Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott praised his team’s collective effort following a 120-98 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday at Mortgage Matchup Center.
“It was just intent right from the get-go, our defensive physicality. They’re great in transition and then a really good driving team with great size. So, had to withstand that first bump. Thought we just collectively had a mentality to find a way tonight,” Ott said.
Ott emphasized the team’s consistency throughout the game. “Once we got to the end of the first quarter, they reminded each other what the second quarter was last night. Get to halftime, reminding each other how that road trip went. It was just our mentality from the jump and it lasted especially all through those first three quarters,” he explained.
On the Suns’ shooting, Ott credited spacing and ball movement. “I don’t know if we were 11 of 19 at halftime. Can’t believe in shot quality on the nights when it doesn’t go right to not believe in it when it goes right. So we definitely got a couple bounces there early, and I did think with the way we were able to move it, they’re big. They’re a big physical defensive team. So tried to get out in transition. Just with our overall movement with Devin, you knew he sooner or later would get back to some normalcy as far as his game,” Ott said.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 25 points, while Jalen Green contributed 20. Ott highlighted their leadership and resilience. “He’s our leader for a reason. Collin led in his own way. Oso led in his own way. They felt it last night and they were determined to not let it happen tonight. That mentality goes a long way,” he said.
Ott also praised the bench contributions. “Ryan’s had a good stretch here. It’s not just a one-game thing. Rasheer continues to take steps. We’re going to clean up some of the defensive mistakes. He has a chance to be elite defensively. You can see his ability to overcome mistakes if he can just minimize some mistakes,” Ott noted.
The coach discussed improvements in tempo and decision-making. “Just time spent together probably a little bit of that. Our other guys can bring the action to them to then force a defensive communication piece. I talked to Jalen specifically about playing out of closeouts. His driving ability, he can go one-on-one against almost any defender. That’s a step,” Ott said.
Defensive communication also stood out, according to Ott. “Osi has built non-verbal communication with those guys on the second unit for most of the year, and now we were able to apply it to the first unit. Goody was great from the jump. Tough, extending him 27 minutes last night to come out and do the same thing again tonight. Much respect,” he explained.
Ott reflected on the team’s confidence and fan support. “We know what our identity is. We know how to win. A lot of belief, a lot of leadership, a lot of high-character dudes in that locker room,” he said. On Phoenix’s 200th straight sellout, he added, “We could feel it every night. We have a buzz here in Phoenix. That’s not the same every place. We’re grateful for it. We want to keep putting on a performance that the fans are proud of.”
Booker’s plus-32 in the game exemplified his impact. Ott noted, “He has a pulse of the game as well as anyone I’ve been around, knowing when to be aggressive. He believes in his teammates and always makes the right play. Tonight he was rewarded.”
