Suns can’t live by the 3-pointer any longer

Jan 28, 2011, 3:33 AM | Updated: 5:10 am

PHOENIX – Wednesday’s loss to the Charlotte Bobcats brought something to the attention of the Phoenix Suns: they can’t always win by the 3-pointer.

It used to be that if the Suns were hitting their shots from behind the arc they were nearly unbeatable. When they missed their 3’s, they were in trouble. Now whether they hit or miss from long-range, the Suns are having trouble winning games.

The Suns 16 3-pointers against Charlotte was the second most they’ve made this season and the fourth time they’ve lost a game in which they’ve hit double-digit 3-pointers.

“We have to find a way to be able to throw the ball inside some and either score inside or get fouled,” Phoenix Suns head coach Alvin Gentry said. “We’ve got to be able to drive the ball to the basket some.”

Suns point guard Steve Nash, who hit all four of his 3-pointers in the loss, agreed with his coach.

“When are shots aren’t falling we definitely need to try to get to the paint and create some other opportunities, whether it’s at the free throw line or kickouts or just breaking down the defense.”

Phoenix Suns

Photo by Phoenix Suns....
Character Counts

Phoenix Suns Charities awards $275,000 in grants to 19 Valley nonprofits

Phoenix Suns Charities recently awarded $275,000 in grants to 19 Arizona nonprofits as part of its latest funding cycle during the 2022-23 NBA season.
12 hours ago
Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against De'Anthony Melton #8 of the Philadelph...
Kellan Olson

Suns find winning breakthrough vs. 76ers, Devin Booker stays hot

The Phoenix Suns finally found their breakthrough on Saturday to return to winning ways and avoid a collapse in the second half.
1 day ago
Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after a three-point shot against the Philadelphia 76ers ...
Jake Anderson

Devin Booker puts up MVP-esque performance in Suns’ win over 76ers, Joel Embiid

Suns' Devin Booker put up a MVP-esque performance in Phoenix's 125-105 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night at Footprint Center.
1 day ago
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) drives on Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton during the f...
Wills Rice

76ers’ James Harden out, Joel Embiid starts vs. Suns; Deandre Ayton out

The 76ers listed guard James Harden (left Achilles) as out, while MVP contender Joel Embiid (right calf) will start Saturday vs. the Suns.
1 day ago
Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns dribbling the ball get fouled by De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacrament...
Kellan Olson

Phoenix Suns lose cool again, drop 3rd straight vs. Kings

No matter how well they play at the moment, the Phoenix Suns seemingly can't avoid losing control of a game at some point in the second half.
2 days ago
Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns reacts on the bench during the first half of the NBA game at F...
Austin Scott

By the numbers: How injuries have hurt the Suns’ consistency

The Suns have been dealing with injuries all season long. Here are a few numbers that show the impact injuries have had on the season.
2 days ago
Suns can’t live by the 3-pointer any longer