Suns vs. Hornets: Play-by-play, highlights and reactions

The Phoenix Suns (28-8) play against the Charlotte Hornets (18-18) at Spectrum Center

Game Time: 7:00 PM EST on Sunday January 2, 2022

Phoenix Suns 133, Charlotte Hornets 99 (Final)

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
A much needed get-right game (and win) for the Suns in Charlotte: arizonasports.com/story/2954636/… – 10:57 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“It kind of feels right. At some point, you play for so long in the league, you just don’t want to be in the league to be in the league. You want to be in the league to play for something and watching the #Suns from far away, they’re competing for something.” Bismack Biyombo. pic.twitter.com/tDUQKCFfZW – 10:47 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
5 takeaways from #Suns‘ obliteration of #Hornets after flop loss to #Celtics azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral – 10:42 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“My dad usually text me before games.”
An emotional Bismack Biyombo after win over his former team in his #Suns debut.
Biyombo’s father passed away in August 2021. pic.twitter.com/LPRkS8yLkw – 10:38 PM Charlotte Hornets @hornets
“You’re never as bad as you think you are and you’re never as good as you think you are… I think that’s the bottom line… A very humbling experience tonight. We need to respond tomorrow night.” – James Borrego
#AllFly | @HusqvarnaUSA – 10:36 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“I can never just automatically know I’m going to shoot this many shots. I’ve got to feel the game and see how it’s going. I think you can be aggressive too without necessarily shooting. Just putting pressure on the defense.” Chris Paul after 16 dimes in #Suns win over #Hornets. pic.twitter.com/s12APetsMI – 10:23 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“We’ve been waiting for that emotion for a year and a half now.” Chris Paul on Jalen Smith’s flex after dunking on Mason Plumlee in #Suns romp in Charlotte. pic.twitter.com/nncjEdDgsO – 10:14 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“With him, your hands got to be ready at all times.”
Jalen Smith on playing with Chris Paul after tying a career-high with 19 points in #Suns 133-99 win over Hornets. pic.twitter.com/R1WOJgFyyq – 10:12 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“In shootaround, MB was telling me that he saw that emotion in Maryland and he was like, “Oh, you the quiet guy now?”
Jalen Smith on what #Suns assistant Mark Bryant asked him before Sunday’s game in Charlotte.
He definitely showed it after one-handed dunk over Mason Plumlee. pic.twitter.com/lgz4KwOxX4 – 10:10 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“They were ready to go.” #Suns acting head coach Kevin Young after Sunday’s 133-99 win in Charlotte after Friday’s loss in Boston. pic.twitter.com/5iqcRI9uNh – 10:04 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Bismack Biyombo said it was emotional to play for the first time since the passing of his father in August. He would normally get a pregame text from his dad and said it was different to not get one today.
“It’s almost finding ways (and) understanding this new way of living.” – 10:01 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Bigger than basketball! 🧡💜
@Chris Paul taking time for our fans on the road 🖊 pic.twitter.com/gp6uiatGBf – 9:54 PM The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
Thunder rookie Josh Giddey surpasses LaMelo Ball as the youngest NBA player to record a triple-double 👏
https://t.co/2tn0KbJZwP pic.twitter.com/gtnmjybW4n – 9:51 PM Charlotte Hornets @hornets
#AllFly | @Lowes pic.twitter.com/hkmxxTTZXU – 9:41 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
“Hi, I’m @Cameron Payne. You’re probably wondering how I ended up like this. Funny story…” pic.twitter.com/hC0BKUZBST – 9:39 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Jalen Smith said in shootaround that coach Mark Bryant wanted to see a little bit more emotion out of him so that helped bring that out after his poster. – 9:39 PM Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Suns Bench Mob Score:
1 Pretend Your Dead Guy
1 Paramedic
5 Trespassers
1 Bunny Rabbit
2 Hold Me Back Guys
0 Gargoyles
0 Robert Sacres
0 Towel Wavers
0 Shuttle Runners
8.5/10
nicely done! pic.twitter.com/wBnYZWU2lB – 9:34 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
📸 THE DUNK
#ValleyProud pic.twitter.com/ah9qaDGYXl – 9:33 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Stix with the double-double!
