PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns are shattering their way through preseason expectations. In doing so, the Suns have become the team to beat among “the rest.”
Suns Are Emerging As Best Of The Rest
Many expected the Suns to struggle after they traded away Kevin Durant. They also waived-and-stretched Bradley Beal. They entered the season tied for the fifth-highest championship odds (+50000). The over-under total sat at just 30.5. Many expected them to remain a basement dweller. They were projected to struggle in the Western Conference’s doldrums.
Instead, they find themselves seventh with 21 wins already. The season has not yet reached the halfway mark. Phoenix occupies one of the eight play-in spots available across the league. Among those eight teams, they currently have the most wins. All signs point to them being the best of the West’s play-in teams. One could even argue the Suns are the best play-in team across both conferences. In the West, the Suns own the highest point differential among play-in teams (+70).
A Defensive Identity With Offensive Upside
The Suns rebuilt their identity this past offseason. Matt Ishbia delivered on his promise to build a gritty, hard-nosed team. The new leadership features Brian Gregory at general manager and Jordan Ott as head coach. They have emphasized disruption at the point of attack and relentless defense. As a result, they own the 10th-ranked defense. They built this unit largely on two factors. Phoenix protect the paint well and generate steals. They give up the 12th-fewest points around the rim. They also lead the league in steals.
The Suns’ most obvious weakness is their offense. They own a middle-of-the-pack offense (16), but room for growth exists. Jalen Green, the jewel of the Durant trade, has played only two games. A hamstring strain sidelined him. There is a possibility he returns and further elevates the offense into the top 10. Green averaged 21 points last season for Houston. No other team in the West has that much room for growth. The Suns are emerging as the play-in team that could surprise a higher seed during the playoffs. We have seen how the playoffs favor teams that play disruptive defense.
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