The wounds were still fresh following the Phoenix Suns’ loss to the San Antonio Spurs, but thankfully, we didn’t have to sit around and marinate in that misery for too long. The Los Angeles Clippers came to town the very next night, giving Phoenix a chance to cleanse its palate and remind itself that one disastrous performance doesn’t have to define the next.
At first, however, it seemed the malaise San Antonio inflicted on the Suns had followed them home. Whatever spell the Spurs had cast seemed to remain
firmly in place, leaving Phoenix in a trance with an invisible lid covering the basket. As the first quarter unfolded, the Suns couldn’t buy a bucket. By the time the first substitutions arrived, they had managed a grand total of four points.
And then? Everything changed.
The bench entered the game and ignited an offensive firestorm powerful enough to shatter whatever curse had been hanging over the team. Suddenly, shots were falling, the energy was contagious, and an avalanche of points began cascading down upon a Clippers team that had no answer for what was happening. What initially appeared destined to become another frustrating evening transformed into one of the easiest and most enjoyable watches of the young season.
By the time the fourth quarter arrived and Rasheer Fleming was receiving extensive minutes, you knew the mission had been accomplished. The Suns had taken a game that began with all the familiar warning signs of another offensive disaster and turned it into a comfortable victory.
Phoenix improved to 4-6 on the season, but perhaps more importantly, the team found a way to stabilize itself after being thoroughly dismantled the night before. It was a reminder of what this group is capable of when the energy is there, the execution follows, and everyone contributes to the collective effort.
If only we could play the Clippers a little more often, right?
Bright Side Baller Standings
The BSB winner against the Spurs? Booker. Duh. No other starter had more than 7 points. Booker was smart and tactful in the way he attacked a tough San Antonio team, and slowly and surely, he’s starting to separate himself from the BSB pack.
Bright Side Baller Nominees
Game 10 against the Clippers. Here are your nominees:
Jordan Goodwin
18 points (6-of-7, 6-of-7 3PT), 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 0 turnovers, +11 +/-
Devin Booker
17 points (6-of-14, 2-of-6 3PT), 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 turnovers, +20 +/-
Collin Gillespie
12 points (4-of-9, 4-of-9 3PT), 2 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, +8 +/-
Luke Kennard
14 points (5-of-7, 3-of-5 3PT), 1 rebound, 3 assists, 3 turnovers, +12 +/-
Jalen Green
13 points (5-of-7, 3-of-4 3PT), 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 turnovers, +15 +/-
Ryan Dunn
10 points (4-of-5, 1-of-2 3PT), 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 turnover, +10 +/-
Who deserves it?
