The Phoenix Suns had their seven-game win streak snapped last night after blowing a 17-point second half lead to the Indiana Pacers and eventually losing 133-131.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Despite a season-high 62 points from Devin Booker, turnovers (20 total) and allowed offensive rebounds (21 total) plagued the Suns all night, but in the last quarter it all went bad for Phoenix.
Indiana won the fourth 28-17, as the Suns shot 1-of-10 from 3-point range in the closing period after shooting 12-of-20 through three quarters.
Another interesting stat was that the Pacers were whistled for zero fouls on the Suns in the final 12 minutes. The Suns were called for five in the fourth. For the game, both teams recorded 17 fouls.
Jusuf Nurkić, who injured his left thumb in the third quarter and did not return, was very angry with the officiating.
“It’s crazy about these referees,” Nurkić said. “You’d think with three superstars playing the basketball, really physical, going to drive to the rim. Somebody can explain to me how the hell they had zero fouls in the fourth quarter.
“The NBA, referees, whoever that sh– is, please just give us a script or whatever that sh– is. How is that possible? Bradley Beal is one of the most explosive people on the f—- planet going to the rim and not getting fouled … We just want the same treatment. We understand what’s going on, but these people are special. They don’t deserve these antics, going around and being hit and not getting penalized for it. It’s especially hard sometimes, you can’t just go against the whole gym.”
(Video credit to AZ Central’s Duane Rankin)
"Somebody can explain to me how the hell they had 0 fouls in the 4th quarter." Jusuf Nurkic.
Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal didn't get foul call in 4th of #Suns loss at #Pacers.
1 Indy PF in 4th.
"Whoever that shit is, please give us a script. How is that possible?" pic.twitter.com/PPtv9n78sL
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) January 27, 2024
Last play of the game
The last play was perhaps the most controversial, as Booker was not whistled for being fouled on what would have been the game-winning shot.
DEVIN BOOKER ERRA O GAME WINNER NA NOITE EM QUE ELE FEZ 62 PONTOS
INACREDITÁVELpic.twitter.com/F3XY78yt2E
— NBA da bad (@NBAdabad) January 27, 2024
Booker was not mad at all with no foul being called.
“I don’t expect them to call that in that situation,” Booker said.
"Just a little bit. I don't expect them to call that in that situation."
Devin Booker on last shot as Aaron Nesmith defended his 3 in #Suns 133-131 loss at #Pacers
Felt there was more contact when he looked to get the inbound.
Season-high 62 with 29 in 1st.
"Being confident." pic.twitter.com/AzMRBuCeK8
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) January 27, 2024
“We didn’t get a foul the whole fourth quarter, so can’t expect to get one there,” Suns’ coach Frank Vogel said.
The NBA has since ruled that a correct no-call was made on the play.
The Suns (26-19) next play tomorrow night in Orlando against the Magic (23-22) and figure to be more banged up with Nurkić, Bradley Beal and Grayson Allen suffering apparent injuries in the loss last night.
Injury Updates: Jusuf Nurkic and Bradley Beal’s Status Post-Game
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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
