After going 3-1 in NBA Cup group stage play, the Phoenix Suns entered Paycom Center on Wednesday night looking to avenge their sole loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Instead, a four-point loss on November 29th was followed by a 138-89 defeat, eliminating them from the tournament.
Granted, the 49-point rout, the worst margin of defeat in franchise history, happened with limited availability. Leading star Devin Booker was still sidelined with a groin injury. Jalen Green has played in two games this season, only posting starter numbers once. Isaiah Livers has not played since November 26th in Phoenix’s NBA Cup victory over the Sacramento Kings.
With the Suns shorthanded, they turned to their bench filled with reserves to help with their middling offensive production.
Suns Rely On Reserves In Historic NBA Cup Loss To Thunder
Jordan Goodwin has been surprisingly steady
Over the past few days, Jordan Goodwin has found a consistent rhythm. Averaging double figures in six consecutive games, he finished the streak on November 23rd against the San Antonio Spurs with his fifth career double-double.
Since Booker’s injury—sustained on December 1st against the Los Angeles Lakers—Goodwin has not only scored at least nine points in each outing, but has also played nearly 20 minutes per game. On Wednesday night, he notched 15 points, three rebounds and one assist. However, 10 of his points came in the third quarter, where the Suns faced as much as a 34-point deficit.
Additionally, he also registered a -14 plus/minus, going 6-for-12 from the field. A surprisingly good rating, with point-leader Dillon Brooks posting -47, while Grayson Allen—who was ejected after a flagrant foul on Chet Holmgren—was listed at -41.
Jamaree Bouyea makes immediate impact
While Goodwin’s production was somewhat expected, Jamaree Bouyea’s rise to point-scoring option was a bit unpredictable. Averaging at most 3.8 points per game before signing a two-way contract with the Suns, he has scored 7.4 points per game in his first eight games with the team. He 18 points against the Houston Rockets on December 5th—the Suns’ first game without Booker this season.
The point guard’s sudden blossoming can been seen through his minutes. At first playing over 22 minutes after Booker’s injury, Jordan Ott has kept him as a key rotation player. But his participation depends on the game’s margins. In the December 8th victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves, he only scored five points while playing 12 minutes. But on Wednesday night, he saw 28 minutes of action in his 14-point, six-assist showing.
Playing with four teams during his first two seasons, Bouyea’s NBA career may reach stability with his current stats. But it would not be beneficial for a 14-11 Suns’ team.
This may be the best case scenario for the Suns
Wednesday night’s loss was bad. Excruciatingly bad to a team that has started 24-1, matching the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors.
However, it may not be as bad in the grand scheme.
With the NBA Cup behind them, the Suns will have ample time to rest before their next game on December 18th against those Warriors at Mortgage Matchup Center. That will give Booker, who has been day-to-day with his injury, enough time to heal. Additionally, Green, who is “making progress” according to his head coach, may return for that game.
With a 2-2 record during their mostly Booker-less stretch, the Purple and Orange have survived their biggest concerns of this season so far. Now, they can return to ideal levels, showing their threat as an NBA playoff contender.
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