Phoenix Suns VS St Pete Serpents
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GamingTranscript
00:04Hello, everyone. Proud to bring you Wednesday night coverage of the NBA on 2K Sports.
00:10I'm Kevin Harlan, along with Tim Legler and Greg Anthony.
00:13And our reporter on the sideline tonight, Ali LaForce.
00:18Let's see some of the numbers here for Keon Ellis.
00:21And the one thing that he'll be looking to change is the downturn in his three-point percentage.
00:27And it's taking a hit here the last ten games.
00:30I know he's putting in extra work to get that rhythm back.
00:34And now the opening lineup for Phoenix.
00:36O'Neal is out there with Williams.
00:38Then there's Jalen Green.
00:40Then it's Brooks.
00:41And it's Booker in at the point guard position.
00:44Mitchell is out there with Ellis.
00:46Then it's Kevin Herter.
00:47Then it's Charles Bassey.
00:49And it's Watson in at the power forward position.
00:52Now that we have over half of this season completed, Greg,
00:56what are you most interested in seeing moving forward?
00:59I'm looking at which teams are going to make that playoff push, right?
01:03And which teams are content with slipping into the lottery.
01:07A lot will be determined over the next few weeks.
01:11Booker's shot is good.
01:12That is great work by Booker there.
01:15He completely lost the defense.
01:19Pass to Bassey over Williams.
01:22Bassey, no good.
01:27Now here's Booker.
01:29Outside O'Neal.
01:32Plays it up and banks it in.
01:34An awesome distributor.
01:37Booker's floor awareness and understanding of when to dish it is a real weapon.
01:43Ellis can't get it to go.
01:45And so Green will bring it up for the Suns.
01:49Four-point game.
01:50Brooks with no one around.
01:51No good on the three.
01:53I'm surprised he missed that one.
01:56He is a dangerous guy to leave open.
01:59Puts it up.
02:02That's short off the rim.
02:03The defense really didn't do enough to alter that shot.
02:06It's simply a miss.
02:08And the wide-open shot from Green.
02:10His three-pointers off the mark.
02:12Ellis outside.
02:15That one's in.
02:16His first bucket of the game.
02:18He's one for two.
02:19And that's the first bucket of the night.
02:21Maybe that will get him going.
02:25Outside Green.
02:30Williams scanning the four.
02:33Pass to Booker.
02:34For the three.
02:35And it's good.
02:36Assisting on the play was Williams.
02:38Booker's got five points so far.
02:40Now there is no doubt about it.
02:42Booker is one of the best catch-and-shoot options in this league.
02:47Looking around the NBA.
02:48Devin Booker, GA, is as good as any two-guard out there.
02:52Obviously, we know how Devin scores it.
02:55But what I love, you also can run your offense.
02:58And he gives good effort defensively.
03:00And the story here, Kevin, early on is how well they shot the basketball.
03:06Mitchell with it.
03:07He's hooked up by Brooks.
03:09Ellis.
03:09That's good.
03:10And he's not going to miss that sort of an opportunity from Deke.
03:16Booker, the pass to Green.
03:19Trying to answer back.
03:20But that three is off the mark.
03:22Gone 50% from the field.
03:24Hitting three to six since the opening's hit.
03:26Yeah, he gives up a few inches to most of his match-ups.
03:29But his ability to rise above always gives him a chance.
03:34Now here's Booker.
03:3523 points his last outing.
03:37And the shot goes in.
03:39Boy, he is looking confident.
03:41Love how they're using him so far.
03:43And now they are just going to keep riding that momentum with the hot hand.
03:53And here's a look at the power rankings.
03:55Now that we've gotten into February, plenty of data to considering to go on.
04:00You look at the Nuggets.
04:01They're gaining on some of the teams above them, trying hard to crack into that top five.
04:05Well, seeing where this home team is right now...
04:09They just haven't looked like themselves of late.
04:12Trending down in the rankings.
04:14Not what they want to see happen.
04:17Herter, no good.
04:19Phoenix Suns come into this one, following a loss to the Timberwolves in Minnesota.
04:24Tries again.
04:25And it's blocked.
04:29Pass to Ellis.
04:31Back to Herter.
04:33Here's Bassett.
04:35Defended by Booker.
04:36Mitchell left side.
04:39Watson finds Herter.
04:4113 feet away.
04:43It's hauled in by the Suns.
04:44Their last encounter was in Phoenix.
04:46Well, in that one, they just had everything working offensively.
04:51It's a lot of fun when you get into that kind of a group.
04:54But the coaching staff had them prepared with a great game plan.
04:58And they went out and executed it.
05:02Watson's shot is off.
05:04And so Green will bring it up for the Suns.
05:07Leading by five.
05:08Coming off that loss against the Timberwolves.
