Head coach Earl Watson critical of Suns’ toughness

Monday night in Minnesota a familiar story played out for the Phoenix Suns. The fourth quarter woes continued for Phoenix against a Timberwolves team that has had its own struggles in the final period. Someone had to overcome, and it was Minnesota who came away with a 115-108 victory.

After Monday’s loss, Phoenix head coach Earl Watson didn’t look to the stat sheet to explain the Suns’ struggles, instead pointing to an important intangible.

“One thing we know we need to get better at is our toughness,” Watson said. “That’s not a stat. We have to become more feisty because we are small on the perimeter.”

Actions from Marquese Chriss and P.J. Tucker against the Timberwolves is probably not what coach Watson was talking about. Both picked up technical fouls after jawing with the refs. Guard Eric Bledsoe noted that the lack of composure help contribute to the loss.

“We let it get to us early as far as the refs and the other team, we let it get to us and we could never recuperate from it,” Bledsoe said.

It feels like Bledsoe’s quote could be dropped into 90% of Phoenix Suns articles across the last 3 seasons.

The Suns will look to get back on track at home against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday.