Eastern Conference Recaps, Feb. 7: Deandre Ayton’s Double-Double Leads Phoenix Suns To A Victory Against Brooklyn Nets

Ayton matches his career-high with 35 points in win

Phoenix Suns’ star Devin Booker scored 19 points in his first game since Christmas Day but it was Deandre Ayton who shined the most. 

Ayton matched his career-high of 35 points and had 15 rebounds to lead the Suns to a 116-112 victory against the Brooklyn Nets. Mikal Bridges scored 21 points and Cameron Johnson had 14.

Cam Thomas led the Nets with 43 points, making him the youngest player to have three straight 40-point games. Nic Claxton had 17 points and 13 rebounds and T.J. Warren had 17 points off the bench.

NEXT NETS GAME AGAINST THE HEAT: Feb. 15 in Brooklyn

OTHER NOTES:

-The New York Knicks defeated the Orlando Magic 102-98 behind Jalen Brunson's 25 points Julius Randle added 22 points and 14 rebounds while Markelle Fultz led the Magic with 21 points.

NEXT KNICKS GAME AGAINST THE HEAT: Mar. 3 at Miami

NEXT MAGIC GAME AGAINST THE HEAT: Feb. 11 in Orlando

-All five New Orleans Pelicans starters scored in double-figures in their 116-107 victory against the Atlanta Hawks. After being sidelined one game with a toe injury, Brandon Ingram led the way with 30 points. CJ McCollum had 21 points and Jonas Valanciunas had 16 points and 14 rebounds.

Bogdan Bogdanovic led the Hawks with 22 points off the bench and Trae Young had 16 points and 16 assists.

NEXT HAWKS GAME AGAINST THE HEAT: Mar. 4 at Miami

-After being sidelined one game with a wrist injury, Ja Morant scored 34 points to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a 104-89 victory against the Chicago Bulls. Jaren Jackson had 24 points and Desmond Bane had 17. Nikola Vucevic led the Bulls with 28 points and 17 rebounds and Zach LaVine had 24.

NEXT GRIZZLIES GAME AGAINST THE HEAT: Mar. 15 at Miami

NEXT BULLS GAME AGAINST THE HEAT: Mar. 18 in Chicago

Cory Nelson is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson. You can also check out his personal blog: https://substack.com/profile/114079068-cory-nelson?utm_source=account-card