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No. 2: The stars
When the Phoenix Suns realized they were going to be without Deandre Ayton, the team needed to lean on stars Chris Paul and Devin Booker more as well. The duo didn't disappoint as they have done everything in their power to get the team rolling.
Devin Booker has started to find his groove in a big way. During the 10-game winning streak, Booker has averaged 23.6 ppg while shooting 45.2% from the field. After struggling to find his outside shot to start the season, Booker is finally finding his touch. In his last three games, the lethal scoring wing has averaged 26.3 ppg while shooting 46.7% from downtown.
Chris Paul has also started to find his way. The crafty 36-year-old guard averaged 15.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, 10.4 assists and 2.7 steals per game while shooting 48.7% from the field in the streak. After a rough first four games, the Suns needed the veteran point guard to take control, and with him doing so, they've found themselves back near the top of the standings in the NBA.
No. 1: Taking over in clutch time
While the Phoenix Suns have generated buzz with their winning streak, it's how they've pulled off those wins that's been the most impressive. It's not easy to win 10 straight games in the NBA. Last year, the Utah Jazz were the only team to accomplish a double-digit winning streak. So what has allowed the Suns to carve out such an impressive run? The team's play in clutch time.
Clutch time in the NBA is defined as any game that features two teams within five points in the last five minutes of a game. It's a time when every possession is amplified and mistakes are costly. In six of Phoenix's past 10 wins, the Suns had to pull out a victory in clutch time.
During those six games, the Suns have outscored their opponents 64-31 in a total of 20 clutch minutes. Showing up when the game is on the line is starting to become a habit for the Suns, who seem to have clutch in their DNA.
If the team can keep up this type of momentum underscored by these kinds of efforts, the Phoenix Suns are going to be a force yet again. A Nov. 30 showdown between the Suns and Golden State Warriors in Phoenix awaits, a game matching the Western Conference's top two teams that could have fans buzzing.
