The Phoenix Suns stopped a three-game losing streak in style on Sunday, getting a season-high 41 points from superstar Kevin Durant to key a comfortable win in Detroit.
It’s possible the Suns could receive reinforcements when they close their three-game road trip on Wednesday against the host Chicago Bulls, although the team remains cautious when it comes to the return of guards Devin Booker (calf) and Bradley Beal (back).
Booker hasn’t played since suffering a calf strain during his 31-point, 13-assist effort against San Antonio on Thursday.
Beal hasn’t played for his new team since the preseason, but Suns coach Frank Vogel said Sunday that Beal is “definitely getting closer” to a return. Beal completed an extensive workout on Saturday.
“I’m excited for (Beal),” Durant said. “I know he can’t wait to start. … It’s always tough sitting down on the sideline and watching the games, so I feel for him.
“Of course he’s going to help us out, but more than anything, for his psyche and his mentality, it’s good for him to be in game mode, you know. So hopefully, it’s soon.”
Although healthy, the Bulls have experienced inconsistency in step with the Suns. Chicago snapped a three-game skid of its own on Monday with a 130-113 home rout of Utah that saw a season-high eight Bulls score in double figures.
Zach LaVine (24 points) and DeMar DeRozan (21) paced the balanced attack.
“You have to find a happy medium and know how to win games in the mud when you are not playing well,” LaVine said. “(Monday) was a good night to get, hopefully, everybody’s confidence up. You put the work in, and to have it finally come through for the whole team is good.”
Chicago shot 56 percent from the floor in the first quarter and 51.6 percent for the game, an encouraging start to a stretch in which the team will play seven of eight games at home.
Reserve Andre Drummond grabbed seven boards, one shy of Nikola Vucevic’s team high, while reaching the 10,000-rebound mark for his career.
“It’s something I set out for my rookie year. Trying to be the best rebounder there is,” Drummond said. “It’s a blessing and I’m grateful I hit this milestone here, and there’s more to come.
“It’s great for us to get this win at home. We have a nice homestand and a chance to put together a streak and get some wins and really get this thing going.”
Phoenix is aiming for a winning road trip after splitting games in Philadelphia on Saturday and Detroit one day later.
The Suns are coming off their first back-to-back this season.
“Chicago’s going to be a tough opponent,” Durant said. “They got guys that can score from all over the floor. So, we just focus on the game plan and try to execute that as best as we can.
“Just keep believing and having confidence in our shots when we take them, and we’ll be fine.”
Phoenix has won seven straight games against Chicago. The Bulls are going for their first home win against the Suns since Nov. 21, 2018.
–Field Level Media
