Phoenix Suns’ coach Frank Vogel postgame press conference after the Phoenix Suns (13-12) fall to the New York Knicks (14-10) 139-122 in another tough loss
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Suns lost their second straight game at home, and it was also their sixth loss in their past eight games.
Jalen Brunson propelled the Knicks to the victory scoring a career-high 50 points, while shooting a perfect 12-for-12 from the field in the second half. Overall, he went 9-of-9 from beyond the arc, becoming the first player in over 30 years to score 50+ points on 100% shooting from three-point range (min. 8 attempts). His play helped New York outscore Phoenix 42-23 in the fourth quarter.
After missing 19 of the first 22 games due to a low back strain, Bradley Beal returned to the court earlier this week on Tuesday. However, he exited the game on what appeared to be a really bad fall when he landed on Jusuf Nurkić’s foot after a very tight closeout by Donte DiVincenzo.
“Injuries are a part of the game,” Vogel said. “I am disappointed for him; he’s worked really hard. You can see the disappointment on his face, so that’s my biggest concern is keeping him lifted. He’ll get back soon enough, but it’s been frustrating injury type of season for him and in terms for us? Injuries are a part of the game. You can’t get caught up in that and you move on.”
The Knicks’ 139 points were the most Phoenix has allowed in a game this season.
“Doesn’t really bother me,” Vogel said. “If we’re 25th defense in the league and we’re undefeated, I am just fine. We have an offensive team, we’re going to be very difficult to guard, but we’re not doing well up on the defensive side of the ball and we’re not closing games well enough. That’s the lesson that our group has to figure out. We put ourselves in position, but we haven’t been able to close certain games. We outplayed the Knicks in New York; they outplayed us tonight. Credit them, but we have to learn how to close as a group.”
The Suns next conclude their 5-game homestand Sunday night, as they play host to the Washington Wizards (4-20).
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Brendan Mau is a senior writer covering the Phoenix Suns and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau
