Report: Suns to Create Confidential Hotline for Employees amid Robert Sarver Probe
Jan 25, 2022
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 13: Phoenix Suns and Mercury owner Robert Sarver attends Game Two of the 2021 WNBA Finals at Footprint Center on October 13, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mercury defeated the Sky 91-86 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Phoenix Suns are reportedly creating an internal hotline for employees to report workplace misconduct.
Baxter Holmes of ESPN reported the creation of the hotline amid the ongoing investigation into allegations made against majority owner Robert Sarver.
Several other NBA teams already have an internal hotline in place. While the NBA also has its own, separate hotline for employees of every team, Holmes' report says it largely goes unused.
Holmes previously reported on the allegations of racism, misogyny and a hostile work environment that employees said occurred under Sarver. Several former team employees, including ex-coach Earl Watson, spoke to Holmes on the record and detailed allegations that included the use of racial slurs:
'You know, why does Draymond Green get to run up the court and say [N-word],' Sarver, who is white, allegedly said, repeating the N-word several times in a row.
'You can't say that,' Watson, who is Black and Hispanic, told Sarver.
'Why?' Sarver replied. 'Draymond Green says [N-word].'
'You can't f--king say that,' Watson said again.
Sarver has denied all allegations of impropriety.
The NBA has spent the last four months investigating the Suns' workplace but has not made any of its findings public. The league said there had been no reports to its hotline regarding Sarver's behavior.
GM James Jones, Suns Agree to New Multiyear Contract; PHX Holds NBA's Best Record
Jan 25, 2022
PHOENIX, AZ - SEPTEMBER 30: General Manager James Jonesof the Phoenix Suns speaks during media day on September 30, 2019 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage NBAE via Getty Images)
The Phoenix Suns agreed to a multiyear extension with general manager James Jones.
Jones confirmed the new deal to The Undefeated's Marc J. Spears:
I'm just fortunate and I'm extremely grateful to be a part of it. It's more than I could have ever dreamed of to be a part of a team like this, some of the best professionals across sports. And to have the success that we're having, it's so much fun. When you step into this job, you never really know what it’ll be like, you hear stories about what it looks like, what the profession looks like, and the arc of a career in the front office or in an organization.
The Suns reached the NBA Finals last year and own the NBA's best record (37-9) this season.
Jones took over as GM in April 2019. He had already been serving as Phoenix's vice president of basketball operations.
During his tenure as the head of the front office, the 41-year-old has executed a number of moves to transform a franchise that had grown stagnant on the court and dysfunctional off it.
Firing Igor Kokoskov after only one season was Jones' first big move, and he subsequently hired Monty Williams as the Suns head coach. Phoenix's Finals run was an example of how Williams' demeanor meshed perfectly with a young squad that was hungry to taste postseason success.
Jones also correctly identified how the Suns were on the precipice of something big when he acquired Chris Paul from the Oklahoma City Thunder. At the time of the deal, the franchise had missed the playoffs for 10 straight years.
Paul averaged 19.2 points and 8.6 assists during the 2021 postseason, and his experience was invaluable behind the scenes. Those contributions earned him a four-year, $120 million extension.
Jones has also nailed lesser moves that strengthened the Suns' supporting cast.
During the 2019 NBA draft, he raisedeyebrows by trading T.J. Warren to the Indiana Pacers and trading back to ultimately get Cameron Johnson and Dario Saric.
Although Jones couldn't envision the stress fracture that has dogged Warren over the last two years, Johnson has been an excellent fit in the rotation. The 6'8" forward is shooting 38.6 percent from three-point range.
Over time, Phoenix has made improvements around the margins—adding Jae Crowder, Cameron Payne and Torrey Craig—that were pivotal toward assembling a title contender.
Jones has proven to be an adept general manager and his new contract is well deserved.
Suns' Devin Booker Sounds Off on Social Media Criticism: 'I Am Not Kobe Bryant'
Jan 15, 2022
Phoenix Suns' Devin Booker dribbles during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers, Friday, Jan. 14, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker called for people to stop comparing him to late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.
While addressing the media after Phoenix's 112-94 win over the Indiana Pacers on Friday, Booker said the following about those on social media measuring him against Kobe:
"I am not Kobe Bryant."
D-Book responds to criticism about calling out Raptors mascot and not having a Mamba Mentality https://t.co/AnDZh2w8gx
"I'm really enjoying this, and I always have enjoyed social media. I check it daily and when they're saying good things about me, I don't get too high, I don't get too low on it. The only problem I have is people still comparing me to Kobe Bryant when I told them in the playoffs, 'Stop bringing up Mamba mentality.' I'm inspired by Kobe Bryant and Mamba mentality, but I am not Kobe Bryant. And people are out here yelling Mamba mentality from their mama's house. I'll leave you with that."
