Heading into TD Garden to face the Boston Celtics is always a tall order, and the Phoenix Suns experienced that firsthand. Despite a valiant effort, they fell short by eight points. Yet, the storyline is more nuanced than the final score suggests, as Phoenix was in the thick of it for most of the night.
The Suns' offense, which had been clicking, tightened up when it mattered most. Boston closed the game on a 10-1 run, a sequence that felt inevitable as it unfolded. This marks the second consecutive game where Phoenix has allowed a top-tier defense to dictate the closing moments.
For much of the game, Phoenix's offense was fluid and dynamic. The ball zipped around, showcasing a version of the Suns that can be truly formidable.
But as the game tightened, their play became predictable. The offense began to revolve almost exclusively around Devin Booker.
It’s a logical move-Booker is a superstar, and his scoring prowess was on full display as he poured in 23 straight points during a crucial stretch. He was the lifeline keeping Phoenix in the contest as Boston threatened to pull away.
However, this reliance on Booker late in games becomes a beacon for opposing defenses. They know where the ball is headed and respond by doubling-or even tripling-him, disrupting the flow. Boston executed this strategy perfectly, highlighting the need for Phoenix to adjust.
The Suns have other weapons. Jalen Green is finding his groove, and the roster is packed with shooters.
The key is diversifying their late-game strategy. When the entire offense funnels through Booker, defenses can easily clamp down.
Phoenix needs to trust its full arsenal and explore other options.
A late-game possession illustrated this potential. Down 114-111 with 1:32 left, Phoenix allowed the play to develop organically.
When Booker finally received the ball, the defense had already shifted, giving him space to drive and kick it out to Haywood Highsmith. Highsmith, shooting well on the night, passed up the shot, leading to a rushed attempt by Grayson Allen as the shot clock expired.
But within that sequence was the blueprint for success: letting the offense breathe and unfold naturally.
The Suns must leverage their depth. Initiating plays through different players can ease the pressure on Booker. This approach forces defenses to extend, creating opportunities for others and allowing Booker to operate in space rather than congestion.
Currently, the structure-not just execution-is part of the challenge. Booker faces intense defensive attention and physical play, sometimes letting frustration with officiating seep in.
But Phoenix can help him by not making him the focal point of every late-game possession. Utilizing him as a secondary or tertiary option can create different challenges for defenses.
Games against disciplined teams like Boston and Toronto are invaluable. They provide lessons in what works and what doesn't against elite defenses. Now, it’s about applying those lessons.
In the Bright Side Baller standings, Jalen Green’s 34-point outing against the Raptors stands out, showing his scoring ability is becoming more refined. This performance earns him another Bright Side Baller nod, tying him with Jordan Goodwin for the season.
For Game 68 against the Celtics, here are the Bright Side Baller nominees:
- Devin Booker: 40 points (15-of-24, 2-of-7 3PT), 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 block, 7 turnovers, +2 +/-
- Jalen Green: 21 points (8-of-20, 1-of-7 3PT), 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 turnover, -12 +/-
- Haywood Highsmith: 16 points (4-of-8, 4-of-5 3PT), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 0 turnovers, -1 +/-
- Grayson Allen: 13 points (3-of-7, 2-of-6 3PT), 1 rebound, 2 assists, 5-of-6 FT, 0 turnovers, -5 +/-