Payne had 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting, a season-high 12 assists and four steals in the Phoenix Suns' 122-121 loss to the Houston Rockets on Friday.
In 37 minutes, Payne reached his second double-double of 20 points on 8-of-12 field goals, game-high 12 assists, and the latter two stats are Payne's season-best. Payne's four steals was another game-high, which also tied his highest mark since the Suns beat Houston in their first meeting on Oct. 30, and his four 3s matched the same amount from his backcourt mate Devin Booker in the loss.
However, Williams had a terse response when The Republic asked him if Payne's solid production in Paul's absence could factor into whether the Suns might give their All-Star point guard more recovery time. “That was tough man, wish we would’ve hit. Wish we would’ve hit and kept the streak going. We got some goodlooks though," Payne said.
The Rockets continued to go on a 12-2 run to shave Phoenix's lead to two, during which Payne threw an errant pass stolen by Bruno Fernando around the seven-minute mark.“I thought the one turnover I put him in a tough situation, he was looking for the pass to Jock . And sometimes when you tell a guy to look for a certain player, they try to do what you ask them to do," Williams said."He could’ve been aggressive on that. I put him in that position.
The Rockets went up six after Porter Jr. hit all three free throws from his 3-attempted foul call on Mikal Bridges in their subsequent possession, and Booker hit a three on an assist from Payne with 1:24 left thereafter.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Houston Rockets vs. Phoenix Suns picks, predictions, odds: Who wins NBA game Friday?The Phoenix Suns host the Houston Rockets in an NBA game on Friday night at Footprint Center in Phoenix. Who will win the game?
Read more »
Moore: Phoenix Suns on fire from 3; who's burning hottest?The Phoenix Suns are blazing from 3-point range. Six players were shooting 40 percent or better heading into Friday night's game against Houston.
Read more »
Rockets' Green, Smith Jr. explain what they've learned facing Suns before 2nd matchup in PhoenixThe NBA West's last-place Houston Rockets' (5-16) Green and Smith Jr. explain what they learned
Read more »
ACLU files lawsuit against Phoenix, citing sweeps of homeless encampments in downtown area - Phoenix Business JournalThe city of Phoenix said it is planning to start 'enhanced cleanups' in December at the homeless encampment near its downtown area, just two months before the 2023 Super Bowl in Glendale
Read more »
Phoenix Children's, Cigna (CI) in contract disputes - Phoenix Business JournalPhoenix Children's Hospital is in a contract dispute with one of the nation's biggest health insurance companies. They have two months to work out a deal before their current contact expires.
Read more »
A Black Hole Consumed a Star and Released the Light of a Trillion SunsA black hole half-way across the Universe is taking bites out of a star that strayed too close. It's 'burp' of light pointed right at us.
Read more »