Devin Booker scores 62 points, but Indiana Pacers still take down Phoenix Suns
The Indiana Pacers extended their winning streak to two games on Friday night by taking down the Phoenix Suns at home.
Despite Suns star guard Devin Booker scoring 62 points, the Pacers were able to overcome their opponent. Phoenix's next highest scorer was Kevin Durant at 20 points, and nobody else exceeded 14. Indiana did well to slow the non-Booker players.
The Pacers peaked in the final frame defensively. They conceded 40, 40, and 34 points in the first three quarters, respectively, before limiting their opponent to 17 in the final period for a victory. It was the second win in two nights for the blue and gold.
"These last two games are inexplicably hard, tonight's especially," Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said postgame. "Really happy for our guys and our fans."
Indiana was down by 10 points at halftime, but they never gave up. Even with Booker being unstoppable for most of the game, they were able to stick with the red-hot Suns — who entered the night winners of seven in a row. They're on fire, but the Pacers were better on Friday.
Newcomer Pascal Siakam was terrific, scoring 31 points and adding seven rebounds plus four assists. Aaron Nesmith (22 points), Andrew Nembhard (22), and Obi Toppin (23) were also fantastic. Toppin scored the game-winning bucket after a chaotic possession for the blue and gold.
The Pacers improved to 26-20 with the win. They are in sole possession of sixth-place in the Eastern Conference, and their schedule finally eases up soon. Surviving Booker's incredible night with a victory was huge for the team.
They next hit the court on Sunday when they host the Memphis Grizzlies.
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