PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns (14-12) snapped a two-game winning streak against the Indiana Pacers (13-15) by a score of 120-111 tonight at the Footprint Center in their big Christmas Day matchup with the Denver Nuggets.

Tonight saw Bradley Beal return after a three-game absence – and both teams showed great effort early on.

Indiana took a 32-29 lead after the first 12 minutes of play behind a balanced scoring effort led by 7 points from Andrew Nembhard.

A late attack by Phoenix – capped by a buzzer-beater from Royce O’Neale – ended the half as Indiana continued to lead by a score of 60-59.

The Pacers came out of halftime firing on all cylinders with a 37-point quarter that led to a 97-83 lead heading into the final 12 minutes.

The Suns appeared to be on the verge of mounting a comeback – they worked the game down to a 9-point deficit with about two minutes to play – but a lack of defensive stops sealed defeat tonight.

Devin Booker – 17 PTS, 6 AST; Left play in the 3rd quarter (groin)

Kevin Durant – 37 PTS, 8 REB, 6 AST, 15-27 FG

Jusuf Nurkic – 12 PTS, 10 REB, 2 AST

Pascal Siakam – 25 PTS, 18 REB, 3 AST

Tyrese Haliburton – 13 PTS, 4 REB, 12 AST

The Suns face the Detroit Pistons at home on Saturday night before heading to a date with the Denver Nuggets on Monday.