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Why Did the Phoenix Suns Choke This Season?

Most faithful watchers of the Phoenix Suns became familiar with this term last season if they weren’t already.

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A team's clutch-time record only includes games within five goals in the final five minutes. Games that could go either way.

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Phoenix was extremely great in 2021-22. It was 33-9, the fourth best in NBA.com's 1997 record.

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The Suns have struggled this year despite having the same key players. OK. If it continues, how can it be historic?

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Phoenix has gone from best in clutch time to worst in the NBA at 13-17.

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First, some settings. Only 10 of the Suns' 71 games have featured a fit starting five.

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That and Kevin Durant's newest injury three games into adjusting to him have impacted the team's flow.

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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.

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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.