The Phoenix Suns notched a solid victory against the Charlotte Hornets, securing a 107-96 win at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte on Friday evening.

From the opening tip-off, Phoenix asserted dominance, jumping to an early 10-3 lead. While the Hornets showed resilience, the Suns found their rhythm towards the end of the first quarter, leading 28-26. Eric Gordon led the charge for Phoenix with 8 points, matched by Grant Williams’ efforts for Charlotte.

In the second quarter, Phoenix continued to build momentum, extending their lead to 12 points with 3:39 remaining. As the half concluded, the Suns maintained control, heading into halftime with a 54-45 advantage, buoyed by a timely three-pointer from Eric Gordon.

The Suns’ offensive prowess was evident in the first half, with a balanced scoring effort from every player who took the court.

The third quarter saw Phoenix truly shine, as they exploded for 38 points, stretching their lead to 92-67 heading into the final period. Devin Booker and Bradley Beal led the charge during this decisive stretch.

However, the Suns encountered difficulties in the fourth quarter, allowing the Hornets to chip away at the lead. Despite a resilient effort from Charlotte, Phoenix managed to maintain their composure and secure the victory.

Key performances included Devin Booker’s all-around excellence with 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 11 assists, while Kevin Durant contributed 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, inching closer to surpassing Shaquille O’Neal on the all-time scoring list.

Eric Gordon’s sharpshooting, with 14 points including 4 three-pointers, and Jusuf Nurkic’s dominant presence on the boards with 13 points and a staggering 21 rebounds, were crucial in Phoenix’s triumph.

For the Hornets, Miles Bridges delivered a commendable performance with 17 points and 10 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Suns’ strong showing.

With this win, the Suns continue to solidify their position as contenders in the NBA, showcasing their depth and talent on both ends of the floor.