Devin Booker scored 24 points, Jalen Smith tied his career-high with 19 points and 12 rebounds and a decimated Phoenix Suns overwhelmed the Charlotte Hornets 133-99 on Sunday.
Chris Paul added 16 assists to help the Suns improve to 28-8 – a half game behind Golden State at the top of the league – after they lost three of four games.
The Suns had 11 points and six boards from Bismack Biyombo, who signed a 10-day contract on Saturday as four Phoenix players remain in NBA protocols, including starters Deandre Ayton and Jae Crowder, as well as center pivot. alternate JaVale McGee. Coach Monty Williams is also out.
Biyombo, who made his first game of the season, had a comfortable transition in the Suns’ rotation, including a dunk off a pumped pass from Landry Shamet. Biyombo played 18 minutes against his former team.
Shamet added 17 points, Mikal Bridges 15 and Cam Johnson and Cam Payne 14 each.
LaMelo Ball had 17 points for the Hornets, who were coming off winning three games in a row.
The Suns had 17 triples and outscored the Hornets 52-35.