Phoenix Suns soar with fifth consecutive victory
The Phoenix Suns have turned the tables in the NBA, winning their last five games and surprising many who underestimated their potential. Following a commanding 35-point victory over the Indiana Pacers, confidence is high in the Valley of the Sun. This recent success has elevated the Suns to an 8-5 record, with seven wins in their last eight games.
Resilient Performance Against the Pacers
Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks led the charge in the blowout against Indiana, each scoring over 30 points. After the game, Booker acknowledged the challenge of their rigorous schedule. “The schedule hasn’t been easy for us,” he noted. “Outside of the back-to-back, we’ve been one home game, one road, one home, on road, and it’s been tough.”
Booker had a slow start but found his rhythm after seeing the energy of his teammates. “I know I didn’t have a lot of juice coming in, but I was looking around the locker room. Everybody was ready to go. It kind of revived me.” The Suns’ preparation for the Pacers’ fast-paced game style was evident as they executed their game plan effectively. “We knew they played a fast-paced style of game and they don’t give up either. We knew we had to play all the way through, and we did,” he added.
Strategic Insights from the Coach
Head coach Jordan Ott emphasized the importance of being prepared for Indiana’s tenacity, especially considering it was the Pacers’ third game in four days. “We knew they were desperate. We knew they would come in with an edge,” Ott explained. “We anticipated some of it. So when you’re ready for it, I think as soon as you feel it, you dive right in.”
His players exhibited a relentless spirit, demonstrating their readiness to respond to any challenge. “Some of our guys are never going to back down no matter who it is,” Ott stated. “You respond, but you’re ready for whatever it takes to win the game.”
Looking Ahead to the Hawks
With two days of rest ahead, the Suns are set to host the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday evening. Brooks shared his thoughts on the team’s defensive strategy, highlighting the importance of physical play. “It doesn’t matter who’s guarding and who’s on it. We follow our strategy, play physical, and slowly it wears and tears on the offenses and it shows,” he remarked.
He also pointed out the need for improvement in rebounding, acknowledging its role in keeping opponents competitive. “At least the top-10 defense, we got to work on our rebounding, and that’s why they stay in the game. Rebounding, fouling, I watch that and coach it up. So bring that to the next game.”
As the Suns continue their ascent, the anticipation builds for their next matchup, where they will look to extend their winning streak and solidify their standing in the league.