05:11In the NBA, you've got to keep pace.
05:13It's a fast track out there.
05:15And I thought their lack of hustle defensively was the story of the game.
05:20That's a great point.
05:21And you can also add poor communication.
05:23The rotations were slow.
05:25And sometimes not even there at all.
05:28Now, here's Green.
05:29He had a 12-point outing in their last game against Minnesota.
05:33And already, they've taken out a noticeable advantage
05:36in terms of aggression and controlling the back end.
05:40Three of four to start.
05:42Youngfella came to play.
05:47Here's Green.
05:48And he can be counted on to put some points on the board every night.
05:51He's averaging right around 13 and a half points a game.
05:54It's been a rough quarter for him.
05:56I think patience can help.
05:58Take the shots that are there.
06:00Don't force it.
06:01And now, let's send it over to our courtside reporter, Ali LaForce.
06:06Well, Devin Booker grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
06:09But around age 15, he moved to Moss Point, Mississippi to live and train with his father.
06:14Booker said, quote,
06:14I understood the goal, and I just embraced the culture and the inner city.
06:18They took me in.
06:19It was a really important time.
06:21And it was good for me.
06:22Back to you, Kevin.
06:23Thanks a lot, Ali.
06:25And Mitchell gets it to go.
06:27Yeah, another nice bucket down low.
06:30They've really been able to work the ball into the post effectively here so far.
06:35Jim, what would your advice be to get the Phoenix Suns back on track for their new head coach?
06:40I think they need to change their mentality about what wins in this league.
06:45It's about defense and activity level.
06:48You've got to have those players who are willing to lock in, fight, and battle for those 50-50 balls.
06:53Both teams will make substitution.
07:08Here's Williams.
07:10Oh, and the jam by Williams.
07:12Oh, you've got to feel poor guy getting dunked on like that.
07:16I mean, he's got no shot to stop that unless maybe he can pick up another foot somewhere.
07:21What a great look here at this tremendous move from our AT&T Connected Cam point of view.
07:28And he gives that rim a good tug on the way down.
07:32That's how you drive your point home right there.
07:35The Suns shooting to start this game.
07:38About 41% from the floor.
07:40Solid job of moving the ball by Green, setting up a teammate.
07:46The drive by Mitchell.
07:48And then Mitchell with the double.
07:51Gives the team such a great element, having a one guard who can get to the 10.
07:56Certainly something every team wants to have.
07:59And you can see how it energizes the entire team.
08:03A nice shot by Booker.
08:05Booker is a solid shooter from three-point land.
08:08The defense has to be up on him closer than that.
08:13It's past the top of the key.
08:17And he finishes nicely on the way.
08:19Yeah, three consecutive field goals have come right at the rim.
08:24The D had better start buckling down.
08:27And here's Booker from the arm.
08:29As he pulls it in.
08:31As he's got his fourth rebound with that last one.
08:34Here's the last.
08:34And the dunk by Hachimura.
08:37And the athleticism on display.
08:39You gotta enjoy watching Hachimura go for the powerful finish.
08:44Now, here's Green.
08:47Hires from deep.
08:49And Williams throws it down.
08:51And the second chance becomes a dunk we could feel over here.
08:56G.A. such a good, impressive play in the paint.
09:00Here's Mitchell.
09:0229 points for him last game against Charlotte.
09:04But he also picked apart the defense with his passing.
09:08I mean, this guy can really read the floor.
09:10Count that one.
09:11That's the right pass to make.
09:13Beautiful job.
09:14Now eight seconds separate from the two clocks.
09:17Allen, that's good.
09:18Well, there wasn't a lot of space in there.
09:20But Grayson Allen took advantage of that opportunity inside.
09:26Herter finds James.
09:29Down low.
09:31Here's Mitchell.
09:32He makes another one.
09:33That's four up and four in to start his game.
09:36That makes it ten of their last twelve coming from inside the paint.
09:42And he gets it to go.
09:44Booker's got twelve in the game.
09:46We'll see if they can finally hold on to a lead.
09:49It's been back and forth all night.
09:52Yeah, it's been a close matchup, which we expected.
09:54And this could very well come down to some big shots at the end.
09:58And so it's Devin Booker making highlights for the Phoenix Suns.
10:02That quarter had to take a lot out of him.
10:04He racked up twelve points.
10:06We'll get right back to the action when we return.
10:23And close game underway so far.
10:25We'll see if either of these teams can jump out in the second quarter.
10:29And guys, let's get your take on the scoring breakdown for the Suns.
10:32How about the ball movement so far?
10:35I mean, the unselfishness.
10:37Everyone here just playing for one another.
10:40And that can be infectious.
10:42And what about the collective efforts so far from distance?
10:45Their shooters have been on point there.
10:48On the court right now.
