Suns go cold from 3-point range in loss to Orlando
Mar 24, 2018, 6:46 PM | Updated: 8:10 pm
(AP Photo/John Raoux)
(AP Photo/John Raoux)
The Suns couldn’t end their 10-game losing streak on Saturday, falling 105-99 to the Magic.
They also had a brief scare of losing a different streak. Phoenix missed its first 12 3-pointers over the first 20 minutes of the game, not making one until 2:11 remained in the first half.
But when a team takes 29 3-pointers in a game, it’s bound to make a few, even on off nights. The Suns finished 7-of-29 behind the arc without Devin Booker, sitting due to a sprained hand on the anniversary of his 70-point game.
With Booker on the bench, Phoenix got a look at a different player it may try to add to the timeline: Magic forward Aaron Gordon. The 22-year-old will be a free agent this offseason, and his athleticism and size makes him an attractive option to pursue.
He finished the game with 29 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. His 3-point ability is also improving: after shooting .289 from behind the arc over his first three seasons, he’s up to .343 this year.
Gordon went 3-of-6 behind the arc Saturday, including one with three minutes in the game to turn a competitive half into a seven-point Magic lead, one which Orlando would not relinquish.
After a slow start, the Suns looked like they may be able to get their first March victory. Forward Josh Jackson continued to show his offensive abilities when he controls his body, and the Suns went 8-of-10 from the free throw line in the first half.
They held a slim lead in the third quarter before the Magic rattled off a 10-0 run over a minute and a half. The Suns briefly caught up again, taking a 78-77 lead, but immediately fell behind after a Magic three-pointer.
Orlando went 6-of-9 behind the arc in the fourth quarter.
Elfrid Payton had 14 points, eight assists and five rebounds in his return to Orlando. Jackson led the Suns with 18 points and center Alex Len put up 15.
Magic guard D.J. Augustin nearly put up a triple-double, scoring 15 points to go with 10 assists and nine rebounds.
The Suns still have the worst record in the NBA and the No. 1 Lottery odds in the league.
