Nets vs. Suns: Play-by-play, highlights and reactions
The Brooklyn Nets (29-20) play against the Phoenix Suns (9-9) at Footprint Center
Game Time: 10:00 PM EST on Tuesday February 1, 2022
Brooklyn Nets 21, Phoenix Suns 29 (Q1 02:44)
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Phoenix Suns @Suns
Welcome back, Big Fella! 😤 pic.twitter.com/cFF0nnKJlJ – 10:22 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Devin Booker’s in one of those first-quarter moods. He’s up to 11 points on 5-of-5 shooting. Suns are 11-for-13 to start – 10:21 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Booker locked in. Has 11 on 5-of-5 FGs. #Suns up nine. – 10:20 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Paul over Kyrie.
Thomas answers.
#Suns up seven as Bridges hits 3. #Suns 10-of-11 from the field. – 10:19 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Suns are now 10-of-11 from the field to start the game – 10:19 PM
The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
Welcome back, Deandre Ayton 🙌
pic.twitter.com/8oQX9eF4cu – 10:19 PM
Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
New #Rockets at #TXSN – Rockets’ Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun and Jae’Sean Tate tabbed for All-Star weekend festivities ift.tt/yEuK7fZDM – 10:18 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
The #Suns have opened the game 8-for-9 from the floor. The #Nets – 4-for-4 themselves – trail 18-14. – 10:18 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Suns lead the Nets 18-14 with 6:58 left in the first quarter. Brooklyn has made its first four shots from the field. Suns have made eight of their first nine. D-Book already has nine and Ayton has shown no signs of rust. – 10:16 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
This game is like a title fight between two boxers, and the Nets and Suns are going back and forth here in the first quarter. Timeout, Suns. Phoenix leads 18-14 at the 6:58 mark in the first quarter. Nash subs Cam Thomas for Patty Mills early in the period. – 10:16 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
Ooo Book, that’s toughhhh 😎 pic.twitter.com/aTmV5dtGGX – 10:16 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Devin Booker was incredulous there wasn’t a whistle there after getting bumped on the way to the basket. He’s got 9 points on 4-4 FG, Suns up 18-14 early – 10:15 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Booker looking for the foul.
No call.
#Suns up 18-14. Timeout Phoenix with 6:58 left in the 1st quarter. – 10:15 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
#Nets‘ James Harden returned to lineup vs. #Suns nypost.com/2022/02/01/net… via @nypostsports – 10:14 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Ayton post up on smaller Harden.
Two. #Suns up 16-14, but already have three team fouls.
#Nets with 6 FTAs already. Made 4. – 10:14 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
The whistle at this point is going to favor Harden – 10:13 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
The Grizzlies are very good — they remind me a little bit of the Thibs Bulls with Ja leading things offensively like Derrick did — but I don’t think they can beat the Warriors or Suns this season if everybody stays healthy.
Warriors vs. Suns will be awesome if standings hold. – 10:13 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Ayton jam off Paul feed.
Ankle looks fine. #Suns up 14-13. – 10:13 PM
Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNets
Clax getting 🆙 pic.twitter.com/2W0uiaJZ22 – 10:12 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Devin Booker: 7 points, 3-3 FG
Brooklyn Nets: 8 points, 3-3 FG – 10:11 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Booker for 3. 3-of-3. #Suns up four. – 10:10 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Bridges has that extended layup that’s hard to block cause of the long arms and the elevation.
#Suns up one as Booker has four on 2-of-2 shooting. #Nets – 10:09 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Kessler Edwards opens up on Booker. – 10:09 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Bridges on Harden, Booker on Kyrie and Paul is playing safety. #Suns #Nets – 10:07 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
NIINEEE-NIIIINEEEEE GETS US STARTED! pic.twitter.com/v3fE0D24rz – 10:07 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Mood. #Suns #Nets pic.twitter.com/ZROM6oqUYx – 10:07 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Irving on Paul
Harden on Booker
Bridges on Harden
Booker on Irving
Crowder on Mills
Both teams switching a lot early. – 10:06 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Crowder opens with 3 on 1st shot.
