Are the Phoenix Suns in trouble? Their recent slide has fans wondering if it's just a rough patch or something more concerning.
The Suns, currently at 15-13, haven't been playing up to their early-season potential. They've been battling a tough schedule and a string of injuries, leading to a noticeable dip in performance.
Over their last 11 games, the Suns have lost 7. If we pinpoint the start of the tougher schedule around their November 16th loss to the Atlanta Hawks, their record is 7-8. While some losses were against strong teams like Houston and Oklahoma City, the overall trend is worrying.
Several statistical patterns suggest a regression. Let's dive into the numbers, starting from that November 16th game. During this 15-game stretch, the Suns are struggling in key areas. They rank second-worst in the NBA in opponent turnover rate, but are 10th in offensive rebounding percentage.
But here's where it gets controversial... On the flip side, Phoenix ranks 26th in their own turnover percentage and allows the fifth-worst offensive rebounding rate. These issues weren't as prominent earlier in the season, when the Suns' strengths helped them win close games.
Adding to the woes, the Suns are having trouble getting to the free-throw line, ranking 27th in free-throw rate and 23rd in opponent's free-throw rate.
Their hot three-point shooting at the beginning of the year has cooled off. Before that Atlanta loss, they were shooting 41% on 39 attempts per game over nine games. Since then, they've dropped to 34% from deep (tied for 24th in the league) on 36.7 attempts (15th). This is a problem for an offense that ranks 28th in the league during this period.
The Suns also rank 28th in rim frequency. While they can compensate with efficiency elsewhere, their midrange game (third-best in the league) is only at a solid 45.2% (ninth overall), and their defense has slipped to a just-solid 12th in the league.
The return of Jalen Green could provide a boost, with more shots at the rim and another midrange threat. Currently, Devin Booker (55% of his shots) and Dillon Brooks (47%) are carrying the scoring load.
Grayson Allen's absence in 10 of these 15 games has also hurt their three-point shooting and offensive flow.
Green's reevaluation ends on Tuesday. Allen is dealing with a sore right knee.
The schedule is about to ease up, but perhaps not as much as expected.
Following Tuesday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Suns face teams at the bottom of the standings, such as New Orleans, Washington, and Sacramento. However, New Orleans has won four straight games.
The next month includes more matchups with the Rockets and Thunder, as well as two games against the New York Knicks and a showdown with the Detroit Pistons. They'll also face teams around .500, like Cleveland, Miami, and Memphis.
And this is the part most people miss... The biggest challenge will be the amount of time on the road. The Suns have road trips of four, two, and six games, totaling 12 of 16 games away from home after Tuesday's game against the Lakers.
After that, the Suns will be home for 16 of their next 19 games, starting January 25th.
What do you think? Are these struggles just a blip, or a sign of deeper issues? Share your thoughts in the comments!
