Phoenix Suns tumble in power rankings despite dominant win over Lakers
The Phoenix Suns find themselves in a precarious position as they slip down the power rankings just as another week of NBA action unfolds. Their recent struggles are difficult to ignore, especially following a tough stretch that included losses to the Houston Rockets and a disheartening back-to-back against the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets. However, the narrative shifted dramatically when they secured a significant victory against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, offering a glimmer of hope as they head into a brief respite before their next game on Friday.
Power Rankings Overview
As the Suns navigate through this tumultuous period, their standings in various power rankings reflect the mixed sentiments surrounding the team:
The Athletic: No. 14 (down from No. 8)
Law Murray noted that while Jalen Green was the key player acquired in the Kevin Durant trade, the Suns continue to struggle with keeping Devin Booker’s backcourt partner on the floor. This ongoing issue has now extended into a third consecutive season. Fortunately, Dillon Brooks has stepped up, becoming a consistent presence on the court, contributing not only points but also defensive intensity. Despite his notable impact, the Suns faced a challenging week against elite competition.
ESPN: No. 14 (down from No. 13)
Dave McMenamin highlighted the rising star of Collin Gillespie, suggesting that his case for Most Improved Player merits consideration. Gillespie has seen his scoring surge from 5.9 points to 13.4 points per game, with his assists and rebounds also on the rise. Notably, he showcased his shooting prowess with a career-high 28 points against the Lakers, demonstrating that he is a force to be reckoned with.
CBS Sports: No. 10 (down from No. 7)
Brad Botkin expressed admiration for the Suns, pointing out their impressive record of winning 10 of their last 14 games. Despite their recent setbacks, they gave tough competition to the top-tier teams like the Nuggets and Thunder, and their victory over the Lakers reinforces the talent within the roster. Players like Dillon Brooks, Grayson Allen, Mark Williams, and Collin Gillespie are having standout seasons that deserve more recognition.
NBA.com: No. 7 (unchanged from last week)
John Schuhmann acknowledged the Suns’ ability to handle business against the Sacramento Kings but noted that their schedule has become increasingly challenging. Their recent 0-3 run against the Rockets, Thunder, and Nuggets has caused them to drop out of the top six in the Western Conference standings.
Looking Ahead
With a critical win against the Lakers fresh in their minds, the Suns now have an opportunity to regroup and refocus. The upcoming days will be essential as they look to regain momentum and improve their standing in the league. As they prepare for their next matchup, the team must find a way to transform this victory into a consistent performance, addressing the challenges that have plagued them in recent weeks.