Tonight’s @FanDuel Stat Line of the Game pic.twitter.com/a4uw0Gj8l0 – 9:27 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Kevin Young once again giving Mark Bryant credit for having Jalen Smith ready. #Suns – 9:26 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Only thing that could make this win better is FREE ATL Wings!
Download the Suns app to claim your 3 free Gorilla Bites and head to an @ATLWingsAZ in the next 24hrs!
📱 https://t.co/T8bUcCzb76 pic.twitter.com/00iebzEHXX – 9:25 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Kevin Young said that it was clear this morning that the team came into Charlotte locked in and ready to respond after how Friday’s game went in Boston. – 9:24 PM Charlotte Hornets @hornets
LaMelo: 17 PTS, 3 3PT, 3 REB
Kelly: 15 PTS, 3 3PT, 3 REB
Ish: 13 PTS, 8 AST
Miles: 10 PTS, 3 REB, 3 AST
#AllFly | @DrPepper pic.twitter.com/YqqrEVdOin – 9:23 PM Charlotte Hornets @hornets
That’s 9 blocks for your Hornets, which means FREE NUGGETS for all fans in attendance tonight. Claim your prize in the @ChickfilA app before leaving Spectrum Center!
#AllFly pic.twitter.com/g9wyjdyEbS – 9:23 PM Mark Followill @MFollowill
Some history on the OKC side tonight. Josh Giddey with a triple-double 17P/13R/14A. He’s the youngest player in NBA history with a triple-double at 19 yrs, 84 days old. He’s the 4th teenager in NBA history with a triple-double joining LaMelo Ball, Markelle Fultz and Luka Doncic. – 9:20 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
The loudest cheer was before Kai Jones took FT with 11.4 seconds left that would’ve given #Hornets 100 points.
Had already missed 1st.
Then #Suns had lane violation.
So Jones has another chance to make the FT.
Crowd cheered.
He missed. That summed up the night for Hornets. – 9:19 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
𝐁𝐈𝐆 dub. pic.twitter.com/ODV20poJnk – 9:19 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Jalen Smith’s last 4 games: 16.0 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 1.3 BPG, 23-41 FG – 9:17 PM Charlotte Hornets @hornets
FINAL.
#AllFly | @NovantHealth pic.twitter.com/rMnNtjduxG – 9:17 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Final: PHX 133, CHA 99
Booker: 24 Pts, 7 Reb, 9-19 FG
Smith: 19 Pts, 12 Reb, 2 Blk
Shamet: 17 Pts, 4 Stl, 5-8 3P
Bridges: 15 Pts, 6-12 FG
Ball: 17 Pts – 9:16 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns 133 #Hornets 99 Final.
Wow. – 9:16 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
SUNS WIN! pic.twitter.com/I5NeEmYAqq – 9:16 PM Rod Boone @rodboone
Final: Suns 133, #Hornets 99
Three-game winning streak is snapped
LaMelo 17 pts, 3 rebs
Kelly Oubre 15 pts
Miles Bridges 10 pts, 3 rebs
Up next: at Washington tomorrow – 9:15 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns have led by as many as 43. Up 131-95 with 1:25 left in the game. – 9:12 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Landry jam it. pic.twitter.com/U2m784ME97 – 9:11 PM StatMuse @statmuse
Youngest player with a triple-double:
19y, 84d — Josh Giddey
19y, 140d — LaMelo Ball
19y, 317d — Markelle Fultz
19y, 327d — Luka Doncic
They are the only 19 year-olds with a triple-double in NBA history. pic.twitter.com/bEtooFkNnq – 9:08 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Paris Bass is in! Was playing in Puerto Rico 3 months ago, makes the Lakers’ G League affiliate after a tryout and now he’s on an NBA floor. Awesome stuff. – 9:05 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
MJ Walker already doing 0.5 stuff James Jones and his crew know their guys – 9:02 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
A @Chris Paul classic. #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/SKpNbG21n8 – 9:02 PM Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42
Last four games for Jalen Smith in Phoenix:
– 16 PPG
– 10.5 RPG
Because his 3rd year team option was declined, the most that Phoenix or an acquiring team can sign him for is $4.67M.
