The Phoenix Suns got off to a strong start and never looked back.
Led by Devin Booker, the Suns looked like a team that belonged from the start of the game.
Bridges gave the Suns their first two points with a creative little jump hook from the key, sparking the idea for the Suns’ wing to continue to take the ball to the rim, which is something that Bridges needs to do more of with his crazy length.
More of it, he did.
His continued success to drive on the smaller man, gaining access to a clear shot shows the offensive threat he can be.
The path to the basket, led by Bridges, was soon followed by Booker and Saric. Saric, mostly known for hustle and missing easy layups, was finishing tonight. The isolation game was working his way as well, as he handled a behind the back dribble to himself leading to a foul after he almost blew by a defender. These are things we haven’t seen pre-bubble for the big guy.
Booker, whose play-making has drastically improved this year, continued to find the open man at ease while also finding his shot. He became Mr. Efficient early in the game to relax the rest of the team as he carried heavy-set eyes full of confidence. This is his team. But that was only halfway into the first quarter! Things started just right for the Suns, who took a 12-7 lead into the first called timeout with 5:32 left and never really looked back.