For the Phoenix Suns and their faithful fans, this NBA season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Enthralling finishes and exhilarating comebacks have marked the early games, a testament to the Suns' transformation from their previous year’s struggles in the final quarters. This shift is more than a mere statistical adjustment; it symbolizes a newfound resilience that is becoming the team's trademark.
From Struggles to Strength
Last season's Phoenix Suns found themselves at a disadvantage when it came to the critical fourth-quarter showdowns. They were outscored by an average of 2.4 points in those crucial periods, and their performance in clutch situations left them faltering by 5.5 points per 100 possessions. It wasn't the ending they enviably sought in games, often leaving both players and fans with a bitter taste of what might have been.
This season, however, the narrative is different. The Suns have managed to flip their fourth-quarter net rating from a dismal minus-5.5 to a promising plus-3.5. Not only has this improvement marked their ascendancy, but it has also placed them at the top of the league in clutch victories with six nail-biters converting into triumphs.
Kevin Durant: The Catalyst
Integral to this transformation is the prowess of Kevin Durant, whose presence has been a game-changer in clutch moments. Accumulating 29 clutch points this season, Durant has been an anchor in tight games, converting 10 of his 11 two-point attempts under pressure. His impeccable free-throw shooting, a flawless 9-for-9 in clutch situations, further underscores his unyielding reliability. As Devin Booker aptly put it after a formidable win over Miami, "Durant, as Booker said after the Miami win, is a mother----er to deal with."
“We've been in a lot of tight, close games,” Durant observed, reflecting on the experiences accumulated this season. “I'm sure Suns fans are on edge every game, but I think it's good for our team that we can play these fourth-quarter games and get an understanding for what it's like in crunch time.”
Remarkable Comebacks
Highlighting the Suns’ resilience this season are several gripping comebacks. On opening night, trailing the Los Angeles Clippers by nine points with only four minutes left on the clock, the Suns mounted an impressive rally to clinch victory in overtime. Against the LA Lakers, they overturned an imposing 18-point deficit to secure a win. The resolve demonstrated against the Clippers was again on display when they erased a 21-point gap to stage a triumphant six-point victory. Even more captivating was their encounter with the Portland Trail Blazers, where a 26-point lead almost evaporated, yet Phoenix held firm for the win.
Supporting Cast Rises
While Durant undoubtedly provides the star power, the Suns’ success is equally reliant on a robust supporting cast. Bradley Beal, acting as a third option alongside the established stars, has been pivotal. Meanwhile, rookie Ryan Dunn has already made notable contributions this season. Royce O'Neale’s shooting accuracy is noteworthy as he is converting 47% of his attempts from beyond the arc, a crucial component in stretching opposing defenses.
Jusuf Nurkic's consistent performances in the center position, averaging a double-double, have given the Suns a dependable anchor on both ends of the court. His ability to maintain defensive consistency plays a significant role in Phoenix’s placement within the league's top ten defensive categories, reinforcing their all-around team effort.
The Phoenix Suns, with this commendable turnaround, are demonstrating not just a change in fortunes but a profound adaptation and response to the challenges that defined them last year. With their ability to prevail in tense situations growing game by game, the Suns are crafting a narrative of redemption and resilience—one thrilling fourth quarter at a time.