In part, Booker was responding to criticism for complaining about the Toronto Raptors mascot distracting him during Phoenix's win over Toronto on Tuesday and the fact that some on social media took that as an opportunity to compare him to Bryant.
The 25-year-old exploded for 35 points on 11-of-25 shooting during Friday's win over Indiana to go with four rebounds and three assists.
After helping lead the Suns to the NBA Finals last season, the two-time All-Star has been excellent again in 2021-22, averaging 23.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.7 three-pointers made per game in 34 appearances, while also shooting 43.7 percent from the field and a career-best 40.9 percent from beyond the arc.
While Booker has displayed some qualities consistent with what Bryant did during his career, he has a long way to go before reaching the level of the Black Mamba.
In 20 NBA seasons, all of which were spent with the Lakers, Kobe was an 18-time All-Star, five-time NBA champion, two-time NBA Finals MVP, two-time scoring champion and one-time NBA MVP.
Bryant also ranks fourth on the NBA's all-time scoring list with 33,643 points.
Booker's accolades simply don't compare, but as a key member of a Suns team that leads the NBA with a 32-9 record, he has a chance to win his first championship this season.
Deandre Ayton Reportedly Placed in COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols by Suns
Dec 27, 2021
Phoenix Suns' Deandre Ayton runs up the court during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, in San Antonio. Phoenix won 115-111. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton is going to miss time after reportedly being placed in the NBA's COVID-19 health and safety protocols, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
The Suns have already had to make do without their starting center on multiple occasions this season. Ayton missed six of seven games from Nov. 2-14 with a leg injury. He also missed the Dec. 10 game against the Boston Celtics with a non-COVID illness.
In those seven games, the Suns went 7-0 with an average margin of victory of 13.4 points.
It's a testament to Phoenix's roster depth that it has played at such a high level without Ayton. He is still an essential part of the team if they are going to accomplish their goals after reaching the NBA Finals last season.
Ayton is averaging 17.0 points and 11.1 rebounds in 124 starts this season. His 101 defensive rating is the best of his career, per Basketball-Reference.com. Phoenix's defense ranks third in rating and fourth in points allowed per game (104.4).
Suns head coach Monty Williams will likely use veteran JaVale McGee at center with the starting lineup until Ayton can return. Frank Kaminsky could also see playing time off the bench.
Report: Suns HC Monty Williams Enters COVID-19 Protocols, out for Game vs. Grizzlies
Dec 27, 2021
Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams will miss his team's home game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday after entering the NBA's health-and-safety protocols, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Williams is now one of four NBA head coaches in COVID-19 protocols alongside the Los Angeles Lakers' Frank Vogel, the Chicago Bulls' Billy Donovan and the Portland Trail Blazers' Chauncey Billups, per Wojnarowski.
Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle and Sacramento Kings interim head coach Alvin Gentry are back on the sidelines after entering the protocols earlier this year.
Suns associate head coach Kevin Young is the highest-ranking member on staff sans Williams. Young was out for four games earlier this year after entering the league's health-and-safety protocols.
Wojnarowski reported that Young is the "likely" choice to take over for Williams as the acting head coach.
Williams, 50, just led the Suns to their first NBA Finals appearance since 1993. He earned the NBCA Coach of the Year Award after leading Phoenix to a 51-21 regular-season record.
Phoenix fell to the Milwaukee Bucks in six NBA Finals games, but the Suns have stormed out to a 26-6 mark thus far in 2021-22.
That's good enough for second in the entire NBA, just one half-game behind the Golden State Warriors (27-6).
Williams has been nothing short of excellent in Phoenix, but the Suns will have to forge ahead without him for the time being.
Young, 40, is in his second NBA season with the Suns after three years as a Philadelphia 76ers' assistant. He was promoted to associate head coach last summer.
The Flash later became the Delaware 87ers and an affiliate of the 76ers. Young served as an assistant coach for the team in 2013-14 before working as a head coach from 2014 to 2017. The 87ers steadily improved under Young, going 20-30, 21-29 and then 26-24 in his final season.
Young got the call to the 76ers in 2017, helping guide the team to three playoff appearances before moving onto Phoenix.
Stephen Curry Drops 33 as Warriors Beat Chris Paul, Suns in Christmas Day Showdown
Dec 26, 2021
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry shoots over Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder (99) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Led by Steph Curry's big game, the Dubs defeated the Phoenix Suns 116-107, moving into the top spot in the West.
