DeMar DeRozan scored 20 of his 25 points in the first half, LaMarcus Aldridge added 24 points and the San Antonio Spurs routed the Phoenix Suns 120-90 Wednesday night for their third straight victory.
The Spurs led by 31 during the second quarter en route to a fifth straight win over Phoenix. Aldridge scored 16 points in the third, and then he and DeRozan sat out the fourth with the Spurs comfortably ahead. The duo combined to make 20 of 25 shots.
The Suns have lost six straight and joined the Cleveland Cavaliers and Washington Wizards at 1-6, tied for the NBA's worst. T.J. Warren, in his first start of the season, led Phoenix with 21 points. Suns rookie Mikal Bridges added a career-best 16 points.
San Antonio Spurs guard Bryn Forbes (11) shoots over Phoenix Suns guard Elie Okobo during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Phoenix. (AP PhotoRick Scuteri)
The Spurs closed out the first quarter on a 15-2 run after the game was tied at 13. San Antonio went up 40-22 on DeRozan's fastbreak dunk with 7:34 left in the first half.
DeRozan made 8 of 10 shots in the first half, many on drives to the basket.
The Spurs made 24 of 41 shots in the first half and turned the game into a blowout with the Suns struggling on the offensive end. San Antonio stayed hot, making 55.4 percent of its shots.
San Antonio Spurs guard Marco Belinelli (18) is fouled by Phoenix Suns guard De'Anthony Melton during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Phoenix. (AP PhotoRick Scuteri)
Marco Belinelli's fadeaway 3-pointer with 2:12 left in the first half made the score 60-29. The Spurs led by 32 points during the fourth quarter.
The Suns scored the final 10 points of the first half to trail by 21 at the break.
TIP-INS
San Antonio Spurs guard DeMar DeRozan drives past Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Anderson (15) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Phoenix. (AP PhotoRick Scuteri)
Spurs: San Antonio will be back in Phoenix in two weeks for the second meeting of the season between the two teams. ... DeRozan has led the Spurs in scoring in six of their seven games. ... F Rudy Gay came up hobbling after missing a layup late in the third quarter, but shook it off and remained in the game.
Suns: Phoenix played its third straight game without star guard Devin Booker, who is still dealing with a hamstring strain. ... G Isaiah Canaan (left ankle strain) was held out. ... G Josh Jackson played despite a bruised left toe. ... The Suns are 8-10 on Halloween.
EXCUSE ME
San Antonio Spurs guard DeMar DeRozan dunks against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Phoenix. (AP PhotoRick Scuteri)
Aldridge inadvertently tipped up a pass from DeRozan, and the ball dropped into the net for two points with 8:56 left in the third quarter. The two shared a smile as they headed back on defense.
YOUNG SUNS RUNNING POINT
With Canaan out, the Suns began the game with rookie Elie Okobo at point guard making his first career start. Backing him up was another rookie, De'Anthony Melton, who had been inactive for the past three games. Melton played a season high 20 minutes.
UP NEXT
Spurs: Host the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday.
Suns: Host the Toronto Raptors on Friday.
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