The Phoenix Suns' recent struggles have laid bare their vulnerabilities, especially in the absence of key players. A revealing stretch of games has shown just how much the team relies on its stars to succeed.
The Suns' 97-81 defeat against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night highlighted their current limitations. With Devin Booker (groin strain), Dillon Brooks (hand fracture), and Jordan Goodwin (calf strain) all sidelined, the team that once thrived in adversity now finds itself struggling to keep up.
This is a far cry from their usual dominance, as they've now lost seven out of their last ten games. But here's where it gets controversial: despite the Celtics' impressive 38-19 record, the Suns should have had a fighting chance, especially with Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum out for Boston. The talent gap was minimal, if not in Phoenix's favor, so what went wrong?
The answer lies in the Suns' inability to function as a cohesive unit without their star players. After a promising first quarter, their offense faltered, scoring a mere 16 points in the next 18:40 of game time. Boston, sensing an opportunity, seized the lead and never looked back.
So, is Booker's absence the sole reason for this downturn? Does he deserve the MVP votes he was once receiving? While his impact is undeniable, the Suns have shown they can compete without him. They managed a 5-7 record in games he missed before the All-Star break, with several close losses. But with Brooks also out, the team's dynamics have shifted, and their weaknesses are now more apparent.
And this is the part most people miss: the Suns' struggles go beyond just these two players. The Celtics, a similarly sized team, out-rebounded Phoenix 22-9 on offensive boards. Head coach Jordan Ott summed it up perfectly, saying, "They came in and stole our own mojo in our own building."
Beyond the injuries, the Suns' success hinges on the performance of Jalen Green and Mark Williams. If they can step up and contribute consistently, Phoenix might still have a shot at the six-seed once Booker returns. But if one falters, or worse, both continue their recent form, the Suns could be in for a rough ride.
Green, in particular, has struggled to create separation on drives, settling for jumpers more often than not. His lack of ability to turn the corner has been a major concern, and it's not just against premium defensive assignments. Even lesser-known defenders have contained him effectively.
Ott, however, remains unconcerned, attributing Green's struggles to a combination of factors, including a lack of great screens and the physicality of drives increasing as the season progresses. He believes Green is still finding his form and that these issues are normal.
As for Williams, his regression has been noticeable, and the numbers don't lie. Since December 20th, the Suns' defensive rating drops significantly when he's on the court, and it's not just an isolated incident. His drop coverage and rim protection have been inadequate, and his block numbers have taken a hit, with only 10 blocks in his last 16 games.
Offensively, Williams hasn't provided much either. His skill set requires playmakers who can get downhill and utilize his gravity as a lob threat, but Phoenix lacks those playmakers. Ighodaro, on the other hand, has shown a better understanding of the Suns' system and has helped the team play better on both ends.
The complex situation surrounding Williams' decline could be attributed to his increased game time this season, 10 games more than his previous career high. If that's the case, it raises questions about his ability to sustain a full season at a high level.
Coach Ott now faces a tricky decision for the remainder of the season. He could opt for a three-center rotation, including rookie Khaman Maluach, or explore small-ball tactics, something the team hasn't utilized this year. Either way, changes are needed to get the Suns back on track.
In a positive note, Ryan Dunn had a strong game for Phoenix, contributing 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists in 25 minutes. Grayson Allen, on the other hand, struggled with his shot, going 2-12 from the field and 1-9 from three-point range.
Official timelines for Brooks and Goodwin's returns have been announced, with re-evaluations scheduled for 4-6 weeks and 1-2 weeks, respectively. While Goodwin's timeline seems ambitious given the nature of calf strains, there's a chance it's a milder injury.
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