Despite distractions, the Suns keep shining
After a 1-3 start and distractions from ownership looming, the reigning Western Conference champs have won 4 in a row.
Just a few months removed from a Finals loss, the Phoenix Suns have some unfinished business. The roster practically remains the same from last season, with the acquisitions of former Nets ace Landry Shamet and veteran center Javale McGee being the biggest team headlines.
Up until a few days ago.
Last week, ESPN’s Baxter Holmes reported that Suns owner Robert Sarver was accused of making a string racist and misogynistic comments by nearly 70 former and current Suns employees throughout his tenure, which dates back to 2004. Apparent examples include Sarver asking former Suns skipper Earl Watson why Draymond Green can say [N-word], as well as Sarver referring to his employees as things he “owned”. A scandal like this is not celebrated on any team, let alone a team looking to make a Finals return. Current Suns GM James Jones responded with “it doesn’t make sense”, when asked about the incident, which poses the question as to how true these accusations really are. Regardless, it is certainly an ugly look for a talented Suns team. Following this accusation, poor play early on from star players, and a 1-3 start, the Suns looked poised for a significant decline.
However, the Suns have blocked out the noise and have continued doing what they do best: play basketball. Phoenix’s famous big 3 has looked sharp over the span. Devin Booker has been averaging 27.5 points per game over the win streak, including an average of 4.5 3s made past two games. Chris Paul has looked incredible after a shaky start. The veteran point guard has been averaging nearly just as many assists per game (12.1) as points per game (12.9), including an 18 assist performance versus the Pelicans last week. Paul is on pace for his highest assist average in his career, certainly a promising sign for Suns fans. By spacing the floor so efficiently, new opportunities open up for the Suns, a team that religiously values the 3 point shot. Suns C Deandre Ayton has unfortunately been sidelined the past two games with a lower leg injury, but prior to the injury, seemed even more dominant than last season. Ayton is on pace to average a double-double for the fourth straight season for Phoenix, and is .3 boards away from a new career high in rebounding average. After failing to reach a max deal this offseason, Ayton will look to get a huge deal.
Despite the scandal, the Suns have just been playing basketball. If Phoenix can continue this momentum, there is no reason why they should not make noise once again after an electric playoff run last season.
PHX Next 3: @SAC, vs. POR, @MEM