The Phoenix Suns are running out of time to fix what has quietly become their biggest issue. Another close loss on Tuesday intensified the conversation around their late-game struggles, and this time, Devin Booker didn’t shy away from addressing it.
The Suns’ narrow defeat to the Denver Nuggets added another chapter to a frustrating stretch defined by missed opportunities. Despite rallying late and giving themselves a chance to tie the game, the Suns once again fell short in the closing moments, continuing a troubling pattern.
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Head coach Jordan Ott acknowledged the team’s effort but pointed to inconsistency as the difference.
“Boston, Toronto… We’re playing really good basketball… you got to find a way to do it for 48 minutes,” Ott said after the game, while also crediting the Nuggets’ experience in high-pressure situations.
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) against Denver Nuggets forward Cameron Johnson (23) in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center.Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
The Suns have now dropped six of their last seven games, with each loss by eight points or fewer. That trend highlights a team that is competitive but unable to execute when it matters most.
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Booker addressed that reality directly, saying, “We’re just trying to get over the hump… Close game in the fourth quarter. We just have to keep growing, keep building… We just haven’t gotten over that hump.”
His words reflect both frustration and belief, suggesting the issue is less about talent and more about timing and composure.
Jalen Green echoed a similar sentiment, emphasizing the team’s urgency while admitting the uphill climb toward the sixth seed. He noted that the focus now is on learning and staying together as the postseason approaches.
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With only nine games remaining and a four-game gap behind the Houston Rockets for the No. 6 seed, the Suns appear locked into the play-in conversation, sitting three and a half games ahead of the Los Angeles Clippers in the Western Conference standings.
The Suns’ ability to turn close games into wins will likely determine whether this stretch becomes a learning experience or a missed opportunity.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.