The Phoenix Suns continued their impressive mid-season surge Monday night, notching a 115-101 victory over the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. While the final score might not leap off the page, the details of this contest reveal a Suns squad playing with poise, depth, and a growing sense of control that could spell trouble for the rest of the NBA.
From the opening tip, Phoenix looked determined to dictate the pace. Devin Booker, the Suns’ perennial All-Star, orchestrated the offense with his signature blend of patience and precision. Booker’s 22 points didn’t come via flashy dunks or highlight-reel threes, but rather through intelligent reads and surgical execution, especially in the mid-range and late-clock situations. When the Wizards tried to disrupt his rhythm by rotating younger defenders onto him, Booker simply adjusted, hunting for angles and forcing switches. The result? Efficient scoring possessions and a steadying influence whenever the Suns needed it most.
But Booker wasn’t the only Sun shining in Washington. Dillon Brooks, known as much for his intensity as his scoring touch, poured in a game-high 26 points, providing the emotional spark Phoenix needed to stave off several Washington runs. Brooks’ energy was palpable, though it did come at a cost—he picked up his 11th technical foul of the season in the second quarter after arguing a no-call on a driving layup. With five more technicals, Brooks would face a one-game suspension, but on this night, his fire was mostly channeled productively.
Collin Gillespie was another revelation for the Suns. The guard came out firing, keeping the game competitive early and ultimately finishing with 25 points, including five three-pointers. His confidence from beyond the arc stretched the Wizards’ defense and allowed Phoenix to maintain its offensive flow even when Booker was off the ball. "Collin shot confidently and kept the game competitive early," reported Burn City Sports, highlighting his impact on both ends of the floor.
Royce O’Neale, a key role player, chipped in 15 points—all from three-point range—while Jordan Goodwin added 14 points off the bench. The Suns’ ability to spread the scoring load was perhaps the most telling aspect of their victory. Four players reached double figures, and the team as a whole shot an impressive 42.5% from deep, connecting on 17 of 40 attempts. This kind of balance is what separates contenders from pretenders as the season grinds on.
On the glass, Phoenix was relentless. The Suns outrebounded the Wizards 51-43 and pulled down a whopping 20 offensive rebounds, leading to 26 second-chance points. Remarkably, 23 of those came in the first half alone, providing the Suns with a cushion even when their initial shots weren’t falling. This hustle on the boards was a team-wide effort, with everyone from Brooks to O’Neale crashing the paint and keeping possessions alive.
For the Wizards, there were bright spots despite the loss. Rookie guard Tre Johnson exploded for a career-high 24 points, including five three-pointers, and CJ McCollum added 17 points. Johnson’s performance was particularly encouraging for Washington fans, as he demonstrated poise and shot-making ability well beyond his years. According to the Associated Press, "Johnson surpassed his previous career high of 19 with a 3-pointer to open the third quarter." The Wizards, who had entered the game with a modest two-game winning streak, fought valiantly and managed to trim a 15-point Suns lead to just four early in the fourth quarter.
However, every time Washington threatened, Phoenix responded. The Suns went on a crucial 16-3 run midway through the third quarter, stretching their lead to 77-62. This burst was punctuated by consecutive threes from O’Neale and Gillespie, effectively quelling the Wizards’ momentum. When the Wizards closed to within 92-88 with just under nine minutes remaining, Brooks and Booker answered with back-to-back three-pointers to restore a comfortable margin at 102-93.
It wasn’t just the Suns’ offense that impressed—it was their defense and discipline, too. Phoenix limited Washington’s promising center Alex Sarr to just two points, two rebounds, and two blocks in 25 minutes. Sarr had dominated in the Wizards’ previous game, but the Suns’ collective effort in the paint ensured he never found a rhythm. The Wizards also struggled with injuries, missing key contributors Kyshawn George (hip), Corey Kispert (hamstring), and Khris Middleton (knee management).
Phoenix, for its part, was also shorthanded. Guard Grayson Allen missed his sixth straight game due to a knee injury, and center Mark Williams was suspended for his role in an on-court altercation during Saturday’s win in New Orleans. But the Suns’ depth proved more than sufficient. "That balance is the real takeaway," observed Burn City Sports. "When the Suns move the ball, trust role players, and defend with intent, they don’t need perfection, they need patience."
The win pushes Phoenix’s record to 19-13, marking the first time this season the Suns have been six games above .500. The victory also extends their winning streak to four games and gives them five wins in their last six outings. With the team now clicking on both ends of the floor, optimism is running high among fans and coaches alike.
Looking ahead, the Suns will close out their four-game road trip with a matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. A win there would further cement their status as one of the NBA’s hottest teams heading into the new year. The Wizards, meanwhile, will try to regroup as they visit the Milwaukee Bucks, hoping to build on the flashes of promise shown by Johnson and company.
For now, though, Phoenix’s blend of star power, depth, and gritty rebounding has them riding high. If they can maintain this balance and keep their key players healthy, the Suns could be a force to be reckoned with as the playoff race heats up. Monday’s win in Washington wasn’t just another notch in the victory column—it was a statement that this team is finding its stride at just the right time.
