If you were looking for the Phoenix Suns score last night, you probably saw a lopsided 112-93 win over the Washington Wizards and figured it was just another "business as usual" night at the Mortgage Matchup Center. On paper? Sure. But anyone who actually watched the game on Sunday, January 11, 2026, knows this wasn't just about a win. It was a statement about where this Phoenix team is heading as they gear up for a massive road trip, starting Tuesday against the Miami Heat.
Suns fans have been through the ringer lately. We’ve seen the roster turnover, the trades, and the nagging injuries to guys like Jalen Green, who sat out again last night with that pesky hamstring. But even without Green, this team looked sharp. Really sharp. They didn’t just win; they dismantled a Washington team that, despite their 10-28 record, had been playing much better lately since snagging Trae Young in that blockbuster deal from Atlanta.
The Numbers Behind the Phoenix Suns Score Last Night
Let's talk about Royce O’Neale. Seriously.
The man was a flamethrower. He led the way with 19 points, knocking down five of his nine attempts from beyond the arc. It’s kinda wild how he’s become such a stabilizer for this group. While everyone focuses on Devin Booker—who played a steady, unselfish game with 17 points and 8 assists—it’s O’Neale’s spacing that makes this offense hum.
The game was basically over by halftime. Phoenix went into the locker room up 65-50 and then just stomped on the gas in the third quarter. Dillon Brooks, who has been a revelation for the Suns' identity this year, poured in 11 of his 16 points in that third frame alone. He hit three triples in a row that basically turned the Wizards' bench into a group of very sad spectators.
👉 See also: Red Wings Pavel Datsyuk: Why the Magic Man Still Defies Logic
By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the Suns held a massive 96-65 lead. That allowed head coach Jordan Ott to do something every NBA coach dreams of: he benched the starters for the entire final 12 minutes. In a long 82-game season, those "rest" minutes are worth their weight in gold.
Why the Defense Looked Different
Honestly, the defense was the real story. Washington shot a miserable 23.3% from the three-point line. You don't see that often in the modern NBA unless the perimeter defense is suffocating. The Wizards cough up the ball 23 times. 23! You aren't winning many games in 2026 when you’re handing the ball over nearly two dozen times to a team that ranks second in the league in offensive rebounding over their last ten games.
Alex Sarr was a bright spot for the Wizards, matching his career-high with 15 rebounds and chipping in 19 points, but he was a lonely island out there. Tre Johnson also had 19, but the rest of the squad? Ghost town.
Depth is the Suns' New Secret Weapon
For years, the critique of Phoenix was that they were top-heavy. If the stars didn't shine, the team didn't win. That feels different now. Look at the bench production from last night:
- Grayson Allen: 12 points, 7 rebounds. He’s accepting a bench role and thriving.
- Oso Ighodaro: 10 points. The kid just doesn't make mistakes.
- Ryan Dunn: 9 points. His defensive versatility is becoming a problem for opponents.
They are winning with "defense and hustle," as some fans on Reddit have been shouting into the void for weeks. And it's true. The Suns have now won 10 of their last 13 games. They sit at 24-15, comfortably in the thick of a brutal Western Conference playoff race.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Win
You’ll hear some pundits say, "It was just the Wizards."
That’s lazy.
The Wizards have Trae Young now. They were coming off a stretch where they had won five of seven games. They aren't the doormat they were in October. Phoenix handled them like a contender handles a lottery team—with surgical precision.
What's more impressive is how they're doing it without Jalen Green and Jamaree Bouyea. Jordan Ott has implemented a system where the "next man up" isn't just a cliché; it's a reality. They moved the ball, recorded 25+ assists again, and limited their own turnovers. It was professional basketball at its finest.
Looking Ahead: The Heat and Beyond
The Phoenix Suns score last night sets the stage for a three-game win streak heading into Miami. The Heat (20-19) are always a tough out at the Kaseya Center, but Phoenix is 10-10 on the road and looking to prove they can win outside the desert.
If you’re a betting person or just a die-hard fan, keep an eye on the injury report for Tuesday. Getting Jalen Green back would be huge, but as we saw last night, this team can "breeze" past opponents even when they aren't at 100%.
Actionable Insights for Suns Fans
If you're following the team's trajectory this week, here’s what you should actually be watching for:
👉 See also: Ohio State Buckeyes football schedule: What Really Happens Next
- Watch the Turnover Margin: When Phoenix stays under 12 turnovers, they are almost unbeatable. Their ability to force turnovers (like the 23 they forced last night) is their new defensive calling card.
- Monitor the Bench Minutes: If Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale continue to outscore opposing benches, the Suns don't need Booker to drop 40 every night. That's sustainable.
- Check the Heat Lineup: Miami has been giving up the 4th-most points to starting point guards lately. If Booker or Gillespie get aggressive early on Tuesday, it could be another long night for the opposition.
The Suns are for real. Last night wasn't just a score; it was a blueprint.