PHOENIX — Kevin Durant led the way with 31 points as the Phoenix Suns secured their third consecutive victory, defeating the Orlando Magic 112-107 on Sunday night. Bradley Beal, in his eighth game of the season due to back and ankle injuries, added a season-high 25 points, showcasing his All-Star caliber play following an offseason trade from Washington.
The Magic, despite trailing for most of the game, staged a late comeback. Paolo Banchero’s 12-point outburst in the third quarter on 5-of-7 shooting brought Orlando within striking distance, trailing 89-87 going into the final period. Gary Harris’ deep 3-pointer early in the fourth briefly gave Orlando a 96-95 lead, their first since the game’s early stages.
However, Phoenix quickly regained control with a decisive 17-6 run, establishing a 10-point lead. Durant, shooting an efficient 12 of 21 from the field, contributed five rebounds and five assists to his scoring efforts. Devin Booker added 21 points, and Jusuf Nurkic contributed a double-double with 19 points and 13 rebounds.
Phoenix’s bench managed just six points, all from Chimezie Metu, but it was enough to support the team’s stars. Banchero finished with 28 points for the Magic, and Franz Wagner contributed 27. Wendell Carter Jr. added 17 points off the bench.
The Suns continued to build chemistry with their trio of Durant, Beal, and Booker, who combined for 22 points in the first quarter alone, helping Phoenix to a 37-24 lead. By halftime, the Suns maintained a nine-point advantage.
Josh Okogie returned for Phoenix after missing six of the past eight games due to an ankle injury. Orlando was missing key players Markelle Fultz (knee) and Jonathan Isaac (hamstring).
The Magic look to rebound as they face Golden State on Tuesday night, while the Suns aim to continue their winning streak against Portland on Monday night.
