Game Recap: Suns fall flat in Charlotte, 115-104

The Phoenix Suns looked like a different team in Philadelphia last night. It didn’t last long.

Tonight they couldn’t carry that momentum over against a struggling Hornets team (10 game losing streak) who just picked up their 8th win of the season.

Devin Booker poured in 39 points, but it wasn’t 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 damage report was brief. Sure, it was the second of a back-to-back, but those are games you have to win when you dig yourself into a hole. They are in serious danger of missing the play-in tournament, let alone the playoffs.

It is unacceptable for a team with championship aspirations.

Top artists

• 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

Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

First half

The Suns jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead to open the game. Brandon Miller knocked in a three to beat the shot clock and then the Suns quickly added six more 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 had 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 to just two. The Suns offense looked lifeless outside of Devin Booker.

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

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 in pain after a Cody Martin closeout and clutched 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 back in it.

Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

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

Phoenix closed the 3rd strong and cut 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 game, and once they built it up, they didn’t look back. The careless turnovers, lack of effort and rebounding was not a winning combination.

The Suns were outscored 59-42.

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

Next?

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

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