Reinvigorated Phoenix Suns Show New Resilience in the Fourth Quarter
This season, the Phoenix Suns have emerged from the shadows of last year's disappointments to become a formidable force as games tighten. In a dramatic turnaround, the Suns have transformed what was once a glaring weakness—their fourth-quarter performance—into a potent weapon. As a result, fans of the squad find themselves on a thrilling ride of nail-biting finishes and improbable comebacks that have redefined expectations around what this team can achieve.
Last season, the Suns languished at the bottom of the NBA in fourth-quarter effectiveness, with opponents outscoring them by an average of 2.4 points in the final stretch. They further faltered by 5.5 points per 100 possessions in crunch-time scenarios, an area that all but extinguished their playoff aspirations. Fast forward to the current season, and the team has turned that minus-5.5 fourth-quarter net rating into a commanding plus-3.5, signaling a seismic shift in late-game competence.
The Suns' resurgence is perhaps best exemplified by their league-leading six clutch victories. Spearheading this revival is none other than Kevin Durant, who has been nothing short of extraordinary in these tight situations. Durant has racked up an impressive 29 points in the clutch this season, showcasing his ability to deliver when it matters most. He's managed to hit 10 of his 11 2-point attempts and remains flawless from the free-throw line, boasting a perfect 9 for 9 record.
Durant succinctly summed up the team's newfound grit, 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.”
Among the Suns' early-season epics was a spirited comeback on opening night against the Los Angeles Clippers, where they wiped out a nine-point deficit with just four minutes left, eventually triumphing in overtime. They followed it up with a remarkable recovery from 18 points down against the Lakers. Not to rest on their laurels, the Suns pulled off another miracle by surmounting a 21-point hole against the Clippers, eventually winning by six.
In a game against the Portland Trail Blazers, a commanding 26-point lead dwindled to just two, but Phoenix managed to hold on for the win, further highlighting their resilience. Such performances suggest that this Suns team has evolved, both strategically and in mentality.
Alongside Durant, the roster's depth has proven instrumental. Bradley Beal adds dimensions as the third option to the team’s established stars, complementing Durant and Devin Booker. The latter offered insight into Durant’s mastery, quipping after a win against Miami, "But in the end, Durant, as Booker said after the Miami win, is a mother----er to deal with."
Rookie Ryan Dunn has also made his presence felt, adding youthful energy and fresh legs to a veteran-heavy lineup. Royce O'Neale, shooting crisply at 47% from beyond the arc, stretches defenses, while Jusuf Nurkic provides a robust interior presence and averages a double-double. Their defensive prowess cannot be underestimated either, as the team currently ranks among the league's top ten in several defensive metrics—an aspect that should not be overlooked when considering their rise in fourth-quarter proficiency.
The Suns, in what might be one of the NBA's most compelling turnaround stories, continue to impress and intrigue the league. Their blend of experienced leadership and youthful tenacity offers a captivating narrative of revival and resilience. For the fans riding this exhilarating wave, each game provides a new chapter in what promises to be a season unlike any other.