10:49Second quarter starting for the Suns.
10:51We've got Goodwin.
10:53Plumming is out there with Grayson Allen.
10:55Then there's Spencer Dinwiddie.
10:57And it's Richards in at the pivot spot.
10:59Manning the middle.
11:00And proving to be effective around the rim.
11:03Hachimura leaving no doubt about that one.
11:07Dinwiddie wide open.
11:09A three-pointer off the mark.
11:10You really need to take advantage of those looks.
11:13Because the defense won't give you many of them.
11:17James, the pass to Gillespie.
11:19Good on the triple.
11:21Well, the defense was a little soft right there.
11:23And it made it a practice shot.
11:29Dinwiddie with it.
11:30That one's in.
11:31His first bucket of the game.
11:33He's one for two.
11:34And nice slash to the basket from Dinwiddie.
11:36Showing off that nice knack.
11:39Chris Gorn.
11:39Pass to Gay.
11:42Now here's James.
11:45And he banks in the lane.
11:47And defensively, they're on their heels.
11:50Every time the ball comes inside.
11:56There's the drive.
11:57The basket counts and one.
11:59They'll go to the line with a chance to make it a three-point play.
12:03How about battling through the impact there and then wheeling that basketball in?
12:08The Suns shooting their first free-throw attempt on the night.
12:11The Suns making a change here.
12:13Libbers is checked in.
12:19And that one misses.
12:21So, Tim, here's a word you often hear teams talk about.
12:24And that's culture.
12:25How does an organization create the right culture?
12:29Well, I think, Kevin, you establish core values and then you make those non-negotiable.
12:36When everybody connects with that and connects to those values, you really have something special.
12:42Holding on to the rope and pulling in the same direction.
12:44That's what it's all about.
12:47Dinwiddie's got space.
12:49Falls through.
12:50He's now made two of four.
12:51Yeah, everybody will remember the bucket.
12:54But how about that pass to set it up?
12:57Go on three of three from three-point land here tonight.
13:00Gillespie.
13:00The pass to Najee.
13:03Banked in off the glass.
13:05Najee's got his second basket.
13:06And they've had assists now in their last three baskets.
13:12Pass to Richards.
13:17Goodwin feeling it out.
13:20Prince grabs the miss.
13:23Gone a sensational five of five from the field since the start of the second quarter.
13:27Nice shot by James.
13:29How many times have we seen a possession like that from them today?
13:33Ending with a basket coming off a pretty pass.
13:36Here's the screen.
13:38Here's Goodwin.
13:40Offensive rebound.
13:41Kicks it out to Dinwiddie.
13:44That three off the mark.
13:46Gotten off four shots from three-point range tonight and buried every one of them.
13:51Prince.
13:52And easy two points on the layup.
13:54Oh, great ball movement there.
13:56And timeout called by Jordan Ott.
13:58He made the decision to huddle up with his guys and talk about strategy.
14:08Oh, big group substitution here for Phoenix.
14:11And a moment here to highlight some of the best and brightest from beyond the stripe.
14:15You look at Prince.
14:16He's absolutely deadly from outside.
14:19And, of course, Keyon Ellis.
14:21Two slots lower.
14:22Either of these two guys force defenders to come out well past that three-point line.
14:28And that really opens the floor up for their entire offense.
14:32Allen outside.
14:36And a great assist by Booker as that one goes in.
14:40Very difficult to stop team play when the ball's moving.
14:45Excellent find with the pass to create that scoring opportunity.
14:48Bassey finds Watson.
14:50And it falls over the rim and in.
14:53Watson's got his second bucket tonight.
14:55Just playing with poise and confidence.
14:58And they continue to put points on the board.
15:00I love their approach tonight.
15:03They are hitting at a really high percentage.
15:06Oh!
15:07Booker with the bounce.
15:09And if Booker finds his groove on offense, he is a pure scorer.
15:14And it's going to be a long night for the defense.
15:17And Watson slams it in.
15:19Not the kind of aggressive defense they need to cut into the lead.
15:23Yeah, you have to protect the rim, Greg, a little better.
15:27Yeah, I mean, when you're fighting back, you cannot give up plays like that.
15:31And there's the call.
15:32It's going to be an illegal screen.
15:33Tim, the NBA is always changing.
15:36But any predictions for the league that you kind of feel we're going to see around the corner?
15:41Yeah, Kevin, I just think the influx and the impact of international players is going to be even stronger going
15:47forward.
15:48I think a lot of guys have seen the success that those players have had in the NBA.
15:53And hopefully it inspires even more great players internationally to want to play this great game.
15:58And for a short time, you played overseas.
16:01You saw a lot of them firsthand.
16:03I sure did.
16:04And I was in France well before the French influx really hit this league.
16:09But I knew then that was the goal.
