SUNS’ STREAK HITS 16 WITH WIN OVER NETS

A chance to match franchise history and take a spot atop the NBA is waiting for the Phoenix Suns.

They have loftier aspirations than those, but want them anyway.

“Obviously, everybody knows the ultimate goal is the chance to win a championship,” Chris Paul said. “But if you don’t enjoy the small victories throughout the regular season, then what the hell are you doing?”

Devin Booker scored 30 points, Paul had 22 and the Suns extended their winning streak to 16 games with a 113107 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night.

Phoenix impressively overwhelmed the Eastern Conference leaders early, never trailing and leading by as many as 22 while moving within a victory of matching the longest winning streak in franchise history.

The Suns will try to do that Tuesday night at home against the Golden State Warriors (17-2) in a matchup of the top two teams in the NBA.

“I’m looking forward to it, man,” Booker said. “Obviously not a make it, break it, it’s not a playoff game, but we know it’s going to be high-energy, two best records in the NBA. It’s going to a high-intensity, fun game.”

Phoenix improved to 17-3, its best record through 20 games since having the same mark in 2004-05.

Paul added eight rebounds and five assists, becoming the first player in NBA history to reach 20,000 points, 10,000 assists and 5,000 rebounds.

Kevin Durant had 39 points, nine rebounds and seven assists for the Nets. They had their four-game winning streak snapped.

Timberwolves 121, 76ers 120 (2OT): D’angelo Russell scored 35 points and had a decisive steal and assist in the final seconds of the second overtime in visiting Minnesota’s victory over Joel Embiid and Philadelphia.

Embiid had 42 points and 14 rebounds in his return to the lineup after missing nine games because of COVID-19 protocols. Philadelphia lost seven of those games without the four-time All-star and has now dropped eight of 10.

Wizards 120, Mavericks 114: Bradley Beal scored 26 points, Kyle Kuzma had 10 of his 22 in the fourth quarter and Kentavious Caldwellpope scored the clinching four points in the closing seconds as visiting Washington beat Dallas.

Luka Doncic had 33 points and 10 rebounds for the Mavericks. They for only the second time in eight home games.

Rockets 146, Hornets 143: Christian Wood scored a career-high 33 points and had 16 rebounds to help host Houston beat Charlotte in overtime.

The Rockets have won two straight after a 15-game losing streak.

Knicks 99, Hawks 90: Alec Burks scored 23 points, Evan Fournier added 20 and New York snapped host Atlanta’s seven-game winning streak.

Burks, starting with Kemba Walker and Derrick Rose nursing injuries, hit three of his four 3s and scored 15 points in the third quarter.

Heat 107, Bulls 104: Kyle Lowry scored 19 points and Jimmy Butler added 18 to help Miami beat host Chicago.

Gabe Vincent made four 3-pointers and had 20 off the bench, and Bam Adebayo added nine points, six assists, and seven rebounds.

Cavaliers 105, Magic 92: Darius Garland scored a season-high 26 points, rookie Evan Mobley had 13 points in his return from a sprained right elbow and Cleveland beat visiting Orlando.

Jazz 127, Pelicans 105: Donovan Mitchell had 21 points, seven rebounds and seven assists to lead host Utah.

JESSIE ALCHEH AP Suns guard Devin Booker, who had 30 points, shoots over Nets forward James Johnson on Saturday.