In a gritty first half on Tuesday night, the Phoenix Suns found their unexpected heroes early, as Mark Williams and Jamaree Bouyea spearheaded a 60-51 halftime advantage over the Brooklyn Nets at the Footprint Center.
With Phoenix’s roster stretched thin by injuries to key scorers like Devin Booker and Jalen Green, head coach Jordan Ott turned to adjustments that emphasized a mix of inside presence and bench energy.
Williams Controlling the Paint
Williams, the veteran center, anchored the Suns’ offense with strong post play and crisp passing that opened up scoring opportunities for teammates.
Early aggression in the paint allowed Phoenix to dictate tempo and articulate a rhythm, giving them the edge in transition and half-court sets.
Often feeding cutters and kick-outs after drawing in defenders, Williams’ court vision and physicality made the Suns tough to defend down low.
His presence also provided a reliable safety net on the glass, limiting second-chance points for Brooklyn.
Bouyea Bringing the Spark Off the Bench
Off the bench, Bouyea was a consistent spark plug — energetic, fearless, and opportunistic.
Whether it was hustling for loose balls, attacking closeouts for acrobatic baskets, or contesting shots on defense, his activity was palpable.
Bouyea’s play exemplified a bench unit ready to step up amid adversity, offering the Suns a lift on both ends of the floor and helping sustain momentum as Brooklyn countered.
Supporting Cast & Game Flow
Veteran forward Dillon Brooks also contributed in the early going with his characteristic intensity and scoring, complementing Williams’ inside work and helping Phoenix keep pressure on the Nets from tip-off.
Ryan Dunn added highlight reel plays in transition that electrified the home crowd.
As the Suns looked to maintain defensive toughness and efficient ball movement, the first half showcased how roster depth and role players can make a difference when stars are sidelined or limited.
Phoenix’s success in the opening half not only kept them ahead but also set the tone for an intense second half against a scrappy Brooklyn squad fighting to stay within striking distance.
