Luke Kennard's 20 points help Suns hold off Spurs 102-98

Suns build an early cushion

Luke Kennard scored 20 points, and the Phoenix Suns held off the San Antonio Spurs 102-98 Saturday after Duop Reath's driving layup put the home team ahead 102-90 late in the fourth quarter. San Antonio scored the final eight points, including two 3-pointers by Maliq Brown, but could not complete the comeback.

The Suns also received five assists from Jalen Green and 15 rebounds from Khaman Maluach. Dylan Harper led the Spurs with 15 points, while Victor Wembanyama had six assists and Luke Kornet grabbed 10 rebounds.

Phoenix controls the first three quarters

Phoenix opened with a 35-25 advantage after the first quarter. The Spurs answered with a 26-23 edge in the second, but the Suns carried a 58-51 lead into halftime.

The Suns restored some separation in the third quarter, outscoring San Antonio 27-22. Luke Kennard made a 25-foot 3-pointer in the period, while Khaman Maluach added a 25-foot 3-pointer and two other baskets during the quarter. Phoenix led 85-73 entering the fourth.

Spurs make the finish close

San Antonio produced the stronger final period, scoring 25 points to Phoenix's 17. Tarris Reed Jr. scored eight fourth-quarter points for the Spurs, and Brown's 26-foot 3-pointer cut the margin to four at 102-98. The Suns did not score after Reath's layup, but their earlier lead held up.

The game was played at Mortgage Matchup Center, with attendance listed at 17,071. The Suns improved to 1-2, while the Spurs fell to 0-2.

Sources

ESPN