In a game that would be decided by who could score while the Suns sold out against Curry, the Warriors got: 19 from Otto Porter 14 from Gary Payton II 12 from Jonathan Kuminga
Amid a full slate of NBA games on Christmas, this was the matchup of heavyweights. After the Suns (26-6) and Dubs (27-6) split a pair of back-to-back matchups in late November and early December, this was the rubber match, at least until the two teams clash one last time during the regular season on March 30th.
That game could decide the top seed in the Western Conference playoffs. Golden State has to be considered the front-runner to secure that distinction after Saturday's big win.
Curry has traditionally struggled on this holiday, averaging 13.1 points in eight previous contests.
Steph Curry’s 13.1 career scoring average in 8 games on Christmas Day is his lowest scoring average on any given date in his career (min. 3 games).
It is also the 2nd-lowest by any former NBA MVP winner on the holiday, ahead of only Wes Unseld (12.8) according to @EliasSportspic.twitter.com/NHXRI2GvyU
It may not have been Curry's most efficient performance ever (10-of-27 from the field, 5-of-16 from three) but he was still clearly the best player on the floor.
steph curry is christmas
i don’t know exactly how that sentiment makes sense but i know that it does
It wasn't Booker's night. He struggled from the field (5-of-19) and from beyond the arc (1-of-5). He didn't make a huge impact as a secondary creator (three assists, two turnovers). He had the chance to sink big shots down the stretch and couldn't find the back of the net.
Suns failed to score the last 3 minutes, had chances with a wide open Crowder 3 and Booker 3 that could have changed things. But Warriors prevented CP from controlling the action by flying around. https://t.co/P2Xrk1Jn7A
Booker may still be getting back into the flow of things after missing a string of seven games before returning on Sunday. He had been averaging 23.3 points per game in the three contests since he returned before Saturday, shooting 53.8 percent from three in those games.
His shot abandoned him on Christmas, though. Maybe he forgot to leave out milk and cookies.
What's Next?
The Suns are back in action on Monday at 9 p.m. ET when they host the Memphis Grizzlies. The Warriors will host the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET on NBA TV.
Suns' Monty Williams on Deandre Ayton's Contract Talks: 'I Feel Like I Failed Him'
Dec 24, 2021
Phoenix Suns' Deandre Ayton dribbles the ball during first half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams feels "somewhat responsible" for Deandre Ayton failing to agree on a contract extension during the offseason.
"From a personal perspective, I feel like I failed him," Williams said, per Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports. "Because when we asked you to do all that we ask you to do and you go out there and do it and you still don't get what you want, that falls on my plate."
Williams added:
Let's be real. Coaches survive in this league by winning. That's a fact. And so when those guys did what they did for the team, they elevated me, which is what I didn't deserve. So I wanted him to get everything he wanted. And I think he still will.
How do players survive? Stats. Yet we're asking people to sacrifice their stats, touches and all that.
Suns general manager James Jones told The Athletic's Sam Amick in October that contract talks with Ayton never advanced into "real negotiations."
"We know it's important to us; it's important to him that we continue to progress and we continue to develop and we win [a title]. So when we talked about a focus this offseason, it was to continue to build this team," Jones said at the time. "So for us, unfortunately, we are where we are [with Ayton]. No agreement. We didn't have real negotiations."
Jones continued by saying the 2018 No. 1 pick wanted a five-year max extension, similar to the deals Luka Doncic, Trae Young and Michael Porter Jr. agreed to over the last year. Such a deal would have been worth a guaranteed $172.6 million.
Ayton's agents told The Athletic the Suns never offered Ayton a max deal and wanted to instead discuss shorter deals over three or four years. However, those talks never progressed, and an offer was reportedly never made.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported in October that the Suns didn't think Ayton belongs in the same group as Doncic, Young and Porter. However, the Arizona product has played an enormous role in Phoenix's success over the last several years, and the franchise might regret not locking him up when it had the chance.
Through 22 games this season, Ayton is averaging 16.9 points (second on the team), 11.3 rebounds (first) and 1.6 assists while shooting 62.5 percent from the field. This comes after he averaged 15.8 points, 11.8 rebounds and 1.1 blocks during the 2021 postseason in which the Suns reached the NBA Finals.
Because Ayton did not sign an extension, he is eligible to sign a $16.4 million qualifying offer to play the 2022-23 season, per ESPN's Bobby Marks, before becoming an unrestricted free agent.
In addition, Ayton could enter restricted free agency after the 2021-22 season and sign an offer sheet, though the Suns would be allowed to match any offer he receives. It's unclear if Phoenix has a contingency plan if Ayton moves on.