16:12Just on fire tonight.
16:14Devin Booker is feeling it, folks.
16:17Here's Gillespie.
16:18Chalk up two there.
16:20Gillespie has got five now.
16:22We've all fallen in love with the three-point shot.
16:25But that is how the game was designed to be played.
16:28Down low, get close, open looks.
16:31Allen, that's good.
16:32Well, Allen at 6'4", understanding how to take full advantage of that opening.
16:52All teams deciding to change it up.
16:55Already it's February.
16:56Let's see how the East is matching up.
16:58And you take a look at this home team.
17:01Right now they've compiled the sixth best record in the conference.
17:10They've gone two or three when they've stepped beyond the arc in the second quarter.
17:14Mitchell finds Passy.
17:16And here is Mitchell.
17:18Good, and the assist goes to Ellis.
17:21Ellis has got his third assist on the ninth.
17:24And obviously his momentum from the last.
17:26Oh, whoa!
17:28Booker with a big jam.
17:31Okay, Book, get up.
17:33Gone a terrific five of six from beyond the arc in this game.
17:36And, Jim, one of the most dangerous scorers in the NBA, Devin Booker.
17:40Well, he is smooth, Kevin.
17:43He makes it look easy.
17:44But developing that kind of offensive skill set is anything but.
17:49Gone three of five beyond the arc since the start of the second quarter.
17:53Herder, no good.
17:54Yeah, they're winning despite his offensive performance.
17:57He just hasn't been sharp from the field.
17:59Near the three-point line, it's Booker.
18:02Again, the miss by Booker.
18:03I guess even he has to miss one of those once in a while.
18:09Here's Passy.
18:11Rebound by Williams.
18:13Williams has got six rebounds in the game.
18:16Brooks, the pass to O'Neal.
18:17And the dunk by O'Neal.
18:19They've worked hard to get this lead.
18:21Can't start giving up easy slams all of a sudden.
18:25Yeah, G.A., that's right.
18:26And that was easy.
18:27Give breath for him.
18:28That's the kind of play that can spark a run.
18:31A dunk like that energizes everyone on the team.
18:35Suns trail by eight.
18:38Booker, the pass to Green.
18:42That's chipped.
18:46Hudson with it.
18:47O'Neal's there.
18:48And it's out of bounds.
18:49Last touch by Booker.
18:50And let's take a look at some numbers for Ellis.
18:53He's around 14 points per game, four assists, and two rebounds.
18:58And he's done his share of the work for the team, definitely making an impact.
19:02Well, for some guys, we always talk about potential.
19:05What I like about him, he comes to work every night and actually produces.
19:17Puts it up, off the inbound.
19:19Watson's shot is off.
19:21Suns trail by eight.
19:23Here's Brooks.
19:24Played in with a nice touch off the glass.
19:27Brooks has got his first basket of the night.
19:29Oh, nice play from Brooks down in the paint.
19:32Not afraid to get physical on the inside.
19:35And he gets the whistle.
19:36Two free throws coming up.
19:38Second personal foul.
19:40First team foul.
19:43At the line for two.
19:45Mitchell.
19:47And he knocks down the first one.
20:03That one falls, so he hits both of them.
20:05And at the line, it's all about consistency with him.
20:07His routine, his stroke, it never wavers.
20:11And timeout called by Jordan Ott.
20:13As now we'll give him a chance to discuss some potential changes.
20:18While we have a moment here, let's reveal the teams that have been holding opponents to the fewest points this
20:23month.
20:23The Suns third.
20:24And they have really been focused on picking up their defensive effort, playing passing leads, pressuring ball handlers, and trying
20:33to contest every shot.
20:36And here are the Suns now.
20:38Next step for them, the Knicks coming out here to play.
20:41That game is the first and last of their home score.
20:44And Green gets it to go.
20:46If Green gets any space out there, he's leaving.
20:52Here's Mitchell.
20:54And foul on the shot.
20:56He'll shoot two at the free throw line.
20:59It goes on Devin Booker.
21:02At the line for two.
21:03That's it.
21:10Shooting two.
21:20Free throw drop for Mitchell.
21:22And that's a good sign.
21:23He's getting himself to the line.
21:26I really like that here in the second quarter.
21:28Allen's checked in for Phoenix.
21:35And Mitchell drops him both.
21:37Yeah, nice job of drawing the contact and creating opportunities.
21:41At the line.
21:45And here's Brooks from outside.
21:48Right side, O'Neal.
21:49And finished off by O'Neal.
21:52That's a great look.
21:54His teammate was on the move, but he put it right where it needed to be.
21:58Mitchell.
21:59And it's Phoenix with the rebound.
22:02Williams has got rebound number seven for him tonight.
22:06Here's Allen.
22:07Now he pulls it in.
