The Phoenix Suns defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 121-111, at Footprint Center on Tuesday night.

The Nets (29-21) came into the contest knowing they'd have James Harden back in action after a one-game absence due to a hand injury, but even The Beard and Kyrie Irving weren't enough to prevent a 10-point deficit for Brooklyn after one quarter. The Suns (41-9) followed up their 39-point opening period with a less prolific 26-point second quarter, but they still held a seven-point lead at halftime. Phoenix added another two points to its advantage in the third, and although the visitors got as close as three on a couple of occasions in the fourth quarter, the hosts won going away.

Irving led the Nets with 26 points, adding four rebounds, three assists and one steal. Harden generated a 22-point, 10-assist double-double that included five rebounds and one steal. Blake Griffin totaled 17 points, six boards, two assists and one steal Kessler Edwards produced 13 points, five rebounds and one steal.

Devin Booker paced the Suns with 35 points, complementing them with six rebounds, two assists and one steal. Mikal Bridges supplied 27 points, eight boards, four assists, two steals and one block. Chris Paul generated a 20-point, 14-assist double-double that included four rebounds and two steals. Cameron Johnson totaled 16 points and three rebounds. Deandre Ayton posted 12 points, six rebounds and one steal.

The Nets remain on the road and visit the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night, while the Suns hit the road and visit the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday night.