Phoenix (AP) — The Phoenix Suns defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 114-106 on Tuesday night, with Devin Booker scoring 32 points and Kevin Durant adding 28.
The Suns led 79-73 entering the fourth quarter and did not trail again. Durant knocked down a tremendous dunk while being fouled, then sank the free throw to put Phoenix ahead 93-80 with 8:51 remaining.
It was part of a strong final quarter for the 14-time All-Star, who sank five straight jumpers and scored 14 points.
The Bucks were missing standout guard Damian Lillard, who suffered a damaged ankle, and starting center Brook Lopez, who was absent for personal reasons. Milwaukee also went most of the game without forward Khris Middleton, who left in the first quarter with a sprained ankle.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee with 34 points (13-for-24 shooting) and 10 rebounds. Malik Beasley tallied 22 points.
The Bucks are 1-4 since hiring Doc Rivers, who replaced the fired Adrian Griffin.
The Suns won their first game since a 4-3 road trip despite shooting only 8 of 28 (29%) from three. Bradley Beal tallied 25 points and ten rebounds.
Booker, who was just nominated to his fourth All-Star squad, shot 12 for 21 from the field. Jusuf Nurkic recorded ten points and ten rebounds.
Milwaukee led 49-48 at halftime, despite shooting only 38% from the field.
Middleton hurt his ankle after he landed on Durant’s foot after attempting a jump. Durant was penalized for a foul, which was escalated to a flagrant 1 after referees determined that the Suns forward did not provide Middleton enough space to land.