22:09And he's got six rebounds here tonight.
22:14Shoots from the corner.
22:15He clangs that one off the back iron.
22:18And down at vault.
22:19Mitchell's got 19 points.
22:21Changing ends quickly.
22:23Getting the advantage in numbers and finishing.
22:26They've been doing it all night long.
22:28They've definitely been more opportunistic.
22:32They have pushed the pace every time they've had the chance.
22:36We've reached the end of the first half of playing.
22:39Up by seven.
22:40Time now for the halftime break.
22:42With the third quarter soon to follow.
22:44Right here on 2K Sports.
23:06Greetings.
23:07Shaq, Kenny, and EJ here as we tip off the show with a look at our midseason Eastern Conference standings.
23:13You take a look at the home team.
23:15They've underperformed thus far.
23:17But they're still tremendous.
23:20Now comes the hard part.
23:21They've got to tinker with the team until they find that championship recipe.
23:26And returning our attention to this game, an impressive first half for the home team.
23:32Putting this through the box score, the Shaq supercomputer, the passing has been A-OK.
23:40Well, I don't have a super Shaq computer, whatever that is.
23:44But the eye test is very easy.
23:47They're sharing it, and they've checked their egos at the door.
23:51Same thing I came up with.
23:56And that'll do it for halftime.
23:58We send you back to Kevin Harlan, who has the second half call.
24:16And we hope you've enjoyed the broadcast so far.
24:19We're halfway through the game.
24:48Go on.
24:49And five of eight for three-point land.
24:50Fifteen points and a deep ball for them tonight.
24:52They've got Kevin Herter.
24:54Deion Ellis is out there with Mitchell.
24:56Then there's Peyton Watson.
24:58And it's Bassey in at the center position.
25:01And so Booker will bring it up for the Suns.
25:04They trail by nine points.
25:06And for Phoenix, O'Neal is out there with Dylan Brooks.
25:09Then there's Devin Booker.
25:11And it's Green.
25:12And it's Williams at the five-star.
25:14Back to Herter for three.
25:17And it's Phoenix with the rebound.
25:20O'Neal's got six rebounds in the game.
25:22Pass to Williams.
25:26And the layup's good off the glass.
25:28Williams has got eight points.
25:30And of the last six baskets, five have come on the interior.
25:34This is just smash-mouth, physical basketball, guys.
25:38Shots good by Mitchell.
25:40It's a great move.
25:42And he catches the defense completely off guard.
25:45Well, getting a high-percentage look right out of the locker room
25:49to start the second half.
25:51Exactly what they were looking for.
25:54Bassey with it.
25:55Williams picks him up.
25:59Bassey, no good.
26:00Suns frail by nine.
26:05Shakes him.
26:06Brooks misses.
26:07Oh, you have a feeling this would be a completely different game
26:11if it wasn't for his brutal shooting performance.
26:14And he uses the glass on the layup.
26:16Bassey's got his third bucket of the night.
26:18And that's the right decision when you've got a smaller man on you.
26:23And here's Booker from the arc.
26:25It falls for basket number nine from the field.
26:27He's taken 14 shots to get there.
26:29Yeah, Booker is so smooth out there.
26:32There is a great rhythm to his game.
26:35Mitchell passes to Bassey.
26:38He can't get that one.
26:39Williams with the defensive effort.
26:42The Suns have gone two of five, shooting here in the third quarter.
26:48Here's Green.
26:49And the layup falls.
26:52He's got eight.
26:53And almost any time he wants, Green can put the ball on the floor
26:56and make a play.
26:57And, Craig, you watch Jalen Green.
27:00So much upside potential.
27:03Yeah, he could be squeaky.
27:04But one of the most combustible scorers in the league.
27:08When he's on, he can take over single-handed.
27:12What a nimble move by Green,
27:15making it very hard for the defender to stay in front of him.
27:18And that's a great look at that slam from our AT&T Connected Cam.
27:25Ellis can't get it to go.
27:27Suns trail by four.
27:29The drive by Green.
27:30Basket good.
27:32Green's got six here in this quarter.
27:34The adjustments they've made offensively,
27:37they're putting guys in a position now to succeed.
27:40And at the right time,
27:43they could have let this game get away from them,
27:45but they never stopped believing.
27:50To the lead.
27:51Down goes basket number six for him this game.
27:54He's taken 12 shots and made half of them.
27:56Oh, the corner isn't always green spot,
27:58but we know he's got the skill to hit from there.
28:12And with this quick break,
28:13we can show you the list of the most explosive shooting guards in the NBA so far.
28:18You look at Ellis, third in the league.
28:20He typically dominates out there.
28:22He can seemingly score at will.
28:24And, of course, Jalen Green.
28:26And this is the cream of the crop at the two-guard spot.