The first top 10 pick not to have his 3rd year option exercised since Joe Alexander (2009). – 9:01 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Suns having 8 guys in double figures with Ayton, Crowder, McGee, Kaminsky, Saric and Nader out (and Chris Paul NOT being one of them) is pretty wild, honestly – 8:59 PM Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Josh Giddey has become the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double, surpassing LaMelo Ball’s record. – 8:58 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Nice drive and kick by MJ Walker there. Great opportunity for the 10-day guys to get some court time. – 8:58 PM Royce Young @royceyoung
Josh Giddey has his first career triple-double, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to record one. Previously it was Lamelo Ball, with Giddey about three months younger than when Ball did it last season. – 8:57 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
More dunks? 😳
More dunks! 😁 pic.twitter.com/NUmh0MUT5F – 8:56 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Suns going up 41 while shorthanded after beating this team by 31 at full strength a few weeks ago is a pretty decent response to the last few games, I’d say – 8:52 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
The story in Charlotte. pic.twitter.com/DSfmrgPaq9 – 8:49 PM Charlotte Hornets @hornets
On to the final frame.
#AllFly | @AthleticBrewing pic.twitter.com/8WfNN3vrD9 – 8:49 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Stix and stones breaking the rim’s bones. pic.twitter.com/gpkwllB73J – 8:47 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
End of 3Q: PHX 106, CHA 74
Booker: 24 Pts, 7 Reb, 9-19 FG
Smith: 17 Pts, 12 Reb, 2 Blk
Bridges: 15 Pts, 6-12 FG
Ball: 17 Pts, 5-12 FG – 8:46 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Biyombo told me before the game it wasn’t about facing his former team tonight.
That dunk said something else.
#Suns up 106-74 on #Hornets at the end of the third quarter.
Has 11 and 7 tonight. – 8:46 PM Rod Boone @rodboone
End of 3rd Q: Suns 106, #Hornets 74 – 8:45 PM Rod Boone @rodboone
Biz is out here catching alleys on the #Hornets. – 8:45 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Underrated storyline of the night: Mikal Bridges getting that offense back on track and being a little more aggressive than we’ve seen over the last few games – 8:43 PM Rod Boone @rodboone
Miles rejects Mikal Bridges’ slam attempt. Went all out to get that block. – 8:41 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Hornets have gotten he defensive message.
Cam Johnson and Mikal Bridges have been denied at the rim, but #Suns up 31, the same amount they won by over Charlotte in Phoenix last month. – 8:41 PM Charlotte Hornets @hornets
Visit section 217 to check out awesome artwork by some of the best artists in Buzz City! 🎨🖼
@NovantHealth | #AllFly pic.twitter.com/z9saqjX9F1 – 8:41 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
We keep hitting 3’s! You keep getting FREE burgers! 🍔
Tomorrow get a free Western Bacon Cheeseburger® at a Valley @CarlsJr with the purchase of a fountain drink! pic.twitter.com/CgbXhIdGEg – 8:38 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
JALEN SMITH YOU ARE CLEAR FOR TAKEOFF! pic.twitter.com/9Y8YyMtPHs – 8:37 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
The best moment of Jalen Smith’s career so far
pic.twitter.com/F1Ej15oj3X – 8:37 PM Tas Melas @TasMelas
Jalen Smith forcing Mason Plumlee to change his name to Miles. pic.twitter.com/WqUZN3G9Bp – 8:36 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Better dunk tonight?
Jalen Smith over Mason Plumlee or Bismack Biyombo over Ish Smith. #Suns – 8:33 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Oh lawd.
Jalen Smith one-handed punch over Mason Plumlee.
Flexes after play. Screams.
Has rarely shown emotion with #Suns.
Drew tech for celebration, I think, but Booker had hands on his head as he was all smiles over that jam.
Bench erupted. Biyombo got off bench, cheered. – 8:30 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
JALEN SMITH POSTER OH NO pic.twitter.com/V4BJYtohVy – 8:28 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
POSTER ALERT. OH MY STIX. 😱 – 8:28 PM Rod Boone @rodboone
Jalen Smith dunks on Mason Plumlee and gets hit with a tech for taunting. #Hornets trail 87-60. – 8:28 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Another look at this Biyombo beauty. pic.twitter.com/B1fEbwa6Gw – 8:27 PM Charlotte Hornets @hornets
📸📸📸📸 pic.twitter.com/sr2TpHVsRF – 8:26 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Rozier got past Paul, but Smith waiting with the block. #Suns – 8:26 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Even with so many key guys out, this is a much more recognizable performance from the Suns – 8:25 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Stix can’t come to the phone right now, he’s a little busy. pic.twitter.com/33xyTJ93oz – 8:25 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Paul and Booker telling Smith how to roll off screen, but he drew foul on Ball, who was holding him.
