Luke Kennard scores 20 as Suns hold off Spurs 102-98

Suns secure the result

Luke Kennard scored 20 points, and the Phoenix Suns held on to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 102-98 on Saturday at Mortgage Matchup Center. Phoenix improved to 1-2, while San Antonio dropped to 0-2.

Phoenix also received five assists from Jalen Green and 15 rebounds from Khaman Maluach. Dylan Harper scored 15 points for San Antonio, while Victor Wembanyama had six assists and Luke Kornet collected 10 rebounds.

Phoenix builds an early cushion

The Suns opened the game with a 35-25 advantage after the first quarter. Phoenix added 23 points in the second, while San Antonio scored 26, trimming the deficit to 58-51 at halftime.

Kennard's scoring included a 24-foot 3-pointer and a 25-foot 3-pointer in the first quarter, along with a 16-foot pullup jump shot. Green also connected on a 29-foot 3-pointer and a 22-foot 3-pointer during the opening period.

Spurs close the gap

Phoenix restored some separation in the third quarter, outscoring San Antonio 27-22 to take an 85-73 lead into the fourth. Maluach made a 25-foot 3-pointer in the period, while Wembanyama added a running layup and an alley-oop layup for San Antonio.

The Spurs made the final quarter competitive, scoring 25 points to Phoenix's 17. San Antonio cut the margin to 98-102 late in the period after Maliq Brown made a 26-foot 3-pointer, but the Suns remained ahead at the final buzzer.

Records and details

The game was played at Mortgage Matchup Center, where attendance was 17,071. Phoenix finished with a 102-98 victory and a 1-2 record after the game. San Antonio finished at 0-2.

Sources

ESPN