Most faithful watchers of the Phoenix Suns became familiar with this term last season if they weren’t already.
A team's clutch-time record only includes games within five goals in the final five minutes. Games that could go either way.
Phoenix was extremely great in 2021-22. It was 33-9, the fourth best in NBA.com's 1997 record.
The Suns have struggled this year despite having the same key players. OK. If it continues, how can it be historic?
Phoenix has gone from best in clutch time to worst in the NBA at 13-17.
First, some settings. Only 10 of the Suns' 71 games have featured a fit starting five.
That and Kevin Durant's newest injury three games into adjusting to him have impacted the team's flow.
This doesn't explain Phoenix's shocking accuracy drop from last year. It has lost four of its last five games, but only three were tight.
That required some grueling runs. The Suns are 6-5 since the All-Star break despite being 11th in offensive and 10th in defensive rating.