Phoenix Suns Earn National Respect at Last
The Phoenix Suns are gaining national respect, showcasing resilience despite recent challenges on the court. Their recent performances underscore both their strengths and areas that need improvement.
Struggles Without Devin Booker
In their matchup against Detroit, the Suns faced a notable setback as they lost by three points after relinquishing a 16-point lead. The absence of star player Devin Booker was felt, particularly during a fourth quarter where the team managed only 15 points across 25 possessions.
Offensive Performance
With an offensive rating of 115.8 points scored per 100 possessions while Booker is on the court, the team is struggling without him. Their record stands at 1-3 in games without Booker, dipping to just 101.3 points per 100 possessions in those outings.
- Opponents faced during the stretch: Houston, Minnesota, Oklahoma City, and Detroit.
- All teams rank in the top nine for defensive efficiency.
Upcoming Game Against the Knicks
Booker returned against the New York Knicks, who were missing key player Jalen Brunson. The Suns managed to defeat New York by leveraging their offensive rebounding capabilities, outscoring the Knicks 21-17 in second-chance points.
Impressive Offensive Rebounding
Despite a decrease in overall points scored per 100 possessions, Phoenix has seen significant improvement in offensive rebounding. Their percentage jumped from 26.4% last season, ranking 26th, to 33.6%, placing them sixth this season.
Bench Contributions
In New York, the Suns’ bench play proved crucial. They were able to erase two separate 10-point deficits thanks to strong performances from bench players. Grayson Allen’s contributions have been particularly noteworthy in closing games effectively.
Bench Efficiency
With both Jordan Goodwin and Oso Ighodaro on the floor, the Suns have outscored their opponents by an impressive 13.4 points per 100 possessions. As a result, the Phoenix bench ranks fifth in the league overall.
The Phoenix Suns are earning national respect as they navigate challenges, demonstrating both resilience and potential with each game.