28:30I mean, strictly in terms of their scoring ability
28:32and the ease with which they can overwhelm would-be defenders.
28:37Well, it's part of the nature of that position.
28:39Your team needs to be able to pencil in a certain number of points from that spot.
28:45The drive by Brooks.
28:46Lays it up off the glass.
28:48And it's a three-point Phoenix lead.
28:51Yeah, they're going to have a nice little run here.
28:54Pass to Herter.
28:57Here is Watson.
28:58Watson, Mitchell, this is to Ellis.
29:02Trying to get something going.
29:04That's good for Mitchell on the assist by Ellis.
29:08Ellis has got assist number five here tonight.
29:10He's an absolute beast to deal with for the defense.
29:14Sometimes he can even leave you feeling helpless.
29:19And contact on the shot.
29:21So he'll be shooting free throws here.
29:24So, Tim, let me put you in a different hand here.
29:26If you're running an NBA franchise, would you rather build around a guard, wing, or a big man in today's
29:33NBA?
29:33I think I'd go with the wing, with size, a guy that can create his own offense, and for which
29:40there is no great defensive matchup.
29:43Those guys, to me, are the ones that can help lead you to the promised land.
29:48Well, that sounds like a good blueprint.
29:50Hachimer is checked in for Kevin Herter.
29:52And Phoenix also making a switch.
29:54Mason Allen's checked in for Devin Booker.
29:56And there's a flexibility to Brooks' game.
29:59He can play a specific role for you, or he can be a high-usage guy.
30:04It really depends on what a team needs from night to night.
30:08The Suns have gone 7 of 10 on their field goal attempts here in the third.
30:15Allen against Ellis.
30:17Allen, that's good.
30:18Allen's got eight points.
30:20And there's a pattern starting to take shape here.
30:23They're working it inside and getting good shots from close range.
30:29Looking to get it going.
30:30And there's the whistle.
30:32Three-second violation.
30:33And let's take a look now at the numbers for Hachimura.
30:36His last 10 games, averaging 9 points per game, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds.
30:43And, guys, he can just explode for points any time he steps on the court.
30:48You want to be a successful team in this league,
30:50you need to find someone that you can feed the ball to and count on to score.
30:56Brooks, as he pulls it in.
31:00Gone 5 of 12 from the field since the third quarter got underway.
31:06Hachimura, no good.
31:08The Suns have gone 8 of 12 from the field since the beginning of the third.
31:13Brooks misses.
31:13He is just ice cold.
31:15Luckily, his teammates have picked up the slack.
31:18Here's Mitchell, and it's Mitchell with the jam.
31:21Big hops from the backcourt.
31:23Oh, absolutely.
31:25And maybe just what they need to get this game, GA, going in their direction.
31:30It is nice to have a playmaker who can also get up and finish like that.
31:36Oh, the balance Brooks has is impressive.
31:39Able to work through the defense and still capitalize.
31:45Pass to Watson.
31:47Now Hachimura.
31:50It's good, and Watson picking up the assist.
31:53Six points for him.
31:55Every coach in this league loves assisted baskets.
31:58It indicates your offense is flowing the way it's supposed to be.
32:04Here's Green.
32:05If the drive.
32:06That's good.
32:07It's his seventh May basket in 14 drives.
32:10And you can see where he's made the adjustments.
32:13This half has been much better.
32:20And the Suns making a change here.
32:25That's the teaching network.
32:361.39 left to play in the third.
32:40On the wing, Mitchell.
32:42Pass to James.
32:45And trying for the go-ahead basket.
32:47It doesn't go in.
32:48I wonder what the score would be if they weren't controlling the backboard.
32:53And when he gets in his head that he's going to get to the basket, very little you can do
32:59defensively.
33:00Here's Gay.
33:02Defended by Richards.
33:04That one go.
33:05It's counted.
33:06Gay has got his first points of the night.
33:08That's the kind of aggressive and assertive play they need as we get closer and closer to crunch time.
33:15And here's the fast break.
33:17I'm watching the line there.
33:18That'll be a backcourt violation.
33:21I mean, he's jumped in for Phoenix.
33:23Devin Booker comes in for Jalen Green.
33:34Now, here's Dinwiddie.
33:36He's guarded closely.
33:40Richards finds Booker from deep.
33:44Gay with the rebound.
33:47They can trade two for one here.
33:49Would be the right move, I believe, right now.
33:52Hachimura.
33:53The rebound by Richards.
33:55Well, the defense was solid, but usually I expect him to make that layup.
34:04Dinwiddie outside.
34:05Into the lane.
34:06Over to the wing.
34:08Here's Fleming.
34:09That ball.
34:10Nice feed that time from Dinwiddie.
34:12Fleming's got himself on the board with three there.
34:17Inside.
34:18Here's Gay.
