Houston, you have a problem. The problem was the scorching hot Suns who could not miss depth as they put together an offensive clinic in a 126-120 victory.
- New NBA record with 12 tries in a quarter (2nd quarter)
- Bind NBA record with 18 tries in the half (first half)
- New Suns record with 25 tries in a game
- Jae Crowder’s new career high on tries (8) made everyone in the first half
Phoenix now sits just 1.5 games back from the No. 1 series in the Western Series, after the Jazz dropped a game to the humble Wizards.
The Suns started the game a bit sluggishly, allowing Houston to get comfortable and struggling to find a rhythm in the first six minutes. Phoenix invited a timeout of two with 17-15, with 6:35 left in the first quarter.
Jae Crowder jumped on fire from deep and connected three of his first three three-point attempts.
Deandre Ayton also started actively, posting 8 points and 4 rebounds (3 offensive), along with a steal in his first 9 minutes of action.
The Suns took a 38-to-29 lead after 12 minutes of play, thanks to the strong finish in the quarter from the bench.
Jevon Carter put on a show in the 2nd quarter, picking three three-pointers in his first seven-minute action.
Crowder continued where he left off in the first quarter when he clocked in again, hitting his first 2 three-point attempts in the 2nd quarter.
The Suns were 15-for-21 (71%) from deep with 3:20 left in the half, shooting the lights out early.
It was an offensive clinic because the Suns burned hot and clicked on all the cylinders they broke an NBA record of 18 tries in the first half!
Jae Crowder’s baseline in the 1st half was ridiculous:
26 points, 8/9 3PFG, 2 rebounds in 14 minutes.
Jae Crowder’s career high in three points made tonight was 6.
He is already 8-for-9 in just 14 minutes with 26 points at halftime.
– Zone (@AZSportsZone) 13 April 2021
At halftime, the Suns led 81-to-58, which they did in Houston what teams have done in their off years.
The start of the third quarter was far from inspiring, as they were forced to call an early timeout after surpassing 14-to-7 in the first four plus minutes.
Houston showed some fighting, but the Suns’ hot shooting continues. Their ball movement and execution in attack was also a sight to behold as they had 24 assistants as a team with 2:14 left in the third quarter.
Devin Booker had 12 points in the third quarter, pushing his total to 20.
Phoenix led 103 to 88 in the fourth and final quarter.
Early in the 4th quarter, they broke the franchise record for most tries in a game by 25.
Unfortunately, their defense did not bring the opportunity and allowed Houston to stay in the lead, eventually reducing it to 9 points, leading to a timeout from the Suns.
Meanwhile, the Rockets reduced the Suns’ lead to 9 points. Another 7:41 to go. Timeout Phoenix
– Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) 13 April 2021
The young Houston core really pushed the envelope and got so close to 5 points, but the Suns made it much higher and ended the game like good teams do. Unfortunately, they could not rest their entrees with Miami coming to town tomorrow for their 2nd of a rugby player.
Jae Crowder- 26 points, 8/12 3PFG (career high), 2 REB, 2 AST.
Tomorrow: Heat @ Suns— 19:00 MST