Irving answers with 3.
Tie game. #Suns #Nets – 10:06 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Welcome back, Jae Crowder.
And welcome back, #CrowdersCashClub! – 10:06 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Steve Nash got a pretty loud ovation from Suns fans in attendance here. – 10:01 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Boos for Kyrie Irving during starting intros. Loud cheers for Steve Nash – 10:01 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
We in here. #Suns #Nets pic.twitter.com/Gkk3uWKcnD – 9:58 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Greetings from Phoenix. This arena has a ‘Streets of New York’ concession stand. That’s…interesting. This game is, too. Nets-Suns tip shortly. James Harden is back. The Suns are red hot (not a dad joke, check the standings). BK looking to start this back-to-back with a win. – 9:56 PM
Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNets
Gotta start them young
@socios pic.twitter.com/r172RB3pPG – 9:54 PM
Sarah Kustok @sarahkustok
The @Brooklyn Nets are at the NBA leading @Phoenix Suns
Join us on @YESNetwork #NETSonYES pic.twitter.com/1QUB7kDcH2 – 9:53 PM
Jeremy Woo @JeremyWoo
KD Johnson: chaotic neutral – 9:51 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
‘I Am Black History’ mural features #Suns, #Mercury past, present and future (w/videos) #BlackHistoryMonth #ValleyProud azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral – 9:44 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Players in NBA history with 30+ points and 5+ threes in 5 straight games:
Stephen Curry
James Harden
Damian Lillard
Gary Trent Jr. pic.twitter.com/JEOgHNVcyr – 9:40 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Nets starters in Phoenix: Harden, Irving, Mills, Edwards and Claxton. – 9:40 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns #Nets starting lineups: pic.twitter.com/WptgHql869 – 9:35 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Harden, Irving, Mills, Edwards and Claxton will start for the #Nets tonight vs the #Suns. – 9:31 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Patty Mills, Kessler Edwards and Nic Claxton are your Nets starters tonight against the Suns. – 9:31 PM
Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNets
Tonight’s Starting 5⃣
🚨 SHOOT YOUR SHOT 🚨
The 32nd commenter receives two tickets to a Nets game, an autographed jersey, and a @newyorklottery prize pack this season!
Rules: https://t.co/brgPUQecgx pic.twitter.com/c0QSVPAto1 – 9:30 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
The first five tonight vs. Brooklyn pic.twitter.com/1H70QBsZ4X – 9:30 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
More depth.
#Nets coach Steve Nash on difference between today’s #Suns and his #Suns. pic.twitter.com/2MPwbYwUHn – 9:27 PM
Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNets
The Beard is 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 pic.twitter.com/Rtvi1SbCfx – 9:27 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“All I’m concerned with is having a good meeting.” Monty Williams on question about this being a possible finals preview. #Nets #Suns pic.twitter.com/4E446FZDdw – 9:21 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
They’re back.
@PlayAtGila | #YouDoYou pic.twitter.com/gMv5FHToL3 – 9:19 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
“I think there’s definitely a large motivation as to why I came here was to work with [KD] and to see him grow and continue to thrive late in his career…. His dedication and passion for the game is what makes him so elite.”
Steve Nash reveals motivation in coaching Kevin Durant pic.twitter.com/vNr764DaXL – 9:16 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Two of the best guards in the game.
The pride of ASU and the pride of the Suns.
Soon. pic.twitter.com/l3vQKzpMJw – 9:13 PM
James Ham @James_HamNBA
De’Aaron Fox is listed as questionable again tomorrow against the Nets with left ankle soreness. Terence Davis (wrist surgery) and Marvin Bagley (left ankle sprain) are both out. – 9:12 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
Book took some time to meet a fan and Facetime the entire family. 🤳 pic.twitter.com/QFWPnrnzP5 – 9:11 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
“Sometimes you forget life moves fast, then when you come back you realize ‘you know wow, I’ve spent a lot of time here’ and a lot of incredible years …so it means a lot to me and it’s always nice to come back and feel the vibe of the valley again.”