Smith with 15. After first FT, Booker gives him five. #Suns up 83-55. – 8:25 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Cam Johnson fouled on made 3 by Rozier.
He’s back in familiar territory having played for UNC.
Makes FT. #Suns up 81-52. – 8:23 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Booker dunk. Uncontested.
Paul’s 11th assist.
#Suns up 75-49. – 8:19 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
LaMelo Ball was holding his left hand. Still is after that drive and dish. #Suns #Hornets. – 8:19 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Jalen Smith 10 rebounds to go with 11 points in 13 minutes.
Chris Paul 10 assists to 1 turnover.
#Suns – 8:17 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Double-double Stix already. 🙌
11 PTS, 10 REB pic.twitter.com/BiF44MyDdb – 8:14 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
It’s gotten ugly in Charlotte.
From Biyombo’s hammer over Ish Smith in return to Booker 20 on 7-of-11 FGs, #Suns rolling to 73-47 halftime lead.
PHX: Bridges 12. Smith 11. Team: 51.8% FG (10-of-22 3s). 32 paint pts.
CHA: Oubre Jr. 10. Team: 39.6% FG. 6-of-21 3s). 22 paint pts. – 8:13 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
WELCOME TO THE FAMILY, BISMACK pic.twitter.com/ZtrgCKEYoy – 8:11 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
One half down, another one coming. pic.twitter.com/OfZwIGaNFy – 8:04 PM Charlotte Hornets @hornets
Lotta time left for a comeback.
#AllFly | @NovantHealth pic.twitter.com/pDqtW9yT1u – 8:04 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Suns tie their season high for points in the first half with 73. They are up 26 at halftime. Big-time response after Boston. – 8:03 PM Quinton Mayo @RealQuintonMayo
Bismack Biyombo dunking on Ish Smith is some NBA mad libs😂
pic.twitter.com/ZdwObIpcMw – 8:03 PM Charlotte Hornets @hornets
That’s 🔥ONE THOUSAND🔥 career triples for @Gordon Hayward! 👌
RT to send Gordon to Cleveland for #NBAAllStar! pic.twitter.com/zNstga4CkM – 8:03 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Bismack Biyombo dunking on Ish Smith is some basketball mad libs – 8:02 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Halftime: PHX 73, CHA 47
Booker: 20 Pts, 7-11 FG
Bridges: 12 Pts, 5-10 FG
Smith: 11 Pts, 10 Reb, 5-9 FG
Oubre: 10 Pts – 8:02 PM Rod Boone @rodboone
Halftime: Suns 73, #Hornets 47 – 8:01 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
OH HELLO, BISMACK! – 8:01 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
TO INFINITY AND BIYOMBO – 8:01 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
From one end to another three. 👌 pic.twitter.com/I9pIfsMb9c – 8:00 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Kevin Young mentioned pregame that he didn’t realize how big Biyombo was until starting to be around him more and you saw on that last screen for Booker how much space he can create. Large human. – 8:00 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Suns just ran the BLOB Ayton lob play for Biyombo and he just stood there and caught it. I howled – 7:55 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Flying high with a little love from the rim. 🚀 pic.twitter.com/B74ofWz9P0 – 7:55 PM Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Josh Richardson opens up the fourth quarter with a 3-pointer to cut Boston’s deficit to 77-68. After a good win to close out 2021 over Phoenix, losing this game to Orlando would be a rough start to 2022. – 7:54 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Booker’s 2nd foul on something that could’ve been avoided.
Has 5:08 left to not pickup 3rd. #Suns – 7:52 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
If you are a Suns fan and haven’t seen the standings/any other basketball you’d assume the Hornets are tanking – 7:52 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Bridges being aggressive too.
9 points on 4-of-8.
Cam Johnson 3. Has 8 on 3-of-5.
