PHOENIX SUNS

Suns Strokes: Dragic-less Suns overmatched in loss to Jazz

Mar 28, 2013, 3:58 AM | Updated: 4:15 am

Sure, you could read the box score and know who won, but we all know that won’t tell you everything that happened in a basketball game. So, we will give you Suns Strokes, providing you with the analysis, quotes and notes from the Suns’ 103-88 loss to Jazz on March 27.

The Good:

The Suns did something they hadn’t done in their previous three losses: come out hot. Phoenix began Wednesday’s game 9-of-12 from the field before going cold the final six minutes of the first quarter (trailed 34-23).

Despite two days off between games, the Suns decided to “rest” starting point guard Goran Dragic. In his place, Kendall Marshall made his first NBA start. The former UNC star showed off his impressive passing skills and finished with a game-high 13 assists.

For the first time this season, Wesley Johnson put together back-to-back 20-point games. Johnson scored a season-high 22 points and hit 4-of-7 from three-point range.

The Bad:

Al Jefferson has always been a terror against the Suns, and Wednesday night was no different. Whether he was guarded by Markieff Morris, Hamed Haddadi or Jermaine O’Neal, Jefferson had no problem putting up shots or points against Phoenix. In all, Jefferson scored a game-high 25 points and added nine rebounds.

Gordon Hayward also had his way at the offensive end — whether it be from the free throw line or beyond the three-point arc. Hayward also finished with 25 points in the victory.

The Suns actually made a game of it in the third quarter closing the gap to 75-71, but a bad lapse to start the final frame (10-0 run by Jazz) gave Utah a rather easy double-digit advantage.

He Said It:

“I thought our young guys fought pretty hard,” interim head coach Lindsey Hunter said. “Kendall did a great job of distributing the ball, running the offense. “I think this is his first time playing extended minutes, so I think it got to him. I think he got a little tired.”

Noted:

• The Suns have lost four or more in a row six different times in 2012-13.

• Phoenix has lost three straight at Energy Solutions Arena dating back to April 2012.

• Luis Scola had his first 20-point game since January 23.

• Diante Garrett played extended minutes (14) off the bench in Utah. Garrett had eight points and one assist.

Up Next:

The Suns (23-49) play the second end of their back-to-back Thursday at US Airways Center against the Sacramento Kings. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

Phoenix Suns

Jusuf Nurkic...

Damon Allred

Jusuf Nurkic questionable for Suns’ matchup with Thunder; Bradley Beal no longer listed

The Phoenix Suns are listing center Jusuf Nurkic questionable for a matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday.

9 hours ago

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.

1 day ago

Bradley Beal #3 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the second half against the Boston Celtics at T...

David Veenstra

Bradley Beal in, Jusuf Nurkic out for Suns’ matchup with Nuggets

Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal is active for Wednesday's matchup with the Denver Nuggets while center Jusuf Nurkic is out.

1 day ago

Tyler Kolek, Marquette...

Damon Allred

Here’s who Phoenix Suns fans should watch in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16

The Suns' first round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft sits at No. 19 overall, and they could select a star from the NCAA Tournament.

1 day ago

Phoenix Suns take on San Antonio Spurs...

Arizona Sports

O’Neale: Phoenix Suns took Spurs ‘too lightly’ in glaring loss

The Phoenix Suns' lack of effort was on display Monday night against the San Antonio Spurs, leading to an honest film session.

2 days ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Royce O’Neale: Suns took Spurs “a little too lightly”

Phoenix Suns forward Royce O'Neale joined Burns & Gambo to talk about the team's disappointing loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, and to look ahead at the team's remaining schedule, as they continue to make a push toward the NBA playoffs.

2 days ago

Suns Strokes: Dragic-less Suns overmatched in loss to Jazz