Booker, Suns extend win streak to 15, beat Knicks 118-97

Posted November 26, 2021 6:00 am

The Associated Press

Phoenix Suns' Devin Booker (1) looks to pass over New York Knicks' Julius Randle (30) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Nov. 26, 2021, in New York. AP Photo/John Munson) The Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) - Devin Booker scored 32 points and the Phoenix Suns beat the New York Knicks 118-97 on Friday night for their 15th straight victory, matching the second-longest winning streak in franchise history.

Chris Paul had 14 points and 10 assists for the Suns, who improved to 16-3. The reigning Western Conference champions will try to wrap up a perfect four-game trip Saturday in a showdown with East-leading Brooklyn.

Phoenix also won 15 straight during the 2006-07 season. The Suns won a franchise-best 17 in a row later that season.

Deandre Ayton finished with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Booker was 14 for 27 from the field, making four 3-pointers. He did not attempt a free throw.

The Suns had to work hard to pull out victories in San Antonio and Cleveland to start the trip, but were in control most of the way at Madison Square Garden. They were ahead for the final three quarters and led by as much as 24 points.

Kemba Walker scored 17 points for the Knicks, who have lost seven straight games to the Phoenix since beating them twice during the 2017-18 season.

Booker scored 21 points over the first two quarters for the Suns, who shot 24 for 45 (53%) to lead 57-44 at halftime.

The All-Star guard led an 8-2 run midway through the second quarter and capped it off by finding an open Mikal Bridges for a dunk that extended the lead to 48-34 with 4 minutes left in the second quarter.

And when Walker closed the deficit to 67-57 with 7:31 remaining in the third, Booker hit a 17-foot jumper and a 3-pointer in a stretch of a minute to extend the Suns' advantage to 72-57.

TIP-INS

Suns: Jae Crowder chipped in 11 points. ... The Suns are an NBA-best 8-1 on the road. '¦

Knicks: G Derrick Rose missed his second straight game due to a sprained right ankle. '¦ C Taj Gibson (sore groin) missed his third consecutive game.

UP NEXT

Suns: Remain in New York and visit Brooklyn on Saturday.

Knicks: Visit the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night. It's the first meeting between the teams since Game 5 of the playoffs last season when the Hawks eliminated the Knicks.

___

More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

New York Knicks' Evan Fournier (13) shoots over Phoenix Suns' Chris Paul (3) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Nov. 26, 2021, in New York. AP Photo/John Munson) The Associated Press

New York Knicks' Immanuel Quickley (5) guards Phoenix Suns' Chris Paul (3) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Nov. 26, 2021, in New York. AP Photo/John Munson) The Associated Press

New York Knicks' Alec Burks (18) drives between Phoenix Suns' Cameron Payne (15) and Landry Shamet (14) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Nov. 26, 2021, in New York. AP Photo/John Munson) The Associated Press

Article Comments

Article Categories
Basketball Content Providers NBA Pro Sports Sports Sports Leagues Sports Types

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.