Booker and Durant: Drivers of the Suns' success in the fourth quarter

Devin Booker and Kevin Durant have significantly improved the Phoenix Suns' fourth quarter performance this season. The Suns have won three of their four fourth quarters with their top stars leading the way. Durant averages 10.3 points and Booker 7.5 points in these crucial moments, accounting for over 60% of the team's points in the fourth quarter. This reliance on the best players has resulted in a more organized and effective strategy for finishing games compared to last season's inconsistent performances.

Through the numbers

• Kevin Durant: 10.3 points, 57% field goal shooting, 50% three-point shooting in the fourth quarter.
• Devin Booker: 7.5 points, 50% field goal shooting, 55% three-point shooting in the fourth quarter.
• Fourth quarter combined score: 17.8 points, up from 13.9 points last season.

state of affairs

• The Suns adopt a more reliable strategy in game four and focus on their star players.
• Losses of possession are still a concern, as is Jusuf Nurkić's performance towards the end of games.

What's next?

If Booker and Durant continue their strong play in the fourth quarter, other players like Bradley Beal and Tyus Jones could benefit from open looks while the defense focuses on the stars. This could improve the Suns' overall offensive effectiveness late in games.

Conclusion

The Suns' strategy of relying on Booker and Durant in the fourth quarter is paying off, leading to a potentially more dangerous late-game offense. This approach could lead to greater success in the competitive Western Conference.