EMPIRE OF THE SUNS

Josh Jackson’s strong performance not enough for Suns to win on road

Feb 6, 2019, 9:29 PM | Updated: 9:49 pm

Phoenix Suns' Josh Jackson (20) attempts a layup as Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors, right, defend...

Phoenix Suns' Josh Jackson (20) attempts a layup as Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors, right, defends in the first half of an NBA basketball game on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Kim Raff)

(AP Photo/Kim Raff)

Even on a night in which the Phoenix Suns get one of their players’ best performances of the season, it’s hard to win without the injured Devin Booker, De’Anthony Melton and T.J. Warren.

It’s possible — but hard.

Josh Jackson had what might of been his best outing as a Sun this season. He had 27 points, four rebounds, seven assists and five steals, but the Suns fell to the Jazz 116-88.

Jackson’s 27 on Wednesday night made it three straight games Jackson has scored at least 25 points in.

He was attacking the rim and finishing through contact.

He got to the line well, making eight of his 10 attempts there and was 8-of-12 from the field on his two-pointers.

As they have from time to time while down key players, the Suns continued to fight and find just enough offense to be in the game. In addition to 27 from Jackson, Kelly Oubre Jr. had 16 off the bench and Deandre Ayton added 20 points.

While the Jazz were in control of the game throughout, the Suns were only down six points at the end of the first quarter, 10 at halftime and eight at the end of the third quarter.

But as they have all season, the Suns couldn’t avoid giving up easy baskets to their opponent and that makes it extremely difficult to come back on the road.

As soon as the Suns would get the deficit back to within five, six or eight, the Jazz would go on a quick run, like they did to start the fourth quarter.

That quickly ballooned up to a 17-point deficit midway through the fourth quarter and Utah pulled away from there.

Following a 7-for-25 shooting performance from 3-point range in a loss to the Rockets on Monday, the Suns shot 3-of-17 from deep in Utah.

The Jazz shot 50 percent as a team and had seven players score in double figures.

Phoenix has now lost 12 straight and 19 of its last 21 games.

JOHNSON’S ARRIVAL

With the arrival of newly acquired guard Tyler Johnson on Thursday according to The Athletic’s Gina Mizell, all eyes will be on how he fits into the Suns’ point guard rotation on Friday at home against the Golden State Warriors.

With Melton continuing to be out due to a right ankle sprain, Okobo got the start Wednesday while two-way point guard Jawun Evans also got spot minutes. He played 11 off the bench and had two points, two rebounds and an assist.

Jamal Crawford is the name to watch with Johnson’s emergence. Crawford has been used to run the offense when Booker rests while playing with Booker when the two-guard returns from the bench. That’s the type of role the combo guard Johnson figures to play, whether it’s off the bench or starting in favor of Melton, who isn’t expected back from injury until after the All-Star break.

Crawford didn’t score and had four assists in 10 minutes.

Due to Okobo’s inconsistent play, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Johnson starting Friday if he can pick up the offense quickly enough.

There are also some occasional minutes at two guard available for Johnson should head coach Igor Kokoskov elect to play him there. Behind Booker, the Suns have not played a traditional guard and instead one of their wings. With limited bodies on Wednesday, Troy Daniels played 14 minutes in a backup role.

For more on Johnson and coverage of the 1 p.m. trade deadline Thursday, tune in to 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.

Empire of the Suns

Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets is guarded by Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns during th...

Kellan Olson

Suns respond to season’s low point with thorough win over Nuggets

The guessing game of which Suns team shows up on which night persists. The best current version did on Wednesday in a win over the Nuggets.

10 hours ago

Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns argues a call with official Pat Fraser n the first half as Jere...

Kellan Olson

Suns stumble through latest inexcusable effort, lose to shorthanded Spurs

The Phoenix Suns followed up Saturday's win over the San Antonio Spurs with Monday's offering being more of what we've come to expect.

3 days ago

Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns drives in front of Keldon Johnson #3 of the San Antonio Spurs i...

Kellan Olson

Phoenix Suns find better energy for clinical win over Spurs

The Phoenix Suns were overdue for a win like Saturday's 131-106 final over the San Antonio Spurs, taking care of business early.

5 days ago

Jusuf Nurkic #20 of the Phoenix Suns passes over Kyle Lowry #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the...

Kellan Olson

Suns work through typical turnover problems to defeat 76ers

The Phoenix Suns dealt with some of their usual issues while managing a comfortable win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

7 days ago

Isaiah Thomas #4 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on prior to the game against the Miami Heat at FTX ...

Kellan Olson

Isaiah Thomas returns to NBA, Suns after injuries derailed his career in its prime

Isaiah Thomas' NBA journey is a unique one. Here's how he thinks he can help the 2023-24 Phoenix Suns in a return to the league.

8 days ago

Phoenix Suns head coach Frank Vogel looks on during the second quarter against the Boston Celtics  ...

Kellan Olson

Suns in serious jeopardy of play-in tournament fate entering last month of season

You wouldn't have guessed it by watching them over the last two games but the Phoenix Suns are in a precarious position.

9 days ago

Josh Jackson’s strong performance not enough for Suns to win on road