NBA roundup: Booker sets Sun record, Hornets make it rain buckets in huge win
Salt Lake City, Utah - The Phoenix Suns recorded their eighth consecutive victory as they defeated the Utah Jazz 105-97 with Devin Booker producing another 40-point game on Wednesday.
Booker had 43 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists after a first-quarter scoring blitz as the Suns opened up an early 39-18 lead.
Chris Paul (21 points) added some key points down the stretch as the Jazz rallied in the last quarter.
The 25-year-old shooting guard recorded his 16th career 40-point game, moving past Amar'e Stoudemire for most in Suns franchise history, sitting ahead of Tom Chambers and Walter Davis too.
"I don’t take these moments for granted," Booker told AP. "Coming into a tough Utah building and it being rowdy here and us only having nine men and still coming up with a win – that’s why you see a smile on our faces."
The victory means the table-topping Suns improve to 38-9 overall and 8-0 on the road this calendar year.
Around the league
The Charlotte Hornets set a franchise record for single NBA game scoring and produced the highest points total this season as they downed the Indiana Pacers 158-126. The Hornets hit 24 three-pointers, with LaMelo Ball (29 points, 10 rebounds, 13 assists) and Kelly Oubre Jr (39 points) starring.
The Cleveland Cavaliers underlined their credentials as contenders with a 115-99 win over the champions Milwaukee Bucks. The Cavs moved above the Bucks with their eighth win in their past nine games, with Kevin Love scoring 25 points. Giannis Antetokounmpo had 26 points and nine rebounds for the Bucks.
Ja Morant was exceptional with 41 points, five rebounds, and eight assists as the Memphis Grizzlies won 118-110 over the San Antonio Spurs, while Nikola Jokić (26 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists) led the Denver Nuggets past the depleted Brooklyn Nets 124-118. James Harden was out with hamstring tightness.
The Chicago Bulls only managed seven three-pointers, shooting at 26.9% from beyond the arc, yet they won 111-105 over the Toronto Raptors.
The Bulls had lost six of seven but have steadied to win their past two, with DeMar DeRozan getting 29 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists.
Cover photo: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire