"Absolutely criminal": Suns fans in shambles despite massive win after 27-point lead nearly gets shredded in 4th quarter 

The Phoenix Suns grabbed a crucial 124-111 win over the Brandon Ingram-less New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night. The Suns dominated most of the game, leading by 27 points. However, their fourth-quarter woes nearly haunted them, as the Pelicans trimmed that to a seven-point differential late on.

Phoenix hasn't been able to resolve their issues in the clutch. They are the worst fourth-quarter team on offense in the NBA, with a 104.3 rating, and bottom four defensively, with a 118.6 efficiency. There's not much difference between their production in the final 12 minutes, with or without injuries.

After nearly blowing another advantage, Suns fans were in shambles over the team's fourth-quarter woes despite the 13-point win. One fan criticized coach Frank Vogel:

"What Frank Vogel has done to this offense with two generational offensive players is absolutely criminal. It is unwatchable in 4th Q after 4th Q"

More reactions followed on X:

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Devin Booker's 50 points save the day for Suns amid another mediocre 4th quarter

Devin Booker's 50-piece proved decisive against the New Orleans Pelicans in a must-win situation for the Phoenix Suns. Booker went off for 37 on 14-of-18 shooting in the first half alone to hand the Suns a massive advantage early. That allowed Phoenix to survive a potentially close fourth quarter, as the Pelicans had a steep mountain to climb back into the contest.

It was Booker's second 50-piece against the Pelicans. He had 58 in their 118-114 win on Dec. 17, 2022. On Monday, he scored 52, shooting 19-of-28, including a career-high eight triples. Booker went 6-of-7 from the free-throw line.

The credit for Phoenix's win certainly went to Booker, as Kevin Durant had a quiet night, shooting 36.8% to score 20 points. Meanwhile, Bradley Beal had 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting but played second-fiddle to Booker after the latter seemed in a better rhythm. Beal also added nine rebounds, six assists and two steals.

Meanwhile, the Pelicans did their best without Brandon Ingram, who missed the game with a knee injury. Zion Williamson carried the load with 30 points and five assists, including 11 points, to give the Pelicans a legitimate shot at making a comeback.

Trey Murphy finished with 21 points, while CJ McCollum scored 15 and tallied nine assists. He shot only 6-of-17, though. The result may have been different if he had a better shooting night.