Paul, Payne, lead balanced Phoenix Suns to big win over Orlando Magic

The Phoenix Suns got a much-needed win at home over the Orlando Magic 116-113 on Thursday evening, snapping a three-game losing streak with a balanced team effort.

After three straight losses and a three-game road trip on the horizon, the Phoenix Suns needed a win in the worst way. Despite not one Phoenix player reaching 20 points, the team pulled together and held off a game, but inexperienced Magic team.

The Suns stayed in the game early

After falling behind in the last several games in the first quarter, the Suns did better against Orlando. Although they were still trailing after one period, it was by only one point, and the game was anyone’s to win.

The first quarter reflected how the game would go, with seven different Phoenix players scoring, led by Cameron Payne, who had seven in the first. Payne had been struggling to find his rhythm coming off a foot injury, has now scored 31 points in the last two games. Those are his first two double-digit scoring games since his first game back from injury back on February 24.

The Suns need Payne to be a major contributor if the team is going to be successful. Cam was a significant contributor in Thursday’s win, with five assists to go with 18 points against only one turnover in just over 20 minutes of playing time.

A familiar duo getting it done for Phoenix

While Payne was a significant pain in the magic for Orlando, Devin Booker led the team in scoring. Booker was quiet on the evening with only 19 points, and I say only after DBook had 17 points in a quarter in the Suns’ previous game. Booker worked hard for those 19 points, maybe too hard, but the team needed every point.

Although Phoenix was outscored in the fourth quarter, 28-22, it was still a very familiar ending for Suns fans, with a couple of big buckets down the stretch from CP3. Paul was an efficient 7 of 11 from the field for 16 points and seven assists. Those jumpers, along with a couple of big defensive plays from Josh Okogie and two free throws from Terrance Ross, iced the game and got Phoenix a big win.