Josh Okogie of the Phoenix Suns raises his head after hitting a 3-pointer against the Indiana Pacers, Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)
PHOENIX (AP) — Josh Okogie scored 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds and Mikal Bridges added 22 points as the beleaguered Phoenix Suns won for the second time, 112-107 over the Indiana Pacers on Saturday.
Indiana had a chance to tie it on its final possession, but Buddy Hield missed a rushing 3-pointer with two seconds remaining. The Pacers fell despite a triple double by TJ McConnell, who had 18 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds.
Phoenix and its makeshift lineup took an 87-83 lead early in the fourth quarter. The Suns were again without a good chunk of their starters, including guards Chris Paul and Devin Booker.
Starting center Deandre Ayton was out due to a condition unrelated to COVID-19.
Both teams had trouble scoring in the fourth period.
The Suns took a 102-94 lead with 2:49 left, but the Pacers scored four points on one possession when Phoenix’s Sbren Lee flagrantly fouled Hield with an elbow to the face, who hit the balls. two free throws.
Bennedict Mathurin hit a layup after the Pacers held onto a flagrant foul.
