Suns withstand late push
The San Antonio Spurs made the final quarter uncomfortable, but the Phoenix Suns held on for a 102-98 victory Saturday after San Antonio outscored them 25-17 in the fourth. Luke Kennard led Phoenix with 20 points as the Suns protected their home floor and moved to 1-2. The Spurs fell to 0-2.
Phoenix builds early cushion
Phoenix controlled the opening period, taking a 35-25 lead after one quarter. The Suns extended that advantage to 39-31 early in the second before San Antonio answered with a 10-0 run to pull even at 41-41. The Spurs continued to chip away and entered halftime trailing 58-51.
Kennard supplied scoring throughout the first half, while Jalen Green finished with five assists for Phoenix. Khaman Maluach contributed 15 rebounds. San Antonio received 15 points from Dylan Harper, six assists from Victor Wembanyama and 10 rebounds from Luke Kornet.
Third-quarter separation
The Suns restored control after halftime. Phoenix opened the third quarter with a 3-pointer from Kennard, and the teams traded scores before the Suns created more space. A 3-pointer by Kennard later in the period helped Phoenix reach an 85-73 lead entering the fourth.
