THE Suns were on three victories in a row, the last of which, very large, against the Spurs, and for three weeks, in addition to seven victories on the clock, they only lost against big teams (Boston twice, Oklahoma City and Milwaukee).
This is why this setback in San Antonio is a stain. Especially when we remember that Victor Wembanyama was not in uniform… Were the Phoenix players trapped by excess confidence?
“I don’t like to disrespect our opponents. They are NBA players. There are some talented young players there. We weren't caught off guard, we knew what to expect.”, judge Devin Booker. “It’s disappointing, we missed each other. We thought it would be easy without Wemby,” yet confesses Bradley Beal. “We got our butts kicked. They were aggressive, the coach told us so, and we didn't react. Well yes, but we couldn't resist. »
Frank Vogel's troops could nevertheless have saved the furniture, with a victory that was certainly inglorious but at least validated. The Texans went on a 16-2 run in the third and fourth quarters, which didn't completely put Booker and his teammates away. The back will even give his team a point lead 52 seconds from time. Jeremy Sochan will respond with a winning basket and neither Booker nor Kevin Durant will then take the last shot.
“We knew they were going to play harder than in the last match, that they were going to be more concentrated”recalls Durant since the Suns won by 25 points on Saturday night. “They had the wind at their backs in the third and last quarter and rode on that. »
It was the last “easy” game for the Suns…
The Spurs have won three out of four matches against the Suns this season… “It is unacceptable to lose this meeting”says Frank Vogel. “We say the right things to the players, we do the right preparation. But we didn't play with the necessary concentration in the first half. »
This defeat prevents the Arizona franchise from stringing together a fourth victory in a row and that's no small thing because the schedule to finish the season will be very, very tough. There will be matches against Denver and Oklahoma City, then doubleheaders against New Orleans, Minnesota and the Clippers. Without forgetting matches against the Cavaliers and the Kings.
Nothing easy on the program therefore, while the Lakers push behind (2.5 victories behind) to take their eighth place. “We are confident against anyone. We're not worried about the schedule.”assures the Suns coach.
