Why the Suns' resilient win over Denver illustrates their true potential 

One win can change some perspectives. The Phoenix Suns have not been the juggernaut that many expected them to be this season, and while many were already willing to scoff at the idea they could win a championship, their recent 117-107 overtime win against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets shows exactly what the group “could” be if things begin to consistently click.

It was not the prettiest affair for Phoenix. They were up by 22 points in the second half, but allowed the Nuggets to outscore them 21-12 in the final quarter. A Kevin Durant step-back 3-pointer with 26.6 seconds remaining prevented a collapse and helped force an overtime in which the Suns would outscore the opposition 15-5 and ultimately win the game.

“You look at the totality of the season; obviously, the end result is always important; playing in the playoffs, trying to win a championship—those are important,” Durant told ESPN after the game. "But you celebrate little moments.”

The Suns were without Devin Booker, who has been day to day with a right ankle sprain, but Bradley Beal, Grayson Allen, and Durant each answered the bell.

Why the Suns' resilient win over Denver illustrates their true potential 

Beal supplied 16 points on an imperfect 6-18 shooting clip, but did provide 6 assists. Allen went off for 28 points and drilled 8 three-pointers in the process. Even though Durant was 14-34 from the field, he shouldered the offensive load with a team-best 35 points while also dishing five dimes and swiping eight rebounds.

Additionally, the Suns received crucial minutes from Drew Eubanks off the bench. The Oregon State product put up 10 points and collected eight rebounds. Defeating the Nuggets is hard enough, but to do so shorthanded and on a night where four of the Nuggets five starters reached double-figure scoring marks is impressive.

The Suns true potential should look extremely similar to the product they used against Denver. Of course, it is not likely that Allen will consistently score 25+ points, but Beal and Booker should be able to supply this secondary output alongside Durant, who is no stranger to shooting through down stretches.

Further, if the Suns can get consistently “decent” production from Allen, Eubanks, and other pieces such as Eric Gordon and Royce O’Neale, it could allow the core trio more time to recuperate during more intense NBA playoff action. The Western Conference boasts a number of young teams ready to compete for a title, but the Suns experience and streaky role players could be playing a factor at the right time.