The Phoenix Suns have started their 2023 campaign with a 4-6 record as injuries, 4th quarter struggles, and turnovers have cost them a handful of close games.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Against the Thunder on Sunday, all three of these issues were put on full display.
Firstly, the team faced the obstacle of Bradley Beal’s lingering back problem, which hampered his ability to stay consistently on the court during the second half.
In the final two quarters, Beal managed just 2 points on a 1-4 shooting performance, contributing to the Suns finishing with a discouraging 18-point deficit when he was on the court.
Regarding 4th quarter struggles, Phoenix displayed one of the worst 4th quarter performances by any team this season.
After starting the quarter 1-10, the Suns eventually ended up shooting 2-21, with over half of their points coming from free throws.
Compounding their challenges, the Suns grappled with ball security issues, turning the ball over an alarming 17 times compared to just 9 turnovers by the Thunder.
These 17 turnovers propelled the Suns to the 2nd worst in the league.
Collectively, these three pressing concerns have ignited legitimate concerns among fans regarding the team’s trajectory for the remainder of the season.
Phoenix Suns’ 4Q collapse tonight:
🧱 13 PTS
🧱 2-21 FG
🧱 1-8 3P
🧱 4 TOV (1 AST)Only KD and Beal made a FG. pic.twitter.com/7EbyNFroqP
— BrickMuse (@BrickMuse) November 13, 2023
The Phoenix Suns as soon as the 4th quarter starts: pic.twitter.com/irXqwkjpJ6
— pain (@CHREEZUSCHRIST) November 13, 2023
Phoenix Suns shot 2/21 in the fourth quarter tonight…….WE HAVE A PROBLEM PHOENIX
— . (@Kd7_Szn) November 13, 2023
I don’t want anyone to ever tell me that Devin Booker isn’t the best player on the Phoenix Suns
— Brandon Awadis (@brawadis) November 13, 2023
📉The Phoenix Suns last three 4th quarters:
at CHI: 19 PTS
vs LAL: 23 PTS
vs OKC: 13 PTS— PHX Fans (@PHXFansAZ) November 13, 2023
The Phoenix Suns are the Back to the Future of basketball. Same plot just slightly different variations each time.
— Espo  (@Espo) November 13, 2023
This Phoenix Suns team telegraphs passes at an alarming rate.
Some of these sets get so stagnant and predictable. Need Booker back in the worst way.
— Zona (@AZSportsZone) November 13, 2023
Suns drop to 1-4 at home early in the season
— ThePhoenixSuns.Com (Not The NBA Team) (@ThePhoenixSuns2) November 13, 2023
