Phoenix Suns emerge as playoff contenders under coach Jordan Ott
The Phoenix Suns are generating buzz in the NBA with their surprising performance this season. Currently holding a 9-6 record, the Suns find themselves in the seventh position in the competitive Western Conference early in the year. While the landscape can shift dramatically as the season unfolds, this unexpected rise has transformed Phoenix from a predicted bottom-dweller into a legitimate contender for the play-in tournament.
A Competitive Western Conference
The Western Conference continues to prove its reputation as a battleground for playoff positioning. The top six teams boast double-digit wins, while two others, including Phoenix, sit just behind with nine victories. This stark contrast to the Eastern Conference, where only three teams have reached ten wins, underscores the challenges the Suns will face moving forward.
For instance, had the Suns been in the East, they would be tied for the fifth seed with Atlanta. In a recent matchup against the Hawks, Phoenix led by as many as 22 points before suffering a tough loss, highlighting the ups and downs of competing in a fierce Western landscape.
New Identity Under Jordan Ott
First-year head coach Jordan Ott has been instrumental in reshaping the Suns’ culture and identity. After previous coaching tenures that failed to establish a coherent style, Ott has successfully implemented a new approach that is evident on both ends of the court. The Suns currently rank tenth in total net rating across the league and have embraced a more three-point heavy strategy, hitting the third-most three-pointers as of this writing.
Despite dealing with injuries—most notably to Jalen Green, who has played in just one game—Phoenix has managed to maintain an impressive start. Green’s anticipated return is expected to further enhance the team’s offensive capabilities.
Areas for Improvement
However, the Suns still have critical areas to address. They struggle with rebounding, ranking 20th in the league for rebounds per game, and their average of 16.3 turnovers per game is concerning. Additionally, Phoenix ranks fourth in fouls committed per game. Ott has emphasized a physical style of play, accepting these fouls as part of their aggressive defensive strategy, but the team must find a balance to avoid detrimental penalties.
Challenging Schedule Ahead
Critics have pointed out that the Suns’ path to their current record has been relatively easy compared to other teams. Their upcoming schedule poses a significant test, as 11 of their next 12 games will be against teams with winning records, including all the teams currently ahead of them in the Western standings. According to Tankathon, Phoenix faces the second-toughest strength of schedule in the NBA for the remainder of the season.
While the Suns have provided plenty of reasons for optimism, the next few weeks will be crucial. As the natural ebb and flow of the season takes hold, Phoenix will have ample opportunity to solidify its place in the playoff conversation. The early signs indicate that this team possesses the potential to be a formidable presence in the league.
