The Phoenix Suns secured a vital victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers with a score of 123-112 on Friday, March 21, 2025, solidifying their standings in the Western Conference playoff race.
In a game marked by stellar performances, Kevin Durant led the Suns with an impressive 42 points, underscoring his role as a critical player for the team. The Suns have now won three consecutive games, pushing their record to 34-37 and placing them in the tenth position of the Western Conference, comfortably in the play-in zone. Alongside Durant, teammates Devin Booker and Tyus Jones made significant contributions, with Booker notching a double-double of 17 points and 10 assists and Jones adding 16 points. Royce O'Neale was also a key player, scoring 15 points and grabbing four rebounds.
On the other side, the Cavaliers, despite the loss, maintain a strong grip on the Eastern Conference, holding a record of 56-14 and already having secured a playoff berth. Their top performers included Evan Mobley and Darius Garland, who both showcased their skills during the match. Mobley recorded a double-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists, while Garland added 18 points, six assists, and five rebounds. De'Andre Hunter and Ty Jerome also contributed with 17 and 16 points, respectively. However, the most disappointing performance came from Donovan Mitchell who scored only seven points, struggling with a shooting percentage of 11.1%, which included a dismal 0/8 from three-point range.
The game had an electric start with both teams trading three-pointers early on, leading to a high-scoring first quarter. Cleveland took the lead briefly, but Phoenix finished the quarter strong, leading 29-27. In the second quarter, O'Neale’s hot shooting from the perimeter, going 5/6 from beyond the arc, helped the Suns pull ahead, and they went into halftime with a healthy lead of 62-51.
As play resumed, Phoenix continued dominant, pushing their lead to over 20 points at times, showcasing their offensive prowess. Despite Cleveland attempting several comebacks led by their bench players, Durant’s leadership and scoring ensured the Suns stayed in control. Heading into the final quarter, the Suns led 98-79, appearing to have the game secured.
However, Cleveland managed to rally late in the game, narrowing the gap to less than 10 points before the Suns ultimately held them off. The game concluded with Phoenix sealing the victory 123-112. The Suns will play their next game against the Milwaukee Bucks at home on Monday, March 24, while the Cavaliers will face the Utah Jazz on Sunday, March 23, continuing their road trip in the Western Conference.
This win is a crucial morale booster for the Suns as they fight for a play-in position in the tightly contested Western Conference, while the Cavaliers will aim to bounce back from this unexpected defeat as they prepare for the playoffs.
