Phoenix Suns defensive struggles and team chemistry, Digi Mart USA News: The Phoenix Suns have started the season poorly, and the most glaring deficiency through the first six games is defense. The Suns are second to last in points per game allowed, ahead of only the Chicago Bulls, at 124.3 points per game.
After a 1-4 start, the Suns surrendered a season-high 132 points in a game they needed to stabilize the season. They are also dead last in Defensive Rating, allowing 125.6 points per 100 possessions.
The publisher argues that finding a lineup that can get stops should be the main priority in practice.
The team also struggled on the defensive glass. Portland collected 16 offensive rebounds against the Suns, who are giving up the third-most offensive boards in the league at 14.5 per game.
Khaman Maluach leads the team in rebounds per 36 minutes with 11.2, but the publisher notes that other gaps in his game keep him from being a true anchor at this early stage.
The Suns shot 10-of-36 from three-point range, a 27.8% clip, and missed several attempts while trying to close a gap late in the game. The publisher notes that shooting tends to improve with practice, while defensive effort can change performance more immediately.
Chemistry is another concern. Of the 10 players averaging more than 10 minutes per game, eight were teammates last season.
Jalen Green is being asked to play a more distributive role, but he is averaging 3.3 assists through six games, matching his career average. The Suns are 18-20 in regular-season games when Green plays.
The publisher argues that the Suns’ problems are not just a matter of scheme. Mark Williams and Jordan Goodwin, both of whom contributed to defense and rebounding last season, are expected to be important to a turnaround if they return.
The publisher also says Jordan Ott needs to determine who is best suited to run the offense and quickly settle on roles for the roster.
The article concludes that the Suns can still improve, but only if players raise their effort and commit to the work required to turn the season around.
