© Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images
PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns close the homestand against the Washington Wizards and are hoping their ball pressure will be key as they lead 65-50 at halftime.
Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe!
Dec 29, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin (23) dribbles the ball in front of Washington Wizards forward Justin Champagnie (9) during the first quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images
The Suns and Wizards last played each other on Dec. 29, where Phoenix took a 115-101 win. Wizards rookie Tre Johnson had a career night, scoring 24 points.
Head coach Jordan Ott credited Washington’s hard play and quickness, but for his team, it was once again another night to improve ahead of the long road trip over the next two weeks.
“We gotta come in, set the tone early with our ball pressure,” Ott said pre-game to Arizona Central’s Duane Rankin. “… We gotta set the tone right off the bat in the first quarter.”
Dec 29, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Marvin Bagley III (35) matches up against Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards (2) during the first quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images
Phoenix limited the Wizards from beyond the arc — going 1-for-5 — but from the paint, Washington was shooting 55% as a team at the end of the first.
The second quarter brought more of the pressure Ott was looking for, with the Suns keeping the Wizards to 45% from the field and 23% from three.
Dec 29, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) dribbles the ball in front of Washington Wizards forward Justin Champagnie (9) during the second quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images
Johnson scored nine points in the first half, proving that what Phoenix wanted to do was working. The Suns also saw their largest lead in the second quarter, up by 17 at one point in the game.
Royce O’Neal has come in hot, shooting 4-for-6 with 11 points to end the half. Devin Booker has 13 points, shooting 4-for-9.
Get that outta here 👋 pic.twitter.com/CF2kMysPVR
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) January 12, 2026
*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
