In a thrilling comeback against the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday, Devin Booker declared it as one of the Phoenix Suns' standout victories this season. Grayson Allen's impressive performance, scoring 29 points and equalling the Suns' franchise record with nine 3-pointers, injected hope into the Footprint Center crowd despite the team facing significant challenges.
Allen's remarkable shooting display, with eight of his 3-pointers assisted by the Suns' Big 3—Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal—along with one from Jusuf Nurkic, highlighted the team effort. Allen acknowledged Nurkic's playmaking, creating opportunities with pick and roll plays that drew defenders towards the stars' penetrations, enabling Allen to capitalize from his preferred spots along the wings and corners.
The Kings had established substantial double-digit leads in the first three quarters, reaching a 22-point advantage with eight minutes left to play. However, an epic 32-8 run orchestrated by Suns coach Frank Vogel and key players Durant, Beal, Booker, Nurkic, Allen, and sixth man Eric Gordon, ultimately decided the game.
This comeback not only secured the Suns' eighth win in their last 11 games but also challenged the notion that they are one of the worst-performing teams in the NBA's fourth quarter.
Grayson Allen's impressive 48% 3-point shooting surpassed Durant's 47.1% and currently ranks him second in the league, narrowly trailing Milwaukee's Malik Beasley at 48.1%. Allen's stellar season includes career-high averages of 13.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 0.7 blocks, and 0.9 steals, with shooting splits of 50/48/91 in 35 starts for the Suns.
Traded from Milwaukee to Phoenix in the off-season, Allen has proven to be a valuable addition beyond his scoring prowess. Durant commended Allen for showcasing various facets of his game, highlighting his offensive versatility. Durant emphasized Allen's role in expanding the team's 3-point attempts, matching their opponents' totals and increasing their chances of overcoming deficits.
In addition to his sharpshooting, Allen's increased drives to the basket, averaging 6.2 per game, place him behind only the Suns' Big 3. Durant praised Allen for adapting his game, noting that in Milwaukee, he had to primarily be a spot-up shooter, whereas in Phoenix, the team encourages a multi-ball handler approach to maximize everyone's strengths.
The ability to hit 3-pointers has become crucial for the Suns, helping cover offensive breakdowns and defensive lapses while initiating scoring runs. As Durant's fourth-quarter heroics propelled a 32-8 surge, Allen's contributions included two crucial triples, three assists, two defensive rebounds, a steal, and a block, showcasing his versatility.
Suns coach Frank Vogel expressed surprise at Allen's exceptional shooting abilities, emphasizing his unexpected proficiency in various aspects of the game, making him a valuable asset for the team. The win not only showcased the Suns' resilience but also highlighted Grayson Allen's pivotal role in their success this season.
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