#Suns up 19. – 7:50 PM Charlotte Hornets @hornets
Tsunami Attack 🌊💥
@Kelly Oubre | #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/64A4tPtC8G – 7:50 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Bridges transition lob finish. #Suns up 14. – 7:49 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Booker set to check in. #Suns – 7:49 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Jalen Smith is everywhere. Just feasts when teams aren’t willing to match his energy. – 7:48 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Denied by Bismack. pic.twitter.com/tOFjsGhGax – 7:48 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Suns responded to Charlotte’s 14-2 run with a 10-0 run out of their timeout. Back up by 14 again – 7:46 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Paul didn’t make the layup, but because he put pressure on the defense, it opened up the offensive putback for Bridges.
#Suns up 14. Timeout #Hornets with 7:19 left in 1st half. #Suns – 7:45 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Can’t say enough about what Jalen Smith is doing with his opportunity. 11 points (5-7 FG), 7 rebounds and 1 block in 11 minutes so far tonight – 7:45 PM Charlotte Hornets @hornets
KO 🥊💥
@Kelly Oubre | #NBAAllStar | @HornetsOnBally pic.twitter.com/6QSvN6gyWL – 7:42 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
14-2 Hornets run. Suns missed 4 shots and turned it over 3 times across 4 minutes before CP3’s jumper ended a scoreless spurt. – 7:41 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Suns were up 36-20 at one point in the 1Q. Since then, it’s been a 14-2 run for the Hornets, who clearly didn’t want to repeat their last game against Phoenix – 7:40 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns even with #Hornets in points in the paint with 14.
BUT
They have five turnovers that’s led to seven Charlotte points. – 7:40 PM Rod Boone @rodboone
Suns 17-point lead down to 4. #Hornets scrapping their way back. – 7:39 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Forearm a little too high.
Foul on Smith.
He’s picked up fouls that with experience, he’ll avoid. #Suns up 38-32 as Paul answers Oubre dunk with fadeaway jumper. – 7:38 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns open 2nd quarter with Paul, Payne, Payton, Bridges and Smith. – 7:36 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Quarter one pic.twitter.com/DPXoaOrD5L – 7:35 PM Charlotte Hornets @hornets
That’s all for the first.
#AllFly pic.twitter.com/b8TeAqozBJ – 7:34 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns 36, #Hornets 27 end of 1st – 7:33 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
End of 1Q: PHX 36, CHA 27
Booker: 14 Pts, 4 Reb, 5-7 FG
Smith: 6 Pts, 4 Reb
Shamet: 6 Pts
Oubre: 8 Pts, 3-5 FG – 7:33 PM Rod Boone @rodboone
End of first Q: Suns 36, #Hornets 27 – 7:33 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Biyombo calling out defensive signals, something that Deandre Ayton and Jae Crowder do.
With those two in protocols, Biyombo already addressing something #Suns have lacked in last three games without Ayton and Crowder. #Suns up 11. – 7:30 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Suns have 9 assists in 9 minutes after having only 20 against the Celtics and 22 in the win over the Thunder. – 7:29 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Devin Booker said #Suns would be better next game.
He’s making sure that’s the case to start tonight vs. Hornets.
14 points on 5-of-7 FGs.
#Suns up 34-20. Has led by as many as 17.
Booker shot 7-of-26 in Friday’s 15-point loss in Boston as Phoenix trailed by as many as 30. – 7:28 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Point God doin’ his thing.
@Chris Paul #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/VUf6tJtE7K – 7:27 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Suns have found their mojo. Booker has 14 in the first 9 minutes. Hornets started out in a haze just like the matchup in Phoenix. – 7:27 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Bismack Biyombo gets cheers as he checks in wearing No. 18 for #Suns.
Played seven seasons in Charlotte.
Gets block early. Crowd cheers. pic.twitter.com/JFToQ8o3TC – 7:25 PM Rod Boone @rodboone
Defense = lacking. Suns shooting 68.4%. #Hornets are 7 for 19 (36.8%). – 7:25 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Oh yeah that’s what Biyombo can do alright. Somehow the Smith block has already been topped my goodness – 7:25 PM PJ Washington @PJWashington
happy to see you on the floor my boy @Bismack Biyombo – 7:24 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Biyombo checks in for Smith after another good shift for Stix – 7:23 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
The Hornets have the NBA’s 28th-ranked defense, and we’re seeing it right now. Suns start off 10-for-15 from the field, including 4-for-7 from deep – 7:23 PM Rod Boone @rodboone
Energy crew checking in: Ish Smith, Cody Martin and Nick Richards. #Hornets sluggish at the outset. – 7:23 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Stix ERASED this one. pic.twitter.com/DV0O1Fs7ze – 7:22 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns 🔥🔥🔥🔥
10-of-15 FGs (4-of-7 from 3). Up 26-15. – 7:22 PM Charlotte Hornets @hornets
Strong finish @LaMelo Ball 💪
RT & VOTE for Melo!
