Devin Booker, Suns Bench Lead Phoenix Past Struggling Utah Jazz

• The Phoenix Suns defeated the Utah Jazz on the road on Monday
• The Suns’ reserves stole the show, outscoring the Jazz bench 57-22
• Cam Payne and Terrence Ross helped Phoenix pull away in the second half

The Phoenix Suns extended their winning streak to two games with a 117-103 victory over the Utah Jazz on Monday night.

Five players scored in double figures for the Suns, who improved their record to 40-35 this season.

They remained a half-game ahead of the Los Angeles Clippers for fourth place in the Western Conference.

Devin Booker led the way for the Suns, scoring 24 points on 7 of 19 shooting from the field. He also had seven rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block in 34 minutes of action, per ESPN.

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The returning Deandre Ayton also contributed, scoring 14 points and grabbing eight rebounds in the win over the Jazz. He missed the Suns’ last four games because of a bruised hip.

Suns' reserves step up

It was the Suns’ bench though, who proved to be the difference in this contest. Phoenix’s reserves scored 57 points against Utah.

Terrence Ross scored 13 points, while Cameron Payne and Bismack Biyombo added 12 and 11 respectively. They outscored the Jazz bench by 32 points.

Monday’s victory was morale-boosting for the Suns, who had lost their previous four away games. They have struggled on the road this season, with Phoenix sporting a 16-23 away record.

Payne and Ross spark run

That wasn’t the case against the Jazz, with the Suns pulling away in the second half.

They uncorked a 17-2 run bridging the third and fourth quarters, turning an 81-78 deficit into a 95-83 lead with 8:59 left in the game clock. Payne and Ross led the Suns during that surge, combining for 11 points against Utah.

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There’s more good news for the Suns, with head coach, Monty Williams telling reporters that Kevin Durant might be ready to return to their lineup this coming Wednesday.

Williams blasts officials in loss

Sports Brief recently reported on the Suns' loss to the Lakers.

Williams was livid with officials after LA shot 46 free throws.

The Phoenix team attempted just 20 free throws in the contest.