The Phoenix Suns opened their NBA Emirates Cup In-Season Tournament campaign with a 120-112 victory over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night. The win pushed the Suns to a 9-2 record to start the season, keeping their momentum alive despite a hard-fought battle. While the Suns maintained control for most of the game, the win came with some mixed emotions, especially as the team faced injuries to key players.

Devin Booker Shines in the Fourth Quarter

Devin Booker, who has battled through an up-and-down start to the season, looked back to his best in the game’s final frame. Booker finished the night with 31 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter alone. His late-game explosion helped the Suns maintain their lead, and his timely scoring was critical in securing the win. Two three-pointers in the closing minutes, along with an assist on another three, pushed Phoenix’s lead to 14 with just over a minute left, all but sealing the victory.

Despite a slow start to the season, Booker’s performance in Utah highlighted his ability to turn up when it matters. Coming into the game, Booker’s shooting percentages (42.6% from the field, 32.1% from three) had been underwhelming by his usual standards, but Tuesday’s performance was a clear sign that he’s getting back to full health. Booker had been dealing with an illness earlier in the week, which appeared to affect his play, but his outing against the Jazz showed he’s regained his rhythm.

Bradley Beal’s Strong Performance, but Injury Concerns Persist

Bradley Beal also had a standout game, contributing 24 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and a block in just 29 minutes. Beal was instrumental in keeping the Suns’ offense flowing and provided the secondary scoring punch they needed to stay ahead. However, Beal’s night ended early due to left calf tightness. He exited the game after committing a foul in the fourth quarter and did not return. Coach Mike Budenholzer expressed uncertainty regarding the injury but noted that the medical team would evaluate him in the coming days.

Beal has already been battling a string of injuries this season, including a left knee issue sustained during a collision with DeMar DeRozan in the previous game against the Sacramento Kings, along with an ankle tweak and a right elbow concern. While Beal has continued to play through these setbacks, his health moving forward will be a critical factor in the Suns’ success as they progress through the tournament and the regular season.

Suns’ Depth and Defensive Efforts Shine

Despite Beal’s injury, the Suns’ depth was on full display in the victory. With Jusuf Nurkic sidelined, Mason Plumlee stepped into the starting center role and delivered a strong performance, posting 15 points and 14 rebounds. Plumlee’s contributions helped the Suns dominate the glass, particularly in the absence of Utah’s starting center, Walker Kessler, who was out with a hip injury.

Grayson Allen also provided a much-needed spark off the bench, contributing 15 points and bringing energy with his perimeter shooting. Allen’s timely three-pointers were crucial in extending Phoenix’s lead, and his defensive effort helped keep Utah from gaining any significant momentum. Rookie center Oso Ighodaro continued to impress in limited minutes, adding 6 points and 12 rebounds in 21 minutes of play. His performance highlighted the depth the Suns have at the center position, even with injuries to key players.

Defensively, Phoenix was active throughout the game, blocking 10 shots in the first half alone—tying a franchise record for blocks in a half. Booker, Beal, and Oghodaro all contributed to the block party, showcasing the team’s commitment to defending the rim and stifling Utah’s offensive attack.

Utah’s Efforts Led by John Collins, Lauri Markkanen Struggles

The Jazz were competitive throughout, thanks in large part to a standout performance from John Collins. The former Atlanta Hawk poured in 29 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, providing a much-needed offensive spark for Utah. Collins’ ability to mix up his game with strong post-ups and timely three-pointers kept the Jazz within striking distance for much of the game.

However, Utah’s hopes of an upset were dampened by the struggles of Lauri Markkanen. The Jazz star forward, who has been dealing with back issues, continued to look out of rhythm, finishing with just 17 points on 7-of-18 shooting. Markkanen’s lack of aggressiveness was evident throughout the game, and with Walker Kessler also sidelined, the Jazz found themselves unable to sustain any significant offensive runs.

Point Differential and the NBA Emirates Cup In-Season Tournament

The victory over Utah is not only a regular-season win for the Suns but also an important result in the context of the NBA Emirates Cup In-Season Tournament. Point differential is a key factor in determining standings in the group stage, and while the Suns won, their 8-point margin might not be enough to boost their standing significantly compared to other teams in Group B, such as the Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder.

With point differential playing a pivotal role, Phoenix’s narrow win over Utah raises questions about how the Suns will handle future matchups in the tournament. While a win is a win, Phoenix will need to balance their efforts to secure victories while also considering the importance of running up the score in certain situations.

Looking Ahead: Suns Face Tough Stretch Ahead

The Suns’ schedule is about to get even more challenging as they head into the next phase of the NBA Emirates Cup In-Season Tournament. On Wednesday, Phoenix faces the Sacramento Kings, followed by a matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday. The Thunder are considered one of the favorites in Group B and pose a significant challenge, even though they are currently without a healthy big man.

In addition, Phoenix is still dealing with several key injuries, including Kevin Durant’s left calf strain and Jusuf Nurkic’s ankle soreness. As the Suns navigate this stretch, maintaining the health of key players like Booker and Beal will be crucial for their success in both the NBA Cup and the regular season.

Conclusion: Suns Continue Strong Start, but Health Concerns Loom

The Phoenix Suns’ 120-112 win over the Utah Jazz in the opening game of the NBA Emirates Cup In-Season Tournament was a positive result, but the victory came with its fair share of concerns. Devin Booker’s fourth-quarter heroics and strong performances from role players like Mason Plumlee and Grayson Allen helped Phoenix secure the win, but Bradley Beal’s injury and the team’s ongoing health issues present challenges moving forward.

As the Suns continue to battle through injuries and play a tough schedule, their depth will be tested, and the performance of their key players—especially Booker and Beal—will be pivotal in determining their success in both the tournament and the regular season. With the Suns now 9-2 on the season, they are in a strong position, but staying healthy will be the key to maintaining their momentum.