Phoenix Suns spark intrigue with impressive start, drawing parallels to last year’s tumultuous season
The Phoenix Suns have emerged as one of the unexpected success stories in the NBA this season. With a current record of 7-5, they sit confidently in seventh place in the Western Conference following a strong 123-114 victory against the Dallas Mavericks. This performance defies the low preseason expectations that surrounded the team, particularly with key player Jalen Green sidelined for all but two games. Remarkably, Phoenix has surged to a 6-1 record in its last seven outings and shows no signs of letting up, as they prepare to face the struggling 1-10 Indiana Pacers.
Echoes of Last Season’s Drama
The early success of this season has sparked numerous comparisons to last year’s Suns team, which ended the season with a disappointing 36-46 record despite the presence of superstars Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. The drama that enveloped the team last year, coupled with significant changes made over the summer, has led many to re-evaluate the trajectory of the franchise.
Last season, the Suns began with a promising 8-1 record, only to see their momentum falter following an ankle injury to Durant. By the end of the first 12 games, they had recorded a 9-3 record, yet they found themselves mired in the middle of statistical rankings, boasting an average point differential of just 0.5. This was largely due to a series of tightly contested games, although they demonstrated clutch performances when it mattered most.
Statistical Insights: A Promising Turnaround
In stark contrast, this season’s Suns have managed to achieve an average point differential of 2.4. Notably, six of their seven wins during this recent stretch have come by a margin of nine points or more, although it is essential to note that most of these victories were against teams with sub-.500 records.
A common thread between the two seasons is the Suns’ hot start from beyond the arc. Currently, they rank among the top five teams in the league for three-pointers made per game, mirroring their performance through the first 12 games last year.
A Cautious Approach to Comparisons
Suns guard Grayson Allen expressed a measured perspective on the comparisons between the two seasons following a decisive 121-98 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. “I want to be careful about comparing this team to last year because it’s so different,” Allen stated. “Last year, we had a great start to the year. Our energy was great. Everyone was having fun playing. Around this time last year, things were going awesome. Vibes were great. It was a fun way to play basketball.”
He continued to highlight the distinct nature of this year’s squad, emphasizing the strong connection between their offense and defense. “The activity is extremely high. The energy is extremely high on the court and on the bench,” he noted, indicating a renewed camaraderie that could be key in sustaining their success.
As the Suns gear up for the next chapter in their season, the narrative surrounding their resurgence is not just about the wins but also about the evolution of team dynamics and a collective determination to forge a different path from last year’s challenges.
