Phoenix Suns (37-27) beat Charlotte Hornets (32-33) 111-99 at home on Sunday, March 8.
The game, quarter by quarter
The Hornets struck first, taking the opening quarter 30-28 and a 2-point lead after one. The Suns moved in front with a 32-28 second quarter, carrying a 2-point lead into halftime.
The Suns won the third 21-19 to create some separation, taking a 4-point lead into the fourth. The Suns took the fourth 30-22; the Suns finished the job for a 111-99 regulation win.
What decided it
The Suns made 29.1 free throws per 100 field-goal attempts, compared with 11.4 for the Hornets. The Suns took better care of the ball, turning it over on 6.9% of possessions compared with 11.9% for the Hornets. The points at the line gave them room for error elsewhere.
The Hornets did win one battle, second chances: ORB% of 30.2% against 26.3%. The Suns made up for it elsewhere.
At roughly 90 possessions per team, the Suns produced 124 points per 100 possessions to 110.6 for the Hornets.
Who made the difference
Devin Booker was the game's biggest individual force for PHX: 30 pts, 3 reb, 10 ast on 7-18 shooting. His Game Score of 25.7 led everyone. His team was +11 with him on the floor.
LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 22 pts, 7 reb, 6 ast on 9-19 shooting, good for a 15 Game Score.
Devin Booker (30 pts, 3 reb, 10 ast) recorded a double-double.
What it means
The pre-game Win Meter had it close to a coin flip, at about 45% for the Suns.
Across the last 2 meetings in our records, the series is even.
The Suns are now 37-27, and the Hornets are 32-33. The Suns last five before this game: L-W-W-L-W.
Written automatically by Tip Off Live software from box score data. Ratings and probabilities are our own model estimates.