Phoenix Suns ride big fourth quarter to extend winning streak: By the Numbers
Jan 8, 2015, 5:26 AM | Updated: 5:35 am
All good things must eventually come to an end, but the Phoenix Suns’ winning streak continues on.
Winners of four in a row and 10 of their last 12 games, the Suns overcame a poor shooting night against the Minnesota Timberwolves to keep their winning streak alive. Phoenix shot 19 percent from 3 and 48 percent overall, but pulled out a 113-111 win in Minnesota on Wednesday.
Playing for the second time in as many nights, the Suns started each half slowly and spent most of time chasing the game. A 42-point fourth quarter was just enough for the Suns to escape with the victory.
Phoenix’s guards hogged most of the points for themselves, as Goran Dragic (25), Gerald Green (21), Eric Bledsoe (17) and Isaiah Thomas (17) combined to score 80 of the team’s 113 points.
The old sports adage says good teams find ways to win games in which they do not play their best — the Suns certainly did that on Wednesday.
Here’s how the Suns kept their winning streak alive, by the numbers:
3
The 3-ball was simply not falling for the Suns on this night. After starting the game 0-for-7, Phoenix ended the night 5-for-26 from beyond the arc.
3-8
Phoenix has struggled in games decided by four points of less this season. Even after Wednesday’s victory, the Suns are just 3-8 in games decided by fewer than five points.
5
Andrew Wiggins continues to blossom into a quality NBA player in his rookie campaign. He scored 25 points in his fifth consecutive 20+ point game, tying a Timberwolves rookie record along with Sam Mitchell and Christian Laettner.
9
P.J. Tucker got the start, but struggled offensively in his 27:02 on the floor. He scored just two points on 1-of-5 shooting, but grabbed a team-high nine rebounds.
22
Minnesota was a bit turnover plagued and it ultimately cost them the game. The Timberwolves turned the ball over 22 times to the Suns’ 13.
84
The Suns continued their league-best free throw shooting, going 16-for-19 from the line (84 percent). Hitting free shots late in games is a major advantage for the Suns.
