The Suns still undefeated in clutch time

Victory of three points in overtime against the Clippers in the opener, of four points against the Lakers a few days later, of two against the Sixers… Suns fans have no time to be bored this season.

Latest example, last night, with a victory in Dallas by the smallest of margins. A success snatched away while Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving and the Texans seemed to take control in the last quarter.

While Devin Booker had an average night with his shooting, Bradley Beal was the first to shake up his team in the middle of a final quarter likely to escape the visitors. And then there was Kevin Durant, as fair as ever, thrown into a direct duel with his former teammate in Brooklyn, Kyrie Irving.

Not to mention the contribution of Royce O'Neale, and especially Jusuf Nurkic in the last minute: a finish on the “pick-and-roll” with Devin Booker, an interception in front of Irving, a new offensive rebound and dunk, then a last offensive rebound which led to the final foul.

The pivot even “allowed” himself to miss his first free throw, just to maintain the stress level of Suns fans, before converting the second for the win. “ It seems like every night is like this. I don't know what the right word is. It's always good to find a way to win a close away game. This contributes to confidence, toughness “, likes Mike Budenholzer.

Stressful situations to progress

To explain this new success on the wire, he cites the contribution of Kevin Durant of course. And “ all the others (who) generate so much attention, playing in these situations where two defenders are on the ball, Nurk on the offensive rebound, and Royce who has done great things “.

The coach, by mentioning the six players with 13 points or more, considers it a collective victory. And full of composure therefore. His team now has an impressive record of seven wins in as many games when the gap is under five points in the last five minutes.

“ It's nice. It's clearly trying with the close matches we've played. But it's positive for our team to understand what it looks like in decisive moments. We have things to rely on at the end of the match. It's always good to be able to put yourself in stressful situations like that. It will make us better “, thus assures Kevin Durant.

Author of 26 points last night, he is none other than the most clutch player in the league so far with 35 points in this context. Next opportunity for the Suns and him to shine in “money time”, tomorrow, with the reception of the Kings.