Last season ended in major disappointment for the Phoenix Suns. They were unceremoniously swept from the playoffs in the opening round by the Minnesota Timberwolves. It was a shocking exit for a team that had championship aspirations. Many pointed to the fact that Phoenix didn’t have a true point guard as a reason they didn’t reach their ceiling. That changed once they signed Tyus Jones in the offseason, but he came off the bench for the first time on Saturday due to substandard play.
Tyus Jones Comes Off Bench For First Time, Speaks After Game
Tyus Jones Gets Benched
Losers of seven of their last eight outings entering Saturday, Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer has been tinkering with the starting lineup of late, trying to find a winning formula. He did so again Saturday as Phoenix went on the road to take on the Chicago Bulls. For the first time this season, the 28-year-old Jones started the game on the bench. He had started each of his first 54 appearances in his first season with the Suns.
Reinserted into the starting lineup was Bradley Beal. It was the three-time All-Star’s first start since January 4. The move worked, at least for one game, as the Suns defeated the Bulls by the score of 121-117. In his 38 minutes of action, the 31-year-old Beal had a productive outing, finishing with 25 points, six rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
Meanwhile, Jones received 20 minutes of playing time as a reserve in the win. He finished the contest with two points (0-5 from field, 2-2 from foul line), three rebounds, six assists, and no turnovers. Suns reporter Duane Rankin posted some of Jones’ thoughts after the game. The 10-year veteran said about his move to the bench,
“We’re trying to right the ship, trying to figure it out. Coach came to me, let me know that’s what we were going to do. All for it.”
“We’re trying to right the ship, trying to figure it out. Coach came to me, let me know that’s what we were going to do. All for it.”
Tyus Jones on Suns coach Mike Budenholzer replacing him in the starting lineup with Bradley Beal.
Jones 2 points, 6 assists and 0 turnovers in… pic.twitter.com/twQ7i8C26J
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) February 23, 2025
That is at least different from when former Suns player Jusuf Nurkic was benched, as he stated there was no talking between him and Budenholzer. It is likely that this starting lineup change will continue Sunday on the second game of a back-to-back as the Suns are on the road against the Toronto Raptors.
Season Hasn’t Gone Well For Suns
In a move that was almost universally loved, the Suns signed Jones to a one-year deal in the offseason for barely more than $3 million. It was shocking that the point guard only garnered a veteran’s minimum deal. He did reportedly turned down more money from other teams because he knew he had a starting opportunity with Phoenix.
It hasn’t gone as well for him and the Suns, particularly on the defensive end where Phoenix is 25th in defensive rating. Prior to being benched, Jones was posting averages this season of 10.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists. An assist-to-turnover master throughout his career, he was averaging a career-high 1.4 turnovers per contest prior to Saturday.
The Suns other free agent point guard signing, Monte Morris, has been out of the rotation of late. Budenholzer hopes this starting lineup change brings the results that the team is looking for. They are 27-29 on the season which is just the 11th-best record in the Western Conference.
Photo credit: © Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
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