Your weekly recap comes early this week because the Phoenix Suns are done playing in Week 5. And they have been since Wednesday night. Have no fear, the NBA scheduling gurus are here! The Suns will be back next Tuesday and they’ll return with…a back-to-back. I don’t get it. You don’t get it. Just an algorithm in the basement of NBA headquarters gets it. I wonder if its name is WOPR?
There isn’t much to say about the Suns in Week 5. Two games played, two more losses. Why? Because two All-Stars are out.
I’d love to analyze this team and draw conclusions from the first 20% of the season, but it’s tough given the number of injuries they’ve dealt with. At this point, we can only describe them as an injury-prone, defense-optional squad of three-point shooters who haven’t been able to hit their shots. However, this is just a snapshot of the short term, one that is likely (and hopefully) a blip on the radar of the season as a whole.
Even putting together this piece on the uptick in three-point shooting as a result of new head coach Mike Budenholzer’s system feels like a moot point. But, it is a chapter in the story, and therefore it must be documented. And what you find is that, without Beal or Durant, the team leaned into the system in hopes that it would equate to victory.
It didn’t.
Week 5 Record: 0-2
Orlando Magic, L, 109-99
- Suns 3PAr: 49.4%
- Suns 3PT%: 29.3%
It was the opening game of a six-game homestand, but, of course, it came on the second night of a back-to-back. And it showed. The team looked fatigued, their legs were heavy, and their jumpers kept coming up short.
The Suns were ice-cold from beyond the arc, attempting 41 three-pointers but making only 12. Devin Booker? Just 1-of-7. Royce O’Neale? 0-of-5. Monte Morris, Ryan Dunn, and Bol Bol? A combined 1-of-7.
You might try to blame the lack of gravity from Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, suggesting that their absence is preventing shooters from getting open looks. But you’d be wrong. 25 of their 41 three-pointers (60.1%) were considered “wide open”, without a defender within six feet of the shooter. The team shot 32% on those attempts.
Yikes.
New York Knicks, L, 138-122
- Suns 3PAr: 54.3%
- Suns 3PT%: 38.0%
Phoenix fell behind early in this one, a trend that’s becoming all too familiar without Durant. Since his absence, the Suns have had the worst first-quarter point differential in the NBA.
The Phoenix Suns have the worst first-quarter point differential in the NBA (-25) since KD went out. pic.twitter.com/oL5eAtOftz
— John Voita (@DarthVoita) November 22, 2024
When you’re down early, you try to claw your way back within the framework of the system—by shooting the three-ball. And shoot they did, attempting 50 threes and making 19. It wasn’t a bad night from deep, with their 54.3% shooting marking the sixth-highest three-point percentage in team history.
But it was their defense that ultimately let them down. The Knicks outshot the Suns with a 45.3% three-point rate, hitting 48.7% of their attempts.
Week 5: 52.0% 3PAr, 34.1 3PT%
It was easily the highest three-point rate the team has posted on a week-to-week basis this season. 52%! A remarkable figure, yet it came with a catch: it was also their lowest three-point percentage. Despite the volume, the efficiency just wasn’t there, leaving a sense of frustration as they couldn’t capitalize on their high attempt rate. It’s a paradoxical mix. Shooting more but making less, and ultimately, not getting the return they needed.
The role players simply haven’t stepped up, and it’s a familiar story. Last season, the team was built around role players we hoped would have a high upside, but they faltered when called upon. This season offers more continuity, with veterans who understand their roles and have the confidence to execute, but the outcome is still the same. If Royce is on, Grayson is off. And vice versa.
The system remains intact, but the results aren’t there. The bench unit averaged 27.8% from three-point range this past week. Enough said.
Week 6 lies ahead, and it finally seems like some relief is on the horizon. Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal are expected to return on Tuesday against the Lakers, bringing much-needed reinforcements. Sure, it’s an NBA Cup game (and, frankly, who cares about that), but it represents a chance to reset and get back on track after a stretch of struggles.
Mike Budenholzer said Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal were full participants in today’s lighter practice and got in some 3-on-3
“The hope, the plan is they’ll play some 5-on-5 on Sunday, and continue to make that progression and hopefully be available for Tues. against the Lakers” pic.twitter.com/Whsi8zoTfY
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) November 22, 2024
The week will feature three games, starting with the Lakers, where the Suns will look to build momentum. Just one night later, they’ll face the Brooklyn Nets, a team that’s been quietly solid but is more than capable of surprising. Then, on Saturday, the Suns will have a tough test against the Golden State Warriors, who are currently exceeding expectations, particularly with their defense. The Warriors’ defense-first approach has been stifling, and it’ll take more than just offensive firepower for the Suns to keep pace.
Week 6 could be the turning point, but it’s not going to come easy. It’s time to turn this funk around.