Seventh Heaven: Suns Magic Carpet Ride Continues

Arizona Sports News online

(AP Photo/Ashley Landis, Pool)

The beat goes on for the Phoenix Suns who earned their seventh-straight win inside the Orlando Bubble as they pulled away from the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers 130-117 Tuesday afternoon. It marks their first seven-game win streak since 2010 and inches them closer to the final playoff spot.

Phoenix (33-39) was paced once again by Devin Booker who poured in a game-high 35 points, while adding nine rebounds and seven assists. Mikal Bridges continued his hot play scoring 24. Dario Saric had 18, while Ricky Rubio notched a double-double with 16 points and 10 assists. 

Booker, who had a ridiculous left-handed dunk down the lane in the first half, set a franchise record with his 91st, 30+ point performance passing fellow shooting guard Walter Davis on the all-time list.

“These are the games I’ve been waiting to play in,” Booker said shortly after the victory.

The Suns outscored Philadelphia 34-27 in the fourth quarter to pull away late.

The Sixers (42-29) played without a number of their top players for various reasons, including Joel Embid, Ben Simmons, Al Hortford and Tobias Harris. They were led in scoring by Alec Burks’ 23 points. Reserve point guard Raul Neto had 22.

Phoenix will play their final scheduled game inside The Bubble against the Dallas Mavericks Thursday at 1:00 Arizona time. The Suns defeated the Mavs in Orlando 117-115 on August 2nd.

“We’re ready to go…we’re treating this as just another game,” Booker said after Tuesday’s win about their rematch against Dallas. “We’re excited for this matchup.” 

Phoenix is currently tied with Portland and San Antonio, .5 games behind Memphis for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.