Washington, Feb. 25 (BUS): Devin Booker earned 25 points, 12 assists, and six assists in his career to help the NBA leaders Phoenix Suns beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 124-104 Thursday night.
Booker played points guard with All-Star Chris Paul with a broken right thumb. The Associated Press said Booker finished with the season’s highest total assists.
Cameron Johnson and Michael Bridges each added 21 points for the Suns. They won eight straight points and 19 of 20 to move up to 49-10.
Shay Gilgos led Oklahoma City’s Alexander with 32 points in his comeback after missing 10 games with a right ankle sprain. Josh Gedi added 15 points, nine rebounds and six assists.
Phoenix led 31-14 at the end of the first quarter, edging out Oklahoma City 14-0 on break points behind nine times.
Thunder rallied to second place behind Gilgus Alexander nine points in that period. Jay Crowder’s pitch at the bell gave the Suns a 48-45 lead in the first half. Gilgeos Alexander scored 15 points before the end of the first half.
The Thunder finally took the lead early in the third quarter, but the Suns regained control and led 85-77 heading into the fourth. Phoenix made 5 of 8 three-pointers in the third quarter after making 2 of 17 in the first inning.
Thunder cut it to 94-91 in the fourth quarter, but the Suns closed in 30-13.
insult