PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns ended their three-game homestand with a win on Sunday night, taking down a hot Charlotte Hornets team, 111-99.
Mar 8, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) makes a buzzer beater over Charlotte Hornets guard Sion James (4) during the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
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Coming into Sunday’s matchup, the Suns were just below the Denver Nuggets for the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference at 36-27. While the Hornets were at 32-32, they came into Phoenix having won five of their last six games.
When asked whether his team needed to play with more urgency or let the games come to them in the last stretch of the season, head coach Jordan Ott said they take it one day at a time.
“When you walk in a building, you feel a different energy, you feel a different set of circumstances in March when you’re in this playoff line,” he said pregame. “So we talk about taking it day by day and playing the best of our ability every single night. But we understand what the circumstance is.”
Mar 8, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (24) shoots against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
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Phoenix needed to neutralize Charlotte’s production from beyond the arc, as the Hornets are one of the top teams in the league at 3-point shooting — 37.8% — this season. In the win, the Suns kept them below their season average at 33.3%.
Once again, Devin Booker and Jalen Green led the way in scoring for Phoenix in a combined 54 points, with Collin Gillespie also exploding for 24 points. Hornets’ LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges tacked on 38 points combined, while four other players scored in double digits.
Mar 8, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Ryan Kalkbrenner (11) dunks against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
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With the win, Phoenix is now 37-27 but still 2.5 games back of the sixth seed in the Western Conference. There are 18 games left this season, and Ott is ready to push his team on for a chance at a postseason run.
“We want to play meaningful games,” he said. “We’re here. We know the margin is small where we’re headed, but we’re right there in the hunt. We’re excited to continue playing these meaningful games.”
Mar 8, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) reacts after making a basket against the Charlotte Hornets during the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
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The Suns now go on the road, visiting the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday, March 10, at 5 p.m.
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde