Phoenix Blocks Out Portland Sweep With 102-82 Victory

The Suns collected their first 2022 win against the Trail Blazer's in dominating fashion

Author:
Spencer Cihak
Nov 6, 2022 1:09 AM EDT

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The Phoenix Suns (7-2) avoided the back-to-back game sweep against the Portland Trail Blazers (6-3) with a final score of 102-82 Saturday at the Footprint Center.

The Suns were short-staffed going into the contest without starter Cam Johnson who is being evaluated after suffering an injury to his right knee. Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard was out with a right calf injury.

The Suns again struggled with transition early, something head coach Monty Williams wanted to see improvement from after last night’s game.

“Transition defense was not where it needed to be from the jump, as the game progressed, we were okay, but then the turnovers, that’s not us to have that many turnovers and live ball turnovers and so the competitive edge that you need," Williams said.

The most Phoenix trailed by was four points at the 10:06 mark in the first quarter. They went on to score 61 points in the first half compared to Portland’s 40.

The Suns finished 14 turnovers in total but allowed only 6 points from those mistakes.

Everyone in uniform for the Suns tonight played and scored, as the team finished with 42.7/36.7/75 shooting. Devin Booker led the squad with 24 points followed by Chris Paul with 15.

The Suns were all over the net defensively against Portland with 14 blocks, their most since 2010. Tonight’s starter Torrey Craig and Bismack Biyombo led the team with three each.

This one was our favorite:

The Western Conference-leading Suns will begin a four-game road trip in Philadelphia on Monday against Joel Embiid and the 76ers. They’ll be making stops in Minnesota, Orlando, and Miami before returning home to host the Golden State Warriors.

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