The Suns came into this game off some much-needed rest and took care of business against the Jazz in a much-needed win. Jalen Green and Devin Booker took command in this one as they combined for 57 points and dominated all throughout. The Suns’ rookies also had a great showing, as Rasheer Fleming and Khaman Malauch both made big impacts on both ends as well. Overall, the Suns came together and pulled this one out, dominating the weak Jazz frontcourt and scoring all over the interior.
The Jazz are
unfortunately taking and not doing great this year. This certainly showed in this one, as even though some players tried to keep them in offensively, the defense was not stopping anything.
Game Flow
First Half
In the first quarter, it got off to a rough start as the Jazz matched the Suns in scoring. Jalen Green, as he does best, started this one on a hot note, bringing some life to the Valley and keeping the fans alive. This would then translate and trickle down the roster as the Suns became involved. Devin Booker started going inside and attacking alongside Green. Then Grayson Allen and Rasheer Fleming started nailing some threes.
The Suns saw a lead of up to 20 and seemed to take command early in a must-win game. After losing six of their last seven, a much-needed bounce back against a weak Western Conference team is needed to shift momentum heading to the playoffs. The Suns understood that and took advantage of this by leading 39-21 after one.
The second quarter was a lot like the first as the Suns continued to dominate against the Jazz. Green and Booker continued to attack and score in the paint. With the Jazz having seven players out and top-tier frontcourt players absent, it was feast time for Oso Ighodaro and Khaman Maluach down low.
The Jazz are tanking, and it’s clear as day. Even with players out, the reserves are just chucking up shots and playing little to no defense. This has allowed the Suns to lead 73-45 at the half and to close this one early. Jalen Green and Devin Booker have 34 of the team’s points and continue to show that they can torch weak defenses. If Phoenix can continue this onslaught into the second half, it will only mean an early night for the starters.
Second Half
Did the Jazz even come to play the second half? You could definitely question that, as Phoenix once again just massacred the Jazz defense. Green and Booker were trading baskets, both attacking the lane and making some tough finishes. The Suns have 91 points, and the game is not even halfway through the third, and the Jazz cannot match the Suns’ offense. Every shot, they continue to make the Suns answer tight back as Booker continues to bring the intensity.
This game seems unfair, and with these injuries and the situation the Jazz are in compared to Phoenix. Kyle Filipowski and Brice Sensabaugh are trying their best to keep Utah in it offensively, but it just does not seem to be enough. Just an absolute tear kept on continuing from Phoenix, as even Maluach had a nice alley oop finish. The Suns, whose biggest lead has been 34, now head into the fourth up 110-83.
The Jazz got off to a hot start here in the fourth with Svi Mykhaholiuk getting hot, with Ace Bailey trying to heat up as well. That being said, the Suns were feeding Ighodaro once again, and he continued to feast inside on the weak Jazz interior defense. Grayson Allen also had a big game off the bench, hitting some big threes and attacking the lane.
This one was over before the second half, even if the Jazz did try to come back in the fourth. The rookies and young guns go to take the floor, and in this game, every rookie scored a point once Kobe Brea made a three-pointer as well. The Suns ended up taking down the Jazz 134-109.
Up Next
The Suns are back on tomorrow, taking on the Grizzlies in Memphis.
