Beal scores season-high 43, leads Suns over Wizards

WASHINGTON: Phoenix guard Bradley Beal unleashed a season-high 43-point barrage Sunday (Monday in Manila) against his former NBA club, hitting 16 of 21 shots in a 140-112 triumph at Washington.

The 30-year-old American sank four of five shots from 3-point range and all seven of his free throws while contributing six assists, two steals and two blocked shots.

“Spectacular,” said Suns coach Frank Vogel. “He’s one of the best players in the world. That’s why we were excited to get him in Phoenix.

“Played great defense. Came out sharing the basketball. It’s about being aggressive and reading the defense. He did a great job with that.”

Beal, the third overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, spent 11 seasons with the Wizards, averaging 22.1 points a game for a perennial doormat, reaching the playoffs only once in his time with Washington.

The Wizards played a video tribute to Beal in his first visit since being traded last June while fans gave him a standing ovation.

“Tonight was awesome,” Beal said. “It was a good separation. No hard feelings.”

Kevin Durant added 18 points for the Suns, who improved to 29-21 while sinking the Wizards to 9-40.

Meanwhile Boston’s Jayson Tatum scored 34 points, grabbed eight rebounds and passed off seven assists to lead the NBA-best Celtics over visiting Memphis 131-91.

Finland’s Lauri Markkanen scored 21 points to lead seven Utah players in double figures who powered the Jazz over visiting Milwaukee 123-108.

Reigning NBA champion Denver, led by 29 points from Nikola Jokic, dispatched visiting Portland 112-103, pulling the Nuggets within a half-game of the West co-leaders.