Suns close out road trip with a dominating victory

The Phoenix Suns finished off their long road trip with a commanding 117-104 win over the Indiana Pacers.

Phoenix held a lead throughout the entire game; at one point, it was extended up to 26 points.

It was a team effort, as the Suns had six players score in double figures. Phoenix has now won its past four matchups against the Pacers.

Deandre Ayton made his presence known after only grabbing two rebounds on Thursday against the Hawks. Tonight, Ayton shot 9 of 14 for 22 points. This was joined with 11 rebounds for his fourth double-double in the past five games.

Deandre Ayton tonight:
22 PTS
11 REB
2 STL
9-14 FG
+23 (Highest on the team today)

Nice Double Double from DA. pic.twitter.com/G6k1sXqsT4

— SunsMuse (@Suns__Muse) February 11, 2023

Encouraging stretch for Deandre Ayton of late.

Obviously there's been some shaky moments (two rebounds last night and some miscues in the Dallas loss) but he's going to need to be dominant once Kevin Durant arrives to maximize this team. Good momentum recently. #Suns pic.twitter.com/nMqRyunyqe

— Trevor Booth (@TrevorMBooth) February 11, 2023

I genuinely don’t know what to make of Deandre Ayton.

Really good numbers again tonight.

— NBABeau (@NBABeau) February 11, 2023

Deandre Ayton remains as one of the most skilled bigs in the world, and he’s continued to prove exactly that. https://t.co/ZKy9PsJUFN

— Suns Are Better (@SunsAreBetter) February 11, 2023

Josh Okogie got the start tonight after a 25-point breakout game yesterday. Okogie added another strong boost with 17 points; this is only the third time this season that Okogie has scored in double figures in consecutive games.

With Cam Johnson and Mikal Bridges now gone, and Kevin Durant still on the injured list, Josh Okogie will continue to have an opportunity to show his worth on the Suns’ roster.

Josh Okogie looking like a candidate for the starting lineup after KD is activated?

— PHX Fans (@PHXFansApp) February 11, 2023

It’s Josh Okogie’s starting spot to lose, especially if the 3 ball is even somewhat reliable.

— Shady (@ShadySaiyan) February 11, 2023

Dude josh okogie is playing his way into a permanent starting role I think

— Nasir (@nasirProd) February 11, 2023

Yep, Josh Okogie needs to be the starting SF

— Dusten Blowers (@AZBlowers) February 11, 2023

Things are looking up in the valley as Phoenix closed out the road trip with a 4-1 record and moved up to fifth in the Western Conference standings.

And they still have Kevin Durant, arguably the best scorer in the league, suiting up with the team after the All Star break.

The Suns’ next game will be on Tuesday against the Sacramento Kings.