Phoenix Suns’ Kevin Durant delivered a standout performance, leading the Suns to a 119-109 victory over the Washington Wizards on Saturday night.
Durant’s 29-point effort powered Phoenix to a crucial win, marking their eighth victory in 11 games. He added five assists and five rebounds, helping the Suns improve to 23-21 on the season. Phoenix also benefited from the strong play of Nick Richards, who contributed a career-high 20 points and grabbed 19 rebounds in 33 minutes. Richards’ dominant presence in the paint helped secure the win for the Suns.
Washington, on the other hand, struggled throughout the game, despite an impressive 30-point performance from Kyle Kuzma. Kuzma also grabbed 11 rebounds, but his efforts weren’t enough to overcome the Suns. Washington remains in the NBA’s basement, with a 6-38 record. Jordan Poole added 19 points, but the Wizards couldn’t keep pace in the second half.
The game started with Phoenix taking control early, going on a 17-2 run midway through the first quarter to take a 14-point lead. Washington responded with a strong second-quarter performance, but Phoenix’s offense, led by Durant and Richards, proved too much to handle. The Suns took a 68-53 lead into halftime after Grayson Allen drained a buzzer-beating three-pointer.
Bradley Beal, who played a key role in Phoenix’s offense, finished with 20 points. Devin Booker, despite a rough shooting night from beyond the arc (0-for-8 on three-pointers), added 18 points. Tyus Jones also chipped in with 16 points and five assists, further bolstering the Suns’ win.
With about four minutes left, Phoenix led by 13 points, 111-98. Washington made a late push, cutting the deficit to just four points, 113-109, after Kuzma banked in a three-pointer with 1:57 remaining. However, Richards responded with two clutch free throws on the next possession, helping the Suns fend off the Wizards’ rally.
Despite their losing record, the Wizards showed flashes of talent throughout the game. Bilal Coulibaly and Alex Sarr each contributed solid performances, but Washington’s defense couldn’t contain Durant or Richards when it mattered most.