-Steve Nash on return to PHX pic.twitter.com/YACFindixe – 9:07 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Amar’e Stoudemire taking some time to sign autographs for Suns fans pic.twitter.com/kobMo0Bgw8 – 9:05 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Jae Crowder going with the same type of tape/wrap situation on his left wrist that he had for shootaround. Much less than he had on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/ITWuimGHXR – 9:04 PM
Sean Cunningham @SeanCunningham
Marvin Bagley (ankle sprain) is out for Wednesday’s game vs. Brooklyn. De’Aaron Fox, still questionable with what is still labeled as ankle soreness. – 9:02 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
Tonight’s @BannerHealth Health update: pic.twitter.com/r2PByZFCLY – 9:00 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
“We’ve haven’t had a run of availability for 18 months so we’re just used to always having different guys in and out of the lineup. [Kyrie Irving is] about as easy a guy to fit into a a team as there is.”
-Steve Nash on Kyrie Irving’s part time status and continuity. – 8:59 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
James Harden (hand), Deandre Ayton (ankle) and Jae Crowder (wrist) available for Nets-Suns showdown (w/video) #Suns #Nets #NetsWorld #NBA75 #NBA https://t.co/6VhGyzsGNv via @azcentral pic.twitter.com/fTRSLpmSa0 – 8:59 PM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
The Suns say they have signed Justin Jackson to a 10-day deal.
More NBA from me: marcstein.substack.com – 8:53 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
“There’s not a lot of things you can do to stop him. He’s a master of his craft. He just has such an incredible IQ and his ability to read the game on top of his skills.”
-Hall of Fame former Suns Point Guard Steve Nash has tons of respect for the legend Chris Paul. pic.twitter.com/E9YyjdJ6G5 – 8:50 PM
Jason Anderson @JandersonSacBee
Kings point guard De’Aaron Fox is questionable against vs. the Nets on Wednesday due to left ankle soreness. Marvin Bagley III will miss his second game with a left ankle sprain. – 8:34 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
James Harden is in. No limits. – 8:32 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
James Harden is playing for the #Nets. #Suns – 8:32 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Harden in. #Nets #Suns – 8:31 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Nets say James Harden is available to play tonight. – 8:28 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Nets say James Harden will play tonight against the Suns. – 8:27 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
#Suns coach Monty Williams on the biggest way Kevin Durant impacts a game: “Checking in.” #Nets – 8:27 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Nets upgrade James Harden to available tonight against the Suns. – 8:27 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
I asked Monty Williams what Kevin Durant’s biggest impact on a game can be:
“Checking in. When he subs in a game, there it is.” #Nets – 8:26 PM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
James Harden will play tonight in Phoenix, Nets say. – 8:26 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Monty said he thinks Justin Jackson will be available for tonight’s game. Said he needs to confirm it but he thinks he’ll be ready – 8:25 PM
Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNets
When in Phoenix…
@Nic Claxton 🤝 @Amare Stoudemire pic.twitter.com/hWsPexMLqO – 8:25 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Monty Williams asked about Kevin Durant post Achilles performance and if it’s surprised him: “No. God no.” Called Durant “one of the most diligent workers” he’s been around and that KD pushed him as a coach when they were in OKC. – 8:24 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Monty Williams on Patty Mills: “every metric suggests he might be the best shooter in the league this year.” – 8:21 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Monty Williams on Kyrie: “He’s just a shifty, unreal scorer. One of the toughest covers in the league.” – 8:19 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Monty Williams expects Ayton and Crowder to play. Ayton will have his minutes