Monty Williams said: Phoenix SunsWe are still reeling from the events. 103-94 Game 3 lossIn the Western Conference semifinals to be the Dallas MavericksSaturday's practice. The coach said that this is exactly how he wants his team to feel heading into Sunday's crucial Game 4.
Williams stated that “we like guys with a level of chipsiness, we love guys who are competitive, and we love the tension in the gym after we lose games.” “And it's thick today, which is exactly what I like.”
The Suns took a six point lead in the first minutes of Friday's action. Dallas, however, took the lead midway through quarter one and didn't let go. They led to as high as 18 points by the end.
Phoenix lost four consecutive games in the NBA Finals last year after it started the series 2-0. However, the Suns only lost consecutive games four other times during the regular season. The Suns have never lost more that two consecutive games.
Williams stated that letting the loss sit is part of the healing process for his team as they refocus on the next challenge.
Williams stated that “When your sore loser is you, you're also a loser.” It's just how it is. “I don't see anyone in the playoffs who's like, “Man, I just love how we lost today.” That's just not what I see. You don't like losing, and you bring it back to the gym the next morning. If you have a negative attitude, your food won't taste as good. It must be used in the right way.
The Suns were openly honest with their officiating skills during Game 3 – even though Dallas was penalized for more fouls (19-14).
The third quarter saw a particularly expensive sequence, as the Mavs ran 11-0. Devin BookerAnd Chris PaulThe Suns stars argued that an out-ofbounds call was wrongly signaled against them. Replays proved this. The Suns' stars turned their attention to the referees while Dallas inbound the ball. Dorian Finney-Smithit was open to hitting a 3.
“Last night it affected us a bit to the point where we got distracted, and the ball was still in play,” Phoenix center Deandre AytonSaturday said. “We got out of character a bit, and that's completely not us, worrying about the calls that we don't get. We're not at home, and that's the bottom line. We aren't home at all so we can't expect anything. We have to keep our eyes on the prize and not let the crowd distract us.
Ayton, who is 6-11 and 250 lbs, said that the Suns should test their physical limits early Sunday.
Ayton stated, “Just knowing how the game's officiated.” Knowing the limits of what you are allowed to do and not can help you when you reach them. You can't be aggressive until you hear. [a whistle].”
Williams is confident that his team will find the right balance to keep them on edge but still execute well and have a chance of beating Dallas 3-1.
“I tell my guys all the time that I don't mind dogs, but you have to bring the execution with me. You get what I am referring to. Williams stated that we have been successful in this. Williams said, “Sometimes it bothers us, but I let it bother my, we need to be better. While I love the aggression and that's who we all are, we need to add elements of execution. That's a skill that everyone in the playoffs has.
“This is so far removed from a regular season, it's almost uncomplicated. All of it, physicality, has been heightened. It's going to increase the competitive drives we all have.
