The Phoenix Suns led throughout and never looked back after putting up one of their best defensive performances of the season. They have won two straight and will look to continue their winning streak on Thursday against the struggling Pelicans team.

The full effort wasn’t enough for the Suns to advance as a wild card in the NBA Cup, and Dallas stormed back and picked up a win against the Grizzlies. The Suns finished group play 3-1 with a lead of +30 points.

The win provides some optimism, but the glaring storyline here will be that Kevin Durant did not return after spraining his ankle on a drive to the rim late in the first half. He initially tried to play through it, but then went to the locker room and didn’t return. Sigh.

The positive? Phoenix held the Spurs to just 93 points and Devin Booker looked strong. They did a great job taking Wembanyama out of the game within four minutes of the 3rd quarter.

Top performers

• Devin Booker – 29 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 10-21 FG
• Tyus Jones – 16 points, 4 assists, 0 turnovers, 6-10 FG
• Victor Wembanyama – 15 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists, 6-18 FG
• Devin Vassell – 25 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, 10-14 FG

Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images

First half

The Suns got off to a hot start, opening with a 7-0 run that led to an early Spurs timeout. Phoenix scored four goals in a row after the timeout and extended the lead to 11-0.

Devin Booker joined Walter Davis as the only other players in franchise history to score 15,000 points in a Suns jersey wearing this sweater.

The Spurs fought back and took advantage of the Suns’ turnovers early on, including Durant throwing a pass directly to Devin Vassell, who converted a wide-open three-pointer.

Phoenix’s defense was locked in, holding the Spurs to just 19 points in the first quarter. The Suns led 29-19 and Devin Booker led the way with 12 in the first.

The Suns began to lose momentum until Bradley Beal came back in substitution against Chris Paul and hit a three-pointer from Kevin Durant that brought the Phoenix back up to eight.

Durant put on a show with that shake, losing Wembanyama and then making the easy two.

The Suns’ ball movement was sharp to end the half. They extended the lead back to 13 after a fastbreak layup from Tyus Jones.

The Suns’ defense stayed strong and allowed just 39 points in the first half, giving them a 52-39 lead at the break. Phoenix held Victor Wembanyama scoreless in the first half. Durant (13), Booker (12) and Jones (11) were all in double figures at the start of the half.

Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images

Second half

The third quarter began with a harsh reality that has haunted the Suns all season. Kevin Durant remained in the locker room after twisting his ankle, and the Suns’ Big 3’s stay on the court together was interrupted again.

Spurs opened the half with an attacking surge and Wemby showed more momentum, scoring 12 points in the first 4:30 minutes after a scoreless first half. The Spurs took control on both sides and cut the lead to two, 59-57.

Tyus Jones restored order with a three-ball and then drew a foul to get to the line on consecutive possessions. Phoenix went on an 8-0 run and extended the lead back to 10.

The Spurs responded again, cutting the lead to four, forcing a Phoenix timeout. They outscored the Suns 32-23 in the third, with the Phoenix without Kevin Durant.

Phoenix entered the fourth quarter with a four-point lead of 75-71.

The 4th quarter began with a 7-0 Suns advance, with Devin Booker continuing his winning streak.

Phoenix’s lead grew to 14 after a three-pointer from Bradley Beal, giving them an 87-73 lead. A Monte Morris triple increased the score to 17 shortly afterwards.

A personal 5-0 run from Royce O’Neale was the icing on the cake, giving the Suns a 17-point lead with four minutes left.

San Antonio fought until the final minute, but the Suns were able to hang on and secure their second win in a row. Chris Paul’s return to the Valley ended in defeat, but Book had nice things to say to his former teammate and good friend.

Next up?

Phoenix Suns @ New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday at 6 p.m. (AZ time)