Luke Kennard scores 20 as Suns hold off Spurs 102-98

Suns finish in front

Luke Kennard scored 20 points as the Phoenix Suns defeated the San Antonio Spurs 102-98 on Saturday at Mortgage Matchup Center. Phoenix, playing at home, led by four points at the final buzzer after San Antonio made a late push in the fourth quarter.

The Suns also got five assists from Jalen Green and 15 rebounds from Khaman Maluach. Dylan Harper led the Spurs with 15 points, while Victor Wembanyama had six assists and Luke Kornet collected 10 rebounds.

Phoenix builds an early edge

Phoenix established control in the opening quarter, outscoring San Antonio 35-25. The Suns received three-pointers from Dillon Brooks, Luke Kennard and Jordan Goodwin during the period, while Green added a three-pointer and a driving layup. Harper scored 10 points in the quarter for San Antonio, including a pair of free throws that closed the scoring and left Phoenix ahead by 10.

The Spurs trimmed the margin in the second quarter, but Phoenix still took a 58-51 lead into halftime. San Antonio won the period 26-23. Harper added a three-pointer and a driving dunk, and Wembanyama scored four points in the quarter. Kennard and Green helped Phoenix maintain its advantage, while Maluach contributed a dunk and a layup.

Spurs make a fourth-quarter run

Phoenix extended its lead in the third quarter, outscoring San Antonio 27-22 to move in front 85-73. Kennard made two three-pointers in the period, and Maluach added a three-pointer along with two other baskets. Wembanyama scored on a pair of inside plays for the Spurs, and Stephon Castle contributed two baskets.

San Antonio answered with a 25-17 fourth quarter. Tarris Reed Jr. scored seven points in the period, including three baskets and two free throws. Maliq Brown added two three-pointers, including one that brought the Spurs within four at 102-98. Phoenix did not allow another score after that basket.

Records

The victory moved the Suns to 1-2. The Spurs dropped to 0-2.

Sources

ESPN