The shorthanded Brooklyn Nets (9-10) launched a furious third-quarter rally to stun the Phoenix Suns (10-8) with a 127-117 victory on November 28. The Nets have won four of their last five games, including three straight, while the Suns have lost seven of nine.
Ben Simmons had a strong all-around game, racking up 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists. Dennis Schröder finished with 29 points and 4 rebounds. But it was the reserves who stole the show. Tyrese Martin went absolutely crazy, dropping 30 points, and hitting 8-of-10 from three-point range while Trendon Watford added 18 points. The Nets’ bench played a major role in the win, providing 54 points against 23 for the Suns.
Devin Booker led the Suns’ attack with 31 points and 4 assists. Kevin Durant contributed 30 points and 8 rebounds, while Bradley Beal chipped in 17. But the Suns crumbled against the Nets’ aggression and physicality, committing 17 turnovers (7 from Durant) that led to 24 points.
Simmons and Martin Fuel Nets’ Balanced Offensive Assault
The early going was a tight affair, but the Suns gained a slight edge behind Booker’s 11 points. Phoenix held the upper hand throughout the second until Brooklyn took over late, with three consecutive three-pointers.
The Nets turned up the heat in the third, exploding on a 17-3 run to take an (80-66) lead. Simmons had 4 assists, while Schröder poured in 7 points to lead the charge. Durant tried to rally the Suns but Schröder and Martin kept their momentum going. The Nets continued their surge in the fourth, with Martin hitting three triples to extend the margin to (114-97). Phoenix tried to claw their way back, but Brooklyn had an answer to every challenge.
