Hield Scores 22 in Loss to the Suns

The Pacers Come Up Short 112-107

PHOENIX, USA – Buddy Hield and his Indiana Pacers’ bid for a comeback victory fell just short, as they fell to the Phoenix Suns 112-107 in the Valley of the Sun. 

Hield scored 22 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, dished out 2 assists, and pilfered 2 steals. Still, his valiant effort wasn’t enough against the shorthanded Suns, playing without Bahamian center Deandre Ayton, who was out with an illness, and future hall-of-fame guards Chris Paul and Devin Booker. 

Hield did everything he could to keep the Pacers in the game, shooting 7 of 17 from the field and 5 of 12 from the three-point line. They led by as many as 7 points in the 3rd quarter before falling behind to the Suns, once and for all. 

made threes bring bench celebrations.@TyHaliburton22 | @Obrissy pic.twitter.com/KjSa7Zj7Y2

— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) January 22, 2023

Pacers rookie sensation Ben Mathurin, playing in the state where he played his college ball less than a year ago led the Pacers with 23 points off the bench. His fellow Arizona alum, backup point guard, TJ McConnell, had a triple-double with 18 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists. But it wasn’t enough to overcome 24 points and 10 rebounds from the Suns’ Josh Okogie off the bench. 

The Pacers play the Chicago Bulls Tuesday night.