Devin Booker, Chris Paul Lead Suns to Blowout Win vs. LeBron James, Lakers
Dec 22, 2021
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets, Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
The Phoenix Suns earned their fourth straight win Tuesday by defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 108-90 at Staples Center. Phoenix maintained its hold on the best record in the NBA and improved to 25-5.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 24 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and six three-pointers. Deandre Ayton added 19 points and 11 rebounds. Seven players scored in double figures, and Phoenix has now won six of its last seven games.
The Lakers fell to 16-16 after their third straight loss, their second three-game losing streak of the season. LeBron James had 34 points and seven rebounds for Los Angeles. He appeared to suffer an ankle injury in the second half but remained in the game.
Notable Player Stats
G Devin Booker, PHX: 24 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists
C Deandre Ayton, PHX: 19 points, 11 rebounds
G Chris Paul, PHX: 11 points, 9 assists
F LeBron James, LAL: 34 points, 7 rebounds
G Russell Westbrook, LAL: 22 points, 10 rebounds, 7 turnovers
Suns Win Despite Poor 3-Point Shooting
Phoenix has proved to be a team that can win in many different ways. On Tuesday, the Suns were able to overcome a dismal night from beyond the arc to earn a key win on the road.
Phoenix shot just 3-of-22 from three-point range in the first half but still went into halftime with a two-point lead. The Suns did a great job of attacking the rim and had 32 of their 54 first-half points in the paint.
The Lakers were without star big man Anthony Davis, who is set to miss at least four weeks with an MCL sprain. This allowed the Suns to take advantage of their size, and they did a great job of feeding Ayton and JaVale McGee. McGee finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds off the bench.
Booker was the lone bright spot from three-point land for the Suns. He opened the third quarter hot with three triples as Phoenix opened up a 13-point lead.
But the Lakers didn't go down easily and cut the lead to as few as five. Phoenix was able to maintain its lead with timely buckets and strong defense. The Suns never trailed in the second half and led by as many as 22 in the fourth quarter.
Phoenix finished with a three-point shooting percentage of 29.3 percent, but it didn't matter. The Suns' depth shone as they outworked a veteran Lakers team. Miles Bridges and Cameron Johnson had 14 points apiece, while Cameron Payne added 10 points.
It's clear that last season's run to the NBA Finals was no fluke, and the Suns are among the top contenders in the league again this year.
Lakers' Supporting Cast Wastes LeBron's Big Night
James came out on fire, making five of his first seven shots. He continued to stay hot throughout the game, shooting an efficient 13-of-19.
Los Angeles' role players failed to show up on their home floor. Star sixth man Carmelo Anthony was ejected after picking up two technical fouls. He finished with just seven points.
Talen Horton-Tucker went 1-of-13 from the floor and 0-of-8 from three-point range. Newly signed Isaiah Thomas shot 1-of-11 off the bench and picked up five fouls.
Historically, we have seen situations where LeBron’s teammates wrongly take all the criticism for a loss. Tonight has not been one of those nights. LeBron has been fantastic, the other guys…not so much
Russell Westbrook added 22 points, but he had six of his seven turnovers in the second half. Trevor Ariza was the only other player to score in double figures with 12 points.
While Davis is out, the Lakers are going to have a tough time on both ends of the floor. It's obvious that James can't carry the team by himself, so multiple players will have to up their game if Los Angeles wants to stay afloat in the playoff race.
What's Next?
The Suns will return home to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday. The Lakers will host the San Antonio Spurs that same day.
Suns' Chris Paul Congratulates Steph Curry on 3-Point Record: 'That's History, Man'
Dec 15, 2021
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 3: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the game on December, 2021 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul congratulated Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry on Tuesday after Curry broke the NBA record for career three-point field goals made.
After Paul led the Suns to a 111-107 overtime win against the Portland Trail Blazers, he addressed Curry's achievement:
"Congrats to Steph...that's history, man."
After dropping 24 points and 14 assists in the Suns win, Chris Paul shows respect to his fellow #NBA75 Anniversary Team member's historic achievement earlier in the night! pic.twitter.com/PejOwldhCM
Curry set the new mark in a 105-96 win over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, finishing the game with 22 points, five trifectas made, three assists and three rebounds.
The crowning moment occurred in the first quarter when Curry drilled a trey to put the Warriors on top 12-10:
Curry passed Ray Allen for first place on the all-time three-pointers made list with his 2,974th career make, and the game was stopped to recognize his achievement. Allen was in the building as well to give Curry a hand, with Reggie Miller (third all time) calling the game.
