NEW YORK — 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 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 113-107 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday (PH time).
Phoenix impressively overwhelmed the Eastern Conference leaders early, never trailing and leading by as much as 22 while moving within a victory of matching the longest winning streak in franchise history.
The Suns will try to do that on Wednesday 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 or break-it game, not a playoff game, but we know it’s going to be high-energy, two best records in the NBA. It’s going to be a high-intensity, fun game.”
Phoenix improved to 17-3, its best record through 20 games since having the same mark in 2004-05. The Western Conference champions haven’t lost in a month since Sacramento dropped them to 1-3.
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.
Mikal Bridges had 13 points and a career-high seven steals for the Suns. They won 17 straight games during the 2006-07 season, and also won 15 in a row earlier that season.
Kevin Durant had 39 points, nine rebounds and seven assists for the Nets. They had their four-game winning streak snapped.
Rockets 146, Hornets 143
Christian Wood scored a career-high 33 points and had 16 rebounds to help the Houston Rockets beat the Charlotte Hornets 146-143 in overtime.
The Rockets have won two straight after a 15-game losing streak.
Charlotte’s P.J. Washington forced overtime with a putback dunk off a missed 3 from LaMelo Ball, tying it at 135 with 4.4 seconds remaining.
In overtime, Kelly Oubre Jr. missed a trey with 3 seconds remaining that would have given Charlotte the lead. (AP)