PHOENIX SUNS

Phoenix Suns block 14 shots in dominant win vs. Trail Blazers

Nov 5, 2022, 8:21 PM | Updated: 9:37 pm

Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton went up and rejected a hook shot by Portland Trail Blazers big Jusuf Nurkic in the second quarter of Saturday’s matchup at Footprint Center.

Portland forward Trenton Watford retrieved the board and went back up with it, and Ayton swatted it before Watford even released the ball.

The Suns blocked nine shots in the first half against Portland, which set a season high nine games in. Phoenix finished the night with 14 rejections and won the game 102-82.

The Blazers made only 12 of 38 shots from inside the arc (31.6%) in the first 24 minutes and finished at 35.9% on 2s.

Ayton and Devin Booker each blocked a pair of shots, but backup big man Bismack Biyombo and forward Torrey Craig led the team with three apiece. Eight players blocked a shot for Phoenix.

The Suns’ offense complimented the defense with a balanced attack.

Booker led the way with 24 points, but nine players scored multiple buckets, including all five starters.

Craig started in place of the injured Cam Johnson, and he scored a couple of early baskets, including a cutting dunk from a Chris Paul assist.

The Suns improved to 7-2 on the season with the win.

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