Suns Cling to Victory in Testy Matchup vs. Pacers
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PHOENIX -- It wasn't easy, but has anything really been smooth sailing for the Phoenix Suns this season?
Though the Indiana Pacers kept it close to the very end, the Suns emerged victorious in 112-107 fashion. This is their first string of multiple wins since Dec. 17-19 while Indiana is now on a seven-game losing streak.
The Suns were without the talents of Devin Booker, Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton due to injury (Ayton fell victim to illness this morning and was ruled out shortly before the game). Cam Johnson also missed tonight due to management from a recovering meniscus tear.
Josh Okogie paced the Suns in points with 24 despite still healing from a broken nose. Mikal Bridges wasn't far behind with 22.
In Ayton's place was Bismack Biyombo, who put up a double-double of 12 points and 16 rebounds. That was his second double-double on the season and the first since October.
Okogie (24-10) and Jock Landale (10-10) also had double-doubles.
Members from Phoenix's 1992-93 Western Conference title team were honored for the 30th anniversary of the squad, as players such as Tom Chambers, Kevin Johnson and even Charles Barkley among others.
Though they never truly had a dominant grip on the game, Phoenix paced Indiana for most of the contest. A Suns 10-0 run in fourth quarter helped push them ahead the rest of the way, though the Pacers drew within three points before Buddy Hield missed a game-tying three-pointer in the final seconds.
Phoenix never led by more than 10 on the night.
The Suns nearly had free throws to blame for a potential loss after sinking just 68.6% (24-35) from the stripe.
The Suns return home for the second of their back-to-back on Sunday against the Memphis Grizzlies.
