Phoenix Suns’ First Month Grade
By Keith Alrick
@Kramerica100
Getty Images
We’re one month into the regular season, and the Phoenix Suns look a lot like, well, the Phoenix Suns. They are fifth in the NBA in scoring, getting contributions from all over their lineup. In fact, the Suns have five players averaging between 14.4 and 15.5 points per game. Phoenix has had nights this season where they have looked like they can beat anyone and have done so with wins over the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors. They also have games where they can’t stop turning the ball over and lose to teams like the Orlando Magic at home.
All of that equates to a team that has hovered around the final playoff spot in the West, a position they are familiar with from last season. The big move that Phoenix made in the offseason was signing Isaiah Thomas, and so far it has had mixed reviews. Thomas has been great, leading the team in scoring while coming off the bench, but it doesn’t look like Goran Dragic and Eric Bledsoe have adjusted to his game yet. Dragic’s numbers have taken the biggest hit, as he is averaging six fewer points and nearly three fewer assists a game this season. It could just be a matter of getting more playing time together, but it’s something to keep an eye on moving forward for the Suns.
The play from the Suns’ big men has been a pleasant surprise so far. Markieff Morris has continued to get better and has helped lessen the blow of losing Channing Frye in the offseason. He has upped his scoring to nearly 15 points per game and has helped stretch the defense with his outside shooting. Phoenix also has to be happy with the minutes they are getting from Alex Len and Miles Plumlee. The two young big men have been solid on the defensive end and with cleaning up rebounds.
After a month of play, it’s clear that the Suns are still a good team, but their excitement factor hasn’t quite matched their winning potential. Sitting at 10-8 through the first month is right around where most people expected them to be.
Final Grade: B
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