looked at given the layover he had. – 8:18 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Ayton, Crowder in. #Suns – 8:18 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Monty Williams confirms Deandre Ayton and Jae Crowder will play tonight. DA will start, but they’ll be watching his minutes – 8:18 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Ayton and Crowder are both available vs the #Nets. Ayton will start. #Suns – 8:17 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Monty Williams confirms Deandre Ayton and Jae Crowder are available to play tonight. – 8:17 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Late to announce this but Nets CEO John Abbamondi will leave the franchise at the end of this season, the team announced in a statement this afternoon. – 8:03 PM
NBA Kicks @NBAKicks
👀 @Kyrie Irving warms up for TNT action in a Nike Kyrie 1 in Phoenix! #NBAKicks pic.twitter.com/zgSjtwgB5y – 7:46 PM
Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
Rockets selected for the 2022 Rising Stars Game:
Jalen Green
Alperen Sengun
Jae’Sean Tate
Houston joins Detroit and Orlando as the only teams with three participants. – 7:27 PM
Rod Beard @detnewsRodBeard
#Pistons get two players on the sophomore team for NBA Rising Stars:
Precious Achiuwa
Saddiq Bey
Jaden McDaniels
Isaac Okoro
Isaiah Stewart
Jae’Sean Tate
Cole Anthony
Desmond Bane
LaMelo Ball
Anthony Edwards
Tyrese Haliburton
Tyrese Maxey – 7:19 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
-I AM BLACK HISTORY-
Today, a new mural was unveiled at Footprint Center in partnership with the Black History Mural Project to celebrate the past, present and future of Black History through artful expression.
Read more ⬇️ – 7:15 PM
Charlotte Hornets @hornets
Our guy @LaMelo Ball has been selected to participate in the 2022 Clorox Rising Stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
RT & CONGRATULATE MELO! 🕺🛸
#AllFly | #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/xNCzmQUeuz – 7:15 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Brooklyn’s Feb. 6 game at Denver game will now be televised by #NBA TV. #Nets #Nuggets – 7:05 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton — who’s missed seven games with an ankle injury — will warm-up for meeting with Brooklyn tonight before making final decision on returning to lineup, sources tell ESPN. Ayton worked out this morning and felt close to a return, sources said. – 6:52 PM
Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
Wizards star Bradley Beal will be re-evaluated in one week with his left wrist injury, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Beyond games tonight and Wednesday, one-week evaluation places Beal out Saturday vs. Suns and Monday vs. Heat. – 6:39 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Some changes to the NBA broadcast schedule. 1. On Friday, NBA TV will showcase Cavs-Hornets and drop Hawks-Raptors. 2. On Sunday, NBA TV will showcase the Nets-Nuggets game – 6:39 PM
JD Shaw @JShawNBA
NBA TV has picked up Cavaliers-Hornets and dropped Hawks-Raptors on Friday. The network has also picked up Nets-Nuggets on Sunday. – 6:32 PM
Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
The emcee of the Spurs’ conversation w/ Andrew Young is reading from his book “An Easy Burden: The Civil Rights Movement & the Transformation of America.” The excerpt focuses on how Young grew up loving to read, especially Black newspapers, including the great Pittsburg Courier. – 6:30 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
Rep the squad with tonight’s IOG and don’t forget to checkout with @PayPal!
👕: https://t.co/NsKX3BiZG6 pic.twitter.com/pPB1BhlLDb – 6:26 PM
The Ringer @ringernba
Will Chris Paul record over or under 11.5 assists tonight against the Nets?
(Odds via @FDSportsbook) – 6:14 PM
Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
Civil rights leader Andrew Young meets with one of the invited guests at a pre-game panel discussion to help kick off Spurs’ celebration of BHM. Young has copies of his 1996 book “An Easy Burden: The Civil Rights Movement & the Transformation of America” on hand for distribution. pic.twitter.com/JXF2CDdNKi – 6:12 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
A full month of initiatives dedicated to the celebration of Black history.
