The Phoenix Suns are treating their fans to a rollercoaster ride of thrills and twists this season, moving decisively past their prior fourth-quarter woes to emerge as a formidable force during clutch moments. This transformation is especially remarkable considering the Suns' struggles last year, where they languished at the bottom of the NBA rankings for final-quarter performances.
Last season, the Suns were consistently outpaced by their opponents, lagging by an average of 2.4 points in fourth quarters, and being undermined in clutch situations by a deficit of 5.5 points per 100 possessions. However, this season paints a vastly different picture, with the Suns boasting an improved fourth-quarter net rating of plus-3.5. A testament to their resurgence is their league-leading six clutch victories, a feat that underscores their progression from last year's lackluster finishes.
Kevin Durant stands out as a pivotal figure in this turnaround. Durant, equipped with his signature poise and precision, has amassed 29 clutch points this season, converting 10 of his 11 2-point attempts under pressure and maintaining an unblemished 9 for 9 from the free-throw line in crucial moments. Durant's impact is felt deeply, as Devin Booker vividly expressed following a win against Miami, stating, "But in the end, Durant, as Booker said after the Miami win, is a mother----er to deal with."
The Suns' latest campaign has been marked by several heart-stopping comebacks. On opening night, they overturned a nine-point deficit against the Los Angeles Clippers with just four minutes remaining to ultimately claim victory in overtime. Further highlighting their resilience, the Suns rebounded from an 18-point deficit to topple the Lakers and clawed back from a 21-point chasm to defeat the Clippers by six points. Against the Portland Trail Blazers, the Suns held firm, allowing a 26-point lead to shrink to just two, yet still managed to secure the win.
Adding depth to the squad, Bradley Beal complements the established stars as a third option, while rookie Ryan Dunn has already started making significant contributions. In the shooting department, Royce O'Neale impressively connects at 47% from beyond the arc. Jusuf Nurkic, meanwhile, reinforces the team's defense with his consistent double-double averages, while keeping the Suns within the league's top ten in defensive standings.
Reflecting on the team's recent performance, Kevin Durant encapsulated the essence of their season, saying, "We've been in a lot of tight, close games. 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.” His words highlight both the tension and the benefits of navigating such high-stakes scenarios — an experience that could prove invaluable as the season progresses.
As the Suns continue their journey, blending veteran experience with young talent, they serve as a compelling narrative in the NBA — a team that has learned from its past, refined its craft, and now stands poised to challenge its opponents with newfound tenacity and resolve.