The Phoenix Suns ended a four-game losing streak on Thursday, Nov. 5, controlling the first three quarters against the Orlando Magic in Phoenix. The Magic took the final period 31-21 but never got close enough to threaten the result. Orlando has now lost three straight.

The win was the second of the season for Phoenix. The Suns had dropped their previous four games, falling 119-132 to the Portland Trail Blazers, 113-116 at the Golden State Warriors, 120-127 to the Denver Nuggets and 114-125 at the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Phoenix Wins Each of the First Three Quarters

Phoenix scored freely from the opening tip. The Suns won the first quarter 33-26 and took the second 30-25, giving them a double-digit cushion at halftime.

The third quarter decided the game. Phoenix outscored Orlando 33-22, matching its first-quarter output and pushing the margin well beyond reach for a Magic team that had struggled to score in recent games.

Orlando’s best stretch came in the fourth quarter, when the result was already all but settled. The 31-21 edge in the final period made the final margin more respectable for the visitors but did little else.

Magic’s Offense Stalls Again Before Late Push

The loss continued a rough patch for Orlando. Before this game, the Magic had fallen 94-103 at home to the Washington Wizards and 97-108 to the Boston Celtics. Their two wins in that stretch came on the road, 121-114 at the Toronto Raptors and 111-102 at the New York Knicks, but they were also beaten 99-129 in Toronto.

After three quarters in Phoenix, Orlando again looked short of scoring. The visitors reached 26, 25 and 22 points in the first three periods before finding their rhythm too late.

Both Teams Sit Near the Bottom of Their Conferences

The win leaves Phoenix at 2-5, 12th in the Western Conference and third in the Pacific Division. The Suns now have a result to build on after a difficult start.

Orlando falls to 2-6 and sits 13th in the Eastern Conference and fifth in the Southeast Division.

Both teams play again on Sunday, Nov. 8. Phoenix stays home to host the Houston Rockets, while Orlando continues its Western trip at the Golden State Warriors.