5 Things I Like through the Suns’ first 8 games

We are 8 games deep and the Suns are cooking. Here’s 8 things I like so far.

The Phoenix Suns are 7-1 through their first 8 games of the 2024-25 season, tied for the best start in franchise history. It’s time for an 8-game review of what has stood out from this resilient bunch.

1) The Clutch Record: 6-0

The Suns have gone back to their roots. From the worst 4th quarter teams of all time to one of the best in the (very) early stage of the season. It’s a sight for sore eyes.

More importantly, they are outlasting opponents in “clutch” moments, which are defined as “the final five minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime when the score is within five points.”

A lot of that 6-0 record has to do with Kevin Durant putting teams away late in games. He is at or near the top of just about every category in those moments.

Along with the clutch record, the comebacks have been noteworthy. It shows there is no quit in this team, and they have quickly formed an identity while working through some of the kinks.

2) Kevin Durant: Still good at basketball

The last point is a great segway into the next topic — Kevin Durant. The early returns from Kevin Durant have been nothing short of incredible. At age 36, he is still playing at an MVP level. He is averaging 39.0 minutes per game, which is concerning and not something that feels sustainable over 82 games.

Through 8 games, he is averaging 27.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.4 blocks on 55.1% shooting from the field. His shooting splits are 55/42/81 on a 66 TS%. He has made 10 “clutch” shots this year, which leads the NBA. He is shooting 10 of 15 from the field, and also has 3 “clutch” blocks, leading the Suns to a 6-0 clutch record.

He currently leads the NBA in 30-point games and it doesn’t look like he is slowing down any time soon.

3) Three-Point Attempts: They’re Flying

The Suns are averaging 39.5 three-point attempts per game and hitting 38.3% of them, which are both ranked in the top-8 in the association.

They are certainly efficient this season and more importantly, not sacrificing efficiency for volume from long range. Increasing volume while sticking around the upper-30’s in 3-point percentage is a recipe for a great offense.

Last season, the team only put up 32.6 threes per game, though they did connect on 38.2% of those attempts. Keep letting them fly, fellas.

4) Sharing the Wealth

The Suns have 7 players averaging 8.9 or more points per game this season. Everyone is chipping in while settling into their roles early on. Booker and Beal’s numbers are down a bit, but the more important thing is they are finding ways to win games despite that.

In order:

• Kevin Durant: 27.8
• Devin Booker: 24.4
• Bradley Beal: 15.5
• Jusuf Nurkic: 10.5
• Royce O’Neale: 9.5
• Grayson Allen: 9.5
• Tyus Jones: 8.9

Honorable Mention: Ryan Dunn: 6.8.

This team is balanced and they have some depth. It’s a welcome sight after the rocky rotation a year ago. Having 8 rotation players (9 including Plumlee) consistently contributing is a great sign early on.

Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images

5) Taking Care of the Rock

The turnovers as a team have still been problematic at times, but that is through no fault of Tyus Jones or Monte Morris.

Tyus currently has 54 assists to 8 turnovers, good for a 6.8 assist-to-turnover ratio which is 6th in the NBA. Morris, on a smaller scale, leads the NBA in assist-to-turnover ratio at 9.0 with his nine assists to just one turnover.

As a team, they are tied for 14th in turnovers per game at 14.6, right near the middle of the pack, so there is room for improvement.

Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images

BONUS STAT

A Weird Stat: Block City?!

The obscure statistic you never knew existed but need to know since the Suns lead the league in it. The Suns lead the NBA in net ranking for blocks shots versus blocks shots against. They average 6.3 blocks per game (4th) and are only getting blocked 4.3 times per game by their opponents (9th), which puts them at (+2.0) and first overall in the NBA.

Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images

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What has stood out to you so far, Suns fans? Let us know in the comments below.