PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns took care of business on Tuesday night and defeated the Brooklyn Nets by a score of 106-102 after a chaotic and intense on-court fight that ensued late in the fourth quarter.
Phoenix didn’t lose to Brooklyn because of one bad stretch or one wild moment. They lost because scarcity forces truth, and Sunday night told the truth loudly.
Jan 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (15) shoots the ball against Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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Without Devin Booker, Jalen Green, or Collin Gillespie, the Suns entered the game stripped of their usual offensive shortcuts. That vacuum created an opportunity—and a test. Early on, Mark Williams answered it. Phoenix leaned into him in the first half, generating high-percentage looks and stabilizing an offense that otherwise stalled. When Williams touched the ball consistently, the Suns’ offensive rating jumped by double digits. When they moved away from him, Brooklyn pounced. Michael Porter Jr. was on fire for the Brooklyn Nets and tormented Phoenix, punishing every defensive lapse as he dropped 36 points.
Jan 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. (17) against Phoenix forward Dillon Brooks (3) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Late in the fourth quarter, the Suns had a two-point lead, with Phoenix scrambling back by re-engaging Ziaire Williams, tension boiled over. With 1:14 left, a loose-ball scramble turned combustible. Grayson Allen and Jamaree Bouyea hit the floor for possession. Dillon Brooks tried to pry the ball free from Williams. When it didn’t work, Nets’ Egor Dёmin stepped in and pushed Brooks to the floor. Royce O’Neale followed, and the scene spiraled into chaos.
Jan 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix guard Jamaree Bouyea (17) against Brooklyn Nets forward Ziaire Williams (1) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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For Suns fans, this wasn’t empty drama. It was a signal. Phoenix’s 106-102 victory over the Brooklyn Nets showcases a team finding identity under stress while dealing with injuries. Tonight, depth dictated strategy, touches dictated confidence, and emotional control dictated the outcome.
Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen