DEVIN Booker scored 24 of his 35 points in the first half to propel the visiting Phoenix Suns to their 14th straight victory, courtesy of a 120-115 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday.
Booker made 14 of 21 shots from the floor to help the Suns match the third-longest win streak in franchise history. They sit three victories shy of equaling their franchise record, set in the 2006-2007 season.
Booker also tormented the Cavaliers in the teams’ first meeting this season. He celebrated his 25th birthday by collecting 27 points and nine assists in Phoenix’s 101-92 win on Oct. 30. That victory ignited the Suns’ current win streak.
Chris Paul recorded 17 points and 12 assists, Deandre Ayton had 16 points and nine rebounds and JaVale McGee added 13 points and 12 boards for Phoenix.
Cleveland’s Jarrett Allen collected 25 points and 11 rebounds to record his second straight double-double and seventh in nine games. Cedi Osman had 23 points, Darius Garland contributed 19 points and seven assists and Ricky Rubio added 15 points for the Cavaliers, whose skid reached a season-high five games.
Paul drained a midrange jumper to give Phoenix a 111-109 lead with 1:45 to play. Paul drew the sixth personal foul by Garland on the next possession before joining Jae Crowder in sinking a pair of free throws to run the Suns’ advantage to six points. — Reuters