Right Things, Right Time: McRae Praises Rising Suns In the midst of a resurgent season, Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams has lauded his team’s ability to execute “the right things at the right time.” “It’s been a pleasure to watch this group grow and evolve,” Williams said. “We’re making strides in all areas, and we’re starting to see the results on the court.” One of the key factors in the Suns’ turnaround has been their improved decision-making. Last season, the team was often plagued by turnovers and poor shot selection. However, this year, Williams has emphasized the importance of patience and discipline. “We’re not just trying to rush things,” Williams said. “We’re taking our time and making the right plays. It’s paying off for us.” In Wednesday’s win over the Los Angeles Lakers, the Suns committed just five turnovers. They also shot a scorching 54.7% from the field. “That’s what we’re capable of when we’re playing the right way,” said All-Star guard Devin Booker. “We’re not perfect, but we’re making progress.” In addition to their improved decision-making, the Suns have also been getting strong contributions from their role players. In Wednesday’s game, reserve guard Cameron Payne scored 29 points and hit six three-pointers. “Cam is a huge part of what we do,” Williams said. “He brings energy and shooting to the court. He’s a great example of how our guys are stepping up and making plays.” The Suns’ turnaround has been a welcome sight for fans who have endured years of disappointment. The team is now 32-28 and in contention for a playoff berth. “It’s been a long time coming,” Booker said. “But we’re finally starting to get things right. We’re excited about what the future holds.”Gold Coast’s Rise under Damien Hardwick Impresses Collingwood CoachGold Coast’s Rise under Damien Hardwick Impresses Collingwood Coach Gold Coast Suns’ impressive victory over reigning AFL premiers Collingwood Magpies has earned praise from Collingwood coach Craig McRae, who attributes the team’s improvement to the leadership of Damien Hardwick. The Suns secured an 11-point win at Carrara on Saturday, moving their record to 8-7 and placing them on the brink of the top eight. Despite conceding six consecutive goals to trail by one late in the fourth quarter, the Suns rallied to secure the crucial victory. Emergent players Sam Flanders, Bodhi Uwland, and Ben Long played key roles in the win, showcasing the depth of the Suns’ roster. McRae, who worked under Hardwick at Richmond, observed the positive changes in Gold Coast’s approach. “They’re a maturing team,” McRae said. “They did so many things that they hadn’t been doing in previous seasons… the right things at the right time.” Hardwick emphasized the importance of the win in the Suns’ development. “The process of winning, what that looks like… our guys are starting to understand a bit about that,” he stated. “Hopefully this is a step forward for us.” Despite the Suns’ current success, Hardwick acknowledges the challenges ahead. “There’s a lot of sides capable of playing endings and we’re one,” he said. “It’s what we do with this win.” The Suns will face North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium next Saturday, seeking to end their streak of road-trip losses. The win over Collingwood has instilled a sense of belief and momentum in the team as they aim for a maiden AFL finals appearance.Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley has praised Gold Coast for its ability to execute and make the most of its opportunities in Saturday’s impressive 28-point win at the Gabba. The Suns kicked the opening two goals of the match and led at every change, eventually prevailing 14.12 (96) to 10.8 (68). It was Gold Coast’s second win of the season, coming after a thrilling one-point triumph over West Coast in round two. Buckley said the Suns were “really impressive” in the way they were able to capitalise on their chances. “They made the most of their opportunities and they played the game on their terms,” Buckley said. “They didn’t allow us to get into the game at any stage and they were really impressive in the way they executed their game plan. “They’re a young team, but they’re playing with a lot of confidence and they’re really starting to find their feet.” Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew was pleased with his team’s performance, particularly its ability to respond to Collingwood’s challenges. “I thought we were really good at responding to Collingwood’s pressure,” Dew said. “They came at us hard in the second quarter, but we were able to weather the storm and come out on top. “I’m really proud of the way the boys played today. They showed a lot of character and resilience and they’re starting to develop a really good team culture.” Gold Coast will face another tough test next week when it travels to Adelaide to take on the Crows. Collingwood will also be on the road, facing the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium.