By this time next month, with a hopefully healthy Kevin Durant back in the fold, the Phoenix Suns might be a vaunted NBA title contender romping its way through the postseason.
But, for now, Phoenix has lost four of its last five games while treading water in the logjammed Western Conference standings. Sunday might have been the Suns’ recent low point when they lost a 124-120 battle with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s (40 points) Oklahoma City Thunder.
The loss might have been especially deflating considering that Phoenix was in control for most of the matchup, even holding a 10-point lead with just about 10 minutes remaining. But the Thunder would eventually pull away … largely thanks to 36 free throw attempts.
After the game, Suns head coach Monty Williams kept his assessment concise.
Rather than pointing fingers at anyone else, he blamed himself for Phoenix’s shortcomings, especially regarding foul discipline:
"That's on me."
Monty Williams on #Suns loss at OKC. #Thunderup pic.twitter.com/r1feF7rMpR
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) March 19, 2023
"We're one of the worst teams in the league when it comes to fouling. We have to correct that."
Monty Williams as #Suns were called for 31 fouls.#Thunder finished 29-of-36 on FTs. pic.twitter.com/rOv4LEHSZS
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) March 19, 2023
Indeed, Williams has a point. If Devin Booker has 46 points, you expect the Suns to win, even if they don’t have Durant. But the Suns, as constituted without Durant, don’t have much margin for error.
They’ll just have to improve with general team discipline and, at the very least, float above water until their lead talisman returns. Williams admirably taking accountability for his players will only work for so long — the on-court results have to start filing in again.
