The Phoenix Suns did not give the Indiana Pacers any option and kept the victory (113-103). Monty Williams’ team offered their best version and showed, once again, why they are the fittest team in the league. Chris Paul took the controls and was the most outstanding player of the match.
Despite numerous casualties coming into the game, the Pacers managed to keep the game going in the early going and led 25-24 after the first quarter. However, the reaction of the Suns was immediate and the locals were already in charge at halftime despite the poor performance of their star. Booker only made 3 of 12 shots from the field in the first half and went into halftime with 6 points.
It was Chris Paul who stood up for the team and led the big partial on the way back from the locker room. Those from Phoenix took total control of the game and even led by up to 20 points difference. The last quarter became a mere formality for both teams and the visitors managed to cut down to the final 10 points.
Statistically, Paul was the most outstanding with 18 points, 16 assists and 4 steals. Mikal Bridges, with 23 points, and a surprising Bismack Biyombo, with 21 points and 13 rebounds, accompanied the point guard. On the Pacers, Goga Bitadze finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds, his second-best scoring mark since arriving in the league.
Two new injuries
The victory was expensive for the Suns. During the match, two new Phoenix players were injured: Cameron Payne and Jae Crowder. They both left their respective wrists touched. Payne was the first to leave the game with an injury to his right wrist. Minutes later, Crowder suffered the same on his left wrist.
Following the match, Monty Williams reported that they still have no updates on Jae Crowder or Cam Payne. They’ll have more information on them tomorrow after further testing. Mikal Bridges also regretted losing two of his teammates: «It’s difficult. My spirits lowered a bit at the end of the game when I saw them injured, ”confessed the Suns player.
(Photography by Christian Petersen / Getty Images)
