‘Thirstier’ Suns facing toughest restart test yet

Phoenix’s strong 2-0 “seeding” start has Patrick Beverley’s full attention.

“I think they’re one of the thirstier teams here,” Beverley said. “Of course, obviously trying to make the playoffs. Their coach, their coaching staff, they have them playing at a high level right now. Playing really fast. Ricky (Rubio) and Devin (Booker) kind of setting the tone with (Deandre) Ayton in there, they do a hell of job of spacing. It’ll be another good test for us.”

The Suns (28-39) have raised eyebrows with wins over Washington and Dallas, but face their toughest test Tuesday against the Los Angeles Clippers (45-21). NBA TV will televise the 1 p.m. game, which will be played at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex’s The Arena in Florida.

“I look forward to going against this kind of team and I think our guys do,” Suns coach Monty Williams said. “We know that we’re not in that class, but we get a chance to go against these teams that are here (raising his hand up to signal a higher level). We get to not just test ourselves, but we get to compete and have a chance to win. I think that’s pretty cool.”

Phoenix overcame extreme foul trouble in pulling out a wacky 117-115 victory Sunday evening over the Mavericks (4029). The Suns overcame a 15-point deficit to prevail.

“Those are the wins that we need to gain the respect in this league,” Booker said. “Those grind out, tough games when everything is not going your way, but still finding ways to get a win. There was a lot of complaining on both sides throughout the whole night, but the ability for us to lock in and be down 13 at the half and come with a whole new approach in the second half.”

Booker credited the bench, particularly Cameron Payne and Jevon Carter, for “changing the whole energy of the game” after halftime.

“When they get on the court and they start heating guys up and making people uncomfortable, and also talking, too, and just running their mouths and getting excited, it’s very contagious,” Suns rookie Cam Johnson said. “Everybody started getting into that and we just kind of just rode that wave.”

The two reserve guards scored a combined 14 points in the second half, going 4-of-6 from 3. “We come out there and try to play fast,” Carter said. “Pick it up defensively. Try to make the right reads. Get everybody involved. It’s like having two point guards out there at the same time and we’re both going to play hard, play fast, hit the open shot and defend.”

Phoenix still is a long shot to make the playoffs, but has major momentum going into the matchup against the Clippers, who are 2-1 against the Suns this season.

“They’re just a well-coached team,” Clippers coach Doc Rivers said. “They play hard. They play in space. Devin Booker is a terrific player, terrific offensive player who is being very aggressive. Rubio is very clever. They have a lot of skilled players that you have to deal with.”