3. In what areas did the Suns disappoint?
Bourguet: Maybe expectations for this team were unreasonable heading into the season, but the only reason the Suns are in the top eight is because Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook missed so much time early on. The four(!!) buzzer-beaters sting, as does Phoenix’s appalling 2-9 record in games decided by three points or fewer. Phoenix can’t play defense, going small for too long leaves them vulnerable to offensive boards and the technical foul problem actually cost the Suns a game. It’s the little things that make a team a playoff squad, but so far every single one of those things has gone against the Suns, and they have no one to blame but themselves.
Chasen: Losing on buzzer beaters. Seriously. There were six games that the Suns absolutely should have won one way or another (whether or not it was a lucky bounce or a bad turnover that beat them). If they win those games, the Suns are 35-19 and the fifth seed in the West (and they’d be the third seed in the East with that record). Honestly, people can complain about whatever and say something isn’t working, but the fact is, this team is some crazy bounces away from being a LOCK for the playoffs at this point.
Hann: Since I can’t talk about the defense again, I will go a different route. Goran Dragic was All-NBA 3rd Team last season and has had to sacrifice the most this season. The Slovenian guard simply has not had the ball in his hands enough this season and his numbers have suffered, dipping from 20 points a game last season to just 16 this season. With the Suns in a slump at the worst possible time of year, Phoenix needs to let Dragic run the point guard position more, utilizing his playmaking ability. Worst of all, the Suns could of picked a better time than this to make Dragic feel uncomfortable and out of position in the offense. With his impending free agency, Phoenix may have made it tougher on themselves in re-signing the Dragon.
Saar: Closing games/keeping big leads. It’s just embarrassing. It worked in that home game against Portland, but these brutal buzzer-beating losses are because they can’t close out a team. It’s unfortunate, but expected from such a young team. I mean, the two oldest players (29-year-old P.J. Tucker and Gerald Green) both haven’t played the majority of their careers in the NBA and have been perpetual role players. There is no ability to have the veteran leadership.
Schall: Goran Dragic. As the guy who was the driving force behind last seasons borderline miraculous near playoff run, a third team all NBA player and still just 28 years old, who could have expected this kind of drop off. Even when you adjust for his drop in minutes his primary stats are mostly down per 36 minutes. I was also hoping for a bit more out of Brandan Wright and some consistency from Gerald Green that just seems like it’s not going to happen at this point.
Next: How Do the Suns Make The Playoffs?