CHICAGO (AP) — The Phoenix Suns put their recent struggles behind them, rallying to defeat the Chicago Bulls 121-117 on February 22, 2025, ending their four-game losing streak. With the dynamic trio of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal leading the charge, the Suns showcased their offensive firepower and resilience on the road.
Devin Booker led the charge for the Suns, netting 29 points and dishing out eight assists. Kevin Durant contributed significantly, adding 27 points along with 11 rebounds, and Bradley Beal made his presence felt with 25 points, marking his return to the starting lineup after missing recent games due to injury.
Despite the Suns’ slow start—missing their first seven shots and shooting only 29.2% from the field during the first quarter—the team managed to regroup and capitalize on their shooting success as the game progressed. They turned the tide after trailing by as many as 13 points, securing their first win since January 31 when their Big Three was on the floor together.
"I think we really refocused after the first quarter," said Booker after the game. "Once we started knocking down shots, the energy shifted for us, and we executed down the stretch like we needed to."
The Bulls, grappling with their own challenges, found themselves on their sixth consecutive loss after this hard-fought contest, primarily missing two key starters: Ayo Dosunmu and Jalen Smith. Josh Giddey pulled off a strong performance for Chicago, leading with 24 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds. Coby White contributed 20 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Suns’ offensive onslaught.
Commercially known for their struggles this season, the Suns displayed moments of brilliance, particularly highlighted by their shooting statistics. Altogether, Booker, Durant, and Beal shot 29-for-54 collectively from the field, translating their efforts to 81 of the Suns’ final tally. Their success was underscored by the stark difference between the teams' execution: the Bulls committed 21 personal fouls compared to just 11 by Phoenix, leading to additional points at the free-throw line.
The game’s turning point arose late in the fourth quarter when the Bulls knotted the score at 111, courtesy of Coby White's layup with just under 35 seconds left on the clock. Yet, the Suns responded with decisive plays; Beal sank a pivotal three-pointer from the left wing, effectively sealing the deal with only seconds remaining.
The third quarter witnessed the Suns building on their momentum, leading by as much as 12 points. Yet the Bulls, fueled by Giddey and White, managed to cut the deficit and kept the game competitive. Every surge by Chicago was met with timely responses from the Suns, particularly with key shots by Durant and Booker, ensuring the home team could not seize control.
A notable factor contributing to the Suns’ win was their strategic adjustments, including Beal moving back to his former role as point guard. Despite mixed results earlier this season with these alignments, it allowed the team to increase their ball movement and offensive rhythm.
The post-game comments from Suns coach showcased this strategic shift. "We believe it's best to use the talents we have effectively, and shifting Bradley back to the point provides the spark we need," said the Suns' head coach. "The offense flows differently when Book is the primary initiator, and it showed tonight."
Looking at both teams moving forward, the Suns aim to build upon this much-needed victory as they prepare to face the Toronto Raptors next. The Bulls are left seeking to break their losing streak on the road against the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite the loss, Chicago’s coach remains optimistic about their potential. "We showed flashes of improvement, especially against such high-caliber competition. We need to translate our effort and energy to the scoreboard next time," he stated.
The Suns' victory not only provides them with confidence but also reinforces the importance of their star players functioning cohesively within the lineup, as they push for playoff positioning moving forward. With their biggest names firing on all cylinders, they can look to leave their recent struggles firmly behind them as they eye the rest of the season.