Suns Edge Wizards, Brace for NBA’s Toughest Schedule Ahead

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns secured a 119-109 victory over the Washington Wizards on Saturday night, marking their eighth win in the last 11 games. Despite the win, the Suns’ performance was far from dominant, as they struggled to maintain consistency against the struggling Wizards, who extended their losing streak to 13 games.

The Suns (23-21) built an early 14-point lead, largely due to disciplined ball control and limiting second-chance opportunities. However, Washington clawed back, cutting the deficit to six points multiple times in the second quarter. Phoenix responded with a 19-point lead in the third quarter, only to see the Wizards rally again, narrowing the gap to four points late in the game.

Kevin Durant led the Suns with 29 points, while Bradley Beal contributed 20 off the bench. Nick Richards delivered a standout performance with 20 points and a career-high 19 rebounds, the most by a Suns player this season. “It’s what we need,” said Suns guard Devin Booker of Richards. “He’s giving his all every play on both ends of the floor.”

The victory comes as the Suns prepare for the NBA‘s toughest remaining schedule. Phoenix will face 10 of the league’s top teams in their final 38 games, including 10 matchups against the top five teams in the standings. “There were good spurts in the game and bad spurts,” Booker said. “Our true tests are coming up this next week.”

Head coach Mike Budenholzer acknowledged the team’s uneven performance but emphasized the importance of building momentum. “We’re finding ways to win some games, put some good stretches together,” Budenholzer said. “We’ve got to continue it.”

The Suns also face internal challenges, including the uncertain future of center Jusuf Nurkic, who has been sidelined and is reportedly being shopped ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline. Nurkic has not played since Jan. 7, and his relationship with Budenholzer remains strained. “I didn’t talk to coach for two months,” Nurkic said. “We don’t have a relationship.”

As the Suns look ahead to a grueling schedule, their ability to maintain consistency and integrate new contributors like Richards will be critical to their playoff hopes. Phoenix currently sits eighth in the Western Conference, with a pivotal stretch of games against the Clippers, Timberwolves, and Warriors looming.