The Phoenix Suns are shaking things up as they face off against the Philadelphia 76ers, with a significant change in their starting lineup. Bradley Beal, known for his consistent role as a starter, will be taking a seat on the bench. A move like this marks a notable shift, as Beal has been part of the starting lineup in 95.6% of his games, and he has not come off the bench since the 2015-16 season.
Ryan Dunn and Mason Plumlee have been called upon to fill the starting positions for Phoenix. The decision comes at a time when the Suns are struggling defensively, ranking 24th overall and 28th in half-court defense. It’s a strategic attempt to adjust their on-court presence and address their current woes.
Beal's Bench Role and Recent Performance
Bradley Beal's move to the bench is a noteworthy change, especially considering his current averages of 17.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game this season. Despite his contributions, the Suns appear to be looking for a new strategy to invigorate their game, possibly bringing Beal in as a powerful sixth man who can change the dynamics as needed.
Meanwhile, this shift creates an opportunity for Dunn and Plumlee to impact the team and possibly shift the Suns' defensive statistics. Head Coach Mike Budenholzer emphasized the necessity for improvement on defense, stating, "We gotta be better at [the defensive] end of the court, give ourselves to get out and play." It’s a message that underscores the Suns' commitment to tightening their game on that side of the court.
Nurkic’s Return and Potential Trade Talks
Jusuf Nurkic, on the other hand, is back from a three-game suspension and will also be starting from the bench. This development feeds into rumors that the Suns are considering trading Nurkic before the upcoming February 6 trade deadline. Currently in the third year of his four-year, $70 million contract, Nurkic's future with the team seems uncertain.
Nurkic’s performance shows a struggling offensive consistency, as he is attempting 4.8 three-pointers per 100 possessions and connecting on only 30.4% of those attempts. Given the Suns' recent performance and his contractual obligations, the trade discussions might be the breath of fresh air the team needs to re-strategize.
A Season of Ups and Downs
The Suns began the season with an impressive 8-1 record but have since hit a rocky patch, losing four consecutive games and seven of their last eight. This slump has landed them in the 12th position in the Western Conference with a 15-18 record. However, there seems to be a silver lining on their schedule, as their next 11 games include only one opponent with a winning record. This period might offer the Suns a chance to recalibrate and regain their footing in the competitive landscape of the NBA.
The Suns’ defensive shortcomings are further highlighted by their most-used starting lineup, which has been allowing 122.3 points per 100 possessions, being outscored by 17.7 points per 100 possessions. These statistics paint a clear picture of the necessity for defensive adjustments if the Suns are to reverse their current trajectory.
As the team looks to reclaim their early-season momentum, the lineup changes implemented by the coaching staff might just be what they need to spark improvement. With defensive upgrades and strategic planning at the forefront, the Suns are poised to make the most of their upcoming games to climb up the Western Conference standings.
Coach Budenholzer’s strong focus on defense and strategic adjustments reflects the team’s broader vision and hopes of breaking free from their current predicament. The coming weeks will surely reveal whether these changes will catalyze the desired turnaround for the Phoenix Suns.