The Phoenix Suns, led by Kevin Durant’s 31 points and Beal’s 25 points, earned their third straight win by defeating the Orlando Magic 112-107 in NBA action on Sunday. Surprisingly, this game marked only the fourth time the Suns’ all-star lineup of Durant, Beal and Devin Booker played together this season.
Bradley Beal’s impressive athleticism was on display as he performed a powerful two-handed dunk over Jalen Suggs. This highlight is part of Beal’s increasingly promising debut season with the Suns.“We’re very talented, we’re very good,” Beal said. “We make it easier for each other.”Beal, limited to just eight games due to back and ankle injuries, demonstrated his efficiency by scoring 10 of 13 from the field. Acquired from Washington during the offseason, the 30-year-old received praise for his performance from coach Frank Vogel, who noted Beal’s two-way influence on the game.“So we’re really excited to see what Bradley Beal will look like in a Suns jersey,” Vogel said. “He doesn’t really have his legs completely under him, but he went 10 for 13, 25 points, several great one-on-one defensive snaps, took charge and had some really athletic rebounds. He is a dynamic player on both sides of the ball. Despite trailing for most of the game, Orlando staged a comeback and cut the lead to two points late in the third quarter, with Paolo Banchero scoring 12 points in the period. Thanks to a three-point basket from Gary Harris, the Magic briefly took the lead in the fourth quarter. However, the Suns responded with a decisive 17-6 run, led by Durant’s efficient shooting and contributions from Booker and Jusuf Nurkic.The Phoenix bench contributed modestly, with Chimezie Metu scoring all six points for the reserves. Banchero led the Magic with 28 points, Franz Wagner added 27 and Wendell Carter Jr. contributed 17 points coming off the bench.“They have guys — especially Durant, Booker and Brad — any one of them can finish the game,” Banchero said. “So when all three are there, it’s difficult. It’s just hard to keep up with their shooting quality. We had a good appearance that did not diminish.The Suns showed improved ball movement with Beal’s return, a stark contrast to their struggles in the 12 games preceding their current winning streak.
Durant acknowledged the team’s efforts to redefine its identity through extensive film studies.“That’s what happens when you go through a tough time: You watch a lot of film and try to figure out who you want to be as a team,” Durant said. Phoenix also saw the return of guard Josh Okogie from an ankle injury, while the Magic were missing key players Markelle Fultz and Jonathan Isaac due to injuries.The Magic are scheduled to face the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday and the Suns are scheduled to host the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday.
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