#NBAAllStar | @HornetsOnBally pic.twitter.com/KMSqZJ2YKr – 7:21 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Jalen Smith again, aggressive early. Has six on 3-of-4 FGs.
Oubre answers with 3. Suns up 7. – 7:21 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Kelly Oubre Jr. checks in.
2nd game in less than a month against former team.
#Suns up 18-10. Booker with 9. – 7:20 PM Rod Boone @rodboone
First player off the bench tonight: Kelly Oubre. – 7:20 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Suns are really pushing the pace off misses. CP3 is taking his outlets at nearly half-court and then kicking it ahead again. – 7:20 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns 7-of-9 FGs, up 16-9. – 7:18 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Jalen Smith getting it in early again.
Four points. Making presence known defensively.
#Suns up 13-7.
Timeout #Hornets with 9 minutes left in 1st quarter.
Booker with 7 on 3-of-4 shooting. – 7:15 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Jalen Smith with the block on a Miles Bridges dunk attempt? What fever dream is this?? – 7:14 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
What a block by Jalen Smith. Miles Bridges came flying in like he normally does and Smith got the ball. – 7:14 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Booker fadeaways over two defenders.
Then hits 3. Tied 7-7 as LaMelo Ball answers with 5 points. #Suns – 7:12 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
First bucket/dunk @Jalen Smith pic.twitter.com/Ev7YoyiDCl – 7:12 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Book with the LASER to Stix to start this one. Looking forward to a bounce-back game from him – 7:12 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Chris Paul got a noticeable round of applause during pregame intros.
From the state of North Carolina. #Suns #Hornets – 7:12 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Smith scores first bucket second straight game. #Suns up 2-0. – 7:11 PM Charlotte Hornets @hornets
Carolina legend in the building!
#AllFly pic.twitter.com/w7HSoj2wJJ – 7:09 PM Charlotte Hornets @hornets
GET HYPE! It’s tipoff time. 🕺
📍 – 🏠
🆚 – @Phoenix Suns
📺 – @HornetsOnBally
📻 – @WFNZ 610 AM/102.5 FM pic.twitter.com/pkLXr0FYp8 – 7:05 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
We in here. #Suns vs. #Hornets pic.twitter.com/Yfu1XLbFud – 7:00 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns #Hornets starting lineups: pic.twitter.com/viJQ6cGasU – 6:55 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“The appreciation, being thankful of the moment and understanding that this is where my career began, but it’s also a new beginning for me without my dad.”
Bismack Biyombo as his father died in August.
Signed 10-day with #Suns. Faces #Hornets tonight. https://t.co/2jdSnQApzd pic.twitter.com/DPzUDg70u0 – 6:45 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Starters in Charlotte
#ValleyProud pic.twitter.com/FfRNXL1JPe – 6:30 PM Charlotte Hornets @hornets
Welcome back @Bismack Biyombo!
#AllFly pic.twitter.com/pvw5KU8zLc – 6:29 PM Charlotte Hornets @hornets
Here they come…
#AllFly | @CrumblCookies pic.twitter.com/jXmA2gI4R3 – 6:29 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Going live for the @PHNX_Suns pregame show with @Espo and @LindseySmithAZ in 5 minutes to prepare for Suns-Hornets!
Tune in here: https://t.co/4MxnP5nI6K pic.twitter.com/p9O5d3AGFY – 6:25 PM Charlotte Hornets @hornets
New year, new sweats 😎
#ULTRADrip | @MichelobULTRA pic.twitter.com/UNfDitroEf – 6:20 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Tonight’s @BannerHealth health update: pic.twitter.com/xNV5Tqp5Ht – 6:04 PM Charlotte Hornets PR @HornetsPR
INJURY UPDATE: @Charlotte Hornets vs. PHX 1/2
Miles Bridges (Return from H&S Protocols) listed as questionable is now available
Carey Jr./Lewis/Washington (H&S Protocols) are all OUT
#AllFly – 6:01 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“We’ll throw him right in the mix.” #Suns associate head coach Kevin Young on Bismack Biyombo, who signed 10-day, joined team Saturday and is expected to play tonight vs. his former team in Charlotte.
