Streaking Suns Making Case As Finals Contender Yet Again

It was another test for the Suns, and they scorched right through it — barely.

But they have won 14 in a row for a reason. It’s because they are finding a way, making the big shots, getting all the important stops. It’s much like last season’s run to the NBA Finals.

All of that was on display in a 120-115 road win over the Cavaliers on Wednesday. Devin Booker erupted for 35 points to lead the way, with Chris Paul adding 17 points and 12 assists.

“It was a good win for us,” Booker said. “On the road against a team that plays really hard and we have a lot of respect for. We’ve been watching them this year and seeing the fights that they’ve put up with really good teams.

“We knew it wasn’t going to be easy and we had to bring it. And that’s what it was, a dog fight all the way through.”

The Suns (15-3) held the Cavs to 20 points in the third quarter.

“Our defense won us the game,” coach Monty Williams said.

Interestingly, the streak started against the Cavs back on Oct. 30. It has also coincided with allegations of racism and misogyny against Suns owner Robert Sarver.

But none of that, of course, has been by design.

“That’s just coincidence,” Paul said. “Our plan wasn’t to start out 1-3. We’ve got a great group, a great locker room. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

That’s coming from a man who made his first Finals appearance last season. And when he is talking like that, then you know this is something special.

Best of all, Phoenix is winning by any means necessary — another sign of a title-contending team.

“We know we can win ugly games,” Williams said. “We know we can win slugouts. I wish we could win by 30 every night. … We’re just finding ways to win.”