The Phoenix Suns had a mixed week, with a chance to sweep their three-game stretch. They were cruising until a fourth-quarter collapse against the Toronto Raptors dashed their hopes of going undefeated. Despite the setback, Jalen Green and Devin Booker are finding their groove together, which is promising for Suns fans.
Fourth Quarter Meltdown in Canada
The Suns were up by 10 in the fourth quarter, poised to extend their win streak to five games. However, Toronto had other plans, pouring in 36 points on 64% shooting in the final period.
This loss kept Phoenix a game and a half behind the fifth and sixth spots in the Western Conference, leaving them in the play-in zone. The Suns were on the second night of a back-to-back, having just secured a win against the Pacers.
Fatigue and travel might have played a role, but what really caused their late-game unraveling?
The Jalen Green/Devin Booker Dynamic
Green and Booker are hitting their stride as the season winds down. Booker is posting his best scoring month since October, shooting 42% from three-point range.
Green has improved his shooting percentage to 40% after a rocky start. Together, they're averaging 55 points per game, each contributing at least 25 points.
However, for the Suns to make a deep playoff run, they need more offensive balance. Only one other starter, Collin Gillespie, is averaging over 10 points per game in March, and he recently had a scoreless game.
When Green or Booker aren't firing on all cylinders, Phoenix needs to find ways to involve other players to maintain offensive momentum.
Ryan Dunn’s Benching
Ryan Dunn found himself benched for the first time this season against the Raptors. Coach Jordan Ott opted for rookie Rasheer Fleming and newcomer Haywood Highsmith in the forward spots.
Dunn, averaging 3 points in 14 minutes and shooting 30% from deep, has seen his minutes dwindle as Fleming, Highsmith, and Amir Coffey have stepped up. Fleming's reliable shooting and the defensive attention Highsmith and Coffey command have reshaped the rotation.
What's next for Dunn in Phoenix? Could he be on the trading block this offseason?
The Suns are gearing up for a tough road trip, facing the Celtics tonight and the Timberwolves tomorrow. After a brief rest, they'll take on the Spurs to wrap up their travels.
Back in Phoenix, they’ll face another back-to-back challenge against the Bucks and Raptors. The road ahead is demanding, and the Suns need to find their rhythm to keep playoff hopes alive.