What happened: Charlotte erased a 17-point first-half deficit before a turnover-heavy fourth quarter derailed its road bid Thursday night. Devin Booker paced Phoenix with a game-high 30 points and seven assists to close out the contest.
Why it matters: The loss drops Charlotte to 4-8 through 12 games in the 2026-27 season, leaving the team at the No. 10 seed. Phoenix sits at the No. 11 seed through 11 games, maintaining positive traction after starting the season 4-6.
By the numbers: Phoenix avenged a 127-107 loss from the teams' previous meeting on April 2, 2026. The Suns have now won two straight contests, while Charlotte has dropped eight of its first 12 games.
What to watch: Charlotte returns to action on Sunday looking to rebound from the road defeat.