With three straight wins for the first time in over two months, the Suns now head to the East Coast for a five-game road trip. One way they can stay winning: consistent rotations.
BREAKING BREAKING: the Phoenix Suns have won three straight games. It wouldn’t be worthy of all caps and a ‘breaking’ sign, but that type of success has been foreign for Arizona’s pro team recently. The Valley has regained a bit of their mojo after struggling of late, winning all three games in their short home stand and winning four of five since Bradley Beal started moved to the bench. It’s a good sign for the team, but nothing to go crazy about.
Look, I’m here for all the optimism during this Suns’ 3-game win streak. It’s been rough here.
That said, it’s been vs. the Hawks, Jazz & Hornets.
They still have a lot to correct. This upcoming 5-game road trip will be very telling of where they actually stand.
— Zona (@AZSportsZone) January 13, 2025
Brandon is right here; don’t let the down season overrate a few wins against some of the worst teams in the NBA before Phoenix goes on their longest road trip of the season. And besides, Phoenix has actually been a good home team this season, they’re 13-8 at the Footprint Center this year, the problem is they’re 6-11 on the road and have lost four of their last five road games.
Tonight is a good challenge for the team. While the Atlanta Hawks aren’t some world beaters, the Valley has historically struggled down in the ATL. The last time the Suns won in Atlanta, Devin Booker was still in HIGH SCHOOL. Yes, you heard that right. During that span, the Suns have been to the Finals and had the number 1 overall pick, so no matter how good or bad the team has been, they haven’t found a way to win down south.
According to BetMGM, Phoenix is 3.5 point favorites to win tonight. As has been on display of late, no matter how large a favorite Phoenix is, they are still susceptible to dropping a dud and losing.
The last time the Suns won in Atlanta, Devin Booker was 17…he’s 28 now.
Suns are 3.5 point favorites per @BetMGM tonight. Will they get their first win in ATL in over a decade? @BrightSideSun
— Holden Sherman (@HoldenSherman1) January 14, 2025
What should be most important for the Suns is keeping consistency throughout this trip. Since Beal went to the second unit, Tyus Jones’ minutes have been down, and rookie’s Ryan Dunn’s and Oso Ighodaro’s minutes have gone up. If that’s what they decide to do, they need to stick with it.
While the Valley will play the Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets during this road trip, some of the worst teams in the league, they will also be playing the Detroit Pistons, one of the hottest teams in the league, and the Cleveland Cavaliers, the best team in the NBA.
Already dealing with a circus of injuries this season and an array of inconsistent players, Phoenix needs to settle down, and find some routine. If the Suns think Jusuf Nurkić is not worthy of being in the rotation and if they feel they’re about to trade him, keep him on the bench. One of the advantages that the Suns had going into season compared to last is continuity; they have 9 returning players from a season ago. However, just five of them play consistently now: Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Royce O’Neale and Grayson Allen.
Early returns have been good on this new rotation, independent of competition, but Phoenix needs to stick with it to build some continuity. You can’t control injuries, but you can control rotation structures.