The Phoenix Suns secured their third straight win, defeating the Charlotte Hornets 120-113. This victory showcased a changing identity for the team and provided a much-needed prove-it moment.
• We saw a thrilling comeback from the Suns, who were down by seven with just over five minutes left. They closed the game on an impressive 19-5 run.
• This wasn’t just luck – the Suns earned this win. We saw forced turnovers, crucial blocks, and smart offensive plays that capitalized on the Hornets’ defensive lapses.
• It’s been a while since we’ve seen a comeback like this from the Suns. In fact, you’d have to go back to November 8th to find a similar situation.
• The closing lineup was interesting. We saw Royce O’Neale and Oso Ighodaro in there instead of Ryan Dunn, and no Tyus Jones. This smaller lineup proved effective down the stretch.
• Let’s talk about the big three. Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal combined for 57 points and 13 assists with just two turnovers. That’s the kind of production we need to see consistently.
• We’re seeing a shift in the Suns’ identity. They’re looking a lot like last year’s team, embracing their strengths and playing to their roster construction.
• Tyus Jones’ minutes are trending down. He only played 18 minutes in this game, and didn’t see the court for most of the fourth quarter. It’s something to keep an eye on.
• The Suns’ defense is improving. They forced 16 turnovers and converted them into 26 points. That’s a significant portion of their total scoring.
• Looking ahead, the Suns have a favorable schedule in January. If they can build on this momentum, they have a chance to make up some ground in the standings.
Remember, it’s not just about winning – it’s about how the Suns are winning. This game showed us glimpses of what this team can be when they’re firing on all cylinders. Let’s hope they can keep this energy going forward.
