In the memorable movie “Hoosiers,” head coach Norman Dale, portrayed by Gene Hackman, emphasized teamwork by instructing his Hickory Huskers to pass the ball at least four times before taking a shot on every offensive possession. Unfortunately for the Phoenix Suns, Coach Dale would have been disappointed with their performance during crucial moments in their recent 101-97 defeat against the Golden State Warriors, as the team neglected effective passing.
The Suns built a substantial 14-point lead early in the fourth quarter, thanks to a three-pointer from Collin Gillespie. However, they faltered dramatically, managing just seven points for the rest of the game. In a troubling turn, their offense devolved into isolations, featuring a heavy reliance on Dillon Brooks, who struggled and missed his final six shots.
While the Suns faced limitations in offensive options due to the absence of key players Devin Booker and Jalen Green—both of whom are typically adept at creating their own shots or facilitating plays—Grayson Allen, the next best shot creator, also left the game with a knee injury in the closing moments of the fourth quarter. This compounded the lack of creativity on offense during a critical stretch.
This loss against the Warriors marks one of the more disappointing moments for the Suns this season, especially given their track record of overcoming adversity with effort and teamwork. Although the team’s effort was evident, it fell short of their usual standards, particularly as cohesiveness broke down late in the game.
Currently, the Suns are navigating a challenging schedule, with a stretch of 16 out of 19 games at home. They have a record of 3-3 in this sequence so far, and with such opportunities available, the team must capitalize on their leads to secure victories. The resilience they have shown previously can still guide them through this rough patch, keeping hopes alive for stronger performances ahead.