“I didn’t realize he was as big as he is. Physically, he’s a really big man.” pic.twitter.com/hkVw71X3J0 – 6:01 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“He’s impacted that group. whether he knows it or not. He’s helped those young men grow up.”
#Hornets coach James Borrego on former big Bismack Biyombo, who signed 10-day with #Suns. pic.twitter.com/9T92ibKkJ1 – 5:51 PM Charlotte Hornets @hornets
INJURY REPORT vs PHX
Miles Bridges (Return from H&S Protocols) is questionable.
Scottie Lewis (H&S Protocols) is out.
PJ Washington (H&S Protocols) is out.
Vernon Carey Jr. (H&S Protocols) is out.
#AllFly | @NovantHealth pic.twitter.com/UCK4oZSuHv – 5:48 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Kevin Young said #Hornets are “probably the most explosive team” in the #NBA. #Suns pic.twitter.com/RpqL49GgdW – 5:40 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns associate head coach Kevin Young said everyone is good to go tonight who’s been on the trip. – 5:38 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
The countdown is on 🕟
📺 Tune in to @BALLYSPORTSAZ with Suns Live! Pregame starting at 430PM pic.twitter.com/19YiVJ1iMi – 5:31 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Kevin Young said Bismack Biyombo brings size and an athletic body down low, as well as veteran know-how. He’ll be active for the Suns today – 5:31 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Hornets head coach James Borrego spoke highly of the impact Bismack Biyombo had on a young Charlotte team, where Biyombo had spent his last 3 years. Credited Biyombo for setting an example for what a professional looks like and said that he played a part in shaping their program. – 5:30 PM Rod Boone @rodboone
James Borrego said he was caught off guard by PJ Washington landing back in health and safety protocols. Said he “didn’t see that one coming.” pic.twitter.com/aXJSjMKWav – 5:27 PM PJ Washington @PJWashington
🤦🏽‍ – 5:26 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“We’ll certainly have a different mindset tonight.” #Hornets coach James Borrego on tonight’s rematch vs. #Suns, who beat them by 31 points last month in Phoenix. pic.twitter.com/VMTfhr7FpL – 5:25 PM Charlotte Hornets @hornets
Coach JB is LIVE! 🎙 #PHXvsCHA twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 5:19 PM Charlotte Hornets PR @HornetsPR
INJURY UPDATE: @Charlotte Hornets forward PJ Washington has been downgraded to out for tonight’s game against PHX and he will continue to be listed in H&S Protocols. #AllFly – 5:08 PM Washington Wizards @WashWizards
Injury and availability report for Monday’s game vs. Charlotte: pic.twitter.com/a3OTdmLn1z – 5:03 PM Rod Boone @rodboone
He’s back. And he’s one of the first players out for the Suns. pic.twitter.com/BkUoww9QRj – 5:02 PM Neil Dalal @NeilDalal96
Anthony Gill has re-entered health and safety protocols and is OUT for Wizards vs. Hornets.
Thomas Bryant, Spencer Dinwiddie, Rui Hachimura, Montrezl Harrell, Aaron Holiday, Raul Neto, Brad Wanamaker all remain out in protocols.
Davis Bertans (non-COVID illness) is available. – 4:33 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Bismack Biyombo will be active for the Suns today against the Hornets, per Suns – 4:12 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Bismack Biyombo ready for opportunity with Phoenix #Suns after passing of his father
azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral – 3:30 PM Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
I can’t wait to hear from Antonio Brown on this one, but the unwritten rule book seems pretty clear: don’t run off the field without your jersey on if you care about your team. – 3:29 PM Charlotte Hornets @hornets
Defense is 🔑
@GEICO | #AllFly pic.twitter.com/BRiFYHOlk8 – 1:26 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
📍 Charlotte, NC.
#ValleyProud pic.twitter.com/gRmn9oLm1I – 1:04 PM