Suns Overcome Hornets with Fourth-Quarter Push

Devin Booker Shines Again

Devin Booker was at the center of the Suns’ offense, delivering yet another all-around dominant performance. The All-Star guard poured in 30 points on 10-of-20 shooting while adding 8 assists and 5 rebounds. His ability to control the tempo of the game and hit timely shots was pivotal in keeping the Suns within striking distance before their late-game push.

“I still push for more threes, and I think just the overall tempo of the game, just playing faster,” Booker said postgame. His leadership was evident throughout the night, particularly as he orchestrated the Suns’ comeback in the closing minutes.

Ighodaro’s Impactful Support

Some Ighodaro provided a strong presence off the bench, contributing with energy and hustle plays that don’t always show up on the stat sheet. His defense and timely rebounds helped the Suns contain the Hornets during critical moments. Ighodaro’s emergence has been a welcome boost for a team still ironing out its rotations.

Royce O’Neale’s Return Sparks Momentum

Making his return after a six-game absence due to an ankle injury, Royce O’Neale wasted no time proving his value to the Suns. He tallied 9 points, 4 rebounds, and a crucial three-pointer in the closing minutes of the game. His clutch shot broke a late tie and gave Phoenix the momentum to finish on a decisive 9-0 run. “It felt great to be back out there and help the team,” O’Neale said. “We’re starting to find our rhythm.”

Fourth-Quarter Dominance

The Suns, who have been criticized for lackluster finishes in recent weeks, flipped the script with a dominant defensive performance in the fourth quarter. They held the Hornets to just 15 points in the final period and erased a 12-point deficit with relentless energy on both ends of the floor. Phoenix’s 26-10 advantage in points off turnovers played a significant role in their success.

Team on the Rise

With the win, the Suns improved to 19-19, showing signs of the chemistry and consistency they’ve sought all season. The three-game winning streak reflects their growing confidence, especially as they’ve adjusted to injuries and changes in the lineup. The performances of stars like Booker and Durant, combined with key contributions from role players like O’Neale and Ighodaro, suggest the Suns could be hitting their stride at just the right time.

Looking Ahead

The Suns will look to continue their streak as they prepare for a tough matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday. With momentum on their side and a revitalized roster, Phoenix appears ready to keep climbing the Western Conference standings.