Check it all out here ⤵️ – 6:06 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns sign Justin Jackson to a second 10-day. – 5:48 PM
JD Shaw @JShawNBA
The Suns have signed free agent forward Justin Jackson to a second 10-day deal. – 5:47 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
The Suns announce they’ve signed Justin Jackson to a 10-day contract – 5:46 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
OFFICIAL: The Suns have signed Justin Jackson to a 10-day contract. – 5:45 PM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
To get you ready for a seven-game night in the NBA: A fresh batch of Power Rankings from The Committee (of One)!
No. 10 Brooklyn at No. 1 Phoenix is tonight’s marquee matchup. Full rankings: marcstein.substack.com/p/round-the-nb… – 5:43 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
The @efirstbank Bank Shot Challenge!
Upload your best trick shot for a chance to win $5,000 cash!
Learn more and start shooting: https://t.co/FplA0Re47Q pic.twitter.com/PdCQwI4O0P – 5:35 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
James Harden now probable; Deandre Ayton, Jae Crowder up to questionable for Nets-Suns showdown (w/Crowder shootaround video) #Suns #NetsWorld #Nets #NBA75 #NBAonTNT azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral – 5:19 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
The Suns are 19-3 in clutch games this year with a 44.7 net rating in the clutch. It certainly helps that Devin Booker has 74% TS and Chris Paul 68% TS in those situations. – 4:57 PM
Charlotte Hornets PR @HornetsPR
INJURY REPORT: @Charlotte Hornets @ BOS 2/2
Gordon Hayward (NWT, Return from H&S Protocols) OUT
Jalen McDaniels (L Ankle Sprain) OUT
Kelly Oubre Jr. (L Ankle Sprain) PROBABLE – 4:47 PM
Charlotte Hornets PR @HornetsPR
OFFICIAL: Hornets F Gordon Hayward has been cleared from the NBA’s Health & Safety Protocols but did not travel with the team to Boston. Hayward will be listed as OUT for tomorrow’s game and will remain in Charlotte for conditioning as he returns from H&S Protocols. – 4:45 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
Preparing for the main event.
📍 @Verizon 5G Performance Center pic.twitter.com/x7MQg19Iqt – 4:45 PM
John Schuhmann @johnschuhmann
Trae Young leads the league in clutch usage rate at 48.9%. Though that was probably pretty high, historically, but then there was Russ the year that KD left.
https://t.co/zl8LruohVQ pic.twitter.com/39bXztNk5d – 4:30 PM
Jeff McDonald @JMcDonald_SAEN
“I’ve been watching him almost my whole life.”
For a second-year player like Tre Jones, a Sunday start against Chris Paul was like a crash course in Point Guard 101.
expressnews.com/sports/spurs/a… via @expressnews – 4:25 PM
Indiana Pacers @Pacers
where were you when @Lance Stephenson dropped 20 points off the bench in the first quarter against the Nets?
the Top 10 Plays of January 📹
@GEICO | #GoldBlooded pic.twitter.com/OxAoAPgHBc – 4:21 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
Around the world with Mikal.
@efirstbank Money Drive of the Week pic.twitter.com/gdNlXSucDm – 4:14 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Nets numbers in the 5 road games since KD’s injury
Kyrie Irving (5 GP): 28.6 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 6.4 APG, 2.6 TPG, 1.2 SPG, 50.9 FG%, 38.9 3P%, 95.0 FT%
James Harden (4 GP): 22.5 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 10.8 APG, 5.3 TPG, 0.8 SPG, 41.4 FG%, 33.3 3P%, 78.1 FT% – 4:13 PM
Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNets
Tissot presents the Nets Shot Clock Challenge! Play now and be entered to win 2 tickets in our monthly drawing and a @TISSOT watch at the end of the season!
Download the app now to play: https://t.co/tflqhZ9ScH pic.twitter.com/bO0gjWfKGr – 4:04 PM
