Phoenix Suns News: Head Coach Focused On Long-Term Agenda Despite Recent Achievement

Excellence is everything for Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams this season, and he is making sure that his players remain focused on their goal.

Speaking to the media after their victory on the road against the Houston Rockets, Williams recognized their feat, but he is not allowing their eight-game win streak to get to their heads.

“I don’t take them [the wins] for granted. I’m focused on just getting better, improving, and seeing consistency. The guys probably look at me sometimes and they wonder if I’m happy [because of my] deadpan [expression] confuses them. I don’t want to take away from the wins and the success we’ve had early in the season but I have a short-term view, a long-term view. I love the wins but I’m also focused on us getting better,” Williams lengthily explained.

The reigning Western Conference champions are back on track after a disappointing 1-3 start to the season, currently carrying the longest active win streak in the league.

All-Star Devin Booker was the undisputed star of the show after putting up 26 points on 9-of-23 shooting, alongside five rebounds and six assists, while running mate Chris Paul had an efficient night after shooting 6-of-11 from the field with a free throw for 15 points and an eye-popping seven assists.

Offseason acquisition JaVale McGee contained the Rockets offense while anchoring the Suns' offense after tallying seven offensive and defensive rebounds for 14 rebounds and 19 points.

The Rockets were hot on their heels going into the second half with the Suns ahead by only seven points.

Phoenix broke the game wide open in the third after scoring 10 more points than the Rockets, carrying a comfortable 17-point lead into the final frame to handily beat the Rockets by 26 points.

Despite the victory, Williams acknowledged that the Suns have to continue to improve, especially with the Warriors looking to be the team to beat in the West this season.

“For us right now that’s what I talked to the guys about yesterday. If we do the things that we’re supposed to, which we have been doing lately, it’ll take care of the wins in my opinion,” Williams stated.

The Suns will look to extend the streak to nine as they visit Karl Anthony-Towns and the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday, November 15, before welcoming the Dallas Mavericks to the Footprint Center in Phoenix on Wednesday, November 17.