Cousins throws 2 TDs, Vikings bounce back to beat Chargers

InGLeWood, Calif. – Mike Zimmer said earlier in the week that his Minnesota vikings still had plenty of fight. on Sunday they proved it, and possibly put their season back on track.

The vikings bounced back from two straight close losses and one of the most tumultuous weeks of Zimmer’s eight-season tenure with a 27-20 victory over the Los angeles Chargers.

“I told the the team it takes a lot of courage to fight through adversity when everybody’s shooting arrows at you,” Zimmer said. “They came here to work and they fought like crazy all week, like they always have, and it finally paid off.”

The vikings, whose five losses this season have been by a combined 18 points, came into the game with five players on the CovId-19 list, including starting safety Harrison Smith and center Garrett bradbury. They also were missing four other defensive starters because of injuries.

Suns win 8th straight, hand Rockets 11th loss in a row

HoUSTon – devin booker had 26 points and six assists and the Phoenix Suns won their eighth straight game and handed Houston its 11th loss in a row, routing the rockets 115-89 on Sunday night.

booker had 16 points in the first quarter, and finished 9 of 23 from the field.

“It’s been a point of emphasis for us to close out games,” booker said. “When we have leads on teams, just open it up, stay solid, don’t get out of character and do things that we don’t do. Like Coach (Monty Williams) says ‘don’t play with the game.’ That’s a product of tonight.”

Javale McGee added 19 points and 14 rebounds. He was 9 of 12 from the field.

“I thought he was much better tonight, not just blocking shots but distracting shots,” Phoenix coach Monty Williams said of McGee.

“For whatever reason, when he comes back in that second and third stint, he has a ton more energy. … His second and third stints tonight were huge, and I thought his defense at the rim was the best it’s been all year, especially for a team that attacks the basket like Houston does.”

Chris Paul had 15 points and seven steals, and Mikal bridges had 14 points and six rebounds. Phoenix shot 43% and was 14 of 40 on 3-pointers.

“For me, I don’t take them for granted,” Williams said of the winning streak. “I’m focused on just getting better and improving and seeing consistency. … I’m focused on our team getting better. I don’t want to take away from the wins and the success we’ve had early in the season, but I have a short-term view and a long-term view.”