a torn ACL and Johnson a torn meniscus.
Both Saric and Johnson have returned to play and, while they are both still recovering, the two Suns played very well against Charlotte. Saric’s return has been vital for Pheonix as they have had a lot of issues keeping their big men healthy. Saric’s ability as a solid rebounder and an excellent passer has allowed the Suns to spread the floor when he plays at the four spot. Saric can also play alongside Biyombo, giving Pheonix a formidable frontcourt. When speaking on what he brings to the team Saric said, “It’s good for a team to have those options.”
Cam Johnson made a statement in his fourth game back from injury. Despite being on a minute’s restriction, Johnson led the Suns in scoring. In just 18 minutes on the floor, the young Sun dropped 24 points and was 9-11 from the field. Johnson also hit six threes, as many as the entire Hornets squad. Johnson even threw down a big two-handed jam, expecting some resistance.
“I just wanted some contact,” Johnson said. Johnson has been out for quite a while recovering from his knee injury. When asked about being excited to come back Johnson said, “When you’re out for a long time, you just enjoy playing basketball again.”
