The Phoenix Suns defeated the Charlotte Hornets 111-99 on March 8 at the Mortgage Matchup Center, concluding their three-game homestand before a sellout crowd of 17,071. The Suns’ strong offensive performance, led by Devin Booker, Jalen Green, and Collin Gillespie, propelled the team to this important win, highlighting their progress this season.
Key Players Drive Phoenix’s Offense
Devin Booker led the scoring with 30 points, while Jalen Green and Collin Gillespie each added 24 points. Rookie Rasheer Fleming contributed a career-high 16 points off the bench, hitting 4-of-6 from three-point range. This trio accounted for 78 points, marking a significant factor in overcoming the Hornets’ early momentum.
Early Struggles But Strong Second Half for Phoenix
Phoenix started the game trailing 22-14, as Charlotte opened the first quarter shooting an impressive 9-of-11 from the field. Despite this hot start by the Hornets, who eventually finished with a 42% shooting rate (37-of-88), Phoenix regained control as the game progressed. LaMelo Ball led Charlotte with 22 points but couldn’t prevent the Suns from pulling ahead in the second half.
Impact of Injuries and Team Resilience
The Suns managed to triumph despite missing key players including Dillon Brooks (left hand fracture), Grayson Allen (right knee management), Jordan Goodwin (left calf strain), and Mark Williams (left foot stress reaction). Allen, who was previously listed as probable, had shown strong form in a prior game with 12 points and eight assists but was held out of this contest after appearing to struggle late in that match.
The Hornets played without Tidjane Salaün due to a left calf strain, which further challenged their depth. Still, Charlotte had been building momentum coming into this game, winning 16 of their last 20 matches after a slow start to the season.
Midgame Momentum Shift Led by Jalen Green
Jalen Green scored 20 points in the first half, shooting 7-of-11 overall and 4-of-7 from three-point range. Although he briefly appeared to favor his left elbow late in the half, Green was able to return for the second half without issue. At halftime, the Suns held a slim lead, 60-58, with Devin Booker contributing 14 points and a perfect 10-of-10 from the free-throw line.
Charlotte’s Brandon Miller was their top first-half scorer with 11 points, but the team’s shooting cooled significantly after their hot start.
Suns’ Growing Team Chemistry and Strategic Play
Suns forward Royce O’Neale captured the essence of the team’s recent development, stating,
“It’s a whole different team, coaching staff,”
and added,
“A different style of play that we’re playing offensively and defensively. New group of guys coming together.”
This cohesion has allowed Phoenix to surpass their win total from the previous season, even after adding stars like Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal to the roster.
Looking Ahead to the Next Encounter
This game marked the first of two meetings between the Suns and Hornets this season, with the next scheduled for April 2 in Charlotte. Phoenix’s improvement this season, combined with their ability to compete without several injured key players, suggests they remain a formidable contender as they chase a stronger postseason position.
