PHOENIX — Apathy can spread like wildfire, and right now, the Phoenix Suns are feeling its effects.
On Thursday, they fell 124-116 to a shorthanded New Orleans Pelicans team. This loss marks their tenth in twelve games, leaving them struggling to even qualify for the play-in tournament.
Last season, the Suns faced similar challenges. They lost to the Pelicans in a crucial game late in the season, which made it clear they were not performing well enough. Following that, they embarrassingly split a back-to-back against a weakened Los Angeles Clippers team, showcasing a lack of effort from a team fighting for its playoff life.
After an overtime defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday, where the Suns showed some promising teamwork, fans hoped Thursday’s game would be different. But early on, the Pelicans jumped to an 18-point lead in the second quarter, while the Suns struggled to match their intensity.
The game lacked energy, characterized by frequent turnovers and a low number of free-throw attempts. The Pelicans capitalized on the Suns’ inability to control the boards, scoring points on second chances while the Suns failed to establish their presence in the paint.
Despite their struggles, the Suns have moments of brilliance, especially in shooting. They managed to lead by one at halftime, but it depended on whether they could avoid hurting themselves in the second half.
In the third quarter, the Suns shot impressively, but their inability to protect the ball haunted them in the final frame. They committed six turnovers after only having five earlier in the game. This lapse allowed the Pelicans, especially Zion Williamson, to take control. Williamson dominated with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists.
Postgame, Devin Booker spoke about their defensive strategy against Williamson, acknowledging that they didn’t execute the basics they prepared for. He emphasized the importance of communication, stating that when the going gets tough, the team tends to go quiet. He noted, “Things get tough, we get quiet… that’s not the way to get through it.”
Kevin Durant echoed Booker’s sentiments, saying “everything could be better,” and when pressed for specifics about his performance, he simply added, “everything.”
The Pelicans capitalized on the time Williamson rested, showcasing their depth even with several key players missing due to injury. They still possess talent, especially with players like Williamson and Trey Murphy II, who are capable of big performances. C.J. McCollum added 19 points to the mix, showing the Pelicans can still be a formidable opponent.
Meanwhile, Bradley Beal missed the game due to calf tightness, adding to the Suns’ injury woes. This season has seen Beal miss significant time, impacting his adjustment to the team. Previously, he was averaging nearly 25 points over his last six games, but injuries have disrupted his rhythm.
The Suns managed only 34 points in the paint and struggled at the free-throw line, making just eight out of ten attempts. Their shooting strategy often leaned heavily on three-pointers, and although they had some success, it was not enough to overcome the Pelicans’ defensive efforts.
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