Sixers rest starters in loss to Suns
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLA. » Devin Booker scored 35 points and the Phoenix Suns protected their playoff hopes by beating the 76ers 130-117 on Tuesday to remain undefeated in the NBA restart.
Booker became the Suns’ career leader with his 91st 30-point game, breaking a tie with Walter Davis.
Mikal Bridges added 24 points and Ricky Rubio had 16 points with 10 assists for the Suns, who began the day only one game behind eighth-place Memphis in the Western Conference playoff race.
Phoenix is 7-0 as the only undefeated team in the restart and an unlikely factor in the tight race for a spot in this weekend’s playin for the final playoff spot.
Phoenix pulled away late after leading only 105-102 following back-to-back baskets by Alec Burks, who led the 76ers with 23 points.
A dunk by Cameron Johnson capped a 10-3 run that stretched the lead to 115-105.
The Suns continued their highscoring play in the bubble after averaging 120 points in the first six games.
Philadelphia, No. 6 in the East and already assured of a playoff spot, is attempting to prepare for the postseason after losing Ben Simmons to a knee injury.
Shake Milton was Philadelphia’s only healthy starter against the Suns. The 76ers also were without Joel Embiid (left ankle), Tobias Harris (sore right ankle) and Al Horford (sore left knee). Josh Richardson was rested. NETS 108, MAGIC 96
Jeremiah Martin and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot each scored 24 points, and the Brooklyn Nets beat the Orlando Magic as both teams looked ahead to the playoffs.
Dzanan Musa added 17 points and Tyler Johnson had 14 for the Nets, who improved to 5-2 in the restart with their third straight victory.
SPURS 123, ROCKETS 105
Keldon Johnson had 24 points and 11 rebounds, and San Antonio kept alive its chances of becoming the first team in NBA history to make 23 consecutive playoff appearances with a victory over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday.
San Antonio has won three straight and five out of seven since arriving in the Florida bubble.