Is it the moment the Phoenix Suns snap out of their slump? Just a day after suffering defeat at the hands of the New Orleans Pelicans, the team exacted revenge. Playing in the same arena, this time even without Grayson Allen, the Suns snapped a three-game losing streak. It doesn’t solve the debacle that’s existed this season. However, hope has been held out. At least Kevin Durant thinks a win filled with character was just what they needed.

Unlike yesterday, Devin Booker and Durant didn’t do the majority damage. Several of the other players stepped up. Particularly, Bol Bol scored 25 to lead all scorers in the Suns’ 108-125 win. Furthermore, their bench contributed heavily as opposed to the 12 points they combined for last night. Amidst the win, Durant had a simple message. “You can’t cry over spilled milk. You got to move forward,” he said.

And although it’s hard to stay positive after having won just three of their last ten games, that’s exactly what’s needed. Kevin Durant is aware of the narratives that are spreading. He even knows many are wishing on their downfall. But what he wants to see from his side is “more pride, more energy, more enthusiasm”. With that, the 15-time All-Star thinks restoration isn’t out of the question.

“I think things can turn around. You really actually got to feel that as an individual player. You know that confidence that it can happen regardless of whether you play a bad game, regardless of we having a bad stretch like we having we still got to come in her and put the work in to be the best you can be as an individual but also bring that to the team. I think guys in this locker room feel that way,” Durant says about his teammates.

Throughout the seasons, the Suns have shown flashes. From January 10-28, they won eight of their ten games. So it isn’t like the cast they boast isn’t capable. However, being four games under .500 in the West is as good as being bystanders. The need for change is absolute. And rightfully so, it has to start with the players.

Turmoil strikes Phoenix, but it’s not too late to recoup

The Suns have gone through tremendous struggle over the past few months. At the beginning of the season, they went as far as winning seven games in a row. However, due to inconsistency and even an injury to Kevin Durant, the progress derailed. Furthermore, the franchise was also the main focus during the trade deadline seen as the favorites to land Jimmy Butler.

As a coach, the job for Mike Budenholzer hasn’t been easy. And it seems it’s taking a toll on him. According to John Gambadoro, many within the Suns organization see the former Bucks coach as “miserable to deal with”.

Can he be blamed though? Budenholzer has been faced with a precarious challenge. Leading up to the trade deadline, he had no idea about what the lineup would look like. Furthermore, internally, there was tension between him and Jusuf Nurkic which led to the center’s trade to the Charlotte Hornets.

So in terms of emotions, not a lot has favored the former title-winning coach. All that be done now is to have a rejuvenated mindset Kevin Durant stated. And the coach is making the right decisions. An example is the promotion of Bol Bol. The former enticing prospect wasn’t part of his rotations until a few weeks ago.

After some difficulties getting the hang of the system, he has emerged as a solid two-way contributor for the Suns. Additionally, Beal’s jump back into the starting lineup has also catapulted the offensive quality that exists within the Phoenix Suns. What remains now is the final quarter of the season to make a difference.

There’s nothing to sugarcoat. One win won’t suffice. However, the Phoenix Suns do hold the ability to go on a sparkling run. The tandem of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker work well off of each other. In order to compete, what’s now needed is to bring some harmony into the team. Hopefully, that can be achieved as the Suns approach a pivotal stage that will decide their postseason fate.