NBA roundup: Suns hand Warriors their fourth consecutive loss, Bucks continue resurgence with win over Wizards

Devin Booker recorded 27 points, while Kevin Durant contributed 21, guiding the Phoenix Suns to a 113-105 victory against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday, thereby extending the Warriors' losing streak in the NBA to four games.

Despite the absence of Bradley Beal due to calf injury management and Jusuf Nurkic, who is out with a quad bruise, the Suns (11-8) showcased their dominance, with Tyus Jones scoring 19 points and Grayson Allen adding 17.

"We had five players in double figures," Durant remarked. "Although it wasn't our best shooting night, both Book and I, everyone played a significant role on both ends of the court."

Durant, who secured 10 rebounds, expressed satisfaction with Phoenix's strong start, which resulted in a 66-49 lead at halftime.

"That first half - scoring 66 points and leading by 17 - essentially determined the outcome," Durant noted. "We executed pocket passes and connected on three-point shots. It was a pleasure to observe."

This performance followed a recent emphasis from Suns coach Mike Budenholzer on the necessity for the team to exhibit increased urgency in the early stages of games.

"Coach addressed our competitive level during a film session a few days ago," Durant stated. "We need to elevate our performance if we aspire to be the team we envision."

"Tonight, we focused on executing the fundamentals well—boxing out, transitioning back on defense, and making the right passes. It was a solid start to the game."

Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 23 points as they fell to 12-7.

Curry returned after missing a game due to knee soreness, and Andrew Wiggins, who scored 18 points, also made his return from a right ankle injury.

In Utah, Dallas star Kyrie Irving scored 30 points, leading the Mavericks to a 106-94 victory over the Utah Jazz.

Quentin Grimes contributed 24 points for the Mavericks (12-8), while Lauri Markkanen topped the Jazz (4-15) with 19 points.

In Milwaukee, Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered an impressive performance, achieving his third triple-double of the season with 42 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists, leading the Bucks to a 124-114 win over Washington.

This marked his first career triple-double with 40 or more points, as he shot 15-of-24 from the field and 12-of-17 from the free. throw line.

Damian Lillard contributed 25 points and 10 assists as the Bucks improved their record to 10-9, marking their sixth consecutive victory and eighth win in their last nine games.

The Wizards, with Jordan Poole scoring 31 points, experienced their 14th consecutive defeat, bringing their NBA-worst record to 2-16 for the season.

Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers to a 111-96 win over Detroit, scoring 28 points.

Paul George made his return for the 76ers (4-4) after missing three games due to a bone bruise in his left knee, contributing 11 points along with eight rebounds and five assists.

The 76ers played without their Cameroonian center, Joel Embiid, who was resting due to a left knee injury.

In Atlanta, Jalen Johnson scored 20 points, while reserve De'Andre Hunter added 18 points, and Onyeka Okongwu contributed 16 points and 11 rebounds off the bench, leading the Hawks to a 107-104 victory over Charlotte, extending the Hornets' losing streak to five games.

Hunter made two free throws with 9.1 seconds left, giving the Hawks a 105-102 advantage. Charlotte's Brandon Miller, who scored a game-high 32 points, missed a 3-point attempt, and Okongwu sealed the win with two additional free throws.

SportsLigue