The Phoenix Suns clinch a much-needed victory against Orlando following a loss streak
The Phoenix Suns snapped their three-game losing streak on Thursday night, thanks to their 116-113 victory against the Orlando Magic. The Suns were able to survive the Magic’s late comeback in the second half, where Orlando rallied from 12 points down. However, Suns wing Josh Okogie’s clutch block on Magic rookie forward Paolo Banchero’s game-tying three-point attempt thwarted Orlando’s hopes of forcing overtime.
Despite the tough stretch of games, Suns coach Monty Williams was relieved that his team was able to escape with a win. Following the game, Williams stressed the importance of the win for his team, saying, “In the fourth, our offense kind of got away from us a bit, but we were able to make enough plays.”
Williams added that the Suns will need to take a day off to relax after the stressful finish. “It’s been an emotional week for the guys, with travel, playing in some close games, like all week. You could just feel it on the guys. I think they need a day to just fill their cup a little bit, so we can get back to playing solid and being able to maintain that offensive and defensive production.”
Phoenix had five players finish with 15-plus points, with star shooting guard Devin Booker leading the team with 19 points, five rebounds, and two assists on 41.2% shooting. Meanwhile, the Magic also had five players finish with 16-plus points, with point guard Markelle Fultz leading the team with 25 points, seven rebounds, nine assists, and two steals on 64.7% shooting.
With the win, the Phoenix Suns remain in sole possession of the fourth seed in the Western Conference, with only 12 games left this season. However, the Los Angeles Clippers (37-33) are only one game behind them, and the Minnesota Timberwolves (35-35) are three games behind them. If the Suns finish seventh, they will have to play in a play-in game, making every game important for their future.
Looking ahead, the Suns will have two days off before their next game on Sunday against OKC (34-36, 10th in the West). The Suns’ remaining five games will only be against teams above .500, which bodes well for their chances of clinching a top-four playoff seed.
In conclusion, the Phoenix Suns were able to clinch a much-needed win against the Orlando Magic after facing a tough stretch of games. With their remaining games, the Suns will need to play at their best to ensure their spot in the top-four playoff seeds.#plays #Monty #Williams #relieved #Suns #winning #ways #Magic
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