Jordan Goodwin sees the Suns’ “weaker” lineup as an X-factor against the Pelicans

Usually, back-to-back sets are often burdened with physical fatigue, mental fatigue and desperation. The latter of which is Phoenix Suns played in a 123-114 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.

Jordan Goodwin recorded a season-high 16 points and nine rebounds, four of which were offensive. Although Goodwin’s super skill is his rebounding for the Sunsno statistical skills were demonstrated.

It was grit and determination to pull out the win, even when the game seemed close to slipping away. Still, the fundamentals remained strong, and Goodwin saw that as the X-factor.

“That’s our identity. I feel like that second unit has always been more physical, gritty, turning the ball over, just playing fast, but definitely getting loud inside,” Goodwin said after the game, via Arizona’s Family.

Midway through the third quarter, both Suns center Mark Williams and Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado were ejected after an altercation near midcourt.

At that point, Goodwin knew the momentum had shifted. Still, this was a lesson for a young Phoenix team. Playing through multiple adversities seems to be his calling card.

Saturday’s victory was highlighted by that second unit, but more precisely by Goodwin.

Jordan Goodwin was the X-factor for the Suns against the Pelicans

While Goodwin wants to put the team first, that’s important not to dismiss his influence. For his 16 points, he was peppered with tough finishes, isolated goals and shots when the team needed them.

But going back to his jump shot, head coach Jordan Ott labeled it a super skill a few weeks ago. Once again, that skill rose to the occasion, but Goodwin had some funny remarks about how he was able to capitalize.

“Honestly, I just go down every time. I just give myself a chance, so every time the ball goes up, I go. Let’s just give ourselves a chance, a chance.”

“Some of those guys (Pelicans players) don’t box, so they helped me out a little bit, so I just kind of snuck it in there.”

The Suns outscoring the Pelicans 55-43 points to that disparity. The bench alone outscored New Orleans 26-9, and that was when Williams played just two and a half quarters.

The Suns’ second unit is once again showing efficiency

All the talk about Devin Booker and the starting unit is completely justified. They are extremely efficient and have been the ones to close out games.

However, the second unit is one who sets the table for that situation. Unlike last year’s Suns roster, there’s a lot more depth and guys who know their roles.

At the end of the day, it all came back to the same mission: play hard. But with that comes confidence and trust that has been built over time.

“Just going out there, playing hard like you said. The trust we have in each other is definitely real.

“I’m comfortable with JB (Jamari Bouia), Colin (Gillespie), whoever I’m there to play with, and you’re comfortable crashing the glass.”

Phoenix will go on the road and defeat the Washington Wizards and Cleveland Cavaliers. They are riding a three-game winning streak and could continue to close the gap from a legitimate playoff spot to a playoff spot.

Either way, guys like Goodwin will keep the engine firing on all cylinders for any chance of a deep run.