Suns beat Nicks 117-112 in new owner’s first game

The Phoenix Suns, missing Chris Paul and Devin Booker, ended their three-game losing streak after edging the Brooklyn Nets 117-112 on Thursday night.

Back at home. Back in the W column. #WeAreTheValley pic.twitter.com/4qHaZWNXQJ

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) January 20, 2023

The Nets lost their fourth consecutive game despite shooting 52.4% from the field and 42.3% from three as a team.

It was also the third-straight game the Nets have lost to a below-.500 opponent and now face an upcoming slate of the Utah Jazz, Golden State Warriors and Philadephia 76ers in their next three games.

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The Suns were led by Mikal Bridges, who put up a team-high 28 points, and Deandre Ayton, who recorded a 24-point, 14-rebound double-double.

Saben Lee, a G League staple, was also a nice spark off the bench for Phoenix and had 15 points on 6-of-11 shooting to go with 6 assists.

Kyrie Irving finished with 30 points, 21 in the fourth quarter alone, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks. His heroics, however, just weren’t enough to overcome the deficit and the Suns held on for a much-needed win.

Nearly new Phoenix Suns managing partner Mat Ishbia attended his first game in Phoenix, only to have to watch the mishmash lineup that is December and January.

The two best players, Booker and Paul, are out injured along with a handful of other rotation players.