Phoenix Suns end losing streak with win over Wizards: By the Numbers
Jan 29, 2015, 6:20 AM | Updated: 6:20 am
Things started so well on the Phoenix Suns’ franchise-record eight-game homestand.
The Suns won the first four games, but a last-second game-winning shot by James Harden last Friday was the beginning of a two-game losing streak. That losing streak ended on Wednesday night.
Phoenix came out firing, dropping 29 points on the Washington Wizards in the opening quarter. Phoenix took a 17-point lead into halftime and everything looked to be going the Suns way. However, Phoenix’s big lead withered away early in the fourth quarter as Washington got as close as four points, but was unable to take the lead.
The Suns ultimately beat Wizards 106-98 to improve to 27-20 on the season.
Goran Dragic led all players with 20 points, while Isaiah Thomas scored 18 and Markieff Morris added 16.
The Suns are clinging to the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference 47 games into the season. Halting the losing streak will do wonders for the team’s confidence and the ability to remain in the thick of the playoff race.
Here’s how the Suns broke their two-game losing streak, by the numbers:
1
P.J. Tucker recorded his first double-double of the season with 12 points and 10 rebounds. His 10 rebounds were the third-most in a game this season.
4
Eric Bledsoe saw his career-high four-game streak of at least 17 points and six assists snapped on Wednesday night. He got the six assists but finished with just eight points.
5
Five Suns scored in double figures against the Wizards. In addition to Dragic, Thomas, Morris and Tucker listed above, Brandan Wright scored 13 points off the bench including a couple thunderous dunks.
7
The Suns kept John Wall in check all night. Coming in to the game with an NBA-best 10.2 assists per game, Wall had just seven helpers and 11 points.
-13
Every Suns starter had a positive +/- except center Alex Len. Len scored eight points and grabbed two rebounds but was a -13 in 25 minutes on the floor.
15-7
The Wizards had a strong game on the offensive glass, outrebounding the Suns 15-7 in that area and 50-41 in total.
100
Scoring is not an issue for Phoenix on most nights. The Suns have scored at least 100 points in 18 of their last 19 games.