34:19Oh, and that one.
34:21No question.
34:22Powered it down.
34:23What a great pass.
34:25It was on time and on target.
34:28For three.
34:29Booker.
34:29Another three for Phoenix.
34:31He must have visualized this one because everything is falling.
34:35And that does it for the third quarter.
34:37Both teams clicking offensively as we approach the fourth quarter.
34:40Phoenix ahead.
34:41Up by six.
34:42And we'll have the start of the fourth quarter for you as soon as we get back from this short
34:46break.
34:54And let's take this chance now to show you the State Farm assist of the game.
34:59Yeah, and I like the fact we get to see this pass one more time.
35:02A magnificent feed.
35:04And you love to see your off guard taking over the playmaking duties with this much skill.
35:10Well, he made the right play.
35:12It didn't have to be a highlight reel play.
35:14And that's all you can ask from any position.
35:19We've reached the fourth quarter and what has been a very competitive game should be an exciting finish.
35:24We've got Hachimura.
35:26He's out there with Kevin Herter.
35:28And it's James in at the shooting guard position.
35:31To the inside.
35:34Najee, no good.
35:36Suns lean by six.
35:40Here's Dinwiddie.
35:42And the call on the shot.
35:44It sends in to the line.
35:47On a shooter like Dinwiddie, you have to guard close.
35:50But Dinwiddie challenges that defense and draws the foul.
36:01First one falls for him.
36:03So both teams making some changes here.
36:18And both free throws.
36:19Good for Dinwiddie.
36:23Gone past the three-point line for 13 of their shots.
36:266-13.
36:28And it's Gillespie missing.
36:30The sun shooting has been just great so far.
36:33Up at 56%.
36:3656% in this game.
36:38Really stringing quality possessions together offensively.
36:41He gets that one.
36:43Just impressed with the teamwork out there.
36:45Setting the table for one another.
36:50Dinwiddie for three.
36:52It's rebounded by Herter.
36:55Herter's got seven rebounds in the game.
36:57To the middle.
36:58Here's Hachimura.
37:00And the layup is good.
37:02You have to push Hachimura out of there if you're the defense.
37:05He's a real problem on the interior.
37:08Richards.
37:09That ball.
37:10Nice feed that time from Dinwiddie.
37:13And the Suns lead by six.
37:15We've gone about a minute and a half into the fourth quarter.
37:18And James throws it down.
37:21Go into the rack with energy.
37:23And the D.
37:24Afraid to cut him off.
37:25Yeah.
37:25Got to chalk that one up to some shaky defending.
37:28Well, defensively, you can't allow that in a game this close.
37:34Hachimura, the best to battle.
37:37Let's put three fly.
37:38Hits it from three-point ring.
37:41Battle's got his first three points of the game.
37:43Defensively, you can't back off him that much.
37:46You don't want to give up easy threes at this stage of the game.
37:50Booker with no one around.
37:52And he can't answer back.
37:53The three-pointer off block.
37:55And their offense is really cooking right now.
37:58Playing with a lot of energy and really taking it to the defense.
38:02The defense ready for him on that possession.
38:05They had to be because he is so strong in the paint.
38:08Took him no time at all on that one.
38:11Booker's got 26.
38:13Well, they're winning this game in large part due to how efficient he's been.
38:17And it's why they'll continue to go to him.
38:19Pass to Herter.
38:20Here's battle.
38:22James has a two-pointer.
38:24The rebound by Richard.
38:27Richard's got six rebounds here tonight.
38:30Good chance here for Booker.
38:31And the Suns tack on two more.
38:34And what a baller Booker is.
38:36Capable of torching you from any spot on the floor.
38:40Trying to get open is Hachimura.
38:42Gillespie, that's good.
38:45Gillespie's got four points this quarter.
38:47Again and again.
38:48They're dissecting the defense and creating those high percentage looks from inside.
38:54And timeout called by Jordan Ott.
38:57Looking for a breather and maybe adjusting a thing or two.
39:03And the Suns here with a different look.
39:05And now, Hallie LaForte says something for us from the sideline.
39:09Guys, over that last break, I listened to the Suns coach address his team.
39:12He told them, this is the passion.
39:14I want us to play with every night.
39:16Now, my question is, how are we going to finish?
39:19Are we going to be passive?
39:20Or are we going to take what's ours?
39:23Guys, back to you.
39:24Okay, Hallie, thank you.
39:25Pass to Brooks.
39:26Suns moving the ball around.
39:28Here's Booker.
39:30Not as good off the back rim and in.
39:33And that's now 30 points for Devin Booker.
39:35And that is killer instinct just continuing to pile it on.
39:42Mitchell left side.
39:46Murder on the wing.
39:48Brooks covering.
39:49Passy, no good.