Among those who congratulated Curry on social media were Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant, who was formerly Curry's teammate with the Warriors:
Just landed in Dallas to see @StephenCurry30 broke the record and to make it even doper he did it in the GARDEN!! WOW CONGRATS BROTHER!! INCREDIBLE 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
By the end of the night, Curry had 2,977 career three-pointers made, putting him four clear of Allen.
The closest active player on the list behind Curry is James Harden of the Nets, who is fourth all time and nearly 300 makes behind Steph at 2,509.
Curry's achievement is impressive for many reasons, including the fact that he did it in 13 seasons and 789 career regular-season games.
By comparison, Allen played 18 seasons and 1,300 regular-season games to get to the top of the list before Curry passed him. Of course, the three-point shot has also become more in vogue with each passing year.
Curry, 33, is also a highly efficient shooter, having made 43.1 percent of his three-point attempts during his career, which is seventh on the all-time list.
While Curry was already a surefire Hall of Famer with three NBA championships and two MVP awards to his credit, owning the three-point record is another huge accomplishment to add to his resume.
Chris Paul Drops 24 Points, 14 Assists as Suns Beat Damian Lillard, Trail Blazers
Dec 15, 2021
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 13: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns dribbles the ball during a game at the STAPLES Center on December 13, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Credit: 2021 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Phoenix Suns bounced back from Monday's loss to the Los Angeles Clippers with a 111-107 overtime win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday.
Deandre Ayton led the way with 28 points and 13 rebounds as Phoenix improved to 22-5. Chris Paul added 24 points and 14 assists, including the game-tying shot to force overtime.
The Suns remained without star shooting guard Devin Booker (hamstring), who hasn't played since Nov. 30. Ayton returned from a two-game absence caused by a non-COVID-19 illness.
Portland fell to 11-17 and its losing skid has now reached six games. Damian Lillard led the Blazers with 31 points and 10 assists.
Notable Player Stats
C Deandre Ayton, PHX: 28 points, 13 rebounds
G Chris Paul, PHX: 24 points, 14 assists
G Cam Payne, PHX: 17 points (off bench)
G Damian Lillard, POR: 31 points, 10 assists
F Norman Powell, POR: 23 points
C Jusuf Nurkic, POR: 17 points, 13 rebounds
Deandre Ayton's Return Sparks Suns
Phoenix greatly benefitted from one of its stars returning Tuesday. Ayton was able to get going early, working the pick-and-roll with Chris Paul.
Ayton made his presence felt from the start with 13 of his 28 points in the first half.
Ayton's activity on the inside opened things up for the Suns' outside shooters and he helped the team build a 14-point lead in the third quarter. But Portland switched to a zone defense midway through the period and started limiting his touches, allowing the Blazers to make a comeback.
But Ayton came up big again in the fourth quarter to keep Phoenix in the game. Paul was able to force overtime with his patented midrange jumper.
In the extra period, Ayton continued to hurt the Blazers with his rolls to the basket. He opened up space for Cam Johnson (12 points) to make a three-pointer and he got free near the rim for a bucket. He also anchored Phoenix's defense with some strong play on the inside to help limit Portland to five points in overtime.
The Suns have looked like one of the best teams in the NBA this season, but injuries to key players have hindered the team. Getting Ayton back was a big reason for Phoenix gutting out a road win against the scrappy Blazers.
Blazers Storm Back in Second Half, Fall Short in Overtime
Portland looked sluggish to start the game, shooting just 33.3 percent in the first quarter. It looked as though the Blazers would end up suffering a demoralizing loss to one of the best teams in the Western Conference, but the team refused to lay down on its home court.
Portland was able to overcome its early shooting woes with a second-half run to turn the game around. The Blazers also were able to stifle the Suns offense when they switched to a zone defense, allowing them to claw their way back into the game.
The Blazers got out in transition and started connecting on their outside shots, hitting 5-of-10 three-pointers in the third quarter. Portland ended the frame on an 11-0 run to take the lead heading into the fourth.
Larry Nance Jr. touch pass to Nassir Little for the HAMMER 🔨
The Blazers jumped out to a six-point lead in the fourth quarter, but Phoenix wouldn't go away. The Suns were able to force overtime, and Portland just ran out of gas. The Blazers shot 2-of-9 in the extra frame.
It's been a tough start to the season for Portland. The team showed effort and fight to not go down easily on its home floor, but it's hard to find a consolation after a sixth consecutive loss. The Blazers will have to make some changes if they hope to make a ninth straight playoff appearance.
What's Next?
The Suns will return home to host the Washington Wizards on Thursday. The Blazers will look to end their losing streak Wednesday at home against the Memphis Grizzlies.
