As stated last week, the Phoenix Suns weren’t doing too well. It felt like they couldn’t consistently compete with the best. Evidently, it heavily affected their playoff hopes.
However, this week has been different.
They haven’t played any great teams, but they have been getting the job done. Particularly, during their past three-game stretch.
The 76ers
On March 20, the Suns matched up against the Philadelphia 76ers. Out of the three teams within this stretch, they are arguably the best. But that doesn’t mean they don’t have any issues.
The biggest issue the 76ers have this season is the loss of Joel Embiid, As shown, Embiid has been out with a knee injury, sidelining him for almost two months.
Embiid is a big part of this 76ers team, and his loss has significantly impacted their season. Therefore, with him out, it makes the Suns’ chances of winning much better.
Fortunately, that’s what they did. It did take time though.
By the end of the first quarter, the Suns were down 21-23. But the Suns flipped a switch in the second. By halftime, they were up 60-47. They kept this lead in the second half.
By the end of the third quarter, the Suns led 90-66. This lead was diminished in the fourth, but not quick enough.
By the end of the game, the final score was 115-102. It was a great case of taking care of business. But they needed to do the same tomorrow.
The Hawks
On March 21, the Phoenix Suns matched up against the Atlanta Hawks. Out of these three teams, they are the most confusing.
Like the 76ers, they have lost an important player to their roster: Trae Young. As shown, Young has an injured figure that has kept him out for a month.
Young runs the bulk of their offense. He stretches the defense with his threes and averages a plethora of assists. But, despite this big loss, the Hawks have kept a play-in position.
This means that they’re playing with nothing to lose. They aren’t a great team, but they can compete on any night. Unfortunately, the Suns experienced that drive for most of this game.
In fact, the Suns were down quite a bit in the first quarter. At one point, they were down 11-25. But, thanks to the efforts of players like Devin Booker and Drew Eubanks, they cut the lead down to 30-37 at the end of the first.
At the start of the second quarter, they immediately got out to a 7-0 run tying the game at 37. By halftime, it was still close, but the Suns had the lead, the score being 65-60.
By the third quarter, the game remained relatively close. By the end of the quarter, the Suns were up 96-93. They didn’t pull away until the fourth quarter.
With around 10 minutes left, the Suns went on a run. Royce O’Neal hit a three, Bradley Beal hit a three, Bol Bol hit a three, and-all of a sudden-the Suns were up 112-98. Luckily, the Suns kept this lead.
Ultimately, the final score was 128-115. It was a tough one, but they managed to pull out the win.
The Spurs
On March 23, the Phoenix Suns played against the San Antonio Spurs. Out of these three teams, the Spurs are by far the worst.
They had a record of 15-55. That was one of the statistically worst NBA records in the league.
But they do have one big positive: Victor Wembanyama. Wembanyama is a great rookie and seems to amaze every game (even his “bad” games).
Due to this record, they have nothing to lose. Therefore, the Suns have no room to underestimate them.
Luckily, the Suns seemed to have control for nearly the entire game. By the end of the first quarter, they were up 26-17. By halftime, they expanded the lead to 65-47.
In the second half, it was more of the same. By the end of the third quarter, they were up 103-71. By the end of the game, the final score was 131-106.
It was a dominating win from end to end. Thus, the Suns, as of March 25, are on a three-game winning streak. But they can’t stop here.
Can they Continue?
The Phoenix Suns need to keep this win streak going. Once again, the Suns are at a crossroads.
They still haven’t moved from just outside of the play-in. Particularly, the Suns remain the sixth seed with a record of 42-29.
This win streak puts them in a good spot to remain in the top six playoff positions but doesn’t guarantee anything. The Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks can jump in front of them after any slip up.
That’s why it’s imperative for them to keep this streak going. Hopefully, it continues with a win against the Spurs tonight (March 25).
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