Suns lack fourth quarter scoring punch
Feb 10, 2012, 8:33 PM | Updated: 8:34 pm
They say it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.
If that’s true, then the Suns have it backwards.
In their last three games, the Suns are averaging 30
points in the first quarter. However, they’re scoring
just over half as much in the fourth quarter (15.7
points), getting outscored 72-47 in the final twelve
minutes.
“We do have to get a little bit better but last night
[against Houston] you turn the ball over eight times
you’re not going to score a lot,” explained head coach
Alvin Gentry following practice Friday. “That’s eight
possessions that are taken away so you’re not going to be
able to score a lot in those situations.”
The Suns had more turnovers (8) than field goals (5) in
the fourth quarter Thursday. That resulted in a season-
low 13 fourth quarter points, their third straight sub 20-
point final quarter.
“Fourth quarter is usually nut crunch time, where you
tighten up a little bit,” said Jared Dudley. “We’re
having trouble putting the ball in the basket. Sometimes
it’s turnovers. Sometimes it’s not reading who’s open.”
On the season, the Suns average 22.9 points in the fourth
quarter, 21st-best in the NBA.
