The Phoenix Suns continued their torrid start to the 2024 NBA season with a nail-biting 114-113 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, edging their record to 8-1. With a 7-0 record in games decided within five points, the Suns have made a habit of clutch victories, keeping fans on the edge of their seats in yet another thrilling finish.
Here’s an in-depth look at the Suns’ recent victory, their dominant performance in close games, and what these clutch scenarios mean for Phoenix as they navigate a competitive Western Conference.
Suns Maintain Clutch Form to Outlast Mavericks
The Suns’ win over the Mavericks on Friday night was far from straightforward. Center Jusuf Nurkic played a pivotal role in the final minute, scoring five points, including a decisive free throw with less than a second remaining. Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic attempted a 38-foot heave at the buzzer, but it fell short, allowing the Suns to walk away with a one-point victory and maintain their impressive early-season momentum.
Phoenix’s streak of clutch victories has positioned them at the top of the Western Conference standings, tied with the Oklahoma City Thunder, who have taken a more decisive approach with multiple double-digit victories. Despite winning eight of their first nine games, the Suns’ 30-point differential is one of the lowest in NBA history for a team with such a record. Their ability to close games within a tight margin highlights Phoenix’s grit and maturity, but also raises questions about their reliance on clutch-time heroics.
Fourth-Quarter Resilience: A Key Factor for Phoenix
Last season, the Suns struggled in the fourth quarter, ending with a disappointing 49-33 record. This season, however, Phoenix appears to have turned a corner in their late-game execution. Kevin Durant’s consistency in clutch situations, alongside contributions from Nurkic and point guard Tyus Jones, has bolstered the Suns’ ability to handle close contests.
In their latest matchup, Phoenix jumped out to an early double-digit lead, only to watch Dallas rally back in the second half. With the game hanging in the balance, Durant’s shooting and Nurkic’s offensive rebounds helped the Suns close the gap, eventually securing the win. Durant, who scored a team-high 26 points, sank a series of clutch shots to keep the Suns in striking distance, while Kyrie Irving countered with a 29-point outburst for the Mavs, rekindling memories of his Brooklyn days alongside Durant.
The Suns’ late-game resilience wasn’t lost on Durant, who reflected on how this season’s clutch situations are shaping the team: “It’s good practice for us to understand how tough it is to play in this environment, tight games on the road… Playing against a team that’s proven, that’s been to the Finals… it was a good win for us.” Durant, who leads the league with 35 clutch points, understands that these moments will serve the team well as they look to make a deep playoff run.
Jusuf Nurkic’s Pivotal Role in the Final Moments
Jusuf Nurkic’s performance in the final minute was crucial in sealing Phoenix’s victory. With just under a minute left, Nurkic scored five points, including a critical putback dunk and the game-winning free throw with only 0.8 seconds left on the clock. His physical presence under the basket provided the Suns with much-needed rebounds, helping keep possessions alive during a tense final stretch.
After the game, Nurkic acknowledged the importance of every win, regardless of the margin, saying, “A win is a win, man. I don’t really care if it’s by one point or 35. As long as you keep winning, that’s great… it’s good for fans, too. They’re betting, all this stuff, so good luck with them figuring out how we’re going to do it.”
Phoenix’s ability to prevail in clutch moments is a testament to their mental toughness. With Nurkic emerging as a reliable interior presence, the Suns have a formidable weapon for securing late-game rebounds and second-chance points.
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Durant and Irving’s Rivalry Reignited
The showdown between Durant and Irving added another layer of intrigue to an already intense game. Durant, who previously teamed up with Irving on the Brooklyn Nets, relished the opportunity to compete against his former teammate. In the final quarter, the two stars traded baskets, briefly reminding fans of their time together in Brooklyn. Durant’s clutch 3-pointers countered Irving’s scoring spree, giving Suns fans a taste of what might have been had the duo stayed together.
“It brought back a lot of memories,” Durant said after the game. “I miss being around him, so it’s always good to compete against him.”
Their friendly rivalry played out before a captivated crowd at American Airlines Center, further underscoring the value of Durant’s veteran leadership and scoring for Phoenix in pivotal moments.
A Valuable Learning Curve for the Suns
The Suns’ ability to win close games is shaping their identity this season. Durant mentioned that these high-stakes experiences would pay off as the team prepares for more crucial games later in the season: “We’re not expecting to be in these situations every game, but the more, the better… Because that’s usually how it is in the playoffs. It’s usually how it is at the end of the season when you’re trying to put yourself in good position for seeding.”
Phoenix’s streak of clutch wins is reflective of their commitment to overcoming last year’s fourth-quarter struggles. With seven wins by five points or fewer, the Suns have proven their ability to remain calm under pressure, a skill that will be invaluable as they aim for a deep playoff push.
Looking Ahead for Phoenix
The Suns’ clutch-time success is a promising indicator of their development under head coach Frank Vogel, but maintaining this level of intensity throughout the season will be challenging. While their reliance on close games may raise concerns, it also demonstrates Phoenix’s resilience and adaptability, especially with a veteran like Durant leading the charge.
Phoenix’s ability to perform in clutch situations could become their defining strength, giving them a competitive edge as the season progresses. Their performance against the Mavericks is proof of their growth and maturity, and if the Suns continue to refine their approach, they could emerge as a top contender in the Western Conference.