39:51Well, if you take low percentage shots, you are going to have difficulty making it.
39:57A nice shot by Booker.
39:58It continues to make plays offensively, having a very efficient quarter.
40:04Gone 5 of 10, 50% from the field.
40:07Pass to Bassie.
40:08Shot from the wing.
40:11It's hauled in by the Suns.
40:13Williams has got 13 rebounds in the game.
40:17Seeding to the paint.
40:19And that one's good, Bassie.
40:21Yeah, nothing too fancy.
40:23Just getting the job done when they need to make every possession count.
40:28And timeout called by Jordan Ott.
40:31He's going to take a few moments here to check in with his team and regroup.
40:41And Phoenix making a change.
40:44Richards is checked in.
40:46Richards.
40:57Suns leading by 5.
41:02Booker up top.
41:05It's rebounded by Herter.
41:07He's a very good mid-range shooter, but the defense was all over him there,
41:12making that a very difficult shot.
41:15And that one's good, Bassie.
41:17And that's about the worst defense I can imagine a team playing coming down the stretch.
41:23Well, I'm surprised because he's a guy you have to key on for something like that.
41:28You can't let him hit one that easy.
41:30Richards.
41:31Mask it is good.
41:32He'll get a chance for one more at the line.
41:34Oh, that's nice.
41:35He's got the size, and he used it.
41:38And look at how the offensive approach has been going here so far for the Suns.
41:43Credit them for not settling.
41:44I mean, they've been in attack mode off the dribble all game long, and thus far, it's paying off.
41:49And something else that has stood out to me is the defense hasn't had any chance at stopping them in
41:56the mid-range.
41:57They get that one, but guys, on the night, that's been the problem, securing the ball.
42:03And that one is good.
42:04And they're beginning to just flat-out fall apart defensively right now, especially on the interior.
42:13Hooker.
42:14Hooker.
42:16No good from three.
42:19Gotten a positive outcome on seven of their 14 three-pointers in this game.
42:23Not bad at all.
42:24Knocked down the three.
42:26And won't find many more games as entertaining as this one.
42:31This is what the fans came to see.
42:33A lot of great plays going back and forth.
42:36Green outside.
42:40There's the goal on Kevin Herter.
42:42That'll be his second foul of the game.
42:44Third two foul.
42:56Hooker outside.
43:00Six to shoot.
43:02What's up to three?
43:04Not that time.
43:05It won't go.
43:06Well, his three-pointer just hasn't been there in the second half.
43:11Mitchell on time.
43:14To take the lead.
43:17Cleared away by Brooks.
43:18And if that's the best look you can get on a possession, what a waste of a trip down the
43:23floor.
43:24I'm not sure what he was thinking right there, but we see this in this game sometimes.
43:29Here's Mitchell.
43:31Here's the shot.
43:33Connects with the chain.
43:34And that was the right call.
43:36When you need a basket, go to the guys you trust the most.
43:40Yeah, when you're coming down the stretch, you don't want any waste of possession.
43:45Outside Booker.
43:47Devin Booker.
43:48Three right down the hatch.
43:51And he just seems to always deliver in the clutch.
43:55And he's got it going right now.
43:57That's who they want to take him.
43:59The big shot.
44:01Oh, hooter.
44:03Good!
44:05Went right down to the wire here until anyone's ballgame.
44:09Yeah, and after all the energy both sides have expended, both teams still hungry for the win.
44:16Screen by O'Neal.
44:21Bradford's a three.
44:23That's off.
44:25On two for two from three-point land to start at the fourth quarter.
44:29A winner.
44:31Here's Mitchell.
44:33Catch up a three.
44:34It misses.
44:38Outside Booker.
44:42Tries the spin move.
44:44And will get another chance.
44:46Now O'Neal.
44:48Brooks fires.
44:51Outside Booker.
44:54The three is off.
44:57Absolutely critical chance right here.
44:59They need this one to go their way.
45:02Six seconds separate in the shot and game box.
45:04And that's going to be out of bounds.
45:06And they retain possession.
45:17Now here's Watson.
45:19Guarded by O'Neal.
45:20Just five to shoot.
45:24Launches it.
45:26Cleared away by Brooks.
45:30To win it.
45:31Off target from outside.
45:33And so the home crowd treated to a win.
45:36That was a fun night of basketball.
45:38Fabulous finish.
45:39If they continued to wait out until the very last moment to seal it.
45:44And there are so many times when you see these tight games won at home.
45:49That advantage of having that crowd behind you oftentimes is the ultimate X factor.
45:56And that's going to do it tonight, folks, for our broadcast.
45:59For Tim Legler, Greg Anthony, and Allie LaForce, I'm Kevin Harlow.
46:03This is the NBA on 2K Sports.
46:08And as we leave, we present our player of the game.
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