© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
PHOENIX – Star power has never been Phoenix’s problem, as they have their shot creation covered with their overloaded scoring abilities. But in today’s NBA, late-game offense is less about who starts the possession and more about who finishes it. That’s where Royce O’Neale has changed the equation.
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Dec 27, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Phoenix forward Royce O’Neale (00) shoots a jump shot against New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III (25) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
With Devin Booker commanding doubles, Jalen Green forcing defensive rotations, and Dillon Brooks adding midrange scoring abilities and physical edge, the Suns create chaos by design. Add emerging contributors like Collin Gillespie and a proven shooter like Grayson Allen, and the floor is spaced, but spacing alone doesn’t win close games. Decision-making does.
Nov 28, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Phoenix forward Royce O’Neale shoots a three point basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Where Royce O’Neale has been shining for the Phoenix Suns:
Royce is currently 32-of-60 on threes in the fourth quarter, shooting 53.3% 🔥@CarMax | #SunsUp pic.twitter.com/xfgAlUVmG0
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) January 21, 2026
O’Neale’s fourth-quarter shooting tells the story. Hitting 53.3% of his threes late isn’t volume-based luck; it’s role clarity meeting composure. They have come from scripted looks with perfect swing passes, and bailouts with broken-play reads where confidence matters more than reputation. Defenses that sell out to stop Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, or Jalen Green are paying for it.
Jan 17, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Phoenix forward Royce O’Neale (00) reacts during the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Strategically, this changes Phoenix’s late-game math. You can’t overload one side without consequence. You can’t gamble on the “other guy” missing. Royce O’Neale’s presence forces honesty, and honesty creates space for everyone else. For Suns fans, the appeal is psychological. Stars raise ceilings, but veterans stabilize floors. Royce O’Neale brings a calm that travels, home or road, regular season or playoffs.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
