Suns Suffer Historic 3-Point Struggles in Blowout Loss
The Phoenix Suns experienced a stunning collapse in their recent matchup against the Houston Rockets, marking a new low in NBA history. In a disheartening 117-98 defeat, the Suns managed a dismal 5-of-36 shooting from beyond the arc, equating to a mere 14%. This performance stands as the worst three-point shooting effort of the season for any team with at least 25 attempts, according to the Rockets’ broadcast.
Coach Ott’s Reflections on the Game
After the game, Suns head coach Jordan Ott expressed his frustration, highlighting the multifaceted issues contributing to the team’s poor shooting. “Ball movement. Did we screen well enough? Did we play fast enough? I think all of that goes into it,” he said. He acknowledged that while the game felt manageable at times, the glaring absence of points on the scoreboard was a stark reminder of their struggles.
The Suns’ typically reliable three-point shooters—Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, and Collin Gillespie—combined for just 2-of-18 from deep, a far cry from their usual production. The absence of star guard Devin Booker, who missed the game due to a groin injury, was keenly felt. His potential return could be a much-needed boost for Phoenix, as they look to regain their shooting prowess.
Impact on Defense and Team Morale
Center Mark Williams noted the ripple effects of the Suns’ shooting woes, stating, “Some live ball turnovers. We didn’t shoot it well. I think that kind of bled into our defense. Everybody needs to step up.” Despite a promising start to the season with a 13-10 record, the Suns have cooled off recently, losing four of their last six games. Upcoming matches against the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder will test their resolve.
Shifting Philosophy Under Ott
Currently, the Suns’ three-point shooting percentage has dipped to 36.8%, placing them ninth in the league ahead of Saturday’s action. Under the guidance of first-year coach Jordan Ott, Phoenix has adopted a new offensive philosophy that prioritizes the three-point shot, diverging from the strategies employed by previous coaches such as Mike Budenholzer, Frank Vogel, and Monty Williams.
Ott has emphasized the importance of shooting from deep while fostering a renewed culture within the team. He commented earlier this season on the analytics-driven approach that focuses on shot quality and efficiency. “The analytics boom was shot quality and efficiency of shots, [but] they left out a lot of times (that) you can’t be in the negative in the possession game every night,” Ott explained. His commitment to improving offensive rebounding and defensive pressure reflects a holistic understanding of the game, something that has been sorely needed in recent seasons for the Suns.
As they regroup and look ahead, the Suns will need to address these challenges both on the court and in their overall game strategy to avoid further setbacks in the competitive landscape of the NBA.
